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A ROMANTIC HONEYMOON
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TRIPSFROM A PRIVATE YACHT TRIP IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC TO EXPLORING THE SONORAN DESERT, WE HAVE A PERFECT HONEYMOON ITINERARY ESPECIALLY FOR YOU.
HONEYMOON & WEDDING LOCATION INSPIRATION editor ALISON MCGILL
destinations
Switzerland is a bucket-list destination that delivers a one-of-a-kind travel experience. Clean, efficient, amazing cities, gorgeous countryside and incredible food—plus the country is a melting pot of European cultures (French, German and Italian). The best and most picturesque way to travel the country is by rail, journeying effortlessly from end to end (tip: buy a Swiss Travel Pass for complete access to all trains, buses and boats). Though Switzerland is small (population eight million), there is much to see. To get a taste of everything the country has to offer, visit the three cities of Zürich, Lausanne and Lugano.
The romantic Hotel Splendide Royal in Lugano.
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Zürich maintains a feeling of old-world romance thanks to the cobbled Old Town streets and tranquil Limmat River, which flows through the city centre. Surrounded by lakes and trees, it’s in the forested outskirts of the city that you’ll find one of the country’s most magnificent hotels—the Dolder Grand. Perched above the city, this stunning chateau dates back to 1899 and was refurbished in 2008, effortlessly combining the historic main building with a new, modern wing. There are 173 rooms and suites—rooms in the new wing feature balconies, sleek soaker tubs and enough space for an in-room dance party. The Dolder is famed for its incredible art collection (125 pieces by artists including Joan Miró, Salvador Dali, Man Ray, Takashi Murakami and Andy Warhol) and its extraordinary, renowned spa, one of the most exclusive in Europe.
The German cultural influence prevails in Zürich, but travel two hours to beautiful Lausanne and you’re in the heart of French Switzerland. One of the country’s most gorgeous cities, Lausanne sits on the shore of Lac Léman and is easily explored on foot. From touring historic churches or enjoying romantic lakefront strolls to browsing luxury shops and chocolate boutiques, there is much to see. Don’t miss the Olympic Museum, home to 10,000 artifacts from games past.
For the most unforgettable honeymoon, check in to the Beau-Rivage Palace. Opened in 1861, this lavish 168-room hotel features art deco and neo-baroque styles, and everything from the rooms to the restaurants, ballrooms, spa and exterior grounds will take your breath away. Past guests have included Coco Chanel, Charlie Chaplin and Tina Turner, who all fell in love with the property and location, which overlooks Lac Léman’s Ouchy Harbour and the French Alps. Book a superior room that boasts these dreamy views—you will never want to leave!
For the final leg of your Swisshoneymoon, head to Lugano in southern Switzerland. This Italian-speaking city, in the country’s Ticino region bordering Italy, lies on the shores of Lake Lugano, surrounded by the Lugano Prealps. The vibe here is 100 percent Mediterranean. The people, food and energy of this small city are buzzy and romantic. Must-dos include wandering the city centre’s charming boutiques and cafés and dining at one of the region’s hidden grotto restaurants (we love the Grotto San Rocco across the lake in Caprino). Sleep at the historic Hotel Splendide Royal, Lugano’s sweetest spot. With just 93 rooms and suites, the hotel feels incredibly intimate, while the decor and scenery are opulent and luxe. —Alison McGill
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clockwise from top: Travelling Switzerland by train is the best way to see the country—the views are spectacular; The Dolder Grand hotel in Zurich; the Beau-Rivage Palace overlooks beautiful Lac Léman; Swiss cows are just a few of the sights you’ll see along your rail journey; inside the luxe Beau-Rivage Palace Hotel in Lausanne.
DREAM TRIPS
destinationsDREAM TRIPS
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Want to explore the South Pacific in the most unique and romantic way possible? Reserve a room aboard a luxurious TradeWinds yacht for the travel experience of a lifetime.
