Our travel experts share the top honeymoon destinations couples are heading to in 2018 and give us the best honeymoon offers available at the moment, from glamorous cruises and a two-centre stay in Dubai and the Maldives to a South African safari and a week of adventure climbing Mount Kilimanjaro!
Cruises
Eastern Med Cruise
A cruise is a luxurious way to kick start married life and soak up lots of fabulous sights and coastlines along the way. Drift through the Mediterranean on the Rhapsody of the Seas and take in some delightful cities and ports – enjoy a Gondola ride in Venice, step back in time in Dubrovnik, marvelling at this ‘world heritage treasure’s’ ancient marble streets lined in stone palaces, drink in the dramatic landscape in Santorini and kick back in the sun or load up on culture in gorgeous Corfu, Crete and Athens.
The package, from Lisa Nahedh – Travel Counsellors; 11 nights, approx. €4,350 based on 2 passengers, (flights and accommodation included).
NYC & Caribbean Cruise
This fabulous cruise allows you to take in the bustling city of New York and combine it with some romance and relaxation as you cruise. This a glamorous way to start married life with 3 nights at the Wolcott in New York city where you can take in a show, shop up a storm or hit all the major attractions like Central Park and Times Square before unwinding on the luxurious Anthem of the Seas on your Bermuda and Caribbean cruise where you’ll get plenty of chances to relax, sip cocktails and bask in the beautiful scenery and stops along the way.
The package, from Lisa Nahedh – Travel Counsellors; 13 nights, approx. €5,250 based on 2 passengers (flights and accommodation included).
One Week Stay
Antigua
The Caribbean island of Antigua boasts one gorgeous white sand beach after the next with glistening turquoise waters (they say there’s 365 beaches – one for every day of the year). You’ll be based in the lush and luxurious 4* Verandah Resort & Spa which has incredible tropical views, 30 beachfront acres, amazing cuisine, an awesome activity menu and fun nightlife if you’re tempted. Or if you fancy sampling island life, you can enjoy a romantic cruise and take in the sights or toast your new hubby/wife at the Antigua Distillery.
The package, from Classic Resorts; 4* The Verandah Resort & Spa. 7 nights from €1,989 pp including tax (up to 50% Discount). Honeymooners receive Sparkling Wine and Fruit on Arrival. Plus 25% off spa treatments. Prices are based on 2 sharing in a Hillside Suite for 7 nights on All Inclusive for travel between 1st – 31st May 2-18. Flights are with BA via London. Subject to availability at time of booking. Book by 15th December. Quote ref 63431.
Mount Kilimanjaro
If you’re after an adventure of a lifetime for your honeymoon, this could be it! As the highest point in Africa, and the tallest freestanding mountain in the world, Mt Kilimanjaro is one of the continent’s most iconic landmarks. And if you’re up for the challenge you could take on the Machame Route (also known at the ‘Whiskey Route’) which offers incredible views of the Tanzanian countryside, and Kilimanjaro National Park. You’ll spend your first night in the Moshi Springlands Hotel before your momentous journey to the summit (you’ll come back here after the climb too for a welcome hot shower and warm bed!), and a honeymoon memory like no other.
Cavtat, Croatia
If you’re looking for some sunshine in a beautiful location, a week in Cavtat is the perfect retreat. Hotel Croatia Cavtat will be your luxurious base for the week with everything from volleyball, spa treats and water sports available should you fancy doing something other than relaxing. You can enjoy this quaint beach side town with its glistening waters by day and head to the charming and historic Old Town of Dubrovnik, where you can gaze at its architecture, or explore, shop or dine out as it’s only a short bus ride away.
The package, from Lisa Nahedh – Travel Counsellors; 7 nights, approx. €2,100 based on 2 passengers (flights and accommodation included).
Sorrento, Italy
Located on one of the most magnificent coastlines in Italy, Sorrento will take your breath away. You’ll be based in the beautiful Hilton Sorrento Palace Hotel, a handy 10 minute walk from the picturesque town centre and beach. You can drink in the stunning mountain and sea views from the comfort of your balcony or take a dip and marvel at the incredible views of Naples Bay from the hotel’s rooftop pool. Sorrento is of course close to attractions such as Capri, Positano and the culture of Pompeii, perfect day trips for making amazing memories or you could hire a car and take in the rest of the breathtaking Amalfi Coast!
The package, from Lisa Nahedh – Travel Counsellors; 7 nights, approx. €2,850 based on 2 passengers (flights and accommodation included).
Seychelles
This idyllic getaway in the Indian Ocean is renowned for its spectacular white sandy beaches, lush greenery and sun filled days. The fab 5-star Constance Lemuria Resort on the serene Seychelles island of Mahé is the perfect blend of nature and luxurious architecture and has all you need onsite for a memorable stay including a spa, fab restaurants and a stunning beach and surroundings. If you’re after activities, you’ve plenty of options from visiting the Giant Tortoise Farm on Praslin Island, home to the fascinating Aldabra tortoises, trying your hand at diving or snorkelling or if you fancy some pampering, enjoy a couples massage as you watch the sunset on the beach.
