This week on the blog, I had the wonderful opportunity to sit down with Travel Planner extraordinaire, Abbay Lovell, and talk all things HONEYMOONS. You might recognize Abbay from our recent blog post where we gushed over her monumental New Zealand Elopement - if you haven’t had a chance to behold those breathtaking photos for yourself yet, take a peak here. Abbay is no stranger to adventure and makes it her full-time job to help others plan the trip of their dreams. Today she has opened her heart and given us the key to the honeymoon of a lifetime. We invite you to find a cozy spot, a cup of tea, and join this chat with Abbay as she guides us through the journey to our own wanderlust. Allez Venez!
Photo taken in the beautiful, New Zealand
Expert Tips from Abbay Lovell of Abbay’s Escapes
The age-old question, “Where should we go on our honeymoon?” is one of my favorites. Between all of the noise and reviews on the internet, how will you ever decide? Reading though hundreds of reviews is no fun. I get it. I love to help people just like you!
Travel is my world and honeymoons are my favorite! Today I’m sharing some of my favorite destinations for honeymooners to help you get your juices flowing. From the breathtaking over-the-water huts of Tahiti to fly fishing in Montana, read on for my favorite most over-the-top and romantic destinations for honeymoons.
Tahiti
Does it get more romantic than an overwater bungalow thoughtfully hovering over a too-blue-to-be-real lagoon? Hardly. Here are more reasons I love Tahiti for honeymooners:
Here you can choose your pace - island hop OR fly and flop.
For active honeymooners, I recommend beginning with adventurous land-based activities on Moorea (go hiking or ride around in ATVs looking for the best vantage point) followed by a stay on Bora Bora in an overwater bungalow. In Bora Bora, you can relax as much as you like (sipping cocktails in your hammock) or take advantage of its amazing water-based activities like jet skis, snorkel trips, manta ray excursions or kite surfing lessons
For honeymooners looking to mostly chill after their nuptials, they may wish to stay on Bora Bora only and pair two different luxury properties. Or for something even more unique, I recommend a private island resort like La Taha’a. An added bonus is it’s only a 7 hour flight from SFO or LAX.
Secret option C: Include a multi-night yacht charter with a private crew that will help you find the best spots for snorkeling and moor in the best places for happy hour cocktails.
Pro tip: Not all resorts on Bora Bora have equal views of iconic Mount Otemanu. If you’re a sucker for views, you’ll want to find a property with views or splash out for a room category with killer views.
New Zealand
Whether you are into world class wine, remote beaches, hiking on glaciers or experiencing Kiwi hospitality at 5-star luxury lodges, NZ has something for every honeymooner.
NZ may feel far away, but once you get there it’s easy to see and cover a lot of ground in a country jam-packed with diverse landscapes and experiences. Especially since the country is expected to open for Americans in July 2022!
A few of my favorite experiences for honeymooners:
Stay in a luxury treehouse nestled between the sea and the mountains in Kaikoura. While you’re there, be sure to swim with the resident dusky dolphins.
Stay a few nights in the Bay of Islands, home to some of NZ’s most beautiful beaches. While you’re there, drink in seaside landscapes along the way before settling in with a gourmet picnic on a secluded beach, a hamper of locally sourced treats while enjoying a glass of champagne!
Spend a night or two near Blenheim in the Marlborough region and enjoy cycling around the wineries, home to NZ’s world-class sauvignon blanc.
Pro tip: Cut down on driving time by taking helicopters or scenic flights - a total splurge but worth it!
Greece
Greece is for lovers. It’s also for travelers who might like
history
wine experiences
cooking classes
gorgeous hotels and sailing!
There are multiple islands to suit your budget and tastes. I’m loving the itinerary I recently designed with 2 nights in Athens, 4 nights in Naxos and 4 nights in Santorini. These honeymooners will take a guided tour of Athens that begins at the Acropolis; enjoy a Naxian Cooking experience in a traditional Greek gathering atmosphere, where they’ll pick ingredients from the host's organic farm, take a guided tour of family wineries in Santorini, and hike amongst Santorni’s best caldera views. Then top off the trip with a sunset catamaran cruise that ends with hot springs and a mud bath - divine!
Pro tip: If Mykonos is too much of a party vibe for you, consider an island like Naxos which might feel like more authentic Greece.
Mexico
This destination might make you think of college spring break, but I promise Mexico is more than Cancun. Mexico is a super diverse country between arid regions, coral reefs, high snowy peaks, jungles, and ancient ruins. All can be tailored depending on you and your honey's style, budget, and wishes.
My favorite new hidden retreat in Riviera Mayarit is One&Only Mandarina where you can stay in an alluring tree house nestled above the Pacific ocean.
If you’re keen to explore and dine off-property in world-class restaurants, I recommend Cabo where it’s easy to rent a car or explore by taxi. You’ll be spoiled for choice with hotels here.
Near Cancun, I recommend getting outside the hotel corridor and finding the perfect boutique hotel. My favorite white sandy beaches are in Maroma about 35 minutes south of Cancun airport.
Pro-tip: Mexico is hands-down the best option for champagne tastes on a beer budget. If you don’t book an all-inclusive property, be sure to factor in the cost of activities and dining into your budget.
Montana
This destination is perfect for couples who enjoy unspoiled nature and wilderness recreation but also like to do it in luxury! Also, no passport required.
Join your significant other in the saddle, in the raft, or fly fishing in its rivers and experience a variety of activities tailor-made for honeymooners.
I highly recommend its luxury ranches, and there are some that are even adult-only. Honeymooners can hide away in their cozy cabins or jam-pack their schedules with outdoorsy activities (many of which are included in a ranch stay).
Pro-tip: Pair with a trip to a national park like Yellowstone or Glacier National Park.
While each of these destinations are fabulous in their own right, the best destination for YOU depends on your tastes and your style! This is where Abbay comes in. As part of her Discover More process, she will ask all the questions to help curate the best destination and itinerary for you and your honey. Do you want adventure, R&R, OR maybe both!? Chill vibes or party vibes? Do you want to stay at your resort or get out and explore? Modern or traditional? Are long flights OK? What do you and your partner like to do in your free time?
Abbay LOVES finding the perfect match for you. And the best news? With her insider access and in-depth knowledge of the most spectacular places in the world, you can expect a trip full of the “wow” moments and off-the-beaten-path destination options without having to lift a finger.
If you’d like to learn more about how it works, feel free to get in touch with Abbay here, fill out the trip inquiry form here, or just drop an email to abbay@abbays-escapes.com. You can also download a copy of Abbay’s latest eBook full of detailed information on where to travel by month to ignite your wanderlust! Get the eBook in your inbox. She can’t wait to hear from you!