Honeymoon and travel ideas for Essex couples

Gili Lankanfushi in the Maldives has announced new underwater activities

Gili Lankanfushi in the Maldives has announced new underwater activities that are available year-round. Home to a pristine reef teeming with rare aquatic species, Gili Lankanfushi provides the perfect place to enjoy unspoilt diving and snorkelling, with the opportunity to achieve a range of PADI certifications.

Eco-minded couples will have the chance to participate in Gili's Coral Lines Sustainability Initiative, while surfing, paddle-boarding, boat trips and a variety of other watersports provide endless fun.

Italian fashion house Missoni has partnered with Rocco Forte’s Verdura Resort in Sicily

Italian fashion house Missoni has partnered with Rocco Forte's Verdura Resort in Sicily to create a stunning new beach club experience. The Missoni Beach Club will be a haven for couples seeking relaxation against the backdrop of the sun-kissed Mediterranean coastline.

There will be a Missoni pop-up store on-site, where guests can purchase a selection of Missoni's beachwear and accessories. The partnership extends from the beach to the bar with the Missoni and Verdura Resort cocktail list.

Destress with a pre-wedding getaway

Since the pandemic couples booking a pre-wedding wedding break, or "earlymoon" as they are now called, usually two or three months before the ceremony, has seen a surge in popularity. Bearing in mind how time-consuming and frantically busy the lead-up to a wedding is, it isn't really surprising that the idea of having a well-earned break is very appealing.

Grabbing the opportunity to get away gives couples the chance to remove themselves from the pressures and stress of organising their wedding and enjoy a bit of downtime together before the big day. Whether it is a few days or two weeks, having an earlymoon has been cited as "a great way to step back, to reconnect and to recharge the batteries."

Kempinski Hotel The Dome Belek has undergone a comprehensive renovation

Kempinski Hotel The Dome Belek, located on the shores of the Turkish Mediterranean Sea, has undergone a comprehensive renovation of all its 158 rooms and suites. The hotel offers a sense of private luxury with its new restaurant, Seljuk, and the fully refurbished restaurant, Lale.

With its colourful light green and beige colour scheme and glass décor elements, couples can enjoy a relaxed setting overlooking the hotel's gardens with easy access to the main pool, the beach and the kid's club.

Lemala Osonjoi Lodge is the latest property in Lemala Camps & Lodge’s portfolio

Lemala Osonjoi Lodge is the latest property in Lemala Camps & Lodge's portfolio. Set to open in March 2025, it's perched on the cliffs of Tanzania's Great Rift Valley by the iconic Ngorongoro Crater, the world's largest intact volcanic caldera. The lodge will be a tranquil 20-suite retreat with panoramic views of the crater floor below. Each accommodation will feature expansive living spaces, private plunge pools and sweeping views of Lake Eyasi, ensuring a blend of luxury and nature against a truly mesmerising backdrop.

Couples can spend their days discovering the region's abundant wildlife through various activities, including game drives, guided walks into the Rift Valley's flora and fauna, cultural visits to nearby communities, or relaxing with a spa treatment at the property's on-site wellness centre.

Alternative honeymoon spots for cold-weather lovers

Honeymoons are a special time for newlyweds wanting to spend quality time together. These usually take the form of a safari or a paradise beach hut in the Maldives, but rarely in the snowy peaks of the Alps. One of Europe's leading ski tour operators, Sunweb, has compiled an alternative honeymoon list for those couples who enjoy thrill-seeking, snow carving and a proper fondue in the shadow of Mont Blanc.

Magma Resort Santorini has opened a new restaurant

Magma Resort Santorini has opened a new restaurant. Magma Soul is a must for foodies travelling to the island this season. Diners can expect a contemporary and innovative take on the diverse flavours of Greece, with a focus on exceptional seasonal ingredients. Curated by head chef Lefteris Soultatos, the menu offers a variety of fresh seafood and meat dishes, ranging from hand-dived scallops paired with Jerusalem artichokes and artisanal 'skioufichta' pasta with red prawns and shellfish bisque to wagyu beef carpaccio and traditional lamb 'kleftiko'. All dishes are inspired by chef Lefteris' passion for Greek culture, showcasing the best of the nation's culinary heritage.

