Romantic honeymoon, travel, staycation and minimoon ideas

Captivating Calabria

Guest editor Beverley Byrne tells us why Calabria in southwest Italy is perfect for honeymoons.

In the 1970s, a young Swiss woman visiting Calabria fell in love, not only with her future husband but also the captivating countryside he called home. Together they established a trio of hotels around historic Tropea designed to reflect Calabria's unique landscape and culture. From the romantic sophistication of Villa Paola to Capovaticano's hedonistic charms and the family friendly Baia del Sole Resort, these hotels are sure to sweep you off your feet.

Night has fallen when my taxi arrives outside Villa Paola. The first thing I notice, apart from the intoxicating scent of jasmine, is a Romanesque church complete with belltower. I'm wondering where the entrance to the hotel might be when a door beside the church opens. Ricardo, the hotel's sharp suited manager, welcomes me into a cloister while explaining this was once a monastery built during the sixteenth century to honour St Francis, Calabria's patron saint.

Those monks certainly chose a sensational location. Invited to enjoy a welcome cocktail on the terrace, I'm bewitched by a full moon casting a cone of light across the inky Tyrrhenian Sea. Along the coastline twinkling lamps illuminate the marina and the village of Tropea clinging to the clifftop. It looks heavenly and I see why it's known as the Costa degli Dei (Coast of the Gods).

Sweet escapes

Enjoy a relaxing minimoon in some of the UK's best boltholes come rain or shine - it's the UK after all. From shepherd's huts to flint stone cottages, farm stays to hillside wonders, there's something for everyone in this round up of cosy places just for two. Consisting of five luxury sustainable treehouses located in a woodland area on the banks of the River Teith in Perthshire, this secluded outpost creates an authentic Scottish wilderness experience

A room with a view

Melissa Cullen visits Dunston Hall Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort. In the days leading up to Christmas, I had the pleasure of being invited to stay at the magical Dunston Hall Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort. Located just outside of Norwich, Norfolk, the impressive 18th-century building and surrounding 150 acres of grounds encompass multiple restaurants, a spa and a golf course. My husband, David, and I were excited to explore the area and see what made this hotel such a popular gem.

The Italian dream

CWM deputy managing editor Kelly Andrews spent two nights living la dolce vita at Villa La Massa in the breathtaking Tuscan countryside. Built in the 13th century as an enchanting country house for an aristocratic Florentine family, Villa La Massa was owned by European nobility until 1948, when it was transformed into a luxury hotel. After a complete renovation, it reopened and its 100-year-old history lives on with every nook telling tales of Renaissance splendour and the lifestyle of Florentine high society. It's here that I spent two memorable nights in October, ready to discover what Tuscany and its crown jewel, Florence, have to offer honeymooners.

Picturesque Parga

Editor Claire Ridley jetted to Parga Beach Resort in this popular coastal town located on the north-west coast of Greece: Two beachside restaurants command prime position on the sand with a third, KOKONA set to open this summer. At Thálassa, an open-plan, seaside-chic restaurant, the delicious buffet breakfast can be enjoyed by the water's edge. Authentic Greek dishes for lunch and dinner include marinated anchovies, grilled sardines, moussaka and feta-filled salad. Don't miss the regular Greek nights here where live music, singing and dancing accompany a tasty buffet boasting traditional flavours.

Viva España!

Kelly Andrews experiences the finer side of life at Hostal de La Gavina in Spain's Costa Brava... My name is Kelly, I'm 42 years old, British and I've never been to Spain. Never. How did I manage to miss out on the quintessential Brits abroad destination? Probably because that exact connotation was all I'd ever seen of Spain: Ibiza, 18-30 holidays, and all that jazz. It didn't appeal. How wrong was I? Let me tell you, the breathtakingly beautiful Costa Brava could not be further from all of that. Having been on my first adventure to sunny Spain recently, I'm happy to report it's now my most beloved part of the world, which I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to honeymooners, and here's why...

Parisian elegance

Part of the prestigious Oetker Collection, Le Bristol Paris is everything you could dream of from a once in a lifetime visit to La Ville-Lumière, The City of Light. Rachel Westall checks it out...If a honeymoon with the wow factor is what you're after, you've found it. The iconic Le Bristol Paris is located at one of the city's most prestigious addresses on rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. The hotel opened in April 1925, when the roaring twenties were in full swing. During that carefree and prosperous era, Paris attracted all the big movers and shakers from the worlds of culture and fashion: think Balenciaga, Chanel, Schiaparelli, Picasso, Mondrian and Dali.

