Romantic honeymoon, travel, staycation and minimoon ideas for couples in Essex

A romantic escape

Melissa Cullen visited Grove of Narberth in Pembrokeshire, Wales, to see what makes this retreat the perfect honeymoon destination. My husband and I were recently invited to a romantic two-night getaway at Grove of Narberth in picturesque Pembrokeshire, Wales. Part of the family-owned hospitality business Seren, Grove of Narberth boasts 25 individually designed rooms and suites that seamlessly blend Welsh heritage and modern amenities. Known for its enchanting woodlands, landscaped gardens and delicious food, we couldn't wait to find out for ourselves what makes this charming retreat such a popular honeymoon destination.

A matchmade in Switzerland

Whether you're a culture vulture, explorer or enthusiastic foodie, a dual-city Switzerland honeymoon has so much to offer. CWM deputy managing editor Kelly Andrews took a dual-centre trip to two of Switzerland's stunning cities, Lausanne and Basel, the perfect match. From arts and culture, a fascinating and varied history, to cheese and chocolate, Kelly discovers what the cities have in store for honeymooners.

HEAVEN IS...Halkidiki

Editor, Rachel Westall, experienced the beautiful and stylish five-star Ajul Luxury Hotel & SpaResort in Halkidiki. Just a short three-hour flight from London and you arrive to the famous, turquoise waters of Halkidiki. Who needs a long-haul flight when this beauty is so close to home? A private taxi, all arranged through the attentive staff at Ajul Resort, collected me from the airport. As we turned off to the entrance of the resort I was blown away. We were transported to a world of our own, through pine forests, off the beaten track down to the extremely modern and stylish resort entrance. A grand chandelier takes centre stage as well as plenty of armchairs and cocooning egg chairs to welcome you.

A Local Retreat

If you're looking for an accessible UK minimoon – the DoubleTree by Hilton Oxford Belfry should be high on your list. Located just a hop, skip and a jump from the M40, the hotel is located in 17 acres of landscaped gardens and is in easy reach of romantic attractions such as Oxford centre – I highly recommend taking a honeymoon punt along the river! – and the beautiful Blenheim Palace, where you can while away hours learning about the history of the iconic house.

With Love From Crete

Nestled on the east coast of the island with two private Blue Flag-awarded sandy beaches is this charming five-star resort that's reached by flying directly to Heraklion International Airport. From the moment I arrived, I was greeted with unbeatable panoramic views spanning the Cretan Sea and the hillsides of the Lassithi region. This resort is perfect for honeymooners wanting to get away from it all. Open from mid-April until the end of October, the luxurious yet laid-back vibe welcomes you the moment you enter.

Ibiza rocks

Nestled on the east coast of the island in the third largest town sits this eco-conscious, five-star resort that's reached by flying directly to Ibiza airport. From the moment I arrived, the chilled, laid-back vibe in this sustainably chic, design-led setting welcomed me. Aguas de Ibiza Grand Luxe Hotel has been awarded one of the best hotels in Ibiza for its efforts to reduce its carbon footprint using innovative technology such as smart building automation, solar panels and charging stations for electric vehicles. There's also a bike rental service available from the hotel, a great way to discover this historic port town.

Welcome to Paradise

Located on a mile-long stretch of beach on Saint Lucia's exotic south coast, independently owned and run resort Coconut Bay is an icon of this heavenly island. Offering a unique choice of two worlds in one thanks to its adults-only wing, Harmony, and Splash, the resort's destination for family fun, there's never a dull moment. Kelly Andrews spent a few glorious days at the resort, a haven for honeymooners visiting St Lucia.

Captivating Calabria

Guest editor Beverley Byrne tells us why Calabria in southwest Italy is perfect for honeymoons.

In the 1970s, a young Swiss woman visiting Calabria fell in love, not only with her future husband but also the captivating countryside he called home. Together they established a trio of hotels around historic Tropea designed to reflect Calabria's unique landscape and culture. From the romantic sophistication of Villa Paola to Capovaticano's hedonistic charms and the family friendly Baia del Sole Resort, these hotels are sure to sweep you off your feet.