Celebrate love at Hotel Maria in Helsinki

Finland offers its own interpretation of Valentine's Day, known as Ystävänpäivä or "Friend's Day." While the tradition only dates back to 1980, it has become cherished amongst the Finns to honour special friendships through shared meals, coffee and activities, including visits to traditional Finnish saunas, leaving no room to feel down if there's no romance in your life. This heartwarming celebration adds to Finland's distinction as the 'Happiest Country in the World' for the sixth consecutive year, making it a destination to spark joy in any traveller.

Escape to the wilderness at Kuru Private Resort

Escape to the wilderness with your special someone at the idyllic Kuru Private Resort. Ultra-luxury meets off-the-grid retreat at this adults-only resort in Saimaa, Finland - the first of its kind in the country. Stay in one of the 16 elevated private villas situated on the edge of Lake Saimaa, surrounded by the stunning Finnish forest. These secluded hideaways include a private sauna for maximum romance, allow couples to completely switch off with no televisions, and have optional Wi-Fi in the rooms, perfect for spending quality time together. Guests can also make it a holiday to remember with experiences such as ice fishing, ice swimming, hiking and seal spotting safaris to catch a rare glimpse of the endangered Saimaa Ringed Seal.

Embrace romance in Grenada’s tropical paradise

The tri-island state of Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique unfolds as an ideal romantic destination with its uncrowded soft-sand beaches, dreamy sunset cruises and verdant mountainous landscapes. Tucked away in this Spice Isle, couples can discover intimate retreats, lively coastal bars and a serene ambiance, making it the perfect backdrop for a romantic getaway.

Grenada's Laluna Hotel is one of the most romantic hotels in the Caribbean, ideal for couples looking for an intimate escape and island charm. This secluded and serene hotel is well known for its romantic atmosphere, as well as the beach yoga pavilion, Asian Spa, Italian restaurant, and warm style that blends Balinese, Caribbean and Italian influences. The on-site concierge is on hand to arrange romantic hikes to the rain forest with a swim in the waterfalls, sunset sailing cruises, a chocolate factory tour or snorkelling at the Underwater Sculpture Park.

The ultimate romantic retreat for newlyweds launches at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa

JW Marriott Resort & Spa has launched the Romantic Retreat package for couples wanting to experience a magical honeymoon in the breathtaking Maldives. Located on the private island of Vagaru nestled within the serene Shaviyani Atoll and surrounded by azure waters this exclusive resort offers an idyllic setting for couples seeking an unforgettable romantic getaway. As part of the new Romantic Retreat offering guests will be treated to a personal butler (Thakuru), breakfast in their pool, dining on the beach at sunset and bespoke couple's spa treatments. Couples can experience culinary journeys unlike any other at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa, with a range of dining options offering exquisite flavours. From private dinners on the beach under the stars to exclusive wine-pairing dinners, every meal is a celebration of love and togetherness.

Iconic Italian hotel celebrates its 190th Birthday

This year, Southern Italy's iconic Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria celebrates its 190th anniversary. Founded by the Fiorentino family in 1834, the hotel has hosted celebrities from around the world and has been the backdrop of many films. Perched upon the cliff in Sorrento with views of the Bay of Naples and Vesuvius, it remains one of the most iconic hotels in Italy.

The 80 rooms and suites are furnished with fascinating antiques collected over the years. In addition to its iconic terrace and renowned Michelin-starred restaurant, the property recently opened a new champagne bar, La Pergola, which allows guests to sip champagne overlooking the main square of Sorrento and the sea.

To find out more, visit www.excelsiorvittoria.com

A honeymoon hotel with a woodland spin

Calling all couples! High-end hotel 'The Montenotte' has recently announced an all new Woodland Suite Experience – all-inclusive access to the luxurious Clubhouse, Ireland's finest sets the standard for top-quality honeymooning. Perched atop a hill that overlooks Cork Harbour, the beauty of the suite really does start with the view. Intricately detailed bathrooms, terraces and luxuriously furnished throughout, the bespoke touches of timber that appear throughout the room really bring the woodland within. The Panorama Restaurant, The Panorama Terrace and cocktail bar, The Glasshouse, top off the classy guest experience, a hard hotel to pass up! For more information check The Montenotte

Walk Japan launches a new mountain-to-sea walk

Walk Japan has launched a new tour exploring Kyoto Prefecture. Kyoto: Mountains to the Sea is a fully guided, eight-day tour that ventures through Kyoto's backcountry, where the pace of life is still measured by seasons and a multitude of colourful festivals take place throughout the year. The tour follows ancient trails that weave their way through valleys and over high passes until culminating on the rugged coast at Amanohashidate, rightly considered one of Japan's three classic vistas. En route, it passes through little known villages and aside historic temples and shrines, some grand and some very rustic.

