Honeymoon and travel ideas for Essex couples

Hidden gem road trips across the UK

Motoring experts at LeaseCar.uk have named the 10 best-hidden gem road trip spots for those seeking to find undiscovered yet beautiful places across the country.

Stretching over Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire, the Malvern Hills were formed out of some of the oldest rocks in England. The stunning panoramic views along the 13 km stretch of hills and the natural mineral water springs for walkers to explore makes the Malvern Hills a great place to explore the rural countryside.

The Montenotte in Ireland has undergone a rebrand

The Montenotte, Cork's urban resort and one of Ireland's leading hotels, has unveiled a new brand identity, featuring a new logo, tagline, bespoke illustrations and a jackalope motif across the property, its website and social channels. The rebrand aims to capture The Montenotte's eclectic personality and charm, as well as its artistic ethos and design focus, showcasing the vibrant and fun foundation underpinning the striking, contemporary hotel. Situated above Cork, The Montenotte's redesign showcases the hotel as a dynamic urban resort, a gateway to the Irish wilderness inviting guests to run wild in the hotel's Sunken Victorian Gardens and the upcoming Woodland Suite Experience which is set to open in Summer 2024.

Purple Ski unveils a new chalet for ski season

Purple Ski, a premier luxury chalet operator offering exceptional properties across the French Alps, has revealed the latest addition to its portfolio, Chalet Harmony in Méribel. The new build, which sleeps up to 15 in seven bedrooms, will be available for stays from December 2023.

Enjoying a privileged position in Méribel's central Duo du Pont area, the opulent new four-story property presents a rare opportunity to combine luxury and complete privacy with proximity to the Alpine resort's charming centre, with its bustling shops, bars, and restaurants as well as the main ski lift area. Chalet Harmony's French owner fell in love with Meribel's authentic village with its excellent skiing and wanted to create a chalet that was respectful of the traditional Alpine chalet style, whilst offering all the modern comforts and features one might need – from state-of-the-art technology to the impressive wine cellar.

Enjoy exquisite al fresco dining in Spain

With the summer holidays in full swing, couples can escape the crowds and explore authentic Mallorca at Can Ribera by Zafiro, a gorgeous four-star boutique hotel with only 21 rooms in the heart of the island, perfect for those looking for a getaway at a slower pace.

Can Ribera is special to the Zafiro brand, as the elegant 19th-century building was the childhood home of Zafiro owners Antonia and Maria Plomer. This familial feeling is felt throughout the hotel with its traditional Mallorcan design and personalised friendly service. At Can Ribera, couples can experience the true bliss of the Balearics, dining al fresco on the terrace, taking a dip in the rooftop pool and sipping sundowners against the mesmerising backdrop of the Sierra de Tramuntana mountains.

Historic hotels perfect for honeymoons

Artfully blending years of history and tradition with timeless glamour and luxury, these grand properties across the globe are the places to see and be seen this summer, from historic palaces in St Moritz to legendary family-owned hideaways on the shores of Barbados.

Hidden away at the southernmost tip of Cap d'Antibes, Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, part of the prestigious Oetker Collection, has been the setting for deeply glamorous tête-à-têtes and soirées over the past 153 years, playing host to the great and the good in the worlds of art, film, literature, politics, fashion and, of course, royalty. Past guests include the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, Pablo Picasso, Cary Grant, Elizabeth Taylor, and many more. The true Grand Dame of the Cote d'Azur remains beloved the world over by generations of families who return year after year.

Purple Summer has unveiled the newest villa in its portfolio

Luxury villa specialist Purple Summer has unveiled the newest addition to its portfolio, Villa Can Totxa in Mallorca. The breathtaking residence in Pollença sleeps up to eight people in four en-suite bedrooms and is available to book for stays throughout 2023.

The ideal pick for wellness-seekers, Purple Summer can arrange several in-villa spa treatments for guests of Can Totxa, from blow dries to massages and mani-pedis. Guests can even combine a scalp and head massage, which incorporates relaxing, local Mallorcan oils, with a spot of guided meditation and yoga for a truly restorative experience for the body and mind, all of which can be arranged within the lush greenery of the villa's private garden.

