Honeymoon and travel ideas for Essex couples

The Dali EDITION is a new hotel in China set to open in 2025

Nestled on a hillside halfway up the Cangshan Mountain, The Dali EDITION, a new hotel set to open in 2025, is expected to establish a new benchmark for the luxury hotel segment in the Yunnan Province.

Dali, a popular travel destination in Southwestern China, is known for its picturesque scenery, diverse ethnic culture and vibrant nightlife. The Dali EDITION will allow couples to immerse themselves in cultural and recreational experiences with its proximity to local attractions such as Cangshan Mountain, Three Pagodas, Dali Old Town and Dali Stone Mountain Golf Club.

Rastrello, a 14th-century palazzo hotel in Italy, will unveil its new Garden Annex this spring

Rastrello, a fully restored 14th-century palazzo hotel that sits on the border of Umbria and Tuscany in Italy, will unveil its new Garden Annex this spring. This will include a further seven rooms to the boutique property, as well as a dedicated spa, meditation room and small outdoor pool in its gardens that overlooks the beautiful countryside.

The expansion is set to nearly double the hotel's capacity, bringing the room count from nine to 16, and each spacious suite, all overlooking Lake Trasimeno, will feature its own charming design.

Six Senses Triple Bay in Saudi Arabia is set to open in 2025

Six Senses Triple Bay in Saudi Arabia is set to open in 2025 and will be integrated into a beachfront residence that lines the private mangrove bay. The hotel will blend the natural raw beauty of the site with the elegance of the brand's sustainable design standards.

The 64 rooms, six suites, 30 villas and 25 branded residences are inspired by the region's traditional coastal villages, which seamlessly integrate with the naturally occurring topography and use locally sourced materials.

W Maldives has reopened following a full-scale renovation

W Maldives has reopened following a full-scale renovation. Located on the stunning Fesdu Island in North Ari Atoll, just a 25-minute seaplane ride from Malé, the resort offers 77 redesigned overwater and beach villas. Each villa blends indoor and outdoor living, featuring private pools and luxurious outdoor spaces that seamlessly connect couples to the surrounding natural beauty.

The transformation includes an elevated dining and bar experience with new concepts such as ocean-to-table dining at FISH, Latin American cocktails and beachside barbecues.

Rosewood Amsterdam is the brand’s first property in the Netherlands

Rosewood Amsterdam is the brand's first property in the Netherlands. Set to open in 2025, it's housed in the former Palace of Justice, a building of great architectural and historical significance, and will overlook the Prinsengracht, one of the city's most beautiful waterways.

With a central location and an intuitive design, Rosewood Amsterdam will offer 134 guest rooms and suites, with many boasting spectacular views across the two adjoining canals, quiet courtyards and iconic townhouse rooftops.

Why Penha Longa is the Perfect Honeymoon Destination

Set within the enchanting UNESCO Sintra National Park, Penha Longa Resort is a romantic sanctuary steeped in history and natural beauty, offering honeymooners the perfect blend of luxury, seclusion, and cultural charm. Located just a short drive from Lisbon and the golden beaches of Cascais, the resort's location is both idyllic and easily accessible, surrounded by lush hills and historical treasures. Dating back to the 14th century, Penha Longa's heritage is one of its most captivating features. The resort is home to an ancient monastery and a beautifully restored 17th palace with original mosaic tiles, both of which add a timeless and magical ambiance to the property. Couples can explore these stunning historic landmarks during their stay with guided heritage tours, creating a truly memorable honeymoon that feels like stepping back in time.

OKU Andalusia in Spain is set to open in 2025

Award-winning lifestyle brand OKU Hotels has announced the addition of OKU Andalusia. Set to open in summer 2025, the hotel is located on a secluded beach on Spain's southern shore, with breathtaking views over the coast. Couples can enjoy multiple swimming pools, restorative spa and wellness facilities, and four dining venues, including an adults-only beach club.

Offering 255 guest rooms, including one private four-bedroom villa, accommodation has been designed to showcase OKU's signature bohemian flair. The expansive spa will be a haven to relax and revive, with an indoor pool, relaxation area, meditation courtyard, sauna, steam room, soul-soothing treatment rooms and state-of-the-art fitness studio.

