Top 10 honeymoon hotspots

Belmond Hotel Monasterio, Cusco, Peru

A 16th century monastery might seem like an unusual choice for a honeymoon, but one look at the Belmond Hotel Monasterio will change your mind. Even 400 years later, it draws you in with its brick walls and lit arches, and to top that, it’s set smack in the middle of the historic centre, with the Inca museum and Cusco Cathedral a short walk away.

Tip: Tour the San Pedro market with the hotel’s chef, and return for a two-hour, hands-on cooking class. The bartender will also make you a cocktail to complement your day’s buys.

Belmond.com/hotel-monasterio-cusco

Ellerman House, Cape Town, South Africa

Formerly the private residence of nobility, Ellerman House is your window to Cape Town. With its postcard-perfect view of the ocean, mornings are best spent in your balcony, enjoying a calming cup of tea to the sound of the waves. Despite offering a feeling of seclusion, it’s only 10 minutes away from the city centre — the best of both worlds.

ELLE Loves: Their 7,500 sq ft villa with its private art collection, spa room and infinity pool is definitely worth it.

Ellerman.co.za

Evason Ma’in Hot Springs, Sowayma, Jordan

If there’s anything you’re going to need after all the festivities, it’s a little bit (okay, a lot) of R&R. Treat yourself to the Evason Ma’in Hot Springs, a hotel that’s been carved into a mountain with a spa that lies directly below a natural hot spring waterfall, which flows into the outdoor pool.

ELLE Loves: The Hammam Ma’in Signature Journey spa treatment is our pick from the spa menu. With its mineral-rich waters, Dead Sea salts, a mud wrap and henna flower oil, it’s an experience that’s getting us to relax even as we write about it. 

Sixsenses.com/evason-resorts/ma-in/destination

Çırağan Palace, Istanbul, Turkey

Originally an Ottoman castle, the Çırağan Palace was taken over by the Kempinski brand and now boasts all the trimmings of a luxury resort. It sits grandly on the shores of the Bosphorus, housing balconied suites, four restaurants, a heated infinity pool, a spa and a shopping centre.

Tip: Want to splurge? Get the Sultan’s Suite. There’s a master bedroom, a 12-seater dining area, a living room, a lounge area, a kitchen, a bathroom with a handmade marble hammam, and a private steam room.

Kempinski.com/en/istanbul/ciragan-palace/welcome

Dhara Dhevi, Chiang Mai, Thailand

This hotel draws from Thailand’s heritage with its colonial mansions and palace-like villas. Surrounded by manicured tropical gardens, the property sits on one of the highest mountains in Thailand, with pretty views of lush paddy fields.

ELLE Loves: The Arts and Crafts Village on the property offers regular classes in basket-making, bamboo-weaving, rice-pounding and traditional flower arrangements, making for a fun afternoon activity with your partner. 

Dharadhevi.com

Villa Katikies, Oia-Santorini, Greece

If your idea of a honeymoon is bumming around on the beach, we’ve found a sweet spot for you. Head to Santorini and check yourself into the Katikies Hotel. Perched on the side of a cliff (affording unmissable sunsets!), the honeymoon suite comes with a private sun deck and outdoor Jacuzzi. Make sure you check out the neighbouring Perissa Beach and the black pebble beach of Kamari.

Tip: Indulge in the hotel’s signature wine-tasting experience as you take in the stark white-and-azure landscape from the pool bar.

Katikies.com

The Oberoi Vanyavilas, Ranthambhore, India

If you’re one of those couples who like to plan trips around an activity, check into The Oberoi Vanyavilas in Ranthambhore. Things are bound to get a bit wild (we’re talking about the safari) as you explore the surrounding jungle in search of the elusive tiger.

ELLE Loves: The hotel can set up bonfires in the mango orchards to warm you up on chilly winter nights.

Oberoihotels.com/oberoi_vanyavilas

Le Meurice, Paris, France

Yes, Paris is a honeymoon cliché, but it’s every bit as special as promised. Stay at Le Meurice, a hotel that will transport you back in time with its palatial façade and Louis XVI-style décor.

ELLE Loves: Inspired by the Salon de la Paix at the Château de Versailles, the in-house restaurant is replete with antique mirrors, crystal chandeliers and frescoed walls. And the food — overseen by multiple-Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse — is nothing short of exquisite. 

Dorchestercollection.com/en/paris/le-meurice

The Cambrian, Adelboden, Switzerland

Could there be a list of honeymoon destinations without Switzerland in the mix? The Cambrian in Adelboden has everything you’d expect from the cheese and chocolate capital. Nestled in the Swiss Alps, this beautiful resort boasts an outdoor pool overlooking snow-capped slopes — perfect to relax in after a day of skiing.

Tip: Take a break from snow sports; the hotel offers bikes on rent to explore the mountains. They’ll even pack a picnic basket for you.

Thecambrianadelboden.com