Ballygally Castle in Northern Ireland has introduced its latest aquatic experience
Ballygally Castle, positioned on the waters of the Antrim Coast,...
Romantic mini-moons in Europe
Cali Mykonos | Kalafati Beach, Mykonos, Greece
Best for private Mediterranean luxury
Best for private Mediterranean luxury
Having opened in July 2022, Cali Mykonos redefines luxury in Mykonos. A rarity on the island, the hotel is perched above a private sandy beach with uninterrupted views across the Aegean sea. Each of the 40 suites or villas have a private pool, and a large terrace with an alfresco living space, where couples can opt for a chef to prepare and serve romantic meals in the privacy of their suite, enjoy a private reformer pilates session or relax during a couple’s spa treatment all within the confines of their private abode.
During their stay, honeymooners can take a dip in the property’s 110-metre infinity pool (triple the size of an Olympic swimming pool), which overhangs the sea, enjoy local wine tasting at a nearby vineyard or charter one of the hotel’s three yachts to explore neighbouring islands such as Naxos and Paros, or secluded uninhabited islands such as Delos.
The yachts are also available for transfers to Mykonos’ famed beach clubs, as well as into the beautiful, famed Old Town. Back at the hotel, space is in abundance, the less trodden Eastern location lends itself perfectly to a serene Cycladic honeymoon. Perfect for newlyweds is Villa Thea - a one-bed villa with an expansive terrace, infinity pool and awe-inspiring sea views.
Rates from €1200, including breakfast
Villa d’Este | Lake Como, Italy
Best for bucket list hotel seekers
Best for bucket list hotel seekers
The centuries-old grande dame, which is celebrating its 150th season this year, sits beautifully on the sun-lit shores of Lake Como - the ideal setting for a sophisticated yet romantic honeymoon. Couples can connect whilst sipping cocktails on the jasmine-filled terrace, ambling hand in hand through magnificent gardens or indulging in personalised spa treatments at the Beauty Centre.
For those wishing to explore Lake Como, Villa d’Este can arrange private e-boat and vintage boat tours of the lake. Newlyweds seeking an exclusive experience may choose to stay within Mosaic House, hidden secretly within Villa d’Este’s iconic mosaic garden and Nymphaeum. Accessed through a private courtyard and a secret door within the mosaic wall itself, the one-suite villa is completely tucked away for unrivalled seclusion and a romantic atmosphere.
Rates from: €1,050 (approx. £888) including breakfast.
Villa La Massa | Tuscany, Italy
Best for a taste of Tuscan life
Whilst staying at the Tuscan countryside villa, couples can spend their honeymoon partaking in painting and cooking classes, enjoying local vineyard tours or, for a truly memorable afternoon, driving through the winding streets of nearby villages in one of Villa La Massa’s red Ferraris.
Come dusk, guests can experience the hotel at its most romantic as its 25 acres of gardens transition into vibrant red and golden hues. Beautiful walking trails surround the property and as a member of the ‘Grandi Giardini Italiani’ association, Villa La Massa can arrange for private visits to other spectacular Tuscan villas and gardens, such as those of Villa Marlia, which is usually closed to visitors.
Just 15-minutes from Florence, the hotel has special access to lesser-known galleries ensuring couples can experience the beautiful city in a profoundly unique and romantic light.
Especially for newlyweds, is Villa La Massa’s iconic honeymoon suite. The elegant suite offers sweeping views of rolling hills and is decorated in Renaissance style. The suite is located on the top floor of the Medici Noble Villa for complete privacy and seclusion.
Rates from: €520 (approx. £470) including breakfast.
Hotel Château du Grand-Lucé | Loire Valley, France
Best for the closest thing to a night at Versailles
Best for the closest thing to a night at Versailles
Poised on the frontier between northern and southern France, and just a short 55-minute train ride from central Paris, the Loire Valley oozes French romantic splendour and style. The former country home of the Baron Jacques Pineau de Viennay, the Château has played host to some of the greatest philosophers and minds from the Age of Enlightenment — Voltaire, Mozart, Rousseau — as well as nobles, writers, design teams (i.e., Louis Vuitton), and some of France’s most recognized individuals.
During WWII, it was at Hotel Château that shelter and protection were provided to paintings belonging to the Louvre, they were hidden in a secret cache under the stage of the theatre built in the former stables.
An idyllic honeymoon retreat, the intimate and highly luxurious 17-room château features a grand salon, formal and informal dining room, signature restaurant Le Lucé championing field-to-fork dining, games room, heated outdoor pool, orangery, intimate spa, and 80 verdant acres of meadows and magnificent gardens. Couples can relish in private royal splendour by exploring the property, enjoying on-property activities, visits to local wineries and antique “brocantes”.
Rates from €650 including breakfast
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ROMEO Naples | Naples, Italy ROMEO is a five-star design and art hotel overlooking Mount Vesuvius and Capri, in a city whose romantic views have inspired artists for centuries. Naples is often skipped in favour of Rome, Venice and Florence (or is an overnight stopover en route to the island of Capri and Amalfi Coast). The city has so much to offer, especially for art lovers looking for something authentic, bold and soulful during they honeymoon.
Best for zen and relaxation on the way to the Amalfi Coast
From Michelin-starred gourmet fine dining at Il Comandante, to rest and relaxation in La Spa Sisley Paris (such as a couples’ massage or couples Salt Room treatment) - ROMEO has it all. Opt for the utterly romantic signature and one of a kind “Suite with Zen Garden” which feels like you’re in the middle of Japan, yet moments from the city. With its own open-air Jacuzzi tub, large French windows open onto the private “zen garden” filled with succulent plants and precious bonsais. There is even an outdoor music system to play meditation sounds and white noise. The gazebo surrounding the suite is covered with fragrant jasmine whilst the views are across the entire city.
Rates from €400 including breakfast