You will wake up to a differentbreathtaking view every morning of your exotic sail. One day, you could be taking in the sunrise over the lush green hilltops of Taha’a, French Polynesia’s “Vanilla Island.” On another, you could be enjoying coffee while watching spotted eagle rays glide by in the crystalline waters surrounding Bora Bora. TradeWinds offers all-inclusive sailing trips around the globe, but the French Polynesian Society Islands’ itinerary is its most swish.
Book one of the five cabins onboard a TradeWinds 59-foot luxury-class catamaran and you’ll be treated to the best bespoke honeymoon service at sea. Each vessel
operates as a floating boutique hotel with a skipper and first mate catering to your every need, whether that’s teaching you the basics of sailing or mixing your favourite cocktail. Cabins on TradeWinds yachts feature a queen-sized island bed, room-controlled air conditioning and an en-suite bathroom with a shower.
All TradeWinds catamarans are equipped with ocean kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and snorkel gear, so each time the boat drops anchor, the sea instantly becomes your personal playground. On top of all this, TradeWinds prides itself on making luxury yacht charters accessible to people who may not have celebrity-sized travel budgets: a Society Islands cruise is actually one of the most affordable ways to explore French Polynesia in style.—Jen O’Brien
Learn more about honeymooning in French Polynesia: weddingbells.ca/french-polynesia-guide
Sail French Polynesia
clockwise from top: Take in unparalleled views; Sunbathe in privacy on the bow; Once the boat drops anchor, set out on a stand-up paddleboard; Rest assured that you’ll always have the best table in the house; Snorkel in spots that other tourists will never see; Enjoy all-inclusive food and drinks.
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A stunning stretch of white sand beach and cool pools are just two reasons to plan a honeymoon escape to the Cove Atlantis on Paradise Island, Bahamas. This palm-filled destination offers something for every type of traveller, including: shopping, a water park complete with thrilling slides and a lazy river, an underground aquarium, a casino and a spa. Indulge in gourmet eats at Robert De Niro’s Nobu and at 77º West—the newest dining experience offering South-American cuisine with a Bahamian twist. For a sweet sleep, splurge on any of the Cove’s suites, which offer top-notch views of the island and ocean, and come complete with French balconies, chic furnishings and deep soaker tubs.—Roseanne Dela Rosa
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Wake up to ocean views; Enjoy endless open air
dining options; Upgrade to a suite at Secrets Papagayo for a luxe honeymoon stay;
Explore black sand beaches; Take in dramatic sunsets.
If connecting with nature tops your honeymoon wish list there’s no better place than Costa Rica. With 25 percent of its land devoted to national parks, this Central American country is often referred to as the birthplace of ecotourism.
Start your trip on an adventurous note with a visit to Buena Vista Lodge & Adventure Center on the edge of Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park. Enjoy zip lining through jungle canopies, horseback riding at the base of the volcano and careening down the country’s only rainforest waterslide before heading for a soak in the mineral-rich waters of Buena Vista’s on-site hot springs.
When you’re ready to relax, the best place to seek serenity is Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica. This exclusive, adults-only resort hideaway takes the all-inclusive concept to the next level with unlimited access to gourmet à la carte restaurants, top-shelf spirits, an array of group activities and non-motorized water sports, as well as 24-hour room service delivered via an ingenious tray-sized “Secrets Box,” so you don’t even have to answer the door when your meal arrives.
In Costa Rica the prevailing pura vida spirit means life moves a little more slowly. Daily golden-pink sunsets are given great ceremony and the stars that follow them seem almost impossibly bright. By day you can spend hours on end gazing at howler monkeys in the treetops or lazing by the ocean in a hammock, all of which make this honeymoon destination even more marvellous.—Jen O’Brien
Play in Costa Rica
Enjoy Island Life
Visit weddingbells.ca/bahamas-guide for more info on honeymooning and destination weddings in the Bahamas.
clockwise from top: Book a cabana for instant access to both the beach and the pool; Feel the breeze as you enter the Cove’s open air lobby; Soak in one of Atlantis’ many pools.