Wilderness Chitabe in Botswana has announced an upgrade to its guest rooms

Wilderness Chitabe, set within a private conservation bordering Botswana's renowned Moremi Game Reserve in the Okavango Delta, has announced an exciting upgrade to its guest rooms. Following a comprehensive refurbishment, Wilderness Chitabe will reopen in April 2025, offering enhanced comfort and sustainability in one of Africa's top wildlife regions.

The new rooms combine luxurious comfort with a sustainable design that aligns with Wilderness' light footprint ethos. These enhancements further solidify Chitabe's reputation as a premier destination for thrilling and eco-conscious safari experiences, offering couples an indulgent connection to the natural world.

Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa is a dreamy honeymoon escape in Saint Lucia

Named the world's leading romance destination, Saint Lucia is the ultimate honeymoon escape. The island's breathtaking beauty and exotic allure set the stage for love, and Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa enhances that magic with its thoughtful amenities, ongoing adults-only Harmony wing room renovations, and endless adventures for couples.

Nestled on 85 acres and a mile-long beach, just a five-minute drive from Hewanorra International Airport, Coconut Bay welcomes you to paradise moments after you arrive. The Harmony wing, exclusively for adults, is a sanctuary for romance and relaxation. Newly remodelled rooms include concierge suites with expansive ocean views, designed with couples in mind. Lounge in sun-tracker beds by one of Harmony's two pools, sip premium cocktails at the Tiki Bar, or retreat to an oceanfront cabana for a couple's massage at the Sanctuary Spa.

Wilderness Rwanda Bisate in Rwanda has unveiled a new lodge

Wilderness Rwanda Bisate near Volcanoes National Park has unveiled a new lodge called Bisate Reserve. Intended to redefine luxury, conservation and exclusivity, this intimate property will feature four spacious villas, continuing Wilderness' legacy of driving conservation tourism in the region.

Positioned on the rim of a weathered volcano, Bisate Reserve's four expansive villas offer captivating vistas overlooking six majestic volcanoes. Through its ground- breaking reforestation and rehabilitation initiatives, each guest will become a partner in biodiversity protection and local community upliftment, directly contributing to the preservation of the iconic endangered mountain gorilla species.

Four Seasons Resort Seychelles is offering 20 per cent off bed and breakfast rates

Nestled in the breathtaking Petite Anse Bay, Four Seasons Resort Seychelles offers guests a cultural experience, complemented by a range of off-resort adventures. Surrounded by unspoiled landscapes, the resort is dedicated to sustainable practices, ensuring its natural splendour remains intact.

Couples can indulge in luxury amenities such as Le Syel Spa, savour culinary delights at four diverse restaurants, and unwind in two stylish bars, allowing for the optimal blend of relaxation and exploration.

Eden Villas, a villa expert in Sri Lanka, has added Doornberg House to its portfolio

Eden Villas, a luxury villa expert in Sri Lanka, has added the new Doornberg House to its portfolio of exquisite houses on the south coast.

Built in 1712 for a Dutch admiral, Doornberg House is perched on an acre of manicured lawn, sitting above the ancient town of Galle, offering an 180-degree panorama with views of the UNESCO-heritage Galle Fort and the Indian Ocean beyond.

Wayfairer Travel has announced a new 14-day honeymoon itinerary to Japan

Japan is a year-round paradise for culture, art, cuisine, and romance, and Wayfairer Travel's new 14-day honeymoon itinerary offers couples a comprehensive introduction to this captivating country. Spanning key cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, historic landmarks such as Hiroshima, and relaxing stays in traditional ryokans, this journey blends ancient traditions with cutting-edge contemporary culture.

Couples can enjoy a variety of customised activities during their stay, including an afternoon tea with a maiko at a traditional ochaya teahouse in Kyoto and a Samurai Kenbu sword-dancing class in Japan's ancient capital, Nara.

Saint Lucia’s Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa Unveils Multimillion-Dollar Upgrade

Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa, Saint Lucia's most popular Premium All-Inclusive, has completed a significant multimillion-dollar renovation project during its annual September closure. These enhancements focused on room transformations, dining experiences, wedding venues, a completely new Activity Pool deck and spa facilities will elevate the guest experience across the resort just in time for high season. In addition to the annual steam deep cleaning of the rooms, extensive remodeling started earlier this year into the September closure will have transformed 25% of the resort's rooms by the end of November 2024. They are being fully renovated, replacing everything from electrical and plumbing to ceilings and flooring. New bathrooms, featuring bathtubs in the Splash wing and showers in the Harmony wing, are complemented by fresh fixtures, furniture, air conditioners, and soft furnishings throughout. All the resort's 250 rooms are scheduled to be upgraded with completion expected at the end of 2025.

