Romantic Getaways and Where to Honeymoon in 2021
January 5, 2021 by Allison Reiber DiLiegro
Whether you’re making up for lost plans or starting fresh in 2021, we think a romantic getaway or an extra-special honeymoon is very much deserved. To help get you inspired, we’ve assembled some of our romantic destinations for all types of couples. If you’re looking to sunbathe by your private pool, snorkel with penguins, rise with the sun on safari, contemplate art, or splash out on a private island (why not?), we have a suggestion for you. After this year, we think you’ll treasure the trip more than ever.
Here are some of our favorite destinations for couples, along with a honeymoon highlight at each one.
Private Islands
Tetiaroa, French Polynesia
If you’re looking to get off the grid, a private island in French Polynesia should do the trick. Set on Marlon Brando’s former island in the South Pacific, The Brando is totally luxurious and eco-friendly, with seawater-powered cooling, solar power and generators that run on coconut oil. The 35 villas each have their own private beach area, plunge pool and a rocking chair for two. When you do decide to leave your villa, there’s snorkeling over the reefs, exploring the lagoon by Polynesian outrigger canoe or soaking in the spa.
Just For You Two: Splurge on the Fare Manu spa experience, where you’ll be pampered in a private bird’s nest above the treetops, ending with a soak in the sacred bath.
North Malé Atoll, The Maldives
Set in the Indian Ocean, Gili Lankanfushi is a sleek and exclusive hideaway surrounded by gin-clear waters and powdery white sand. Ideal for true water lovers, the overwater villas each have their own sun terrace, water hammocks, outdoor showers and a private butler, so your every wish will be taken care of. For a truly decadent experience, book the Private Reserve, only accessible by boat, with its own gym, cinema, bar and water slide.
Just For You Two: Sailing on a traditional Dhobi at sunset, with a glass of Champagne in hand, of course.
Félicité Island, Seychelles
On its own island in the Seychelles, Six Senses Zil Pasyon is all tropical paradise, with lush jungle, dramatic boulders and gorgeous villas with private infinity pools that overlook the sea. “Pasyon” means passion in Creole, and it’s true – the Six Senses soul can be felt in the design, the locally-inspired experiences and the thoughtful staff. While days can be spent in your private pool, there’s also adventure to be had, like swimming with turtles, hiking the island and spectacular snorkeling. As with all Six Senses properties, Zil Pasyon is dedicated to protecting its stunning natural environment. They are currently working on eradicating invasive plants so the endemic species can thrive.
Just For You Two: Start fresh in the morning for a beautiful hike to the top of Félicité island. Once you get to the top, enjoy some chef-prepared pastries, fresh fruit as you look over your kingdom.
Beach
Grand Anse Beach, Grenada
For those seeking some island time without the long-haul flight, there’s the sleek Silversands Grenada on Grenada’s famous Grande Anse Beach. Home to gorgeous contemporary suites and villas, a stunning infinity pool (the longest in the Caribbean) and a sprawling spa, it’s a carefree place to relax after all that wedding planning. And if relaxing isn’t your thing, head down to the pool on Friday night for the iconic poolside rosé party.
Just For You Two: After a delicious dinner of fresh-caught seafood at Grenadian Grill, walk along Grand Anse Beach to a local beach bar for some live music and a rum cocktail.
Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas
Crete, Greece
Set in an intimate bay on the northern coast of Crete, Daios Cove is a lush resort with its own private beach. The property has plenty to keep you busy, with an expansive spa, four restaurants and a full-service gym. If you prefer to cozy up just the two of you, you can absolutely make it happen. Guests in a suite or villa – which boast private pools that overlook the Aegean Sea – have all-inclusive benefits, with unlimited drinks, daily meals and free 24-hour room service.
Just For You Two: Go out to sea with your private skipper to explore secluded beaches and splash around wherever you wish.
Mykonos, Greece
Kālesma means “inviting” in Greek. It’s a fitting name for this intimate, whitewashed hideaway in the hilltops of Ornos Bay in Mykonos. The 25 spacious one-bedroom suites and two villas are set in iconically Cycladic buildings with views of the Aegean Sea. Each suite opens up to a terrace with a private pool. (In fact, it’s the only property in Mykonos with private pools for each suite.) Ready for some action? Kālesma is just 10 minutes from Mykonos town for easy access to the island’s shops, restaurants and beach clubs. Or, stay in and soak up the view: each suite delivers both sunrise and sunset views.
Just For You Two: Is there a more quintessential honeymoon experience than a candlelit dinner on your suite’s terrace? Start with cocktails at sunset, then dine under the stars on a meal specially prepared for you.
