Mr. R and I are deep into planning our wedding (less than 3 months!), and the stress of napkins and tables and shuttle buses has driven us to divert our attention to more serene matters: our honeymoon. While I know that the honeymoon is not as important as the wedding, I would argue that spending a few weeks alone together just as you start your life together as one solid team is an important way to build memories and set the tone of your marriage.
And who doesn’t want to set the tone of their marriage with skies and seas of blue, serenity, internal reflection and amazing food? I know that’s what I want. That’s why I have put together a list of 5 of my dream beach honeymoon vacation spots, that are jam packed with culture, delicious cuisine and blissful views of Surf and Sand. 4 of them I have been to, so I am also sharing my favorite restaurants and ways to enjoy each destination to its fullest. Ready to honeymoon with me? I hope Mr. R is. Let’s go!
1. Tulum, Mexico
Tulum is an oasis of a proportion suited to somewhere much further away than 2 hours south of Cancun. Rent a car and drive yourself down the easiest highway drive of your life, until you turn right into the one-lane beach town known as Tulum. Hotels only line one side of the road, with restaurants flanking the other, so that all hotels are small, boutique and incredibly personalized. I recommend BeTulum, if not for the beautiful rooms with private mini pools, outdoor showers, and remote last-hotel-on-the-beach location, then for the best guacamole I have ever had. Restaurants are ocean-to-table, with many menus decided by what was caught that day. Our favorites were Hartwood and Posada Margherita, but I haven’t heard a bad thing about any restaurant in the area. For adventurous activities, there are the historic Mayan ruins to climb and beautiful cenotes to dive into, and for those who want to mellow out the yoga classes at Maya Tulum and spa at Coqui Coqui are not to be missed. The best part about Tulum is it’s amazingly accessible location, so even if you only have a few day to celebrate, this is the place to go!
{Mayan ruins in Tulum}
{the lounge, pool and breakfast area of BeTulum}
2. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Mr. R and I went here in 2013 and he will die when I say this but everyone told me he was going to propose on that trip. I packed all my fancy clothes, bought some cute new beach coverups and got a spray tan – you never know when he might pop the question! Although he didn’t propose there, but managed to completely shock me on a different trip, Rio was still one of the best vacations we have taken together. The scenery is truly breathtaking. Of course we went to the top of the Corcovado to look out over Sugarloaf mountain and the beaches of Rio, but we also escaped to the hilltop neighborhood of Santa Teresa to explore local bars, and even have a sunset cocktail at the beautiful Hotel Santa Teresa. What was our favorite part of Rio? How well they have their beach experience down. You walk anywhere onto the beach, they give you a chair and a towel and a bottle of water for roughly $3 for the day. Then they come around to you to offer you a freshly made Caipirinha or coconut for fresh coconut water. While you are thinking “this is the life”- a local comes around to offer you “the best on the beach”, which is the most authentic Acai bowl you have ever tasted. Not only does all of cost a fraction of what it does in the US, but the ingredients are so fresh, the people are lovely, and there is a general appreciation and support of just chillin’ on the beach. If you feel like activities, you can join in on beach volleyball, soccer, or just use the built in exercise equipment the lines the beach – because brazilians know that the secret to a sexy beach body is a workout and an acai bowl. Unfortunately we did not stay at the Hotel Fasano, but if you can get a room there, you will enjoy amazing views in your rooftop pool of Sugarloaf mountain.
{sunset views of the Corcovado}
{the pool at the Hotel Fasano}
3. Santorini, Greece
Ok, I know Greece is under some financial turmoil at the moment but what better way to help than to help stimulate their tourist economy? I went to Santorini many years ago, so unfortunately I do not remember every detail, but what I do remember is what is most important: crystal clear blue waters, boat trips, beautifully white washed buildings climbing up the hillside, and fresh, clean and healthy food all day long. I don’t need to reiterate to you how photogenic of a place Santorini is, but I can tell you that I remember sheer bliss when looking out over the side of the hill and taking in the beautiful architecture. For a country with such a long history, it is impressive to see how early city planners focused on form as much as function, and how some of those old forms still survive to this day. Not that everyone needs a history lesson on their honeymoon, but this is a surefire way to convince yourself that you are getting ‘cultured’ while you enjoy your horiatiki and ouzo.
{the hillsides of Santorini}
{the color!}
4. Chiang Mai, Thailand
I have been to Chiang Mai twice, and each time it blazes itself deeper into my memory. I could go on and on about Thailand and Chaing Mai in particular, but I will try to keep this short as I am sure you are asleep by now. Chiang Mai has everything, truly. It has animal reserves where you can ride elephants, play with monkeys and hug tigers. It has beautiful hilltop temples where you can stand in awe at how 13th century buddhists brought up gold statues in order to pray above the city. It has cooking schools and fresh markets and the least expensive massages you will ever receive. I strongly recommend doing the Thai cooking school and then treating yourself to a 2 hour massage after. There is really no better way to enjoy your day. I have stayed in a few hotels throughout my time in Chiang Mai, but if you are looking to indulge then I say go for it and stay at the Four Seasons. After our long treks it was perfection to come back to poolside bon bons and a cocktail overlooking the rice paddies in our private pavilion. Lastly, go shopping at the night market, where you can purchase beautiful carved wood bowls, wrought iron silverware, printed textiles and pillow covers to remember your trip by.
{the views at Doi Suthep}
{the stunning rooms at the Four Seasons Chiang Mai}
5. Anywhere, everywhere, Bali
Ok so I haven’t been here yet but this is top of our list for Honeymoon destinations. Bali seems like the perfect combo of beauty and effort, serenity and culture. There are 2 key areas that every Bali veteran says you must visit; Uluwatu, which is the hilly beach area, where hotels have pools that literally hang off cliffs; and Ubud, the central part of the country known for it’s rice paddies and rolling green foothills. Since we are not sure exactly what activities to do in Bali, I figured I would crowdsource this honeymoon you all my followers. Anyone out there been to Bali? Or have a friend that has? Do they have any must-sees or recommendations for hikes, activities or hotels? Send me the deets! Or feel free to write in the comment section your recommendations- I’m eager to hear!
{a temple in the ocean? sign me up}
{can’t wait to take selfies here}
So what do you think of my list? Anything you think I’m missing? Anything you absolutely disagree with? Anything you want to warn me about before heading to Bali? or getting married? ….no no… better stay away from that last one…
I hope you enjoyed the list!