Lango Design Hotel & Spa in Kos, Greece, has re-opened for summer

Lango Design Hotel & Spa is an adults-only five-star boutique hotel nestled in a stunning location on the charming island of Kos, Greece, by the famous Lambi Beach. Recently opened for the season, its designed with the wellbeing and relaxation of its guests in mind. Chill by the pool or beach, rejuvenate at the Idolo Spa and indulge in the local astronomically inspired dishes at the KOAN restaurant.

Yazz Collective is a new boutique resort in Fethiye, Turkey

Set within a private bay in Fethiye, Turkey, the new chic boutique resort, Yazz Collective, invites guests to disconnect from everyday life and create long-lasting memories in its idyllic surroundings.

The 16 spacious guest houses are decorated in serene earth tones, complete with light chestnut furnishings to contrast the resort's lush greenery, plush bedding, outdoor showers, colourful art pieces, and floor-to-ceiling windows that offer plenty of light to create an overall feeling of serenity.

An on-site art gallery showcasing works of renowned Turkish painters and sculptors is available to visit, and couples can also create their very own masterpieces in workshops led by resident artists.

The Valamar Lacroma Dubrovnik Hotel has recently been renovated

Recently renovated for 2023, the Valamar Lacroma Dubrovnik Hotel offers luxury rooms and suites, a range of fabulous amenities and an exemplary culinary offering across multiple restaurants, including its new Mezzino Snack Bar and redesigned à la carte restaurant.

Creating the ultimate rejuvenation experience is the hotel's luxurious Balance Mediterranean Spa, which has been fully upgraded with a complete redesign of both its wellness area and indoor pool. With complimentary access to the 'Valamar Signature Wellness Programme', guests can relax in the steam bath, Finnish sauna, soft sauna, sauna lounge, indoor pool and room with water beds.

Selinda Camp in Botswana has announced new relaxing treatments

Great Plains, an eco-tourism organisation, has announced an assortment of wildly relaxing treatments now available at Selinda Camp in Botswana. The treatments, which can be enjoyed within one of the tents or out on the pool deck, include the 'Great Plains Renewal', which consists of dry body brushing, exfoliation and an African back massage utilising local ingredients. Assisting with muscle relief, it provides a general feeling of well-being – perfect for combating jet lag on arrival.

Alternatively, the 'Out of Africa Couples Treatment' is an experience for two that includes body exfoliation, a facial massage and a body massage using a specially formulated tranquillity balm rich in natural extracts.

Gili Lankanfushi in the Maldives has announced a new wellness journey

The eco-luxury resort, Gili Lankanfushi, has announced a new 'Ultimate Vinotherapy Wellness Journey' at its award-winning Meera Spa. The 150-minute wellness experience includes a relaxing foot ritual followed by a pampering body exfoliation. Next, guests are wrapped in a unique blend of cabernet, clay and fresh grapes to cleanse and tone the skin while boosting circulation. Couples will then enjoy a deep muscle fusion massage, leaving them floating on a cloud before they step into a candlelit rose and wine-infused bath for two.

The best honeymoon spots in Europe

Holiday operator, Eliza was here, has found the best honeymoon spots to head to in Europe for every type of couple. From foodies to adrenaline junkies, there's a destination that's bound to float your boat.

Better still – as well as flights and accommodation, if you book your dream post-wedding escape with Eliza was here, car hire is also included – allowing you and your loved one the freedom to fully explore your destination.

Hilton Lake Como in Italy is offering new spa treatments

Hilton Lake Como in Italy is offering new spa treatments for guests and locals at its award-winning eForea Spa and Health Club. A celebration of Lake Como's centuries-old tradition of silk craft and the property's history as a former silk factory, the 'Signature Silk Touch Treatment' harnesses the material's relaxing and soothing benefits. Tailored entirely to the couple's needs, the therapist will select an aromatic oil, then the skin is prepped to release toxins and the flowing massage works into areas of tension, encouraging optimum circulation.

