What to Expect with a Honeymoon Down Under

Though Australia may not necessarily be the first place that most couples think of when planning their honeymoons, it is a surprising honeymoon destination. For most people, ideas of romantic Paris and the sunny Caribbean spring easily to mind as honeymoon destinations, but few people consider the fact that Australia is a wonderful honeymoon destination.

Imagine all the things you’d want your honeymoon to include. I bet that some of the things you are thinking of are romantic walks on the beach, fancy dinners, secluded resorts, and, of course, sunshine. You are probably also hoping to find all of that for a decent price, right?

Australia makes for a truly unique honeymoon destination, and an unforgettable one at that. While other couples in your social group will probably take a clichéd trip to France, you can wow everyone (including yourselves) with all the amazing activities, restaurants and resorts on offer Down Under.

Why Australia for a Honeymoon?

Beaches. Australia is edged by thousands of miles of coastline, many of which consist of white sand beaches, beyond which lie, quite literally, more than 10,000 islands. If the word “beach” is synonymous in your mind with honeymooning, Australia is going to offer you much more variety and options than most other destinations on earth.

Cosmopolitan cities. Perhaps you are not a typical honeymooner, and you’re looking less for secluded romance and more for evening excitement. In that case, you are going to find a wealth of upscale restaurants and live music venues in Australia’s major cities like Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra, not to mention the country’s vibrant pub scene.

Luxury resorts. The number of amazing resorts along Australia’s coasts will probably surprise you. In fact, there are even resorts that sit on their own private islands. The best place in Australia to find elegant beach resorts is along the Gold Coast in the northeast part of the country.

Unbelievable Outback. If the most important thing to you on your honeymoon is simply being secluded amid an amazing landscape with your new spouse, then make for the vast isolation and unmatched beauty on offer in Australia’s desert Outback. Here, you can find tiny cottages to rent where you won’t even hear the sound of an airplane flying overhead for days and, each evening, you will be lulled by the sun setting over the flaming red, orange and yellow hues of the desert.

Affordable holidays. Because of the exchange rates, your long-saved cash will go much further against the local Australian Dollar than if you chose to honeymoon in Europe or even the Caribbean. You’ll be able to take that hard-earned money and enjoy lavish meals, nights out on the town and fancy suites overlooking perfect blue ocean. Or, you could choose to make your honeymoon last longer, opting to stay for more than just a few days to enjoy the bliss of post-nuptial embraces and romantic walks on the beach.

This post was written by Joe Williams of Bridge & Wickers.

Nilaveli Beach Hotel

Located on the East Coast of Sri Lanka, known the world over for its beautiful soft white sand beaches which slope gently into clear shallow seas, the vast Indian Ocean which washes on to the shores of this coastal resort holds a treasure chest of dreams just waiting to be opened.

Here you could swim around the multi-hued reef protecting the island like so many layers of ribbon cake – turquoise, ochre, salmon pink, smoky grey, sandstone and cobalt blue – and revel in an underwater world of colourful translucence, feasting your eyes on shoals of jewel-hued fish darting among the surrounding coral and rocks.

Nilaveli Beach Hotel is located 275 Km from Colombo, on the East coast along the pristine beach of Nilaveli and considered as one of the finest unspoilt beaches in Asia with white sands and clear blue seas. The ideal season on the East coast is from April to October. The hotel overlooks the pigeon island now a breeding ground for migratory birds, was originally used by the British during the second world war for target practice. Pigeon island is also an excellent location for Game snorkeling. A popular Hindu temple perched high a top Swami Rock which divides Trincomalee’s emeralds bays. The other places of interest are Fort Fredrick,remnant of Trinco’s colonial history. The hotel has 31 Rooms which includes Standard AC and Deluxe rooms. The other facilities are swimming pool and Beach bar and restaurant.

In 1775 a teenage midshipman named Horatio Nelson arrived in Trincomalee aboard the HMS “Seahorse”. Later, as admiral of the British Navy, he remembered it as “the finest harbour in the world” – tribute indeed from such a man.

A number of shipwrecks including the aircraft carrier HMS “Hermes” which went down during World War II into 30 fathoms of water, and its sister ship the HMS “Empire” which came to its rescue only to suffer the same fate, lie submerged beneath the waters.

The HMS “Hermes” was rediscovered only in the 1970s, its hulk, teeming with marine life. The HMS “Empire” has not yet been found – who knows, you just might be the one to make this momentous discovery!

The Nilaveli Beach on the East Coast is “the other side of the island”, one that remains pristine, pure and very private even today – it is undoubtedly the best in Sri Lanka and one of the premier beaches in Asia.

Accommodation at Nilaveli Beach Hotel

At Nilaveli Beach Hotel, the Sand Man treads delicately over the soft sands as he checks on you – then again, he has no need to worry. The sound of silence at nightfall is broken only by the soft wash of waves on the shore, and a gentle breeze as it drifts through your dreams, taking with it all the dust and cobwebs of the hectic city life left far behind.

31 Rooms which includes Standard AC and Deluxe rooms. The concept is based on providing guests with plenty of space in which they could cut loose, relax both mind and body, and rejuvenate themselves in serene isolation.