Accommodation each night will be in Japanese inns, where friendly hosts provide warm welcomes and mouth-watering meals composed of locally sourced and grown ingredients.

For more information, visit www.walkjapan.co

Jewellery care in a honeymoon heatwave

The team at Chisholm Hunter take you through some hacks on how to protect those pearls and keep the gold gleaming.1. protecting your jewellery from sunlight is an easy way to ensure longevity – amethyst and citrine just two stones with low colour stability 2. contact with sun cream and sand cause stones to loose their shine 3. water exposure, whether is contains chlorine or salt, can tarnish 4. taking the time to pack your bracelets and necklaces with care prevents tangling and scratching 5. hiding jewellery in every-day items whether on the beach or in a hotel is useful for concealing valuables

Picturesque French hotel to re-open

Surrounded by six hectares of private parkland and rolling vineyards, Château de Candie is located in picturesque Chambéry, just an hour from both Geneva and Lyon airports. The property sleeps up to 60 on a by-room basis and provides a quintessential Savoyard escape for couples. Reopening until 31st October, Château de Candie has introduced a number of new experiences for guests this summer. From a new menu at the restaurant featuring locally sourced produce and dishes typical of the region to champagne picnics on the estate's rolling vineyards, water sports at the local Bourget lake and visits to Chambery's famous covered market.

Discover more at www.purplesummer.co

Ibiza hotel opens up for their first full season

Hyde Ibiza is now welcoming guests for its first full season. The property is a 401-room hotel nestled on the luscious green hills of Cala Llonga. Offering a relaxed sea view oasis, the property occupies a prime location right next to the beach, with direct access to the crystal waters and a boat dock with a public ferry to the peaceful sister island of Formentera. There are also three glistening outdoor pools and diverse culinary experiences.

Launching this June is Sonrojo, an authentic beachside dining experience with a soundtrack of Balearic beats to accompany the beautiful coastline. Sonrojo serves a laid-back menu of Spanish cuisine, including paella and freshly grilled fish.

Check out www.hydeibiza.com for more information.

African sea resort has a glow up

Set in a coconut plantation overlooking the cerulean shores of the Indian Ocean, Kempinski Seychelles Resort Baie Lazare has undergone a two year transformation that has added new vim and vigour to almost every part of the resort. Every room and suite has been meticulously refreshed, breathing new energy into the collection of bright and airy abodes, which open up onto emerald landscapes and azure sea views.

The new treatment menus at Kempinski Spa now feature locally sourced organic products, while the gym and fitness centre boast floodlit tennis and padel courts for after-hours tournaments.

Visit www.kempinski.com for more information.

Fun in the sun

With their increasingly tropical temperatures, the countries of Europe are proving to be favoured over tourist-traps elsewhere. Below are destination suggestions to keep your lovebird holiday quiet and picturesque: 1. Lithuania: Hot Air Balloon Flight Over Trakai. Float above Trakai Castle and the tranquil lakes surrounding it - a magical scene for any proposal. As couples fly, they are treated to stunning views of the ancient city, nestled on an island in the middle of Lake Galv. 2. Poland: Tatra Mountains. The magnificent peaks of the Tatra Mountains create a truly breath-taking setting for quality time together. Imagine standing at the top of the mountain

TRS Ibiza Hotel releases new deals

The presidential suite makes guest couples feel like royalty. With its large two bedrooms and two bathrooms, there's enough room for a King and Queen. The panoramic windows offer stunning sunset views of the surrounding bay - the jewel in the crown. Tailored especially for couples, the romantic packages are hard to pass up. The deal offers free champagne, 20% off access to the spa and wellness centre and premium cocktails courtesy of the rooftop Gravity Sky Bar – an experience you both won't forget in a hurry! The Pawradise programme, extends the honeymoon to accommodate your furry friends. With complimentary toys, cushions and food bowls, spoilt is an understatement. The dog-friendly walking areas make this hotel a home away from home.