Travel experts Mr & Mrs Smith compiles a list of luxury hotels that could mark the beginning, middle or end to the ultimate honeymoon road trip.
What could be more romantic after your wedding day than putting the roof down, feeling the wind in your hair, and setting off on your honeymoon through some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in the world? Here, travel experts Mr & Mrs Smith have compiled a list of luxury hotels that could mark the beginning, middle or end to the ultimate honeymoon road trip, whether it’s through California Wine Country, over Corsican hillsides or along Italy’s iconic Amalfi Coast.
Carneros Resort and Spa – California Wine Country, United States
Inspired by the tin-roofed barns, silos and rancher’s cottages dotted throughout the Napa Valley, Carneros Resort and Spa is a bold expression of an ultra-modern ‘agri-chic’ aesthetic that marries old-school decked porches, cowhide rugs and rocking chairs to Le Corbusier chaises and a colour scheme Giorgio Armani would be proud of. Stopping here on a honeymoon tour of Napa Valley farms and vineyards is a must, if only to dip in the adults-only heated outdoor pool – the poolside view of rolling countryside is worth the journey alone.
Smith Extra: Two VIP tasting passes to local vineyards
Maison La Minervetta – Amalfi Coast, Italy
Maison La Minervetta clings to Sorrento’s upper cliffs, offering spectacular views of the Bay of Naples – especially from its pool and sun terrace. From here take a drive to Positano, whose famous winding roadway could be the setting for a James Bond-style car chase. Back at the hotel, retire to your sea-facing room with floor-to-ceiling windows that let those swoon-inducing panoramas in. Come morning, you’ll be treated to a homely Mediterranean brunch, and for more indulgent celebrations, honeymooners might dine at Michelin-starred Il Buco (on Il Rampa Marina Piccola), one of many legendary Sorrento restaurants.
Smith Extra: A bottle of prosecco on arrival for BlackSmith members; a glass of limoncello on arrival for SilverSmith and GoldSmith members
U Capu Biancu – Corsica, France
Exploring Corsica by car is one of Europe’s finest pleasures. And in the far south of the island you’ll find U Capu Biancu, whose sunny shores make for a perfect beach-based honeymoon. Alternate between the hotel’s two private beaches and explore the coast by paddleboarding or canoeing around the cove. With your appetite whet, enjoy a romantic dinner by the sea at laidback La Paillote, serving sumptuous Corsican cuisine. When you’re ready, set out on wheels to explore the maquis-covered mountains and a coastline dotted with some of the world’s most exclusive luxury yachts.
Smith Extra: A bottle of Corsican wine; guests staying five nights or more also get an apéritif at the hotel bar
Martinhal Sagres – Algarve, Portugal
Martinhal Sagres is a beach resort that takes the concept of barefoot luxury very much to heart. This is a glass-enhanced hideaway with a national park for neighbours, and a glorious beach perfect for romance-making honeymooners. Stay active on the tennis courts, in one of four swimming pools… or do the opposite with some pampering at the Voya-stocked spa. The hilly, winding roads along the Costa Vicentina are as fun to drive along as they are charming, and lead to bustling nights out in Lagos and the terracotta-tiled port town of Sagres.
Smith Extra: A glass of Portuguese sparkling wine for each adult and one mocktail for each child, plus a 10 per cent discount on one massage
Borgo Santo Pietro – Tuscany, Italy
Borgo Santo Pietro is all about the Italian way of life: refined furnishings in a restored 13th-century period property; gorgeous grounds punctuated by cypress trees and stone fountains; fabulous food and wine at Meo Modo restaurant and a warm family welcome. Honeymooners will love the lavish Santo Pietro Suite, where French doors open onto a wide private balcony, and there’s a Roman steam bath and shower as well as a rolltop tub in the ensuite bathroom. Explore the coastal plain, spa towns, and beautiful beaches of Maremma, all within an hour’s drive of Palazzetto, or take a spin through the vineyards of Chianti.
Smith Extra: A bottle of spumante classic method from a vineyard in Trentino; and guests’ choice of an assortment of hand-made chocolates made by the in-house pastry chef Diego Poli, or a selection of canapés by celebrated chef Andrea Mattei, in your room on arrival
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.