Night has fallen when my taxi arrives outside Villa Paola. The first thing I notice, apart from the intoxicating scent of jasmine, is a Romanesque church complete with belltower. I'm wondering where the entrance to the hotel might be when a door beside the church opens. Ricardo, the hotel's sharp suited manager, welcomes me into a cloister while explaining this was once a monastery built during the sixteenth century to honour St Francis, Calabria's patron saint.

Those monks certainly chose a sensational location. Invited to enjoy a welcome cocktail on the terrace, I'm bewitched by a full moon casting a cone of light across the inky Tyrrhenian Sea. Along the coastline twinkling lamps illuminate the marina and the village of Tropea clinging to the clifftop. It looks heavenly and I see why it's known as the Costa degli Dei (Coast of the Gods).

Sweet escapes

Enjoy a relaxing minimoon in some of the UK's best boltholes come rain or shine - it's the UK after all. From shepherd's huts to flint stone cottages, farm stays to hillside wonders, there's something for everyone in this round up of cosy places just for two. Consisting of five luxury sustainable treehouses located in a woodland area on the banks of the River Teith in Perthshire, this secluded outpost creates an authentic Scottish wilderness experience

A room with a view

Melissa Cullen visits Dunston Hall Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort. In the days leading up to Christmas, I had the pleasure of being invited to stay at the magical Dunston Hall Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort. Located just outside of Norwich, Norfolk, the impressive 18th-century building and surrounding 150 acres of grounds encompass multiple restaurants, a spa and a golf course. My husband, David, and I were excited to explore the area and see what made this hotel such a popular gem.

The Italian dream

CWM deputy managing editor Kelly Andrews spent two nights living la dolce vita at Villa La Massa in the breathtaking Tuscan countryside. Built in the 13th century as an enchanting country house for an aristocratic Florentine family, Villa La Massa was owned by European nobility until 1948, when it was transformed into a luxury hotel. After a complete renovation, it reopened and its 100-year-old history lives on with every nook telling tales of Renaissance splendour and the lifestyle of Florentine high society. It's here that I spent two memorable nights in October, ready to discover what Tuscany and its crown jewel, Florence, have to offer honeymooners.

Picturesque Parga

Editor Claire Ridley jetted to Parga Beach Resort in this popular coastal town located on the north-west coast of Greece: Two beachside restaurants command prime position on the sand with a third, KOKONA set to open this summer. At Thálassa, an open-plan, seaside-chic restaurant, the delicious buffet breakfast can be enjoyed by the water's edge. Authentic Greek dishes for lunch and dinner include marinated anchovies, grilled sardines, moussaka and feta-filled salad. Don't miss the regular Greek nights here where live music, singing and dancing accompany a tasty buffet boasting traditional flavours.

Viva España!

Kelly Andrews experiences the finer side of life at Hostal de La Gavina in Spain's Costa Brava... My name is Kelly, I'm 42 years old, British and I've never been to Spain. Never. How did I manage to miss out on the quintessential Brits abroad destination? Probably because that exact connotation was all I'd ever seen of Spain: Ibiza, 18-30 holidays, and all that jazz. It didn't appeal. How wrong was I? Let me tell you, the breathtakingly beautiful Costa Brava could not be further from all of that. Having been on my first adventure to sunny Spain recently, I'm happy to report it's now my most beloved part of the world, which I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to honeymooners, and here's why...

Parisian elegance

Part of the prestigious Oetker Collection, Le Bristol Paris is everything you could dream of from a once in a lifetime visit to La Ville-Lumière, The City of Light. Rachel Westall checks it out...If a honeymoon with the wow factor is what you're after, you've found it. The iconic Le Bristol Paris is located at one of the city's most prestigious addresses on rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. The hotel opened in April 1925, when the roaring twenties were in full swing. During that carefree and prosperous era, Paris attracted all the big movers and shakers from the worlds of culture and fashion: think Balenciaga, Chanel, Schiaparelli, Picasso, Mondrian and Dali.

