Honeymoon * n. - an excuse to get slushy and spoil yourself silly in the most glamorous destinations the world has to offer
MAIA LUXURY RESORT & SPA, SEYCHELLES
The Hideaway: Situated on 12 hectares of pristine beachfront, Maia is a pure and tranquil refuse in the Seychelles. When Vasco de Gama discovered the Seychelles, it was labelled on Portuguese maps as the Seven Sisters archipelago which is also a star constellation used by mariners for direction. Each of the stars is named after the daughters of Atlas. The eldest and most beautiful daughter was called Maia, the Great One. A stay at Maia seems blessed and immersed in beauty and is the perfect choice for a blissful honeymoon.
Taste of Paradise: Turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, evening bird song, the smell of jasmine and exotic spices as well as total tranquility are all part of the sensual experience of staying in one of Maia's 30 villas. Set amidst the lush tropical gardens, each as a private infinity pool, two separate pavilions and a private butler to cater to your every whim. In fact, you should take a peek at the Maia Honeymoon Specials. You're sure to fall in love with Maia Five Senses Honeymoon Package which comprises a five-course dinner prepared by the resort's executive chef; a private cooking class; a 60 min. La Prairie facial, one Dancing Fingers Massage and one Maia Signature Batch for two prepared by your oen butler, using essential oils.
Must-DO: Breathe deeply and enjoy the sweet sea air as well as the long, white sandy beach of Anse Louise. Maia's award-winning gardens are to be enjoyed. Then there's a meditation pavilion with yoga, shiatsu and qi gong classes and the La Prairie spa; don't leave without endulging in their Pure Gold Radiance facial.
ROYAL MARE VILLAGE, CRETE
The Hideaway: Surrounded by water and pools, the Royal Mare Village is overgrown with hougainvillea and lush gardens, and has an exclusive country club feel to it, just 25km from Heraklion.
Taste of Paradise: Voted the World's Best Thalasso and Spa Resort in the World Travel Awards 2007, the Royal Mare Village's beauty is enhanced by its location. Built into a terraced slope, the deluxe, sea-facing suites come with their own gardens, plunge pools and terraces, and have names such as Aphrodite; the Goddess of love, what else? They combine southern European sophistication and island simplicity, while the cuisine options range from beachside fresh lobster to gourmet dishes at Candia Restaurant.
Must-DO: Crete can give you your own 'Eat, Sun, Love' holiday with a visit to Thalasso Spa. Sign up for a course of treatments which range from mud baths to seaweed wraps, and hydro massages to aqua-fit programmes. Otherwise, take a day trip to the pretty fishing village of Knossos, home of the legendary King Minos whose wife bore the Minotaur - half man, half boar. Ulk!
VILLA LA MASSA, FLORENCE
The Hideaway: 15 minutes from the Ponte Vecchio lies the Villa La Massa on the banks of the Arno. It's 16th-century villas are furnished in Florentine style and have been host to movie stars and moguls alike.
Taste of Paradise: Picture 22 acres of private parkland, a heated outdoor swimming pool, a sun terrace and 35 exquisite rooms and you have the basics of your stay at Villa La Massa. However, basic is no way to describe this boutique hotel whose register has been signed by the likes of David Bowie and Madonna. Its discretion combined with its Medici heritage and antique decor has lured the rich and famous for centuries. You won't want to leave the terrace of II Verrochio which serves Tuscan delicacies that will linger in your memory as long as your wedding day does.
Must-DO: The Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria, Pitti Palace, the Uffizi Gallery and Brunelleschi's dome are all here and a free shuttle from the hotel will get you there pronto. If you want to venture further afield a day trip to Pisa is recommended, but don't leave without visiting some of the nearby vineyards. This is Chianti Classico country, after all.
DEHRADUN, INDIA
The Hideaway: Situated in the tranquil foothills of the Himalayas, Ananda has been voted as the worl's number one destination spa and is the ultimate get-away-from-it-all-honeymoon.
Taste of Paradise: Shack up in one of the private villas where you can float in your own infinity pool while your personal butler prepares a sumptuous meal for you beneath the twinkling stars. Listen as cheeky monekys holler about everything else in the world but your loved one.
Must-DO: Take a day trip to visit one of the world's most iconic symbols of love - the Taj Mahala. A 400km drive from Ananda, we recommend you fo at sunset when the millions of tiny crystals embedded in the marble shimmer gracefully in unison. Another must-do is a trip down to the spiritual site of Rishikesh to Experience the Ganga Aarati ritual. Performed every evening along the banks of the Ganges, you'll leave feeling more aware and calm than you have in ages.
VIENNA, AUSTRIA
The Hideaway: Located in the heart of Vienna on the famous Vienna "Ring", the Grand Hotel is a few steps from the State Opera and Karntner Street. Visit in spring and the worlds of a famous Viennese song come to mind. When white and pink blossom of the chestnut trees are start reaching skyward, the city comes to life as fragrances of jasmine and lilac swirl through the air.
Taste of Paradise: What do Cindy Crawford, Aga Khan, Claudia Schiffer and Paul McCartney, all have in common? They've all stayed in one of the luxurious suites at the Grand Hotel, and no wonder. If you want to start married life in style, this is the way to go. The hotel combines tradition with cosmopolitan flair and is now a worthy member of leading hotels of the world. This is the sort of place where you can play dress up. After a leisurely breakfast, amble hand-in-hand through the city's small streets and arcaded courtyards and, of course, make time for coffeeat one of the many cafe-restaurants. Cafe Demel and Meinl are favorites.
Must-DO: What could be more romantic that visiting the Belvedere and seeing The Kiss by Gustav Klimit? After all, Klim't lovers have been embracing each other in unchanging passion for over a hundred years and as such is the sort of symbolic honeymoon gift you really want.
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