Honeymoon and travel ideas for Essex couples

Discover the great outdoors on a luxurious mini-moon at these gorgeous glamping sites

Pitchup.com, an outdoor accommodation specialist with over 5,000 campsites, caravan parks and glamping sites in 67 countries across the UK and Europe, is encouraging newlyweds to experience an alternative honeymoon by discovering the romance of the great outdoors.

Dan Yates, founder of Pitchup.com, says: "The UK offers some truly breathtaking scenery and wildly romantic outdoor activities, making a 'staycation honeymoon' a great choice for couples wanting to get away from it all after the business of their big day. Plus, contrary to outdated opinion, camping doesn't have to mean a back to basics experience, and there are plenty of ways to enjoy an outdoor escape without the effort of putting up your own tent. We have a wide variety of glamping sites on our books that boast luxurious amenities perfect for a romantic getaway and to make lifelong memories. Increasingly people are looking for something a little alternative and we think time alone in nature is the perfect way to celebrate romance and unwind."

The Cayman Islands are perfect for honeymoons

Wowing visitors from all over the world with pristine beaches, crystal clear waters and fascinating flora and fauna, the Cayman Islands offers couples the chance to enjoy a slice of paradise.

With a trio of islands - Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman - waiting to be explored, travellers will find a wealth of activities and locations to suit every couple's holiday desires. Ideal for adventurous travellers, nature-lovers and those looking to relax and unwind on world-class beaches, there's as much thrill as there is chill.

The largest within the three-island archipelago, Grand Cayman offers complete relaxation, exquisite dining, exciting nightlife and, of course, crystal-clear waters and white sand beaches. Couples will love the cosmopolitan atmosphere of Seven-Mile Beach, the many world-class hotels, restaurants, beach bars and activities available, and the rural-town feel of the East End.

Discover a taste of luxury in the heart of the Turkish Riviera

Susona Bodrum, the fourth hotel from LXR Hotels & Resorts, Hilton's collection of independent luxury properties, is welcoming UK guests to its coastal retreat for the new season as it re-opens on the 7th April 2023.

Situated on a stunning seafront, in the heart of the Turkish Riviera, Susona Bodrum is a luxury five-star boutique hotel boasting 70 rooms, suites and villas, a dazzling infinity pool, jetty, serene spa, vibrant beach club, two mouth-watering restaurants, and a whole host of experiences.

Radisson Hotel Group opens its first Radisson Individuals hotel in Paris

Radisson Hotel Group has announced the opening of Hotel YAC Paris Clichy located in the leafy suburbs of the city of lights. Following an extensive renovation, the hotel welcomes guests with its magnificent rooftop, lush garden, and beautiful patio, as well as renovated guest rooms and an indoor swimming pool, all within a short walk of the Seine and the Clichy Bridge.

Hotel YAC Paris Clichy is ideally located in the North Western suburb of Clichy, one of the most prominent business and corporate hubs in Paris and home to the headquarters of several large companies such as Amazon France and L'Oréal International.

The top eight honeymoon destinations

Santorini, a small island located in the Aegean Sea in Greece, has become a popular honeymoon destination for many reasons. The island is known for its stunning sunsets, beautiful black sand beaches, and unique architecture. The white-washed buildings with blue domes are an iconic image of Santorini and create a romantic atmosphere. Couples can walk through the narrow streets of the idyllic villages, go for vineyard tours and explore the historic towns.

Yazz Collective is opening for its first full season in 2023

The Mediterranean's new chic boutique resort, Yazz Collective, is opening for its first full season in 2023. Set within a private bay in Fethiye, Turkey, the resort boasts an unrivalled location and is only accessible by sea.

This serene retreat turns the volume up at the weekends as resident DJs take centre stage to host sundown session and after dinner parties.

Comprised of a beach restaurant, with menus boasting seasonal ingredients and local produce, a bustling bar and 16 luxury guest houses peppered amongst verdant gardens, the resort has been designed to sit in harmony with the surrounding nature.

NOBU Ibiza is set to reopen this season with a new holistic retreat

The Balearic Island's free-spirited, five-star haven, Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay is back earlier than ever for 2023, inviting guests into a playground of discovery, taste and self-love on the south of the island.

Self-love is at the very core of Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay, so this season the hotel is proud to partner with on-demand mental health experts, Self Space, to host an unforgettable personal growth retreat: Grow Through What You Go Through. Centred on Self Space's eponymous self-compassion book, the partnership will provide guests with the valuable tools needed to cultivate self-love and positive mental health every day.

Mondrian is set to launch a new property in Singapore

Mondrian, part of Ennismore, a hospitality group with a global collective of 14 brands, will open a new property in Singapore in March 2023. The brand's southeast Asian debut will inject its signature blend of art, glamour and culinary flair into the vibrant neighbourhood of Duxton Hill.

Rising above the historic and colourful Chinatown shophouses with sweeping views of the glittering city skyline, Mondrian Singapore Duxton is a stone's throw from the Central Business District and will house 302 guestrooms and suites, a cinematic rooftop pool and restaurants and bars.

Eco-friendly and sustainable places to go on honeymoon

A honeymoon should be a truly special holiday that you will never forget. Specialist travel agent, The Honeymoon Fixer, helps couples find their perfect getaway and says they've noticed an increase this year in enquiries about eco-friendly and sustainable honeymoons.

In response to the issue of climate change, many hotels and resorts have taken, or are taking, steps to lower their carbon footprint, support the local community and help protect the surrounding environment and wildlife.

Most hotels and resorts now have a sustainability page on their website where they outline what they are doing, and it's well worth reading before decision on a destination.

