By Katie James, Brides
[post_ads]Picking the perfect honeymoon is no easy feat—countless romantic destinations, endless hotel options, limited vacation time and the struggle-is-real challenge of finding the perfect place to please both you and your new spouse. Where to begin? Well, right here. BRIDES teamed up with the A-list agents at Virtuoso—a global network of more than 15,000 luxury-travel specialists—to find the most romantic, luxe hot spots in the world. Whether you're looking for bucket-list hotels and resorts, far-flung beaches, the top cruise lines for couples, inexpensive honeymoon ideas or unexpected honeymoon-worthy locales, you’ve come to the right spot. Presenting our 2017 Honeymoon Awards—dive in to see the best resorts in the South Pacific!
Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Tell people you’re honeymooning in Bora Bora and they’ll probably ask, That’s the place with those huts on the water, right? But this 107-suite resort has so much more to offer than just overwater bungalows. (Though after a few nights listening to the gentle sound of water lapping against stilts, you’ll wonder how you ever fell asleep without it.) Whether you choose to swim with sea turtles and rays in crystal-blue water or race around the island on Jet Skis, soar high above Mount Otemanu and Mount Pahia by helicopter or indulge in a Tahitian-black-pearl-infused body scrub, everything about your stay will be perfection. (Rooms from $1,198; fourseasons.com)
Tell people you’re honeymooning in Bora Bora and they’ll probably ask, That’s the place with those huts on the water, right? But this 107-suite resort has so much more to offer than just overwater bungalows. (Though after a few nights listening to the gentle sound of water lapping against stilts, you’ll wonder how you ever fell asleep without it.) Whether you choose to swim with sea turtles and rays in crystal-blue water or race around the island on Jet Skis, soar high above Mount Otemanu and Mount Pahia by helicopter or indulge in a Tahitian-black-pearl-infused body scrub, everything about your stay will be perfection. (Rooms from $1,198; fourseasons.com)
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St. Regis Bora Bora Resort, French Polynesia
Once you check into your house-sized, thatched-roof overwater villa (the smallest one is 1,550 square feet), with an outdoor shower on a terrace that hovers above a turquoise lagoon, you'll see why couples like Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban have stayed at this top-notch resort, set on a private motu (islet). Another reason why: St. Regis Bora Bora hosts the only Clarins spa in French Polynesia. (Rooms from $800; stregis.com)
Once you check into your house-sized, thatched-roof overwater villa (the smallest one is 1,550 square feet), with an outdoor shower on a terrace that hovers above a turquoise lagoon, you'll see why couples like Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban have stayed at this top-notch resort, set on a private motu (islet). Another reason why: St. Regis Bora Bora hosts the only Clarins spa in French Polynesia. (Rooms from $800; stregis.com)
The Brando, French Polynesia
Located on the secluded island of Tetiaroa, accessible only by private plane transfer from Tahiti, The Brando offers a whole new kind of luxe yet eco-friendly Polynesian resort. The island, once owned by the Godfather himself, has attracted everyone from Barack and Michelle Obama (the couple traveled there after the former President left office), Jay-Z and Beyoncé, and Pippa Middleton and James Matthews (who are reportedly honeymooning there as we speak!). And with only 35 villas on white-sand beaches, fronting a biodiverse nature sanctuary, you may never leave the privacy of your little paradise—except to explore that island on daily hikes. (Rooms from $2,646, all-inclusive; thebrando.com)
Located on the secluded island of Tetiaroa, accessible only by private plane transfer from Tahiti, The Brando offers a whole new kind of luxe yet eco-friendly Polynesian resort. The island, once owned by the Godfather himself, has attracted everyone from Barack and Michelle Obama (the couple traveled there after the former President left office), Jay-Z and Beyoncé, and Pippa Middleton and James Matthews (who are reportedly honeymooning there as we speak!). And with only 35 villas on white-sand beaches, fronting a biodiverse nature sanctuary, you may never leave the privacy of your little paradise—except to explore that island on daily hikes. (Rooms from $2,646, all-inclusive; thebrando.com)
Laucala Island, Fiji
Oprah's just one of A-list fans who've reveled in this private isle's over-the-top luxury and ultra-seclusion. (Each of the 25 villas has a private pool—and the overwater villa has a dock where you can park your yacht). And since the resort takes up just a third of the lush isle, it's also a great place to get a taste of Fiji as it once was. Tip: Make time for a village visit for weaving lessons and a chance to partake in an authentic kava ceremony. (Rooms from $4,800, all-inclusive; laucala.com)
Oprah's just one of A-list fans who've reveled in this private isle's over-the-top luxury and ultra-seclusion. (Each of the 25 villas has a private pool—and the overwater villa has a dock where you can park your yacht). And since the resort takes up just a third of the lush isle, it's also a great place to get a taste of Fiji as it once was. Tip: Make time for a village visit for weaving lessons and a chance to partake in an authentic kava ceremony. (Rooms from $4,800, all-inclusive; laucala.com)
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Le Taha'a Island Resort & Spa, French Polynesia
For another less-traveled French Polynesian honeymoon, try this quiet motu off Le Taha'a (a.k.a. the Vanilla Island). It was luxe enough for Carrie Underwood and Mike Fisher, which is no surprise given its authentically Polynesian vibes: Every thatched-roof overwater villa is constructed out in indigenous materials and decorated with local handiwork (tapa cloths, coconut nape ropes). Don't leave without arranging a dinner for two on your terrace—or better yet, on a tiny motu, where fire dancers will be on hand to give you a private show. (Rooms from $930; letahaa.com)
