5 Fabulous Honeymoons Under $5,000
By Becky Gillespie,
Kahala Travel
Weddings are expensive enough, so you don’t want to break
the bank for your honeymoon as well.
Enjoy a luxurious weeklong getaway at one of these five destinations. At under $5,000 per person, your bank
account will thank you!
Grand Velas Riviera Maya –
Playa Del Carmen, Mexico
If a beautiful beach and short travel time are top priorities
on your honeymoon list, then look no further than Grand Velas Riviera
Maya. This isn't your typical
all-inclusive - it's absolutely heaven. Rated 5 Diamonds by AAA, you will quickly find you have
difficulty choosing whether to while away your day in your spacious oceanfront
suite with Jacuzzi or relax on the immense white sand beach sipping margaritas
by the turquoise waters of the Caribbean.
With seven different restaurants, including Cocina de Autorwith –
gourmet cuisine by world renowned chefs Bruno Oteiza and Mikel Alonso -
this is also the perfect location for foodies. Although you might find it difficult to leave your slice of
heaven, you will find many enticing activities nearby, from swimming with
dolphins to exploring the picturesque ruins of Tulum.
Ka'ana Boutique
Resort –
San Ignacio, Belize
You don’t need to
sacrifice luxury for location if you want to head off-the-beaten-path for your
honeymoon. Nestled outside the
town of San Ignacio, Ka’ana Boutique Resort is a hidden gem in the jungles of
Western Belize. The honeymooner
who desires to experience the culture, history, and geography of an
unknown region without having to sacrifice the comforts and amenities will
find this their ideal hideaway.
During the day, you can discover the rainforest canopy, discover
numerous ancient Mayan archaeological sites, kayak down serene rivers or
adventure out on horseback. By
night, enjoy a private dinner for two on the Stargazing Terrace, while
listening to your own local musician.
Afterward, you will retire for the night in your private casita, where
the sounds of the jungle will lull you to a blissful sleep. A honeymoon at Ka’ana is truly an
experience you can call your own.
Royal Plantation –
Ocho Rios, Jamaica
The retreat of media and sports stars, Royal Plantation is
known for catering to guests’ every whim.
Located just an hour and a half from Montego Bay, Jamaica, Royal
Plantation offers secluded pampering to the most discerning of travellers. All 74-ocean view suites include butler
service to ensure your every need is anticipated. As an all-inclusive resort, you can enjoy fare ranging from
French to Northern Italian and beyond.
Also, experience C|Bar - the Caribbean’s first and only champagne and
caviar bar where guests watch the sommelier sabre-off the top of the champagne
bottle. A unique treat,
indeed! Beyond the hotel, adventures
will beckon you. Discover the
misty Blue Mountains by bicycle, home of the famous Blue Mountain coffee. Walk-up the rushing Dunn’s River Falls. Ride horseback through the ocean. Even experience a bobsled ride –
Jamaican style - at Mystic Mountain.
There’s no shortage of experiences available, but the best part of the
adventure is returning back to Royal Plantation, your butler waiting to greet
you with cold drinks in hand.
Sofitel Ia Ora –
Moorea, French Polynesia
Time and again, French Polynesia tops the list of honeymoon
destinations. Azure waters,
tropical breezes, and lazy days spent on the deck of an overwater bungalow
epitomizes romance for many. While
most people look to Bora Bora for the typical French Polynesian honeymoon, an
oft-overlooked romantic retreat is the Sofitel Ia Ora on Moorea. Settled on the edge of a magnificent
lagoon, with views over the island of Tahiti, Sofitel Ia Ora offers an
assortment of bungalow accommodations – from the more private garden bungalows
to the much desired overwater bungalows with direct access to the sea. Laze away your days on Moorea’s best
beach, enjoy a relaxing massage while listening to the gently lapping waves,
watch a Polynesian dance show while eating a gourment dinner at K, then take a
stroll on the beach where the only lights in the sky are the stars. The ultimate laid-back destination, you
will be able to unplug from daily life and take in the inspiring vistas from
Belvedere Lookout, rent bicycles and discover your own private beach or live on
the wild side and hand-feed sharks and rays on Hiro’s tour. It’s all yours to experience during
your time at the Sofitel Ia Ora on Moorea.
Le Meurice –
Paris, France
For the urban-inclined, no place can top the City of Lights
when it comes to romance. Paris is
a place of magic for those in love, and dreams do come true for those staying
at Le Meurice.
Glamorous, luxurious and chic are all words used to describe this
classic French palace. The hotel
has a history of housing the elite aristocracy, and the tradition continues, as
you are treated like royalty when you honeymoon at Le Meurice. Posh rooms, a concierge on call
24-hours, and a rendez-vous at Bar 228 await you at this urban retreat. With
an unrivalled hotel location opposite the Tuileries Gardens and a short stroll
from Le Louvre in Central Paris, Le Meurice is the perfect base for discovering
a Paris all your own. Embrace for
a kiss on a bridge across the Seine, stroll arm-in-arm in Ile Saint Louis, and
dine at Michelin star Le Jules Vernes Restaurant atop the Eiffel Tower, the
City of Lights your backdrop. All
Paris, all romance, all yours.
Byline:
Becky Gillespie, 12-year
veteran of vacation planning at Kahala Travel, enjoys creating special getaways
for the romantically inclined. Passion is her passion! Whether in her
hometown of San Diego or farther abroad, she’s always on the lookout for the
next great romantic experience.
Follow her on Twitter - @ForLoveOfTravel