7 Luxury Honeymoon Hotspots For A Ridiculously Romantic Trip This Summer
1. The Maldives
Best for: Barefoot luxury and serious privacy.
It's not a cliche if it's true — the Maldives is honeymoon heaven. With more than 160 resorts scattered across the Indian Ocean, it's easy to find your dream villa, whether you want glass floors to watch fish swim by or a private pool that looks like it melts into the sea. Top pick? Soneva Jani, where you can slide from your room into the lagoon. The service is next-level, and it's about as remote and peaceful as you'll find. Plus, the weather in June through August is warm, with occasional tropical showers that pass quickly (and make for dramatic sunsets).
2. Santorini, Greece
Best for: Dramatic views and ridiculously good food.
Yes, it's busy in summer, but it's also when Santorini looks its best. Those iconic blue domes and chalk-white houses against the Aegean Sea are pure Instagram bait. Base yourselves in Oia for the best sunset spots, or try Imerovigli if you want the views without the crowds. For something ultra-luxe, check into Katikies Santorini or Canaves Oia Suites — both offer private plunge pools, top-tier dining, and a front-row seat to the caldera. Oh, and don't miss a day trip to the island's wineries. Santorini's Assyrtiko whites are perfect for toasting your new chapter.
3. Amalfi Coast, Italy
Best for: Laid-back luxe with an Aperol spritz in hand.
There's something effortlessly sexy about Italy's Amalfi Coast. Between Positano's pastel cliffside houses and Ravello's elegant hilltop vibes, this is honeymoon gold. It's also super accessible, with Naples airport a short drive away. Stay at Le Sirenuse if you want to be in the heart of Positano, or Belmond Hotel Caruso in Ravello for sweeping sea views and infinity pool goals. Expect lots of pasta, lemon everything, and winding coastal roads that make you feel like you're in a Bond film.
4. Kyoto, Japan
Best for: Foodies and couples who want something different.
While most tourists rush to Tokyo, honeymooners in the know head to Kyoto. Summer brings lush greenery and fewer crowds than spring's cherry blossom season, and you'll find some of Japan's most beautiful temples, gardens, and ryokans here. For a true splurge, Aman Kyoto sits tucked into a forest with minimal design and onsen -style baths. Spend your days wandering through bamboo groves, sipping matcha, and slipping into traditional kaiseki dinners that feel more like theatre than meals.
5. Bali, Indonesia
Best for: Spa days, private villas, and a mix of culture and chill.
Bali ticks all the honeymoon boxes: It's lush, luxurious, and surprisingly good value for what you get. Summer is actually the dry season here (May to September), so you'll get plenty of sunshine and warm weather without the crowds you'd find in Europe. Head to Ubud for jungle stays like Capella Ubud or Como Shambhala Estate, where wellness is taken seriously and the villas come with private plunge pools. Then wind down with a few beach days in Uluwatu or Seminyak, where infinity pools meet clifftop bars and candlelit dinners are a nightly affair.
6. Comporta, Portugal
Best for: Stylish beach bums.
Just over an hour from Lisbon, Comporta is the kind of place fashion editors go to not be seen. It's all wild beaches, pine forests, and low-key luxe —no big resorts, just boutique stays and eco-chic villas. Book into Sublime Comporta for rustic-modern suites and excellent farm-to-table dining. Days here are slow: cycle to the beach, hit up the local seafood shacks, then watch the sunset with a bottle of chilled vinho verde. It's honeymooning without the fuss — but all the flair.
7. Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Best for: Honeymooners who want to go all out.
Yes, it's expensive. Yes, it's far. But if you're only doing this once, Bora Bora delivers on every fantasy. Think emerald-green peaks, turquoise lagoons, and overwater bungalows that make the Maldives look busy. The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort is honeymoon royalty — Beyonce and Jay-Z stayed here, so you know it's top-tier. You'll spend your days snorkelling with stingrays, sipping coconut cocktails, and wondering if you really have to go back to reality.