The award-winning Andronis Exclusive brings to life the beauty and mystique of Santorini. Where romance meets luxury, Andronis Exclusive is a Greek oasis where the views of the Aegean Sea and caldera are remarkable, especially at sunset. There is something special awaiting every couple at their atmospheric and intimate boutique hotels in Santorini: Alta Mare by Andronis, Andronis Arcadia, Andronis Boutique, Andronis Honeymoon, Andronis Luxury Suites and their new wellness sanctuary, Andronis Concept.
Just For You Two: Sunsets are a feast for your senses, you must experience an unforgettable dinner at Lycabettus, an elegant restaurant set on a protruding peninsular cliff overlooking the Aegean.
Adventure
Hawke’s Bay, South Island and Queenstown, New Zealand
New Zealand is a wonderland for adventure-seekers and hotel-lovers alike. Robertson Lodges has three iconic properties across the country. You can hit them all, if you’d like, starting on the North Island with The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs for sweeping Pacific views and world-class golf. Then, hop a helicopter to The Farm at Cape Kidnappers for more golf and wine tasting in Hawke’s Bay wine country. Set on the South Island’s Lake Wakatipu, Matakauri Lodge may be the most romantic finale. It offers spectacular mountain views, cozy lodge vibes, excellent local cuisine and boundless opportunities for adventure.
Just For You Two: Go fly-fishing with a private guide, take a helicopter to a glacier for lunch or go bungee jumping in Queenstown.
Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
For nature-loving couples, the Galápagos is surely high on the bucket list. The birthplace of Darwin’s theory of evolution, the Galápagos Islands are home to fascinating endemic species like blue-footed boobies, charming Sally Lightfoot crabs and finches, of course. It’s also the home of eco-friendly, chic and totally comfortable Pikaia Lodge, the only luxury lodge on land in the Galapagos. The property is dedicated to conservation, planting native species that attract local wildlife, including a slew of the eponymous tortoises.
Just For You Two: Boarding a yacht towards Chinese Hat islet to go snorkeling with the penguins.
Zighy Bay, Oman
For those seeking dramatic landscapes and something unexpected, Six Senses Zighy Bay is sure to surprise and delight. The scenery says it all: dramatic mountains and dusty desert juxtaposed with sandy beaches and bright emerald waters. If you’re in the mood for adventure, you can snorkel over the reefs, hike through the mountains or explore the coastline by boat. After a day of action, head to the gorgeous spa for a massage and a scrub in the hammam. By night, sip Champagne and lazily swim in your villa’s private pool, or settle in to watch a movie under the stars.
Just For You Two: How’s this for a transfer: Drive from the airport directly to the property’s launchpad and paraglide in, taking in the views of the mountains and the Gulf of Oman before landing in the soft sands.
Safari
Botswana, Zimbabwe and Kenya Camps
Few travel experiences can top the majesty of safari. Great Plains Conservation’s collection of beautiful safari camps are scattered across Botswana, Zimbabwe and Kenya. With their focus on luxury, authenticity and conservation, they stir the soul even more. A day on your honeymoon may look like this: spotting elephants on your early morning game drive, an indulgent brunch back at camp, a bush walk with your guide, an afternoon massage, then drinking sundowners overlooking the plains before your gourmet dinner.
Just For You Two: Spotting hippos on the Ntiakitiak River from Mara Plains Camp in Kenya’s Olare Motorogi Conservancy.
Nosy Ankao, Madagascar
On the remote island of Nosy Ankao, just off Madagascar, Time + Tide Miavana combines tropical island idyll with adventure. Whether you’re looking for a plush place to relax post-safari, or a wildlife destination of its own, Time + Tide Miavana will deliver. You can spend a day sunbathing by your private pool and being pampered with spa treatments in your breezy villa, (each of which come with a private butler). Or, take a helicopter trip to northern Madagascar to spot lemurs in the wild, go whale watching or try kiteboarding and windsurfing.
Just For You Two: A helicopter safari over a nearby island, where you can spot golden crown lemurs in the treetops.
Culture
Cape Town, South Africa
Set inside a beautifully restored Cape Edwardian mansion, Ellerman House is a boutique gem perched high above the Atlantic. In addition to those sweeping views, it’s home to a spectacular art collection. The works in the house span two centuries of South African history, with more to see in the Ellerman House Contemporary Art Gallery. Arrange a private tour of the property’s gallery with the in-house guides, then let them take you to the best galleries in the city. If you’re looking to go further afield – and we mean much further – Ellerman House can arrange trips to Antarctica by private jet (the flight is five hours). Once you touch down, you can visit an Emperor Penguin colon, trek through blue caves, and stay in a luxury base camp.
Just For You Two: Hop on a private jet to the Benguela Diamonds ocean concession to dive for the perfect diamond. Choose a rough diamond to be cut, polished and set in jewelry.
