I recently featured an article about winter honeymoon ideas. Due to the current pandemic situation, many brides and grooms-to-be had to postpone their wedding and shift it to a ‘safer date’ in Autumn/Winter or perhaps even next Summer? There is so much to wait for!
Far away destinations, such as Thailand and Maldives, are undoubtedly a great honeymoon idea but there are also some European countries that would be the most suitable option for many of you.
Our amazing continent offers a lot!
Today, I feature the list of my Top 10 European picks from Greece, Italy and Spain. Why those 3? To be honest, I travelled a lot through Tuscany as well as the Cyclades and Andalusia so I can ensure you all of the hotels I introduce today are carefully selected and I can really really recommend them without a single doubt (might be quite a lot of Tuscany here, I am sorry…). After all, honeymooners looking for a piece of heaven, aren’t they.
I enjoyed making the list, it reminded me how much I miss travelling and that there is a lot to look forward to!
So…..
Marbella Club Hotel, Spain
I have fallen in love with Marbella, especially with its great vibe, exotic greenery and the fact it was 24 degrees in March! This little paradise would make a perfect wedding destination… all year round!
Marbella is a town and resort area on southern Spain’s Costa del Sol, part of the Andalusia region. It is located between Malaga and Gibraltar.
Marbella Club is often described as a paradise on Earth, and I definitely agree with such a statement. This 5-Star resort represents luxury and great taste. The resort itself is a huge place and it takes a day to get familiar with all the facilities – and those are many. There are 3 restaurants at the resort, each of them serves mouth-watering seafood, such as Spanish specialities and exclusive food, such as lobster. My personal favourite was the Beach Club Restaurant ( I recommend the octopus salad). Apart from the standard rooms and suites, the guests could rent a luxury Andalusian style boho villa. There are 14 villas across the whole venue but my personal favourite one is the one called Casabel. Boho interior, spacious living room and a lovely swimming pool make it really charming, and the laid-back mood makes you feel like you are on an endless vacation. There is also the BEL AIR – a tropical hideaway villa discreetly settled within the mature gardens of the resort. To me, it looks like small Indonesia in the heart of Marbella.
Aqua Luxury Suites, Santorini Greece
Santorini will never get overrated or boring. This island is a perfect honeymoon destination! And I know a place with a private infinity pool option 🙂
‘A fairytale come true in Santorini, in the most romantic setting of the world for holding your wedding and enjoying a fabulous honeymoon! Organize your dreamy wedding with the active contribution of Aqua Luxury Suites and our team of professionals. We will make sure to offer the most suitable suggestions, which allow you to bring the most idyllic fantasies to life. From the wedding menu to the details of the ceremony, the décor and the wedding dress, the photographer and the music, we help you schedule everything according to your dreams. Organize a romantic wedding ceremony and a fabulous wedding reception tailored to your personalized needs and your taste, shaping memories that will last for a lifetime. Celebrate your love with family and friends, offering them a unique journey to Santorini and luxury accommodation to Aqua Luxury Suites.
After the wedding, relax and enjoy a marvellous honeymoon full of passion and indulgence. Aqua Luxury Suites will allow you to feel pampered and revitalized. Book the honeymoon suite and admire the world-renowned sunset, the abundant sunlight and the sheer privacy and serenity. Cave in the most soothing massage sessions, sip on chilled champagne and taste fresh scarlet strawberries. Just the perfect way to start your life together, as newly-weds!’
Aegialis Hotel and SPA, Amorgos, Greece
Amorgos is such a stunning island! It is so peaceful and quiet yet so many things to do! Aegialis Hotel and SPA is the largest and the only 5-star hotel in Amorgos, known worldwide as the perfect yoga retreat! It was described by some of the most prestigious magazines, such as Forbes and Brides Abroad.
The hotel is a perfect combo of a luxury (not the strick tie and high heels luxury but a laid-back elegance), a typical Cyclades charm and an idyllic namaste vibe (my friend Pol would love it!). The swimming pool overlooking Aegialis bay is definitely a highlight, too. More info under this link.
Another very important thing I really have to include in this article is the impression of their staff. My sister and I both spoke to members of staff and we both agreed… we have never met better-bonded people. Every single person who works there really loves the place. You can tell they get on well with each other and with the guests.