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The Hindu
3 days ago
- The Hindu
Planning a monsoon break? Here's why South Goa should top your list
You can tell a lot about a place by how it behaves in the rain. North Goa, with its sunny bravado and beach-bar buzz, tends to take a back seat come monsoon — shuttered shacks, quiet lanes, Aperol dreams on pause. But South Goa unfurls. Airbnb seems to have picked up on this shift in rhythm. Their recently launched digital magazine, Goa Unseen, is a soft pivot away from the usual must-do lists. It is thoughtful, image-rich, and most notably, tilted toward the South. According to Airbnb, monsoon bookings in South Goa have seen a steady 20–25% rise over the past few years. There is a growing curiosity for experiences that feel slower, more grounded, and a little more, well, real. Take Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the crown jewels in the South. In the rains, it feels almost cinematic. There is a low hum in the forest, mist drifting lazily between trees, waterfalls crashing just out of sight, and trails that do not demand much. Then there is Loutolim, a sleepy village in the South that feels lifted from another decade. All wide balcaos, tiled roofs, and giant banyan trees that appear to breathe. Airbnb's highlights here include stops like the Big Foot Museum and heritage homes such as Casa Araujo Alvares, but the real charm is in the stuff between — the slow lanes, the locals who still wave, the unhurriedness of it all. Unhurried pace Local journalist and food writer Nolan Mascarenhas, who contributed to Goa Unseen, believes the South has retained its character because of its people. 'There's more cultural awareness here,' he says, 'A stronger sense of protecting what matters.' He points to Mainapi, where the Lamani community — with advance notice — welcomes visitors to witness traditional tribal dances, jewellery-making, and stories of nomadic life. Nearby, the Kunbi tribe, one of the oldest in Goa, offers an immersive lesson in sari draping, laced with lore passed down through generations. For foodies, Nolan's suggestions stay close to the ground. Try toddy and feni tastings in Cansaulim, often served straight from the source, or even on floating tables in the backwaters. Head to Tanshikar Spice Farm near Netravali for a breezy plantation tour followed by a home-style Saraswat thali. And he insists stopping at Jila Bakery, in Loutolim, where the chocolate-dipped profiteroles (₹20 a pop) are a must try. Nolan also swears by kayaking down the Talpona and Galgibaga rivers, quiet estuaries flanked by mangroves, where you are more likely to spot otters and kingfishers than other humans. And for something a little darker, there is Devil's Canyon — a gorge near Molem where water barrels through basalt rock, steeped in local lore and photographic drama. Swimming is not recommended. But hiking around it is. It is not just Airbnb championing this version of the South. A few homegrown initiatives have been quietly making the case for years. Soul Travelling, founded in 2017, started with two heritage walks in 2019 and now runs five in South Goa alone. 'The rain doesn't cancel the walk,' says co-founder Varun Hegde, 'It sets the mood.' Their Chandor walk takes you through Goa's old capital, past ancient Brahmin homes and mossy Portuguese villas, typically costing around ₹1,300-₹1,500 per person. The Margao Food and Culture Walk is a sensory feast — markets, spice-scented kitchens, and rainy-day snacks you will never find on Google, usually priced at about ₹799-₹1,299 per person. In Assolna, stories unfold by the river, with similar heritage walks generally ranging from ₹1,299-₹1,799. And in Cuncolim, their newest and perhaps most powerful walk, you encounter tales of pre-colonial resistance and forgotten local heroes, with prices for such curated, deep-dive historical walks often falling in the ₹1,500-₹3,500+ range, depending on the depth and duration For the adventure enthusiast For those seeking an adrenaline rush amidst Goa's monsoon magic, Adventure Breaks ( founded in 2013 by yachtsman Kim Sabir and mountain climber Ashwin Tombat, offers the perfect escape. Renowned as Goa's premier outdoor-adventure company, they present a thrilling array of activities from kayaking to rock climbing. Yet, it is its South Goa ocean treks that truly shine during the season. Opt for the Ocean Trek Sea Cave near Loliem, a moderately-paced 4-5 kilometre half-day expedition involving a challenging boulder scramble and a climb into India's longest West-coast sea cave, typically priced around ₹1,390-₹2,000 per person. 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Time of India
21-07-2025
- Time of India
New luxury – it's protein, not perignon
I'm impressed, Mr Bond, you have your tulsi-coconut kefir stirred, not shaken At the Alpina Hotel, Gstaad, breakfast is a quiet masterclass in modern luxury. You will find avocado toast, fresh matcha, protein shakes in branded shakers, and a neat row of protein bars beside the granola. Breakfast spread at The Alpina Gstaad There is no signage that screams 'wellness.' There is no guilt-laced menu about clean eating. Just thoughtful options that assume you might want to feel sharp at 10 am, not sluggish. It is a detail most hotels would consider minor. Yet, it signals a shift many in the hospitality industry are still missing. The younger premium guest, whether flying business class or checking into a suite, is no longer impressed by how much alcohol you offer. In fact, the more a property leans on alcohol as its main expression of luxury, the more outdated it tends to feel. We are not talking about teetotalers. Most people I know still drink. But they drink differently. They drink with intention, not habit. And during travel, especially work travel, they prefer clarity over cocktails. This is not a temporary trend. It is a realignment of values. Health has become the new indulgence. Performance has replaced decadence. During travel, especially work travel, younger premium guests prefer clarity over cocktails Yet, most lounges, flights, and hotel buffets are designed as if the year is still 2010. The lounge prioritizes liquor variety, but has no functional beverages. The minibar stocks vodka and cola, but nothing for hydration or recovery. The breakfast buffet offers pastries, juice, and the occasional egg for the hard-boiled, as though protein were an optional preference rather than a daily need. Some brands are beginning to shift. Emirates has introduced turmeric lattes on select routes. Virgin's Clubhouse lounges feature kombucha and wellness shots. At Alpina, presence of high-protein, low-sugar, thoughtfully sourced items is not an experiment. 