A gourmet of travel delights from a sightseeing pro. With thousands of miles of expedition experience, we are excited that personal travel advisor Katherine Watson shares her favourite honeymoon getaway destinations.
Navigating romance in Venice
It's nigh-on impossible not to be charmed by Venice – I adore the quaint canals where gondolas glide by day and night, the cobbled squares where violinists play as the sun sets, the labyrinth of streets bursting with colourful shops and tasty gelaterias. Cliched it may sound, but Venice is romantic to the very core and couples in love can't get enough of it.
In just over 2 hours you can find yourself on a speedboat entering the Venice waterways James Bond style! Stay at the Hotel Danieli one of the five-star luxury hotels which were featured in 'The Tourist' with Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie. You can even book one of the suites where they filmed!
There is a never a bad time to visit Venice, it's open all year round even if you visit during the winter it is still worth making your way over to the Hilton Molino Stucky Hotel with it's beautiful Skyline Rooftop Bar, grab a cocktail and sit hand in hand whilst soaking up the most romantic city on earth.
My newly wedded clients Sarah and Tom said, "Wow Venice was so beautiful arriving on a speedboat was my personal highlight."
Romancing in the ancient city of Italia's treasured Venezia is just under 2 hours flying time from London Gatwick.
A sensuous Santorini adventure
Take the flight from the UK to the island South Aegean island of Santorini, and in under 4 hours you are presented with pretty whitewashed towns and world-famous sunsets. This sets the scene for your honeymoon, but that's just the start of this Greek islands charm.
Whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches and never-ending vineyards, Santorini is traditional Greece at its best. Thira – the capital is a popular place to stay as is Perissa and Kamari where you can relax on the volcanic sandy beaches. Or catch the sunset from one of Oia's cliff-top tavernas.
If it's luxurious boutique hotels that you're after try The Santorini Secret Suites and Spa which is a member of The Small Luxury Hotels of the World!
Santorini offers direct flights between May and October, July and August being the hottest months average high's hitting 30 degrees.
The Kardashians loved this island for its sheer beauty during their vacation here and I have to agree.
Carl and Nikki said, "We didn't realise what fantastic scenery Santorini had to offer, definitely don't miss the cable car ride!"
Pictured below is the village of Oia, with its distinguished blue domed roofs.
The magical Maldives
Even as a lone traveller it's easy to feel romantic in the jewel of the Indian Ocean – that is the Maldives. I just loved kicking back, reading my novel on the secluded sandy beaches. The overwater villas and intimate private islands surrounded by crystal-clear ocean provide the most dreamy setting for loved-up couples on this idyllic archipelago. Honeymooners flock here thanks to an array of tranquil, adult-only retreats, while the watersports attract the more adventurous couples.
Although the Maldives are an all year round destination the best time to visit is between November – April. British Airways offer direct flights several days a week during the peak season otherwise Emirates offer daily flights via Dubai all year round.
Stay at the Conrad Rangali Island and experience the best underwater restaurant in the world or join Liv Tyler, Guy Richie, Gordon Ramsay and the Beckhams on their favourite island – Soneva Fushi Resort!
I love the fact that you can tie the peace and tranquillity of the Maldives in with a tour of Sri Lanka or a city stop in Dubai.
Please... don't just take my word for it my clients Jon and Kim said: "The Maldives has been on my wishlist forever, it did not disappoint". The ultimate long-haul magical honeymoon destination.
A dreamy honeymoon cruise
Crystal Cruises have been voted 'World's Best' more than any other cruise line, hotel or resort in history!
Back by popular demand Crystal Esprit returns to Seychelles in February 2020 perfect for honeymoon couples. In addition to the all-inclusive yachting adventure and her week-long voyage around Seychelles, the Crystal Esprit will offer 13 unique itineraries throughout the Dalmatian Coast and Greek islands as well as an Arabian Nights Collection with voyages to the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Jordan and the Holy Land.
Travelling with up to 62 guests in just 31 butler-serviced suites, the elegantly carefree Crystal Yachting Lifestyle enjoyed aboard the award-winning Crystal Esprit is ideally suited to those wanting to explore these fascinating destinations by yacht. Just unpack once and visit a whole host of ports, it really is a special holiday.
Cruising aboard the Crystal Esprit is a real treat for the discerning traveller, perfect for honeymooning couples. Pictured is Doha West Bay view from Sheraton Park, Doha, Qatar under an Arabian night sky.
The ultimate in cool, Iceland
Iceland is becoming more and more popular every year as couples want to cooler experience something to remember on their holiday of a lifetime. I experienced my first snowmobiling. There is so much to do against the backdrop of bubbling lagoons, geothermal pools and exploding geysers. You can try glacier hiking, caving, diving, whale watching and even northern lights hunting. That's just the tip of the iceberg, excuse the pun, with everything from quad biking to horse riding elsewhere in the country.
The recently opened Silica Hotel at the Blue Lagoon is a great place to stay. You can book a night at the famous Ice Hotel and cuddle up on a bed of reindeer hides!
I took the opportunity to experience the summertime self-drive trip around the Southern part of Iceland staying at Grimsborgir in Selfoss, with its generously longer days and warmer weather. And whilst visiting this part of the planet you have to experience Reykjavik in the winter with a chance of seeing the northern lights!
I would advise anyone who is a Game of Thrones fan to take the tour and visit the numerous filming locations in Iceland – they are beautiful.
Sean and Paula said, "Thank you, Katherine, for arranging such a memorable itinerary around Iceland, not being 'beach people' it was perfect for us".
The Freedom Travel Group offers you a personal service with the expertise and flexibility to explore different travel options. Call Katherine on +44(0)1329 238677 or email katherine.watson@freedompta.co.uk
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