Today on Polka Dot Honeymoons, Lisa Perkovic invites readers to immerse themselves in the romance of their favourite love stories through planning the perfect book inspired honeymoon destinations. Whether you’re dreaming of Jane Austen’s English countryside or the enchanting realms of fantasy novels like ‘A Court of Thorns and Roses,’ she offers enchanting travel ideas. Whether you’re looking to recreate your own Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy moment, or dreaming of a date under the starry skies of a mystical land, bring the pages of your favourite love story to life with these fabulous book inspired honeymoons.

Turn up the English charm

Since our high school days, Jane Austen has filled our minds with delightful drama in the English countryside. Grand estates in Hertfordshire and Derbyshire were the setting for many of her novels – with plenty of space for rambles through the forest or chaste walks through the local village. Though not in the novel, many ‘Pride and Prejudice’ fans will want to save time to visit the lake immortalised by Colin Firth in the BBC adaptation at Lyme Park, though no swimming is allowed! The house and gardens are worth an afternoon themselves.

Transport yourself back in time with a trip to Bath, also the setting of ‘Persuasion.’ The Georgian era city is a little like a time portal, especially when checking into The Gainsborough Bath Spa. The heritage Grade II Listed buildings house 99 guest rooms in understated elegance. The piece de resistance is the hotel’s own thermal spa. Enjoy the time-honoured tradition of ‘taking the waters in Bath’ beneath cathedral ceilings and Romanesque pillars. Inside the Spa Village.

Dial up the English…charm

If your old-world literature tastes run more to the likes of the ‘Bridgerton’ novels by Julia Quinn or Edith Wharton’s unfinished book ‘The Buccaneers’ (now brought to life on Apple TV), London-town is calling your name. Enjoy all the trappings of old world England, with a strong royal connection, when checking into the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London.

The Queen in her day, plenty of her family, have graced the royal entrance and the dining rooms. There’s spades of drama in the Edwardian-style building – think endless marble, sky high ceilings, dramatic floral arrangements and of course, the mastery of dishes served at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal.

A stone’s throw from the grounds of Buckingham Palace, Belgravia’s The Goring hotel is all about intimate luxury. Just 69 rooms, hand painted wallpaper (finished by Catherine, Princess of Wales herself) and an entire top floor you can reserve to recreate your own fairytale moment await.

Photography by Zodee Media, The Goring, London 

The top floor is where then Kate Middleton spent her last night before officially becoming royalty. This is boutique, English luxury at its best. Raise your glasses and teacups during Bollinger Afternoon Tea in The Veranda before taking a turn in London’s largest private garden.

Photography by Bruno Augsburger, THE OMNIA, Zermatt

Swap reality for fantasy

Swept up in ACOTAR’s Feyre and Rhysand love story (aka ‘A Court of Thorn and Roses,’ by Sarah J. Maas) or all about Xaden and Violet in ‘Fourth Wing,’ by Rebecca Yarros? Fantasy novels have never been more popular, or more captivating. We’re on the edge of our seats as these worlds come to life in our imaginations – but why not in our real worlds too?

If you’ve ever wondered what Velaris would look like at night, fans of Sarah J. Maas’ epic love story are flocking to the Swiss mountain city of Zermatt. With the mighty Matterhorn looming overheard, the twinkling lights of Zermatt’s snow-covered ski lodges certainly tick a few boxes. The town is even located in the Valais, a canton in Switzerland. Need we say more? Book in to stay at THE OMNIA, a five-star mountain lodge perched above the main town, and it’s not hard to pretend you’re in the House of Wind. The Tower Suite has its own balconies, turret, telescope and floor to ceiling windows, but whatever room you’re in, make a beeline for the spa, where the pool has one of the best views in town.

Photography by Julian Pirker, THE OMNIA, Zermatt

Any number of Europe’s walled cities spring to mind for the cut throat Basgiath War College in ‘Fourth Wing.’ In the book, there’s forest not the Adriatic, but Dubrovnik’s thirteenth century stone parapet walls certainly conjure scenes of high drama. Then, of course, there’s the many film locations used in and around the UNESCO World Heritage Centre for the ‘Game of Thrones’ television adaptation. Walk the walls yourself, before spending the night at the Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik. At the edge of the Old Town, the hotel has history in spades alongside all the top-notch amenities to keep you comfy.

When it’s love for eternity

It might be hard to believe, but ‘The Notebook,’ one of the most famous romance films of all times, turns twenty this year. Released in 2004, its southern America love story has long been the benchmark for epic love stories. Based on the book by Nicholas Sparks, who took us through five decades of Noah and Allie’s romance, the movie also made us fall a little in love with South Carolina. Grand old houses, charming movie theatres and of course, wooden row boats are all synonymous with this story. Head to Charleston to be in the heart of the action at the HarbourView Inn.

Photograph via HarbourView Inn

The hotel is a study in southern chic – with a palette of blues and cream that will melt your heart a little. There’s even an Allie & Noah’s Package, where you’ll stay three nights in the Landmark Suite, with a dozen roses on arrival, included visits to important film locations like the Boone Hall Plantation and the Audubon Swamp Garden. A horse and carriage ride, and vouchers for ice cream at Jeni’s are truly the icing on the cake.

You might be booking a honeymoon, or just off to put a few more books on your reading list – there’s never a bad time to start thinking about a romance novel.

About Lisa Perkovic: Lisa has spent the past decade travelling the world writing for Australia’s leading newspapers, magazines, and blogs about all things travel. Her own honeymoon was her pièce de résistance – an epic journey to the Maldives and South Africa. Now she loves nothing more than sharing destinations and tips to help other newlyweds work out how to have the honeymoon of their dreams.