By Josephine Matyas
There are as many different honeymoon styles as there are destinations. Casual and laidback (think dude ranch getaway or barefoot beachwalks at sunset), or formal, with all the bells and whistles – hundreds of high-end properties would fit the bill quite nicely.
With so many different getaway styles possible, we’ve opted to zero in on just a sampler, full of ideas to make any honeymoon a success.
Brides Love Florida!
The sparkling beauty of The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel has all the ingredients for the perfect romantic honeymoon getaway. Spectacular sunsets and white sand beaches stretch as far as the eye can see. The unspoiled natural beauty of the beaches makes Fort Myers and Sanibel the ultimate honeymoon retreat.
Situated on a small private island on the southern end of Fort Myers beach is Lovers Key Resort. Picturesque views from the property offer guests many opportunities to see wildlife in their natural habitat all while relaxing on the room’s private balcony. loverskey.com
Adjacent to the resort is Lovers Key State Park, which has been acclaimed as “Florida’s most romantic beach” and wedding location. In town, newlyweds can stroll through the northern end of Fort Myers Beach and visit romantic shops, restaurants and entertainment district “Times Square” next to the Fort Myers Pier.
The romance continues on a sunset dinner cruise aboard the 30-metre luxury yacht Sanibel Harbour Princess, at Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa. The resort features a world-class spa, water sports, six restaurants and three pools. www.sanibel-resort.com
Special honeymoon packages may be found at www.fortmyers-sanibel.com
Arizona’s Desert Skies Sparkle With Romance
The stillness and beauty of the unique Arizona Sonoran Desert create the air of romance, making it the perfect spot for a unique destination wedding or an indulgent honeymoon.
In the south part of the state, Tucson offers romantic settings to fit every style.
The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, 30-minutes from Tucson, is a luxury property in a breathtaking mountain setting. This newer hotel features a destination spa, Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf, relaxed dining and a menu of adventure options for the active couple (including over 30-kilometres of hiking and biking trails). Wood-burning fire pits are the perfect spots for an evening break to take in the night skies or to watch the sun come up over the mountains. www.ritzcarlton.com
At the Miraval luxury spa resort, the Couple’s Celebration package including casita-style accommodation, all meals, champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries, unlimited participation in daily fitness and health programs (including yoga, fitness and lectures), cooking demonstrations and a host of additional outdoor adventure and challenge activities. www.miravalresorts.com
Wellness and relaxation may be just what the “Honeymoon Doctor” ordered. Canyon Ranch health resort offers a full menu of spa treatments (including couples massage treatments) as well as lifestyle and health programs on topics like communication, life transitions, intimacy and passion. Just what the doctor ordered to get a special union off to a great start! www.canyonranch.com
With more than 300 days of sunshine a year – the Phoenix/Scottsdale region is an easy honeymoon destination to sell.
At the posh Arizona Biltmore – one of Arizona’s first luxury resorts – a honeymoon getaway can include spa, eight swimming pools, seven tennis courts and two 18-hole championship golf courses. The historic property has been a honeymoon destination favourite for the celebrity set for years. www.arizonabiltmore.com
Set against the panoramic slopes of Camelback Mountain, Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa is the ideal setting for an Arizona luxury honeymoon. The boutique property is home to four swimming pools, five tennis courts and hiking and biking on the trails of Camelback Mountain. The resort’s Asian-inspired Sanctuary Spa offers treatments in indoor and outdoor settings, a meditation garden, movement studio and fitness centre. Plus, Scottsdale’s world-class golf, shops, galleries and entertainment are just minutes away. www.sanctuaryoncamelback.com
At sunset, the red rocks of Sedona glow a spectacular crimson – they’re renowned as an inspiration for mind, body and spirit. Nature lovers can explore the enormous boulders and hiking trails at Red Rock State Park.
The casitas, suites and haciendas of Sedona’s Enchantment Resort spell romance – fireplaces, soaking tubs, private patios and kitchenettes are some of the features that create an intimate setting for the perfect honeymoon. The Suite Romance Package includes two nights accommodation, spa treatments at the world-class Mii amo Spa, one-night’s dinner with wine or champagne. www.enchantmentresort.com