Lopota Lake Resort & Spa in Georgia has announced the opening of a new aquapark and jazz club

Lopota Lake Resort & Spa, a family-owned resort nestled in the heart of the Kakheti region of eastern Georgia, has announced the opening of a new, on-site aquapark and jazz club. This comes following its recent extension of a new building with 80 premium rooms and a plethora of premium facilities, including a spa and wellness centre, a winery, six restaurants, eight swimming pools, tennis courts and a horse farm.

Nestled amongst the estate's rich foliage lies Lopota Lake Resort & Spa's new, state-of-the-art 'Green Aqua'. Combining nine different features, including multiple slides, a water dump bucket and climbing frames, Green Aqua is suitable for both children and adults. Complete with sun beds, umbrellas and a snack bar, Green Aqua is the ideal spot for a family-fun afternoon under the Kakhetian sun.

How to plan the perfect safari honeymoon

For couples who have a love of the outdoors, wildlife and good food, going on a safari is a fantastic experience and a great way to spend your honeymoon. You can create the perfect combo honeymoon simply by adding on a few days doing something different, whether that's relaxing by a beautiful beach, trekking, or exploring another area.

Specialist travel agency The Honeymoon Fixer has some recommendations based on their customer experiences. Here are five different safari options together with a few add-on suggestions.

Son Sabater by Zafiro in Spain has been lovingly converted into an agrotourism hotel

Son Sabater by Zafiro is a beautiful old Mallorcan finca that has been lovingly converted into an agrotourism hotel, featuring stone walls with country-style decoration and a touch of elegance. There are 12 suites and three villas, plus expansive gardens, an indoor and outdoor pool and an a la carte restaurant serving authentic Mallorca cuisine.

Son Sabater focuses on 'slow living' in a gorgeous rural setting in Sa Pobla, just a short distance from Pollença and Alcúdia. Ideal for couples who like a more traditional, authentic stay, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Mallorcan countryside. Couples can choose from a number of experiences on the estate to immerse themselves in rural Mallorcan life, from walks through the organic gardens to hiking routes through the forest.

The Ruby Bea Hotel & Bar is a new hotel in Florence, Italy

Ruby Hotels has unveiled its 19th hotel, The Ruby Bea Hotel & Bar, alongside the state-of the-art Ruby Dante Workspaces, both nestled in the heart of Florence. The exciting launch marks Ruby's entry into the Italian market, heralding a significant milestone as it introduces its luxury hotel experience to the enchanting city. Set in a beautiful, historic 19th-century building overlooking the grand, tree-lined Piazza della Libertà, The Ruby Bea Hotel & Bar has 118 rooms, including a number of large maisonette-style rooms.

Ballygally Castle in Northern Ireland has introduced its latest aquatic experience

Ballygally Castle, positioned on the waters of the Antrim Coast, has introduced its latest aquatic experience. Sauna by the Sea is an overnight package ideal for autumn and winter stays that enables guests to refresh and revive the mind, body and soul with an icy dip right outside the charming four-star hotel, immediately followed by a warming sauna experience on the beachfront, courtesy of local company Scenic Sauna.

Angsana Quan Lan is a new property nestled in Vietnam’s Bai Tu Long Bay

Angsana Quan Lan is a new property nestled in Vietnam's Bai Tu Long Bay. The hotel boasts 156 rooms and suites offering stunning views of the Gulf of Tonkin.The resort blends Vietnam's multifaceted culture and natural scenery and offers a rooftop mini-golf course and Vietnam's first and only coastal zipline integrated into a resort.

The rooms and suites are designed with contemporary elegance and heritage charm. All of the accommodation includes a freestanding bathtub and a private balcony with either garden or sea views. The Junior Suite features a plush king bed, sleeping and dining areas, a walk-in closet, and large bathrooms. The one-bedroom suite includes a pantry, dining space, and a panoramic balcony. For larger groups, the Angsana Suite can be connected to an ocean-view room for additional space.