A song of sun and sea

County Wedding Magazines' editor Melissa Cullen reveals why Dubrovnik is the perfect honeymoon destination... Whilst I sit here in mid-October wrapped up in a blanket, jumper, and thermal socks, my mind can't help but wander back to earlier in the year when I had the pleasure of taking a trip to Dubrovnik, a city in southern Croatia. Ideal for those of you who are looking for a city break and a beach-side destination, Dubrovnik is a must-visit destination with everything you need for the perfect honeymoon.

What a treat - at Elcot Park!

Rachel Westall experiences the stylish Retreat at Elcot Park - country-house comfort at its best...Step into luxury at The Retreat, Elcot Park. Since its grand opening in June 2022 it has won many accolades including Britain's Best Hotel by The Times and the Sunday Times, topping their list of the Top 100 Places to Stay in the UK. So, it was only right for us to check it out for our couples.Located between Newbury and Hungerford, this 18th-century country house hotel & spa is the perfect spot to unwind pre- or post-wedding -whether you want a cocktail aside the heated outdoor swimming pool; or are ready to don your hiking boots and clear your mind on the close-by North Wessex Downs.

The Italian Dream

Louise Prance enjoys her inaugural visit to Italy, discovering the delights of Sardinia with a stay at the impressive Forte Village...For many, when you think 'honeymoon' you think white sands, clear seas, sunshine and an abundance of rest and relaxation. But, if you're anything like me, sometimes you need a little bit more – enter ForteVillage, Sardinia.A self-confessed travel addict with eternal wanderlust, I'm ashamed to say that my recent visit to Sardinia was my virgin voyage to Italy. And what an error or judgement that was. Just a hop, skip and a very short two-hour flight from the UK it was clear from touch down that Sardinia lived up to the Italian dream stereotype and then some.

An iconic island

Let yourself be carried away by the relaxed Jamaican atmosphere wherever you are; whether you're enjoying a swim in the warm waters of the Caribbean, sipping on a piña colada in a crystal-clear pool, or on an outing exploring breathtaking mountains and blue lagoons — get ready to enter a state of absolute bliss.Together with Dominican Republic, Haiti, Puerto Rico and Cuba,Jamaica is one of the five countries that form the Greater Antilles archipelago in the Caribbean Sea. An island overflowing with colour and energy, this unique and diverse country has a pace and power, a passion and beauty that make it an unforgettable honeymoon destination.Along with its many natural wonders, the heart of Jamaica is its people and when visiting this ultra-hospitable country, you'll encounter friendly,joyful faces and a vibrant energy familiar across the planet.

Total body bliss - Louise indulges in this spa-staycation

Located in Warwickshire, Ardencote Spa is easily accessible for a spa day or weekend away, however, upon arriving down the leafy drive, you feel a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Set in 83 acres of landscaped gardens, Ardencote is a modern hotel and destination spa offering everything needed for a weekend of wellness after the big day. A pool, treatment rooms,18-hole golf course, leisure facilities, tennis courts and a restaurant and bar await for a blissful UK-based honeymoon.

Magical Mauritius - fall in love with this honeymoon destination

Editor Claire Ridley fell in love with this year-round honeymoon hotspot...Nestled on the north coast of the island in Anse la Raie (a popular kite surfing spot) sits the five-star, eco-committed boutique hotel Paradise Cove. With Mauritius fast becoming a sustainable island, Paradise Cove's effort to go green includes being part of the Positive Impact Movement (created by the Attitude hotel group) ensuring local sourcing and no single-use plastic. I was excited to visit this adults-only tropical paradise, an acclaimed Small Luxury Hotels of the World, having benefited from a renovation in 2019. It offers a warm welcome with 75 rooms and suites including the Deluxe Premium Rooms, one of which was to become my home for three blissful nights. This honeymoon hideout has been authentically designed in the island's signature style with wood, rattan and tropical palm-print wallpaper and furnishings

Provence provided the ultimate in rural romance

Olivia Gibson discovers the delights of Provence at Hôtel Crillon le Brave. Known for its diverse landscapes, picturesque views, iconic lavender fields, vineyards and Mediterranean coastline, Provence is the ultimate honeymoon destination that oozes romance at every turn. When the opportunity arose to visit Maisons Pariente's Hotel Crillon le Brave, I packed my bags and headed to the airport alongside my partner for a magical stay at the sought-after property.