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For another less-traveled French Polynesian honeymoon, try this quiet motu off Le Taha'a (a.k.a. the Vanilla Island). It was luxe enough for Carrie Underwood and Mike Fisher, which is no surprise given its authentically Polynesian vibes: Every thatched-roof overwater villa is constructed out in indigenous materials and decorated with local handiwork (tapa cloths, coconut nape ropes). Don't leave without arranging a dinner for two on your terrace—or better yet, on a tiny motu, where fire dancers will be on hand to give you a private show. (Rooms from $930; letahaa.com)
InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa, French Polynesia
Sure, the resort has picture-perfect views of Mount Otemanu. Sure, it has four restaurants serving freshly caught fish and island-inspired cocktails. Sure, there are overwater bungalows (some of which will soon have private infinity pools) for lounging in the sun and dips in the crystal-clear water. But honeymooners come to InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa for all that and, of course, the spa. Deep Ocean Spa is the South Pacific's first thalassotherapy center, centered on the wellness and healing properties of the sea and the marine environment. Treatments include reflexology, jet-lag massages, deep tissue detoxification, and more. (Rooms from $1,247; intercontinental.com
Sure, the resort has picture-perfect views of Mount Otemanu. Sure, it has four restaurants serving freshly caught fish and island-inspired cocktails. Sure, there are overwater bungalows (some of which will soon have private infinity pools) for lounging in the sun and dips in the crystal-clear water. But honeymooners come to InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa for all that and, of course, the spa. Deep Ocean Spa is the South Pacific's first thalassotherapy center, centered on the wellness and healing properties of the sea and the marine environment. Treatments include reflexology, jet-lag massages, deep tissue detoxification, and more. (Rooms from $1,247; intercontinental.com
Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, Fiji
Founded by legendary ocean explorer Jean-Michel Cousteau, this private 17-acre resort on the Fijian island of Vanua Levu is all about getting to know the local environment and community. The resort is built on a former coconut plantation and offers a sustainable environment from which to learn about the Fijian’s agricultural and fishing practices. There's an on-staff naturalist and marine biologist, who can lead couples on snorkeling excursions in the peaceful waters of Savusavu Bay—even at night, for the truly brave! (Rooms from $1,038, all-inclusive; fijiresort.com)
Founded by legendary ocean explorer Jean-Michel Cousteau, this private 17-acre resort on the Fijian island of Vanua Levu is all about getting to know the local environment and community. The resort is built on a former coconut plantation and offers a sustainable environment from which to learn about the Fijian’s agricultural and fishing practices. There's an on-staff naturalist and marine biologist, who can lead couples on snorkeling excursions in the peaceful waters of Savusavu Bay—even at night, for the truly brave! (Rooms from $1,038, all-inclusive; fijiresort.com)
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InterContinental Resort and Spa Moorea, French Polynesia
Want to snorkel? Scuba dive? Jet ski? Play tennis? Explore the island? The concierge at this affordable mainstay on the island of Moorea can hook you up with every activity and amenity under the sun. There's a watersports center for aquatic adventures and a place to arrange car, scooter, and bicycle rentals to check out the lush isle. Another thing they can arrange: a traditional Polynesian wedding ceremony—in case you want to say "I do" all over again. (Rooms from $377; intercontinental.com)
Want to snorkel? Scuba dive? Jet ski? Play tennis? Explore the island? The concierge at this affordable mainstay on the island of Moorea can hook you up with every activity and amenity under the sun. There's a watersports center for aquatic adventures and a place to arrange car, scooter, and bicycle rentals to check out the lush isle. Another thing they can arrange: a traditional Polynesian wedding ceremony—in case you want to say "I do" all over again. (Rooms from $377; intercontinental.com)
Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa, French Polynesia
If you want picture-perfect views of Bora Bora's Mount Otemanu, try this lesser-known spot across the lagoon from the iconic peak. Each overwater bungalow has windows in the floor to peek at the Crayola-colored fish teeming below. (Rooms from $443; spmhotels.com)
If you want picture-perfect views of Bora Bora's Mount Otemanu, try this lesser-known spot across the lagoon from the iconic peak. Each overwater bungalow has windows in the floor to peek at the Crayola-colored fish teeming below. (Rooms from $443; spmhotels.com)
Royal Davui Island Resort, Fiji
At this tiny but luxe private island hideaway, each of the 16 thatched-roof villas comes with a private plunge pool overlooking the sea and two outdoor decks for sunbathing. Kayak the coral reefs, dive the Bequa Lagoon, or reserve the "Sand Quay"—a tidal islet seven minutes away by boat—for a secluded champagne breakfast. (Rooms from $929; royaldavuifiji.com)
At this tiny but luxe private island hideaway, each of the 16 thatched-roof villas comes with a private plunge pool overlooking the sea and two outdoor decks for sunbathing. Kayak the coral reefs, dive the Bequa Lagoon, or reserve the "Sand Quay"—a tidal islet seven minutes away by boat—for a secluded champagne breakfast. (Rooms from $929; royaldavuifiji.com)
See more:
- Pippa Middleton Is Married! Everything We Know About the Wedding (So Far...)
- 2017’s Biggest Travel Trends, According to Pinterest
- The Top 100 Honeymoon Destinations for 2017s
