Honeymoons in Paradise - Where To Go In April - Polka Dot Bride

Image via Panache Tours

April is one of the best months for honeymoons. The days are getting longer in the northern hemisphere, with birdsong and greenery make a perfect backdrop for a romantic getaway.

1. Paris, France
Who doesn’t love Paris in springtime? As Audrey Hepburn once said, “Paris is always a good idea.”

Where to Stay
Enjoy spectacular view of Parisian rooftops at Hotel Daniel and watch the sun set over the tip of the Eiffel Tower from the ‘Daniel Suite’. Indulge in all things French too at the Saint James Paris Hotel. The two-level suite overlooks the grand entrance and the grounds. The suite is outfitted with whimsical details such as ‘parquet’ carpet and a tweed armchair with elbow patches as armrests.

Image via Saint James Paris Hotel

Image via Hotel Daniel

What to do
Stroll along the Seine hand-in-hand with the love of your life or take a glimpse of the famous Mona Lisa at the Louvre – the choices are endless. Invent your own scent as an olfactory memento of the romantic trip at Number 68 on the Champs-Elysees, the glittering home of Maison Guerlain. When night falls, settle into a booth at legendary Le Crazy Horse theatre and be thrilled by a modern-day Moulin Rouge.

2. Cyprus
Cyprus is an excellent destination for a beach holiday or for a walking adventure. This ruggedly beautiful and interesting island in the southernmost of the Mediterranean is wonderful in springtime.

Where to Stay
Cradled by hills and fronted by the ocean, Anassa Hotel is a regular nominee for the world’s best spa. The impeccably groomed hotel is the definition of Greek chic with fantastic views and private balconies. Set on Paphos’ sea-facing promenade, Almyra Hotel in Cyprus is decorated in simple, cool hues with minimal extras. The ‘Kyma Suites’ have private terraces that lead to a shared lawn overlooking the sea.

Image via Anassa Hotel

What to Do
April is the perfect beach weather at the coast – warm enough to swim in the sea, and not yet too hot. For nature lovers, April is the greenest month of the year, and the hillsides are bursting with wonderful light and colour. The mountains of Troodos are dotted with wineries and painted churches, many of them rated as UNESCO Heritage Sites. Admire the spectacular and vivid paints of saints in Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis, one of the most spectacular of the painted churches.

Image via Visit Cyprus

3. Tokyo, Japan
April is cherry-blossom time in Tokyo and undoubtedly one of the most beautiful times to visit the city. Parks across the city are filled with thousands of cherry trees. However, it is also peak tourist season, which means more crowds and peak season prices.

Where to Stay
Luxury hotel Aman Tokyo takes a nod to the traditional with its decor – the lobby mirrors the layout of a traditional home, complete with a meditation garden. Enjoy the spectacular Tokyo cityscape from Mandarin Oriental Hotel’s Sky Lobby on the 38th floor, then ease away a day of walking and sight-seeing at The Spa.

Image via Mandarin Oriental Tokyo

What to Do
Rent a boat and surround yourself in shades of soft pink and falling cherry blossom petals at the Kitanomaru Park. Hundreds of cherry trees decorate the moats of the former Edo Castle, creating one of the most outstanding cherry blossom sights. Tokyo is a foodie heaven with many hole-in-the-wall eateries, so take a stroll along the backstreets at night and indulge in the sweet and savoury treats that Japan has to offer.

Image via Japan Travel

4. Barossa Valley, South Australia
For wine-loving Australian couples looking for a short-haul getaway, Barossa Valley combines Mediterranean-style climate in April and some of the best wines in the world. The Autumn months are a reprieve from the scorching summer weather making sight-seeing a more comfortable affair.

Where to Stay
The Louise Hotel is an exquisite, contemporary dwelling featuring 15 architecturally inspired suites on a vine-lined hillside. Immerse yourself in a piece of history at the Kingsford Homestead Hotel. The country retreat was the centrepiece of long-running TV drama ‘McLeod’s Daughters’.

Image via Kingsford Homestead Hotel

What to Do
For those looking to combine taking in the Barossa’s scenery with a dose of added exercise, take the opportunity to pop on a helmet and hop on a bike for a cycling adventure. The close proximity of a number of the region’s best wineries to one another, coupled with the scenic landscape, makes Barossa one of Australia’s most enjoyable leisurely rides. Whisper sweet-nothings to each other from over 100 metres apart at the Whispering Wall Road. The abandoned dam’s curved shape leads to voices being carried from one side of its arch to the other.

Image via Barossa House Wine Tours

5. Riobamba, Ecuador
Tucked away in the Andes, Ecuador’s colonial town of Riobamba charms visitors with its cobblestone streets, Spanish-style architecture and large arcaded plazas.

Where to Stay
A new boutique hotel in Riobamba, Mansion Santa Isabella offers 11 stylishly-appointed rooms surrounding a gorgeously appointed central courtyard with its own singing fountain. Set in a country-style house with elegant Colonial decor, Abraspungo also features chic rooms with garden views and private balconies.

Image via Mansion Santa Isabella

What to Do
Rimbomba is a favourite base for trekkers and climbers due to its proximity to many of the country’s best hikes and tallest mountains. Known as the ‘valley of the volcano’ the region features jagged landscapes that are sure to blow you away. Whether you’re celebrating Independence Day with the locals at lively concerts and colourful parades or strolling through the weekly market on Saturdays, Rimbomba is a fantastic honeymoon destination for April.

 

Ms Chinoiserie Says: The Barossa in April is just stunning with its Autumn colours; for an adventure overseas, Cyprus looks so beautifully romantic too.