All rooms are with private patios offering a breathtakingly beautiful view of the sloping white sands, vast blue ocean and seemingly unending horizon which stretches out beyond.

You could never appreciate the life giving sun until you see it rise in all its majestic glory on the East Coast of Sri Lanka.

Wake up at dawn and sit by your wide glass window as you wait for the world to awaken and be washed by the soft gold of the sunrise. Or you could step out on to your patio and relax while you watch the sand, sea and sky emerge from the darkness of night in to the brightness of a new day.

To book your honeymoon at Nilaveli Beach Hotel visit http://www.tangerinehotels.com/nilavelibeach/index.htm

Cotton Bay Village

Cotton Bay Village, St Lucia is one of the newest luxury holiday experiences in the Caribbean.

It’s not a hotel. It’s not a traditional resort. It’s the best blend of both - the perfect home away from home. Perfect for a relaxing holiday on your own,  a gathering of family and friends or a gathering of business associates.

It is a cross between a luxury private Villa self-catering holiday and a destination luxury resort. This intimate, gated Village is fronted by a half-mile of honey-coloured beach, where the warm Atlantic meets the Caribbean on St Lucia’s northeast shore all combined on the island that Conde Nast Traveller magazine named “The world’s 4th most beautiful island, St. Lucia”.  In fact, it is the only Resort on the island of St. Lucia to be welcomed as a member by the Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

Cotton Bay Village offers 74 luxury Villas in a combination of one, two, three and four bedroom suites. The furnishings which were selected by a top interior design team, add to the home away from home luxury.  This is certainly not a hotel room.

Getting Married at Cotton Bay Village

Weddings are special days - a time of celebration, a day to make dreams come true.

And whether you are looking for the perfect location for “a celebration for two” or have invited family and friends for a grand celebration, our team will make it an unforgettable experience. The ambiance of The Village atmosphere and the luxury of your “home away from home” make this a preferred destination resort  for weddings and honeymoons. Cotton Bay Village sits on the beautiful island of St. Lucia, the romantic capital of the Caribbean and the winner, many times over, of the “Caribbean’s most romantic destination”.

Book the beautiful Cotton Bay Village, St Lucia for £1129 per person saving £440 per couple. This offer includes breakfast and return transfers.  Flights are from the U.K with Virgin Atlantic.

Deal applies for departures between 18 Apr ‘10 and 23 Jun ‘10.

BOOK  Cotton Bay Village, St Lucia

Dinarobin Hotel Golf & Spa, Mauritius

An elegant five-star resort, Dinarobin Hotel Golf & Spa is a haven of peace and tranquility - the ideal setting for your luxury holiday in Mauritius and the perfect sanctuary to renew your body and soul.

Cascading pools dotted with islets bright with flowers, spacious wooden decks, terraces designed with sea views and tropical gardens planted with exotic trees make Dinarobin the symbol of tropical elegance in Mauritius.

Located on the most scenic shoreline in Mauritius with the spectacular Le Morne Mountain acting as a dramatic backdrop, Dinarobin offers an intimate village setting. The resort features luxurious all-Suite accommodation that blends harmoniously into the lush tropical gardens.

Dinarobin and Paradis, an adjacent Beachcomber resort of the same category, share facilities. Thus guests of Dinarobin have access to the 18-hole Par 72 golf course at Paradis and may choose to dine at eight inviting restaurants, four at each hotel.

Dinarobin also offers a range of complimentary land and water sports and access to two additional championship golf courses in the vicinity. The Spa by Clarins is without a doubt the most beautiful Spa in Mauritius and the ideal place to relax and be pampered.

The resort’s fabulous setting is complemented by world-class service. The ever-attentive staff attends to your every whim in the restaurants, in your Suite, or on the beach as you relax in the shade under your straw parasol.

For absolute indulgence during your holiday in Mauritius, choose Dinarobin, a resort that offers new standards in luxury, a place of calm and beauty that will soothe your senses.

Book now and save £400 per couple. Stay for 7-9nights, Half board at the Dinarobin Hotel Golf&Spa or at the 5* Paradis Hotel&Golf Club and get a complimentary one-way upgrade from Economy Class to World Traveller Plus.

This complimentary upgrade to World Traveller Plus will give you the luxury of 20% more personal space than Economy Class. With a wider seat, an additional seven inches legroom, and the stress-free surroundings of the smaller and more private cabin.

Flights are with British Airways and include your airport - hotel transfers.

Deal applies for departures between 11 Jan ‘10 and 17 Mar ‘10.

BOOK  Dinarobin Hotel Golf & Spa, Mauritius

Villa Del Palmer Beach Resort and Spa

Situated on the soft sands of famous Banderas Bay, Villa del Palmer lies in the Hotel District between Marina Vallarta and downtown Puerto Vallarta - where the essence of Mexico still thrives along cobble stone streets, lush tropical gardens and stretches of beach that are ideal for a relaxing stroll while enjoying a beautiful Pacific sunset.

The Resort has 431 suites and geust rooms designed with the floors, bright fabrics and marble bath-rooms. Balconies or partios furnished with dinning sets provide garden, pool or partial ocean views.

Climate
The Puerto Vallarta area offers a mild tropical climate year-round, with an average daily temperature of 27 degree celcius and cooler evening temperature in winter months.

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