Castel Monastero, Italy
Now…. Tuscany, my obsession. Castel Monastero is a definition of Tuscany. It is located in a peaceful setting of hills of the Chianti region. I remember we got there very late but the first impression was… jaw-dropping. The room number 108 left us speechless! I travel a lot and stay in some really amazing 5-star hotels but the rooms have rarely such a high standard! This place is truly unique and exclusive! Their food and wine is 10/10!
Il Melograno, Italy
Puglia is my second favourite region of Italy. This fabulous resort is located a stone’s throw from Monopoli, a city known for being a fishermen’s town, and only around 15/20 minutes driving from Citta dei Trulli (funny Hobbiton-like houses). Thanks to its strategic location, Il Melograno is very easy to reach. It took us only about 40 minutes driving from Bari airport.
As for the resort, I would describe as very peaceful, chic and luxurious. By luxurious I don’t mean ‘strict with rules’ but more of a … historic luxury. The interior is really wonderful, the rooms are very spacious and we loved the massive SPA. There are also two pools, one by the citrus grove another in the wellness centre. The food at Mùmmulo Ristorante was mouthwatering, especially the truffle starter. I am sure the wedding menu is equally amazing.
Full article about a honeymoon or a destination wedding options in Puglia HERE.
Hotel Can Mostatxins, Mallorca Spain
Mallorca! Of course, it is honeymoon-perfect. And instead of heading to lively Palma de Mallorca, I would recommend staying at Hotel Can Mostatxins. This magnificent property dates back to the late 15th century. It is a transformation from a typical Mallorcan manor house to a designer high standard property. It is a real ‘catch’ for the ones admiring the architecture, as the original Gothic features are kept in perfect condition.
My favourite feature of the hotel is the swimming pool area. It is a charming patio with an open roof, but with quite a lot of shadow. It is located in the basement, which allows you to chill-out even in the scorcher. One thing that has to be said – the staff is very caring and very friendly. Your honeymoon would really be something special! Privacy guaranteed!
Mr and Mrs White, Paros Greece
Paros is my favourite Cycladic island. Really! Not only charming but also less crowded than Santorini and Mykonos. We were staying at one of Mr and Mrs White properties – San Antonio Hotel Piso Livadi. It is more of a summer house, not 100% luxurious but 100% Greek. We loved the atmosphere, delicious breakfast as well as the laid-back interior. It felt like someone has just transported you to the ’60s but in a very good way. I especially loved the homey feel, the little balcony with the view as well as the location of Piso Livadi. Another great one is a sister-property 5***** Mr and Mrs White hotel located only 20 minutes by taxi. I would actually recommend to try both places.
Castello Banfi, Italy
We drove only about 20 minutes from Montalcino when we saw it – the magnificent medieval castle on the hill. I have so much to say about Banfi – not only about the hotel but about the experience as a ‘whole’. This place is really jaw-dropping and the family history behind it encourages to choose Castello Banfi Il Borgo as your wedding location.
Castello Banfi Il Borgo is the whole complex: Castello Bandi -the historic fortress, Boutique Hotel Il Borgo, La Sala dei Grappoli Restaurant, La Taverna Restaurant and Enoteca.
The boutique hotel, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, has 14 rooms and suites but there are loads of accommodation options in the area. We were sleeping in a farmhouse ( 2 minutes drive from the main castle) and we adored it. It was an amazing Tuscan experience – I bet equally nice as one of the suites at the castle as the owners are truly fond of the unique experience.
This place is simply DESIGNED for a honeymoon.
More about this Tuscan paradise, perect for a honeymoon or a wedding under this link.
Ramada Plaza Thraki, Greece
I feel like Thraki is so underestimated! Ramada Plaza Thraki a 5star hotel operated by Wyndham. It is located just 4 km from Alexandroupolis. As for the ***** standard, the hotel has it all. From a luxurious SPA to several swimming pools, restaurant, pool bar, suites and about 150 spacious rooms. With its strategic location just outside the city, it makes a perfect destination for honeymooners! Not crowded at all! Thraki in general offers so much! Here is the whole article about this amazing piece of land!
Relais Villa San Martino, Italy
Another fabulous hidden gem from amazing Puglia – my number 1 European discovery of 2019! The villa is actually a 5**** star hotel, only around 10 minutes away from Martina Franca city centre. This elegant SPA Hotel is surrounded by a spectacular park with amazing greenery. Such a fabulous place for a honeymoon!
So. I hope I managed to inspire some of you and give you an idea of what sort of venues you might want to pick. Happy planning!
