Right now, I’m trying frantically to engage in some positive thinking with maybe a dash or two of escapism. I’ve mentioned before that we decided not to go on honeymoon straight away, but save it for something to look forward to later on. Not going away straight after our wedding was definitely one of the ways that we were able to keep the costs down.
But now is the time to start dreaming!
Potential Honeymoon Destinations
photo credit: dronepicr Strand Malediven Atoll via photopin (license)
1. Phuket, Thailand
Where: It lies off the west coast of Thailand.
Flying Time: It’s around 18 hours to Phuket from the UK.
Main draws: It’s sometimes spoken of as a tourist trap, but it still has a lot of appeal! Phang Nga Bay is supposed to be stunning with its emerald water and sheer limestone cliffs. And even if Patong Beach is a bit crazy, maybe everyone should experience it once?
2. Jakarta, Indonesia
Where: The capital of Indonesia, on the northwest coast of Java.
Flying Time: It’s around 16 hours.
Main draws: I sometimes try to avoid huge cities during holidays, but I’ve read that missing out on Jakarta whilst visiting Indonesia is a huge mistake. The plethora of awesome food options is really attractive to me… The ideal place to stay would be somewhere like Hotel Borobudur Jakarta, as it’s in Central Jakarta and so close to the national museum (check website for more hotel pictures and ideas!)
3. Karimunjawa, Indonesia
Where: Karimun Java is an Indonesian archipelago in the Java Sea.
Flying time: Fly to Jakarta, venture out to Semarang then take a boat to Karimunjawa.
Main draws: Everything. It’s supposed to have insanely beautiful white beaches, incredible coral reef, tropical rainforests. Basically, it sounds like a gem!
4. Ubud, Bali
Where: Ubud is a town on the Indonesian island of Bali
Flying time: Around 18.5 hours.
Main draws: One of the most visited attractions is the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. Then add on the markets, the history, the arts and crafts, the beauty…. you can definitely see its appeal right? Located in the mountains it’s not your classic beach honeymoon, but it still sounds incredible.
photo credit: Jutta M. Jenning Stille-Silence via photopin (license)
5. Mauritius
Where: Small island off the Coast of Madagascar, Africa
Flying time: around 11-12 hours from the UK
Main draws: It’s basically a tropical paradise. White sandy beaches, palm trees, waterfalls. Its peak weather season is also perfectly aligned with the time we are looking to travel. Plus we have a friend that lives there. Want some coach surfers?
6. The Maldives
Where: The Maldives is a chain of 1190 islands located southwest of Sri Lanka and India in the Indian Ocean.
Flying Time: Around a day +
Main draws: This is your classic, aspired-to honeymoon destination right? It’s known for its beauty and secluded luxury. We’ve all seen photos of that flawless blue water. It’s probably out of our price range right now, but maybe one day!
7. Koh Samui, Thailand
Where: It’s an island off the east coast of the Kra Isthmus, Thailand.
Flying Time: It’s around 12 hours to Bangkok from the UK + an additional 5 + hours of travel to Koh Samui.
Main draws: Taling Ngam, the Ang Thong National Marine Park, which is dotted with perfect islands (featured in Alex Garland’s novel, The Beach, although the movie was shot on Koh Phi Phi), the Big Buddha and the Wat Plai Laem temple.
photo credit: Tinker & Rove Ko Poda via photopin (license)
8. Langkawi, Malaysia
Where: It’s an archipelago of 104 islands in the Andaman Sea, some 30 km off the mainland coast of northwestern Malaysia
Flying Time: 16-20 hours depending on airline.
Main draws: Surreal beaches (Datai Bay, Pantai Cenang, and Tanjung Rhu), mangrove forests, the Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls? I’m in. The beaches are seriously supposed to be some of the best in the world, and I know that’s what Sam really wants out of a honeymoon.
9. Komodo Island
Where: Komodo island, part of the Lesser Sunda chain of Indonesian islands.
Flying time: 1 day +
Main draws: Home to the Komodo dragon. With the Komodo Island National Park who needs Jurassic Park?! Maybe I’ve just been watching too much “Planet Earth II”. But it’s also known for having some of the best diving and snorkelling on the planet.
10. Chaing Mai
Where: Northern Thailand
Flying time: around 14 hours.
Main draws: Whilst it’s far away from the beaches, the historical walled city, its temples and its relative isolation usually make it a travel “must visit”. Plus I really want to eat kao soi.
What would your honeymoon destination recommendations be?
***This post was in collaboration with a brand, but all opinions are solely my own.***
Share
The post Travel || Potential Honeymoon Destinations appeared first on Rhyme & Ribbons.