The package, from GoHop.ie; Seychelles island Escape. 7 nights from €1,469 per person including flights and accommodation at the 5-star Constance Lemuria Resort.
Tw0-Centre Holidays & Two Week Stays
Kenya Safari & Zanzibar Beach
Combine the adventure of a lifetime with some blissful lazy days on the beach with this awesome package. From the open plains of Masai Mara, the shimmery pink waters of Lake Nakuru and the swamps of Amboseli, this safari takes in three of the most picturesque regions in Kenya. It also provides the perfect opportunity to spot the Big-5 and to capture some diverse scenery. And of course, there’ll be plenty of time to kick back on the beach with a cocktail and toast married life as well.
The package, from Classic Resorts; 4* Kenya Classic Safari & 4* Dream of Zanzibar Resort. 13 nights Full Board/All Inclusive from €3,199pp pp including tax. Prices are based on 2 sharing a standard room on Full Board for 6 nights on Safari in Kenya and 7 nights All Inclusive in a Deluxe room in Zanzibar, travelling in May/June 2018. Kenya Classic Sopa Lodge Safari departs starts from Nairobi on Tuesdays & Thursdays. Flights from Dublin return. Subject to availability at time of booking. Quote Ref: 62783.
Thailand & Dubai
If you’re looking for a mix of culture, relaxation, romance and luxury, this package will tick all the boxes! Start your trip in bustling Bangkok where you can wander through markets and get your fill of temples before taking in the fascinating and historic Chiang Mai, followed by some relaxation on the stunning beaches of Phuket. You’ll be calling the 5 star Westin Siray Bay home for 5 nights once you hit Phuket but the luxury doesn’t end there – the last leg of your trip will take you to vibrant Dubai where you’ll take in the sights of the vast deserts and contrasting skyscrapers and enjoy 4 nights of indulgence at the 5-star Movenpick Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel.
Vegas & Cancun
If you like the idea of combining the glitz and glamour of Vegas with some luxury in the sun, this trip has it all. Start your honeymoon in Vegas where you’ll be spending 4 nights at the MGM Grand and can try your luck in the casinos, soak up the fun architecture, dine in amazing restaurants and party it up if you fancy before jetting off to the 5 star Secrets Capri Riviera in Cancun. Tucked away in seventy one acres of tropical, ocean facing acres on the romantic Riviera Maya, you can look forward to unlimited luxury, sumptuous accommodation and a world of gourmet dining in this tropical paradise.
The package, from Lisa Nahedh – Travel Counsellors; 14 nights, approx. €6,300 based on 2 passengers (flights and accommodation included).
Maldives & Dubai
If you’re looking for the ultimate in luxury in the most amazing surroundings teamed with some fun, lively nights in vibrant Dubai, this two-centre honeymoon is perfection! The Maldives is without a doubt one of the most popular honeymoon destinations for Irish couples – made up of hundreds of little islands, this Indian Ocean gem is like a little slice of paradise with its pristine crystal clear waters, exotic marine life, picture perfect beaches framed with palm trees as well as lots of luxurious touches and pampering. You can expect star treatment at the fab 4* Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort and more of the same at 4* Ramada Plaza Jumeirah Beach in Dubai.
The package, from Classic Resorts; 4* Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort & 4* Ramada Plaza Jumeirah Beach. 7 nights All Inclusive in a Deluxe Room & 3 nights BB in Superior Studio (10 nights from €2,245pp including taxes). Upgrade to a Deluxe Water Villa from €516pppw or upgrade to a Grand Beach Villa with Pool from €859pppw. Prices are based on 2 sharing for travel between 1st May –30th September 2018, flights from Dublin with Etihad Airways. Subject to availability at time of booking. Book 60 Days in advance. Quote Ref 61115.
New York & Dominican Republic
Combine the bright lights of New York City with the stunning white beaches of the Dominican Republic in this two-centre stay. You’ll get the chance to spend three nights in the Big Apple before jetting off to the Caribbean island of the Dominican Republic. Home to palm fringed white sandy beaches, bustling resorts and lush scenery, the 5-star Dreams Palm Beach Punta Cana is a haven for couples where you can enjoy everything from a couples treatment in the world-class spa to cocktails by the pool. If you fancy a day trip, Dominican Republic’s capital, Santo Domingo has the perfect mixture of historical architecture, Latin charm and vibrant nightlife while Samana Bay is great for humpback whale watching opportunities.
The package, from GoHop.ie; New York & Dominican Republic. 10 nights from €1,789 per person including flights and accommodation at the 4-star Westin New York Grand Central and 5-star Dreams Palm Beach Punta Cana.