Easter staycations to book this spring

Enjoy a weekend in London with the family this Easter at Great Northern Hotel. Discover the vibrant King's Cross area, visit Harry Potter's Platform 9¾ and enjoy a luxury night's stay where children between the age of five to 12 years old dine for free, receive a chocolate Easter egg and enjoy a turn-down service with milk and cookies. Parents will also enjoy truffles on arrival, a complimentary three-course dinner at Rails Restaurant and cocktails at Little Bar.

Parga Beach Resort in Greece has unveiled 23 new luxury suites

Parga Beach Resort in Greece has unveiled 23 new luxury suites for 2023. Set directly on blue-flag Valtos Beach, the resort has chosen to expand after experiencing a 30 per cent increase in bookings year on year post-pandemic.

Featuring a harmonious minimal design with private balconies, terraces and some with private plunge pools, the suites offer a true sense of seclusion. Suited to couples and families alike, travellers of all ages are invited to explore the new facilities.

The Misty Mountain Reserve has launched new glass dome accommodation

Part of the Misty Mountain Reserve in South Africa, the new glass Ocean Dome is nestled within the indigenous Tsitsikamma Forest, 230m above the sea. Surrounded by nature, this stargazing accommodation offers captivating views of the Indian Ocean. Whether lazing on the air bed with a book or soaking up the bubbles in a tub, the dome promises the ultimate relaxation experience.

There are several activities available and day trips to Misty can be organised for couples wanting to explore the local area.

Meet the team at arrangeMY Escape

We know when it comes to planning your honeymoon, it may seem impossible to pick where you want to spend your first time away as a married couple. The team at arrangeMY Escape have put together a guide to help you find the perfect destination.

ArrangeMY Escape is an independent travel agency, based in Worcester city centre. Its award-winning travel experts Bethany, Ryan, Judith, Rosie and Jennifer have travelled extensively worldwide. They will provide you with personal experience and knowledge to make your trip extra special.

What's hot with honeymoons? Twin centres are the new way to honeymoon, are you and your partner not able to agree on a destination? Then a twin-centre could be perfect for you, there are lots of different options available, including Dubai and the Maldives, Tanzania and Zanzibar, New York and Mexico, and Singapore and Bali just to name a few. This is the perfect way to have some History, Culture & Adventure with the relaxation of the beach.

InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has launched a new package

InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort, an exclusive private island resort on the southernmost tip of Raa Atoll, has launched an Island Romance Package. Perfect for a luxurious getaway or honeymoon, couples can indulge in lazy mornings by the pool, rejuvenating wellness treatments and intimate dining experiences.

The luxury package includes a stay in a beautifully-appointed villa or residence of the guest's choice, a bottle of champagne, a three-course dinner at The Lighthouse, a 60-minute couples treatment at the overwater AVI Spa, and Club InterContinental benefits.

Jade Mountain in Saint Lucia has launched a new Total Romance Package

Couples looking for a picturesque honeymoon will love the new Total Romance Package at Jade Mountain, Saint Lucia, which includes everything from all-inclusive dining to a bottle of champagne on arrival. There are a wide variety of activities to choose from, including a tour of the nearby volcano, sulphur springs and mineral baths, a scuba diving course, a half-day sailing on a skippered resort yacht, and a relaxing Swedish massage.

Ibiza Gran Hotel has been awarded Best Gastronomic Hotel of 2022

Glamorous gastronomy awaits at Ibiza Gran Hotel, which was awarded Best Gastronomic Hotel of 2022, and is a must-visit for couples who love food. Its Michelin-starred flagship restaurant delivers seasonal, locally-inspired cuisine with a celebrated Mediterranean flare.

The property recently launched two new restaurants driven by a two-star Michelin chef, as well as a vibrant new late-night venue from the team behind the world-famous Park Chinois in Mayfair.

COMO Le Montrachet is a new hotel in Burgundy, France

Located in the heart of Burgundy, France, one of the world's most prestigious wine regions, is the new hotel COMO Le Montrachet.

Built on the former historic Hotel Le Montrachet, the new COMO property will be revamped and re-imagined by esteemed designer Paola Navone. The five-star building will be arranged across four heritage buildings, each of which will house sophisticated, sanctuary-like suites and rooms. Set to open in spring 2023, couples will adore the Shambhala Retreat, the first of its kind in France, exquisite dining options and wine experiences in one of France's most beautiful settings.

Dave Red Athens is the first from the Brown Hotels’ affordable urban collection

Dave Red Athens is a boutique hotel located in the heart of Athens, Greece, and is the first international outpost from the Brown Hotels' affordable urban collection.

The property opened its doors in July 2022 and breathes a fresh, young energy into the recently transformed Omonia Square. Set just a stone's throw away from its sister property, Brown Acropol, the 87-room boutique hotel features the brand's distinguishable, punchy décor, with an industrial-style interior and fiery red branding.

Capella Sydney is opening in March 2023

For generations, the Department of Education building in Sydney's Sandstone Precinct has stood empty, but in March 2023, it reopened as Capella Sydney. This heritage-listed icon marks the first property under the Capella Hotels and Resorts group to open in Australia.

Spanning eight levels, the 192 guestrooms and suites are anchored by three ground-level food and beverage outlets, with spaces throughout with commissioned and collected artworks – all within footsteps of the harbour foreshore, the famed Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

Nobu Hotel Marrakech is the Nobu brand’s first hotel in Africa

Nobu Hotel Marrakech is the Nobu brand's first hotel in Africa. First opening its doors in January 2023, the property is just steps away from the city's cultural epicentre, where rich heritage meets contemporary flair.

The luxury lifestyle destination is complete with 71 spacious suites, a stunning rooftop lounge and restaurant, a 2,000 sq. ft luxurious spa and fitness centre, indoor and outdoor swimming pools and a restaurant.