A song of sun and sea

County Wedding Magazines' editor Melissa Cullen reveals why Dubrovnik is the perfect honeymoon destination... Whilst I sit here in mid-October wrapped up in a blanket, jumper, and thermal socks, my mind can't help but wander back to earlier in the year when I had the pleasure of taking a trip to Dubrovnik, a city in southern Croatia. Ideal for those of you who are looking for a city break and a beach-side destination, Dubrovnik is a must-visit destination with everything you need for the perfect honeymoon.

What a treat - at Elcot Park!

Rachel Westall experiences the stylish Retreat at Elcot Park - country-house comfort at its best...Step into luxury at The Retreat, Elcot Park. Since its grand opening in June 2022 it has won many accolades including Britain's Best Hotel by The Times and the Sunday Times, topping their list of the Top 100 Places to Stay in the UK. So, it was only right for us to check it out for our couples.Located between Newbury and Hungerford, this 18th-century country house hotel & spa is the perfect spot to unwind pre- or post-wedding -whether you want a cocktail aside the heated outdoor swimming pool; or are ready to don your hiking boots and clear your mind on the close-by North Wessex Downs.

The Italian Dream

Louise Prance enjoys her inaugural visit to Italy, discovering the delights of Sardinia with a stay at the impressive Forte Village...For many, when you think 'honeymoon' you think white sands, clear seas, sunshine and an abundance of rest and relaxation. But, if you're anything like me, sometimes you need a little bit more – enter ForteVillage, Sardinia.A self-confessed travel addict with eternal wanderlust, I'm ashamed to say that my recent visit to Sardinia was my virgin voyage to Italy. And what an error or judgement that was. Just a hop, skip and a very short two-hour flight from the UK it was clear from touch down that Sardinia lived up to the Italian dream stereotype and then some.

An iconic island

Let yourself be carried away by the relaxed Jamaican atmosphere wherever you are; whether you're enjoying a swim in the warm waters of the Caribbean, sipping on a piña colada in a crystal-clear pool, or on an outing exploring breathtaking mountains and blue lagoons — get ready to enter a state of absolute bliss.Together with Dominican Republic, Haiti, Puerto Rico and Cuba,Jamaica is one of the five countries that form the Greater Antilles archipelago in the Caribbean Sea. An island overflowing with colour and energy, this unique and diverse country has a pace and power, a passion and beauty that make it an unforgettable honeymoon destination.Along with its many natural wonders, the heart of Jamaica is its people and when visiting this ultra-hospitable country, you'll encounter friendly,joyful faces and a vibrant energy familiar across the planet.

Total body bliss - Louise indulges in this spa-staycation

Located in Warwickshire, Ardencote Spa is easily accessible for a spa day or weekend away, however, upon arriving down the leafy drive, you feel a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Set in 83 acres of landscaped gardens, Ardencote is a modern hotel and destination spa offering everything needed for a weekend of wellness after the big day. A pool, treatment rooms,18-hole golf course, leisure facilities, tennis courts and a restaurant and bar await for a blissful UK-based honeymoon.

Magical Mauritius - fall in love with this honeymoon destination

Editor Claire Ridley fell in love with this year-round honeymoon hotspot...Nestled on the north coast of the island in Anse la Raie (a popular kite surfing spot) sits the five-star, eco-committed boutique hotel Paradise Cove. With Mauritius fast becoming a sustainable island, Paradise Cove's effort to go green includes being part of the Positive Impact Movement (created by the Attitude hotel group) ensuring local sourcing and no single-use plastic. I was excited to visit this adults-only tropical paradise, an acclaimed Small Luxury Hotels of the World, having benefited from a renovation in 2019. It offers a warm welcome with 75 rooms and suites including the Deluxe Premium Rooms, one of which was to become my home for three blissful nights. This honeymoon hideout has been authentically designed in the island's signature style with wood, rattan and tropical palm-print wallpaper and furnishings