Braemar, Scotland
For those seeking a cozy countryside escape that’s steeped in culture, there’s The Fife Arms. Set in a landmarked building in the Scottish Highlands – a two-hour drive from Edinburgh – the Fife Arms is a stylish, art-filled inn with easy access to the region’s natural splendor. The walls are adorned by art by Picasso and Queen Victoria as well as whimsical taxidermy. By day, hike through the Highlands or visit Balmoral Castle, where Princess Diana honeymooned with Prince Charles. At the end of the day, cozy up by the fire with a tipple of local whisky.
Just For You Two: Let the Ghillie team set up a surprise. Go for a brisk hike and “stumble upon” the remote lunch hut, where you can dine while surrounded by the grouse moors.
Hampshire, England
Set in a restored Georgian home a short drive from London, Heckfield Place is an enchanting, contemporary home-away-from-home with all the romance of the English countryside. Step outside and you’ll find sprawling grounds, a biodynamic farm, gardens and even sheep. As the culinary experience is so integral to the ethos of Heckfield Place, guests are invited to pick their own ingredients from the farm. While it feels comfortable and welcoming, it’s also totally luxurious, with a pampering spa and gorgeous rooms.
Just For You Two: Treat yourselves to a private dinner in the Long Room (said to be where Harry and Megan stayed for their baby-moon).
Samodães, Portugal
Set in a 19th-century manor in one of Portugal’s most celebrated wine regions, Six Senses Douro Valley is perfect for those seeking world-class wines, sweeping vistas and some serious spa time. A honeymoon here is about slowing down: walking through the nature trails, sipping wines alfresco, watching the river pass from your room, and eating delicious, healthy meals made with produce grown on property. It’s a short drive to Porto, where you can tour spectacular churches and taste port, of course.
Just For You Two: Set out by private boat to the former home of Portuguese filmmaker Manuel de Oliveira for wine tasting and a picnic.
Spiritual
Papagayo Peninsula, Costa Rica
Surrounded by a vast expanse of forest and coast on the Papagayo Peninsula (123 acres, to be exact), Kasiiya is a lush hideaway for nature-loving newlyweds. With two pristine beaches and just seven tented suites, there’s ample space to spread out, explore and create your own experience. A strong spiritual element is at the core of the Kasiiya experience with yoga, meditation and healing sessions, on offer. There are plenty of outdoor adventures, too, like hiking, wildlife treks, paddle boarding and surfing.
Just For You Two: In the Indigenous Chorotega ritual, the on-site healer, Yamuna, will perform an aura cleansing ceremony at sunset, giving you a handmade necklace to take home.
The Kingdom of Bhutan: Thimphu, Punakha, Paro, Gangtey, Bumthang
A honeymoon in Bhutan promises something really special: a far-flung adventure with stunning scenery, rich culture and a heady dose of spirituality. With the five Six Senses lodges scattered across the country, you can experience the Kingdom’s many landscapes and cultural experiences from gorgeous, eco-friendly, soulful lodges (with some of the best spas in the country). You’ll tour the Bhutanese fortresses, meditate with monks, attend local festivals with your guide and – above all else – make indelible memories together.
Just For You Two: At Six Senses Gangtey, release the past and mark a fresh start by offering a fire puja to the Tantric deities in a spellbinding ceremony.
Close to Home
Barnard, Vermont
Just three hours from Boston or five hours from New York by car, Twin Farms is a luxurious, exclusive hideaway set on 300 acres of woodlands. The heart of Twin Farms is its dining experience, with incredible farm-to-table cuisine crafted by acclaimed chef Nathan Rich. The property is home to 20 art-filled rooms and suites, each art-filled and uniquely decorated so you can choose the one that suits you best. There are also outdoor adventures to be had, like fishing, hiking and skiing on private trails.
Just For You Two: Arrange a chef’s table experience in the heart of the kitchen. The chef will make you a special dinner, featuring off-menu dishes. Allow the sommelier to help you choose the perfect bottle from the 15,000-bottle cellar.
The Lodge & Spa at Brush Creek Ranch
Saratoga, Wyoming
If your fantasy is more of the cowboy variety, there’s a place for you: Brush Creek Ranch under Wyoming’s wide open skies. Voted the top resort in the U.S. by Travel + Leisure, this luxe take on the dude ranch makes for an original and unforgettable honeymoon. In addition to the expected adventures, like fly-fishing and horseback riding, there’s whisky tasting, cooking classes, and even a private ski mountain for the winter months.
Just For You Two: Set out to explore the creeks and prairies on horseback and stop for a picnic alongside the river.
Something else in mind for your romantic getaway? Contact us at mail@hiddendoorwaystravel.com to learn more about honeymoon and wedding destinations from our bespoke travel collection.
