To the surprise of no one, surviving a wedding is hard work. Next up is the honeymoon, and somehow you’re supposed to plan a full-fledged adventure for two? After all that emotional and physical hustle, chances are your spirit animal is a sloth. Embrace it by heading to a resort or hotel where the accommodation doubles at the destination. It’s the ultimate case of working smarter, not harder. And (bonus!) it usually comes with an array of drink options. To help lighten your workload further, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite places for honeymoon bliss whether your goal is to get up close and personal with nature, with food, or just with each other in a really amazing room. Read on, and then relax.
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Fireside Resort: Jackson Hole, WY
What’s more romantic than cuddling by the campfire? Fireside Resort can help you out there. Whether your honeymoon dreams skew rustic or modern, max or micro, they’ve got housing for every mood and desire. Likewise, there’s a generous slate of outdoorsy activities waiting for you, whether your idea of working up a sweat includes biking, fishing, or hot tub lounging.
Fairmont Mayakoba: Riviera Maya, Mexico
So, you crave Cancun, but not the Señor Frog scene? Fair enough. Head one city over to Riviera Maya. Fairmont Mayakoba in Playa del Carmen is big enough that they offer complimentary bikes and golf cart rides—which means, tipsy or not, you can opt out of interacting with your fellow human. (The resort’s resident lizards, coatis and monkeys are a different matter.) Consider hitting a hole—or 18—in one on the internationally recognized El Camaleon Golf course, otherwise, stick to the theme of not doing anything at all by parking it for the day on their private beach (with drink service, of course). If that doesn’t cure what ails you, there’s always Mayan-inspired his-and-her chocolate massages.
Chinzanso: Tokyo, Japan
Maybe you picked Tokyo because you enjoy big-city hustle—which is cool. But Chinzanso, in all its elaborate garden glory (complete with a three-story pagoda, because Japan), acts as a much-needed buffer from the rest of the world. Without leaving the property, you can indulge in the best of Japanese culture by sampling matcha/red bean sweets from the bakery, eating at one of their nine restaurants, soaking at an on-site onsen, or strolling the expansive property, where some of the most famous poets in the country once stood. (Bonus: Surprise your partner with flowers and champagne sent directly to the room—as a regular wedding and honeymoon spot, they’re more than prepared for special requests!)
The Conrad: Island Rangali, Maldives
To the surprise of none, the Maldives, with all its signifiers of a tropical paradise, is a popular honeymoon spot. But if you’re going for the whole seclusion thing, and already dropping a fair chunk of change, why not take it one step further and book a hotel where the only life you’re likely to see is marine? In addition to all the romantic trimmings—yes you can wine, dine and splash till your heart’s content—The Conrad offers an underwater suite where you can literally sleep with the fishes. But if letting it all hang out next to Ariel and her friends feels a bit too revealing (or at $50,000 is a bit too rich for your wallet—although it does come with a personal chef and private boat!) there’s also classic, above water huts for your sun and surf enjoyment.
Northern Lights Resort & Spa: Whitehorse, Canada
You’re never going to get any guarantees when it comes to Northern Lights spotting, but the Northern Lights Resort & Spa’s remote, Yukon location gives you a great shot at catching the illusive aurora borealis. Cuddle up in one of their glass chalets, designed for optimum viewing or, if you’re brave and extremely warm-blooded, bundle up, hike out and see them in the wild.
Travaasa Hana: Maui, Hawaii
Another high on the list of honeymoon no-brainers is Hawaii. Avoid the tourist glut by heading to Travaasa Hana on Maui, which prides itself on its secluded environment. (And otherworldly, black lava beaches.) They’re so dedicated to seclusion that their well-appointed rooms come without TVs or radios. Instead, go horseback riding, biking or play tennis. You can also splurge on a bottle of wine with dinner, or try one of their many spa treatments.
QT Gold Coast: Gold Coast, Australia
Sydney may steal all the Aussie hype—but if you’re going Down Under strictly for the relaxation factor, head to the Gold Coast, a sprawling beach region just south of Brisbane. And there’s few places you’ll find in the city that are straight-up cool as QT. Slather on the SPF, pop on the sunnies, and enjoy the view from the pool or from the balcony of a retro-fab room that looks like it’s one sweater-set away from a Mrs. Maisel episode. Activities here are blessedly low-key and minimal, so after you’ve made in-room lemonade (not a euphemism), grabbed high tea at their equally funky café, poked through their shop featuring local artisans, and consumed a gut-busting meal at their marketplace eatery (warning: your only honeymoon regret will be overeating), you’re free to just be.
Ventana Big Sur: Big Sur, CA
Glamping or posh hotel? Why not both? Ventana offers multiple ways for couples to enjoy California’s most beautiful old-growth forest, whether that means viewing it from your private balcony—or sleeping in the middle of it. In case the stunning nature doesn’t help rediscover your zen, Ventana also offers tai chi classes and guided meditation (in addition to photography classes, guided hikes and astrology readings.) Host your ultra-romantic wedding here (no one under 18 allowed), or use it as your personal decompression chamber—this is the ultimate “Why not both?” location.
Harbor View Hotel: Edgartown, Martha’s Vineyard
Martha’s Vineyard—for when you want to get away…and then go a little further. Harbor View Hotel, Edgartown’s historic hotel, has just undergone a major renovation, granting their historic building and surrounding cottages an extra level of modern comfort. Spend a day in your robes (everyone knows hotel robes are the best), made possible by high-end room service. Or emerge to walk hand-in-hand along Massachusetts’ most stunning coastlines.
Madonna Inn: San Luis Obispo, CA
Meet the Dolly Parton of honeymoon getaways, a trussed-up, kitschy but glam, vision in pink. Each one of Madonna‘s 110 rooms are uniquely decorated. (And you can pick your room in advance!) The word they use is “fantasy,” but generally the running theme is extra, as you’re likely to encounter everything from waterfall showers, to cave rocks and glitter. (Need proof of the inn’s star factor? Grimes shot a music video here.) Lean into the theme by having a steak and martini in their cupcake of a dining room, shop for ridiculous kitchenware in their gift shop, then relax by their David Hockney-worthy pool. The Madonna Inn is smack in the middle of Central Coast wine country, but you’ll have to leave the resort to even notice.
Laura Studarus
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