Looking for something more inspired than your typical beach-side honeymoon?
Travel experts Mr & Mrs Smith have handpicked some of the world’s most remarkable escapes that guarantee an unforgettable trip for happy couples. From walking in the footsteps of Hollywood legends in Palm Springs to spying elephants, leopards and giraffes from a private safari lodge in South Africa, here are five honeymoon retreats that take luxury to another level…
L’Horizon Resort & Spa – Palm Springs, United States
With the right balance of Hollywood glitz and understated glamour, L’Horizon Resort & Spa retains its retro cool in light of completely modernised gadgetry and postcard-worthy luxe touches. Built by television and movie mogul Jack Wrather and revamped by designer Steve Hermann, these stylish mid-century bungalows were once home to the likes of Richard Nixon and Marilyn Monroe. So rest assured, time hasn’t dulled this stay’s Tinseltown appeal – you’ll find the pool is set for posing and staff treat every guest like a VIP.
Smith Extra: $25 a day towards food and beverages; GoldSmiths get an extra room upgrade and cheese platter on arrival
Gaia Riverlodge – Belize
Hidden deep in Belize’s rainforest and surrounded by untouched waterfalls, wild jaguars and tropical fruit trees, Gaia Riverlodge hotel seems to have sprung from nature, in all its eco-luxury. Your swimming pool? The riverside beach and its natural freshwater pools. Your nightly entertainment? The sounds of tropical wildlife as you dine romantically on fresh ingredients from the organic garden. Your love nest? A palapa-roofed bungalow with gasp-inducing treetop views.
Smith Extra: Daily full American breakfas
Casa Bonita – Dominican Republic
Yes it overlooks the sea on the Dominican Republic’s rugged and jungle-covered coast, but this is not your typical beachside stay. Once a family estate, Casa Bonita has been transformed into an eco-conscious, thatch-roofed paradise specialising in complete tropical luxury. Views of the Caribbean Sea and the Sierra Barahuco Mountains are spectacular from your private balcony or from your bed, but it’s your vantage over the forest-clad slopes from the infinity pool that blows honeymooners’ minds.
Smith Extra: Hour-and-45-minute guided canopy zipline tour for two
Hotel La Semilla – Riviera Maya, Mexico
Hotel La Semilla is a whitewashed hideaway of tropical plants and Mexican vintage finds. Prepare to get lost in the eccentric hammock-filled garden, stare for hours out to sea on the rooftop terrace (perfect for a sundown cocktail), and discover curios culled from Mexico’s top flea markets in every room. There’s no pool, but the calm, warm waters of Calle 38 beach are just a two-minute walk away. The hotel even has beach kits prepared for newlyweds so they can frolic the day away on the sand.
Smith Extra: A bottle of wine, Silver and GoldSmiths also get a handcrafted gift
Royal Malewane – Kruger National Park, South Africa
Enter a 24-hour safari at Royal Malewane hotel, where huge windows overlook the wilderness of Kruger National Park in South Africa. This boutique lodge has touches of luxury surrounded by pristine nature – including a private watering-hole frequented by local giraffes – meaning you’re in the right place for adventures into lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo territory. Expect colonial-style rooms with four-poster beds, open fireplaces (maintained nightly) and decadently oversized bathtubs for couples’ soaks after days out in the park.
Smith Extra: 10 per cent off spa treatments, early check-in or late check-out (subject to availability), 15 per cent off in the curio shop, and members can choose one of the following: a 30-minute photography lesson or a local pre-school tour
With Mr & Mrs Smith you’ll enjoy our best-price guarantee, as well as a little something extra on arrival at every hotel. To book, call toll free at 800 905 326 or visit mrandmrssmith.com.