Aleenta Retreat Chiang Mai is a new property in Northern Thailand

Aleenta Retreat Chiang Mai is a new property in Northern Thailand. The spacious 44 rooms, one-and-two-bedroom pool residences and teak villa, merge traditional Thai design with a soothing palate of natural hues, sophisticated furnishings and tech-savvy facilities.

Embracing its spiritual location in the ancient city of Chiang Mai, the resort is home to one of the brand's signature wellness centres. Retreats are enriched by healthy cuisine and a wellness cooking class, as well as bespoke nutritionist-led plans with plant-based options. Aleenta Retreat Chiang Mai enables couples to work with a resident 'master healer', doctor, nurse and nutritionist to achieve optimum wellness and balance.

Seaside, A Lifestyle Resort, in Crete is reopening this summer with a new pool and bar

Perched on top of a cliff in Mononaftis Bay, located in the quiet and picture-perfect area of Agia Pelagia, stands Seaside, A Lifestyle Resort. Reopening this summer with a new pool and bar, the property boasts serene panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and is only a short stroll away from a beautiful sandy beach.

Seaside, A Lifestyle Resort, boasts 245 rooms and suites, some with private pools, which offer all the tranquillity and comforts couples could ask for. Each room is elegantly decorated and draws on the island's natural palette of whites, terracotta, and neutral tones with a boho-chic design.

Life's a beach

Need a perfectly personalised present for a wedding? Looking for a fun way to congratulate a couple off on their honeymoon? These thoughtful towels are a great way to celebrate a newly wedded couple by adding a touch of personal luxury to any getaway.

Designed as a perfect match, the Mrs towel features a design of perfect polka dots and the Mr towel a design of striking stripes. Ensuring quality and uniqueness, each towel is created with meticulous attention to detail in its Derbyshire workshop. Allow these towels to become a staple accessory for a relaxing and memorable experience.

Allow these towels to become a staple accessory for a relaxing and memorable experience.

Ikos Porto Petro in Spain is a new property set to open in June 2023

Ikos Porto Petro is a new luxurious property set to open in June 2023. Sitting on the coast of cosmopolitan Mallorca, Ikos Porto Petro will have 319 rooms, suites and bungalows as well as five a la carte restaurants with exquisite menus prepared by Michelin-star chefs.

Couples can spend their days exploring the sandy coves, enjoying watersports or taking a local drive at no added cost. If a relaxing holiday is more your cup of tea, Ikos has a luxury spa and a wide range of wellness activities on offer.

Terre Blanche Hôtel Spa Golf Resort in Provence has launched two new spa treatments

Terre Blanche Hôtel Spa Golf Resort in Provence, France, has launched two new spa treatments. Just three hours' travel from London, the resort, immersed in nature, is a secluded haven of tranquillity where couples can embrace the natural beauty of Provence. The new 'Cure Detox Retreat' combines a balanced diet, physical activity, and skin treatments, with morning sports classes such as yoga, pilates and meditation, as well as a series of luxurious spa treatments.

Locanda La Raia in Italy is now available to hire exclusively

Locanda La Raia, a stunning Italian mansion situated on a 180-hectare estate, is now available to hire exclusively. Nestled in the heart of the Gavi Hills, this beautiful and elegant 12-room mansion is surrounded by vineyards, pastures and woods and embraces an eco-system created by the biodynamic farm on-site. Locanda La Raia is perfect for those who are looking for an authentic Italian country-chic experience where you will learn about the fascinating process of biodynamic winemaking.

The building and grounds were refurbished recently by architects Demicisarchitetti, who restored the original arched and vaulted ceilings and added large windows which overlook the vines of the estate.

Breathtaking honeymoon destinations

Nestled in 750 acres of secluded, Mexican jungle, Chablé Yucatan offers honeymooners a luxurious setting. Chable Yucatan's world-class spa is the first to be built inside a 'cenote' – a natural cave formation considered sacred by the ancient Mayans and commonly associated with the Yucatán Peninsula.

The hotel's spiritual setting and extraordinary spa ensures it is perfect for couples with a love for wellness. All treatments are rooted in ancient Mayan techniques, with traditional temazcal (steam house) rituals taking centre stage.