Want to see what else you can do on a honeymoon in Costa Rica? Visit weddingbells.ca/costa-rica-guide
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Rhode Island may be the smallest state in the union but it’s also one of the most picturesque. Taylor Swift owns a home in the tony Watch Hill area, which runs along a dramatic stretch of the Atlantic, and in the same area sits one of the world’s most iconic and romantic hotels: Ocean House. Built on the bluffs of Watch Hill over 135 years ago, the historic Victorian-style property is one of only 10 Forbes triple five-star hotels in the world. At Ocean House everything from the accommodations to the food, service, grounds and the OH! Spa is incredibly luxe. The 49 guest rooms and 18 suites—many with sweeping ocean views—are all incredibly spacious, and feature cool, coastal decor that combines modern and antique design finishes. With 13 oceanfront acres to explore, this seaside resort also has a private 650-foot white sand beach, perfect for strolling.
Dining on the Seaside Terrace is one of the best ways to soak up the romantic scenery, and while we’re on the topic of food, you should know it’s a passion at Ocean House. The emphasis is on local ingredients at this Relais & Châteaux property, with menus changing daily to reflect the season. Ocean House even has a food forager on staff who hunts out the freshest, coolest local ingredients for your meals—and you can cook with chef Paul McComiskey in one of the amazing culinary classes.
If you are looking for an unforgettable spot for a destination wedding, Ocean House more than delivers. From intimate oceanfront “I dos” to grandiose tented celebrations on the croquet lawn, this is the perfect spot to host a party to remember.—Alison McGill
The stunning Ocean House; a deluxe room with ocean view; one of the property’s five private cottages.
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The lodge promises luxe accommodations in a
cozy, rustic setting.
How does an uber-luxe cabin at a Relais & Châteaux property tucked in the wilds of northwestern Pennsylvania sound for an intimate honeymoon? The Lodge at Glendorn in Bradford, Pennsylvania, sits on more than 1,500 acres of gorgeous land (abutting the Allegheny National Forest) and offers 16 unique accommodations, from lodge rooms to secluded chalets equipped with your own personal kitchen.
Each accommodation offers sweeping views of the surrounding countryside and mountains. At Glendorn, it’s all about having an immersive experience, and there are plenty of activities to enjoy, including: paddling, skeet shooting, fly fishing, cooking classes, picnics by the lake and jeep tours. For some R&R, book a massage or treatment for two at their on-site spa.
As for foodies looking for a gourmet treat, you don’t have to wander far to enjoy a four-course, prix fixe, French-infused meal prepped by executive chef Joe Schafer and team. The culinary crew takes pride in using fresh and seasonal ingredients, often picking herbs and vegetables from their on-site garden, where they’ve planted more than 60 varieties of produce.—Roseanne Dela Rosa
Relish Rustic Romance
Discover New England
If you want a honeymoon that’s equal parts Zen, culture and adventure, Scottsdale, Arizona, is the place. Situated in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, Scottsdale has a magical and mystical quality to it. The landscape will enchant you with the dramatic McDowell Mountains, palm trees and miles of saguaro cacti. The climate in Scottsdale is pretty perfect, with little-to-no rainfall, tons of sunshine and consis-tently warm temperatures year-round. For a gorgeous sun destination offering more than beaches and mojitos, Scottsdale is your perfect match.
For a dream Scottsdale stay begin your honeymoon at the Hotel Valley Ho in the midst of Scottsdale’s Arts District. The embodiment of mid-century modern ar-chitecture, the hotel was built in 1956 and was a tony hideaway for Hollywood elite including Bing Crosby, Tony Curtis and Zsa Zsa Gabor. The hotel was refurbished in 2005, but the retro vibe is in full effect—
you almost expect to see Don Draper sitting in the hotel’s ZuZu bar!