Do not disturb! Moddershall Oaks provides a tranquil setting

Olivia Gibson ventures to Staffordshire for a spa minimoon at Moddershall Oaks; Nestled in 72 acres of tranquil parkland in the Staffordshire countryside, Moddershall Oaks Country Spa Retreat is a luxurious property with lavish suites, spa facilities, lakeside dining and a wellness centre. The retreat offers a private location surrounded by unspoilt views of the rolling countryside, setting the perfect scene for romantic minimoonsand getaways. I felt a calming oasis as soon as I ventured onto Moddershall Oaks' winding driveway. With the sun beaming down on me, I quickly left the outside world behind. The next thing I knew, I was enjoying an elderflower spritz while chatting to the attentive and friendly staff who were on hand throughout my entire stay.

A Celtic Haven - Galgorm Resort near Ballymena

While Northern Ireland might not be the first place you think of when planning a mini-moon, having spent two nights at the incredible Galgorm Resort near Ballymena, CWM deputy managing editor Kelly Andrews is here to change that! Northern Ireland's premier luxury hotel and spa, located just 30 minutes from Belfast, offers the ultimate haven of relaxation. Set within 380 acres of parkland with the sometimes rushing, sometimes babbling River Maine running through it, Galgorm's enviable location truly provides an escape from the real world.

My first, my last, my everything

Located in the South Ari Atoll, renowned for its marine life and coral gardens, the resort is spread over two islands: one, the blissfully peaceful adult only island; the other slightly more buzzy, welcoming families; both stunningly beautiful and connected via a 500m woodenbridge – the first of its kind in the Maldives! Getting there couldn't be easier with BA flying direct from London Heathrow! Once you land inMalé, you can rest in the Conrad Lounge to cool off with a refreshing juice, bite to eat and even a shower if you so wish before you embark on your seaplane for a 30-minute breathtaking flight to your home for the duration of your honeymoon. And home it is. The resort's friendliness is not to be taken for granted, expect warm smiles, relaxed vibes and nostuffiness often associated with such glamorous resorts.

Riverside romance in Surrey

The Mitre Hampton Court was the perfect location for Gracie Leader's night away for two...The Mitre Hampton Court could not be placed in a more romantic location; just a five-minute walk from Hampton Court Palace and nestled on the bank of the River Thames. So, when my other half and I whizzed down to the home county of Surrey for a night away around Valentine's we had high expectations for our stay. Before checking in, we busied ourselves in The Mute Swan, a pub conveniently placed next door, for a few hours.

Hooray for Hampshire

Kelly Andrews headed to the New Forest to find out what makes it such a special spot or mini-mooners:I'm a huge advocate for mini-mooning in the UK (obviously), and since the dark days of lockdown it's increasingly become the thing to do – short trip post W-day here in Blighty followed by an overseas vacay later on if you're so inclined. I'm here to tell you that for the former you'll struggle to find better than the glorious New Forest. I recently visited two incredible hotels in Hampshire, each one perfect for newlyweds in their own way.

Renewed in Newmarket

Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa provided the perfect setting for editor Danielle Harvey's special stay... My husband and I were keen to celebrate our fifth wedding anniversary with a romantic night away. We go away every year, even for a night, to reconnect, reflect and look forward to the year ahead – and this year was no exception. In the heart of Suffolk,the Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa is a four AA red star hotel nestled in three acres of manicured gardens in Newmarket, the ancestral home of British horseracing. We'd popped in to the town prior to our arrival, and it was hard to believe that mere minutes down the road was a serene hotel setting. On approach, the pretty white building flanked by a grand driveway, shrubbery and trees was certainly smile-inducing, it felt in the middle of nowhere.Offering luxury throughout, the hotel has seamlessly combined theold and the new, modern extensions and sumptuous aesthetics are sympathetic to its Georgian 18th-century beginnings.