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Disclaimer: Nikunj Biyani has recently launched his own protein-focused company. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
NDTV
09-06-2025
- NDTV
7 Luxury Honeymoon Hotspots For A Ridiculously Romantic Trip This Summer
Planning your honeymoon shouldn't feel like another task on your wedding to-do list. If you're leaning towards indulgent over economical and want somewhere that screams once-in-a-lifetime, we've got you covered. Whether it's an overwater villa in the Maldives or a chic vineyard hideaway in Portugal, these luxury honeymoon destinations are designed for pure escapism. Think postcard-perfect views, five-star perks, and plenty of "pinch me" moments. All picks have been thoroughly fact-checked, so you can book with confidence — and maybe even brag a little. Because let's be honest: After the big day, you deserve a getaway that's just as unforgettable. 1. The Maldives Best for: Barefoot luxury and serious privacy. It's not a cliche if it's true — the Maldives is honeymoon heaven. With more than 160 resorts scattered across the Indian Ocean, it's easy to find your dream villa, whether you want glass floors to watch fish swim by or a private pool that looks like it melts into the sea. Top pick? Soneva Jani, where you can slide from your room into the lagoon. The service is next-level, and it's about as remote and peaceful as you'll find. Plus, the weather in June through August is warm, with occasional tropical showers that pass quickly (and make for dramatic sunsets). 2. Santorini, Greece Best for: Dramatic views and ridiculously good food. Yes, it's busy in summer, but it's also when Santorini looks its best. Those iconic blue domes and chalk-white houses against the Aegean Sea are pure Instagram bait. Base yourselves in Oia for the best sunset spots, or try Imerovigli if you want the views without the crowds. For something ultra-luxe, check into Katikies Santorini or Canaves Oia Suites — both offer private plunge pools, top-tier dining, and a front-row seat to the caldera. Oh, and don't miss a day trip to the island's wineries. Santorini's Assyrtiko whites are perfect for toasting your new chapter. 3. Amalfi Coast, Italy Best for: Laid-back luxe with an Aperol spritz in hand. There's something effortlessly sexy about Italy's Amalfi Coast. Between Positano's pastel cliffside houses and Ravello's elegant hilltop vibes, this is honeymoon gold. It's also super accessible, with Naples airport a short drive away. Stay at Le Sirenuse if you want to be in the heart of Positano, or Belmond Hotel Caruso in Ravello for sweeping sea views and infinity pool goals. Expect lots of pasta, lemon everything, and winding coastal roads that make you feel like you're in a Bond film. 4. Kyoto, Japan Best for: Foodies and couples who want something different. While most tourists rush to Tokyo, honeymooners in the know head to Kyoto. Summer brings lush greenery and fewer crowds than spring's cherry blossom season, and you'll find some of Japan's most beautiful temples, gardens, and ryokans here. For a true splurge, Aman Kyoto sits tucked into a forest with minimal design and onsen -style baths. Spend your days wandering through bamboo groves, sipping matcha, and slipping into traditional kaiseki dinners that feel more like theatre than meals. 5. Bali, Indonesia Best for: Spa days, private villas, and a mix of culture and chill. Bali ticks all the honeymoon boxes: It's lush, luxurious, and surprisingly good value for what you get. Summer is actually the dry season here (May to September), so you'll get plenty of sunshine and warm weather without the crowds you'd find in Europe. Head to Ubud for jungle stays like Capella Ubud or Como Shambhala Estate, where wellness is taken seriously and the villas come with private plunge pools. Then wind down with a few beach days in Uluwatu or Seminyak, where infinity pools meet clifftop bars and candlelit dinners are a nightly affair. 6. Comporta, Portugal Best for: Stylish beach bums. Just over an hour from Lisbon, Comporta is the kind of place fashion editors go to not be seen. It's all wild beaches, pine forests, and low-key luxe —no big resorts, just boutique stays and eco-chic villas. Book into Sublime Comporta for rustic-modern suites and excellent farm-to-table dining. Days here are slow: cycle to the beach, hit up the local seafood shacks, then watch the sunset with a bottle of chilled vinho verde. It's honeymooning without the fuss — but all the flair. 7. Bora Bora, French Polynesia Best for: Honeymooners who want to go all out. Yes, it's expensive. Yes, it's far. But if you're only doing this once, Bora Bora delivers on every fantasy. Think emerald-green peaks, turquoise lagoons, and overwater bungalows that make the Maldives look busy. The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort is honeymoon royalty — Beyonce and Jay-Z stayed here, so you know it's top-tier. You'll spend your days snorkelling with stingrays, sipping coconut cocktails, and wondering if you really have to go back to reality.