Book a stay in the hotel or the tower—all rooms have tons of natural light and technicolour, mod decor. We suggest going full OTT by booking the tower presidential loft suite, which has two levels, panoramic views of Camelback Mountain and likely more square footage than your home.
Shift gears from downtown to desert calm with a stay at the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North. Tucked in the foothills of Pinnacle Peak (one of Scottsdale’s premiere hiking spots), this property is quiet, private and plush. Guest rooms are housed in a series of adobe casitas, which blend into the hills, rocks and rows of saguaro cacti. You literally have everything you need on-site at the Four Seasons—three amazing restos; an incredible spa (try the signature Pinnacle Facial, which features gold-infused products); a pool and evening stargazing that will blow your mind.—Alison McGill
Explore the Desert
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clockwise from top:The playful pool scene at Hotel Valley Ho; a Sonoran Desert sunset is magical; renowed architect Frank Llyod Wright’s Taliesin West is a must see in Scottsdale; Hotel Valley Ho by night; the gorgeous Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North.
destinationsDREAM TRIPS
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clockwise from top: The Dylan Hotel in Dublin; the majestic Ashford Castle is a bucket-list destination; Art Tea at Dublin’s The Merrion Hotel; lush landscapes seen along the Wild Atlantic Way; Gregans Castle Hotel is a cozy, luxe country stay; sheep dot the hills of the Dingle Pennisula, part of the Wild Atlantic Way.
Win a dream honeymoon in Ireland! Visit weddingbells.ca/honeymooninireland.
Rolling hills, dramatic ocean cliffs, luxury castles … Ireland is a place with all that and mroe. You can’t help but be swept away by the bucolic landscapes of the country.
For a perfect honeymoon tour, begin on the southwest coast driving the spectacular Wild Atlantic Way. The route measures 2,500 kilometres and stretches from south-west Cork to the Inishowen Peninsula—it’s one of the longest defined coastal routes in the world. From craggy seaside vistas and darling villages to hillsides dotted with sheep and cattle, your romantic trip offers breath-taking views around every twist in the road. Along the way, take a few days to relax and soak up the scenery with stays at a plush country house and a lavishly refurbished 13th-century castle.
Gregans Castle Hotel is nestled in the rocky Burren area and is surrounded by miles of rugged beauty. Fun fact: writer J.R.R. Tolkien often stayed at Gregans in the 1950s, and it’s believed the Burren landscape was an inspiration for The Lord of the Rings. This cozy 18th-century manor home is incredibly private (just 21 exquisite rooms), making it a perfect honeymoon spot. The acclaimed Dining Room is one of the premiere restos in Ireland, serving the best local foods in a
creative culinary style.For your next stop, drive two hours
north to Cong and live like royalty at Ash-ford Castle. Set on 350 acres, this property is all about grandeur and next-level luxury. All 83 rooms are extravagantly appointed—splurge on a stateroom to truly live the regal life. Ashford musts include afternoon tea, spa time, hiking, biking, clay shooting and falconry. Ireland’s School of Falconry offers guided Hawk Walks where you tour the es-tate grounds flying your own Harris hawk—it’s truly a magical experience!
After your country tour, stop in Dublin for a taste of urban Irish life. Bustling with an incredible arts and culture scene, Dublin is brimming with great shops, pubs and historic landmarks. Plan to spend an afternoon at The Merrion Hotel to experience its Art Tea by executive pastry chef Paul Kelly, a cre-ative spin on traditional afternoon tea that features brilliant tastes and treats fashioned after pieces in the hotel’s famed art collec-tion. Post-tea, fall into a sweet slumber just down the street at the Dylan Hotel. This chic boutique property is located on the edge of town, close enough to walk to all the action, but far enough away to enjoy some serenity in the heart of the city.—Alison McGill
Escape to the Country
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