Honeymoon and travel ideas for Hampshire and Dorset couples

OKU Andalusia in Spain is set to open in 2025

Award-winning lifestyle brand OKU Hotels has announced the addition of OKU Andalusia. Set to open in summer 2025, the hotel is located on a secluded beach on Spain's southern shore, with breathtaking views over the coast. Couples can enjoy multiple swimming pools, restorative spa and wellness facilities, and four dining venues, including an adults-only beach club.

Offering 255 guest rooms, including one private four-bedroom villa, accommodation has been designed to showcase OKU's signature bohemian flair. The expansive spa will be a haven to relax and revive, with an indoor pool, relaxation area, meditation courtyard, sauna, steam room, soul-soothing treatment rooms and state-of-the-art fitness studio.

Wilderness Chitabe in Botswana has announced an upgrade to its guest rooms

Wilderness Chitabe, set within a private conservation bordering Botswana's renowned Moremi Game Reserve in the Okavango Delta, has announced an exciting upgrade to its guest rooms. Following a comprehensive refurbishment, Wilderness Chitabe will reopen in April 2025, offering enhanced comfort and sustainability in one of Africa's top wildlife regions.

The new rooms combine luxurious comfort with a sustainable design that aligns with Wilderness' light footprint ethos. These enhancements further solidify Chitabe's reputation as a premier destination for thrilling and eco-conscious safari experiences, offering couples an indulgent connection to the natural world.

Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa is a dreamy honeymoon escape in Saint Lucia

Named the world's leading romance destination, Saint Lucia is the ultimate honeymoon escape. The island's breathtaking beauty and exotic allure set the stage for love, and Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa enhances that magic with its thoughtful amenities, ongoing adults-only Harmony wing room renovations, and endless adventures for couples.

Nestled on 85 acres and a mile-long beach, just a five-minute drive from Hewanorra International Airport, Coconut Bay welcomes you to paradise moments after you arrive. The Harmony wing, exclusively for adults, is a sanctuary for romance and relaxation. Newly remodelled rooms include concierge suites with expansive ocean views, designed with couples in mind. Lounge in sun-tracker beds by one of Harmony's two pools, sip premium cocktails at the Tiki Bar, or retreat to an oceanfront cabana for a couple's massage at the Sanctuary Spa.

Wilderness Rwanda Bisate in Rwanda has unveiled a new lodge

Wilderness Rwanda Bisate near Volcanoes National Park has unveiled a new lodge called Bisate Reserve. Intended to redefine luxury, conservation and exclusivity, this intimate property will feature four spacious villas, continuing Wilderness' legacy of driving conservation tourism in the region.

Positioned on the rim of a weathered volcano, Bisate Reserve's four expansive villas offer captivating vistas overlooking six majestic volcanoes. Through its ground- breaking reforestation and rehabilitation initiatives, each guest will become a partner in biodiversity protection and local community upliftment, directly contributing to the preservation of the iconic endangered mountain gorilla species.

Four Seasons Resort Seychelles is offering 20 per cent off bed and breakfast rates

Nestled in the breathtaking Petite Anse Bay, Four Seasons Resort Seychelles offers guests a cultural experience, complemented by a range of off-resort adventures. Surrounded by unspoiled landscapes, the resort is dedicated to sustainable practices, ensuring its natural splendour remains intact.

Couples can indulge in luxury amenities such as Le Syel Spa, savour culinary delights at four diverse restaurants, and unwind in two stylish bars, allowing for the optimal blend of relaxation and exploration.

Eden Villas, a villa expert in Sri Lanka, has added Doornberg House to its portfolio

Eden Villas, a luxury villa expert in Sri Lanka, has added the new Doornberg House to its portfolio of exquisite houses on the south coast.

Built in 1712 for a Dutch admiral, Doornberg House is perched on an acre of manicured lawn, sitting above the ancient town of Galle, offering an 180-degree panorama with views of the UNESCO-heritage Galle Fort and the Indian Ocean beyond.

Wayfairer Travel has announced a new 14-day honeymoon itinerary to Japan

Japan is a year-round paradise for culture, art, cuisine, and romance, and Wayfairer Travel's new 14-day honeymoon itinerary offers couples a comprehensive introduction to this captivating country. Spanning key cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, historic landmarks such as Hiroshima, and relaxing stays in traditional ryokans, this journey blends ancient traditions with cutting-edge contemporary culture.

Couples can enjoy a variety of customised activities during their stay, including an afternoon tea with a maiko at a traditional ochaya teahouse in Kyoto and a Samurai Kenbu sword-dancing class in Japan's ancient capital, Nara.

Saint Lucia’s Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa Unveils Multimillion-Dollar Upgrade

Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa, Saint Lucia's most popular Premium All-Inclusive, has completed a significant multimillion-dollar renovation project during its annual September closure. These enhancements focused on room transformations, dining experiences, wedding venues, a completely new Activity Pool deck and spa facilities will elevate the guest experience across the resort just in time for high season. In addition to the annual steam deep cleaning of the rooms, extensive remodeling started earlier this year into the September closure will have transformed 25% of the resort's rooms by the end of November 2024. They are being fully renovated, replacing everything from electrical and plumbing to ceilings and flooring. New bathrooms, featuring bathtubs in the Splash wing and showers in the Harmony wing, are complemented by fresh fixtures, furniture, air conditioners, and soft furnishings throughout. All the resort's 250 rooms are scheduled to be upgraded with completion expected at the end of 2025.

Lopota Lake Resort & Spa in Georgia has announced the opening of a new aquapark and jazz club

Lopota Lake Resort & Spa, a family-owned resort nestled in the heart of the Kakheti region of eastern Georgia, has announced the opening of a new, on-site aquapark and jazz club. This comes following its recent extension of a new building with 80 premium rooms and a plethora of premium facilities, including a spa and wellness centre, a winery, six restaurants, eight swimming pools, tennis courts and a horse farm.

Nestled amongst the estate's rich foliage lies Lopota Lake Resort & Spa's new, state-of-the-art 'Green Aqua'. Combining nine different features, including multiple slides, a water dump bucket and climbing frames, Green Aqua is suitable for both children and adults. Complete with sun beds, umbrellas and a snack bar, Green Aqua is the ideal spot for a family-fun afternoon under the Kakhetian sun.

How to plan the perfect safari honeymoon

For couples who have a love of the outdoors, wildlife and good food, going on a safari is a fantastic experience and a great way to spend your honeymoon. You can create the perfect combo honeymoon simply by adding on a few days doing something different, whether that's relaxing by a beautiful beach, trekking, or exploring another area.

Specialist travel agency The Honeymoon Fixer has some recommendations based on their customer experiences. Here are five different safari options together with a few add-on suggestions.

Son Sabater by Zafiro in Spain has been lovingly converted into an agrotourism hotel

Son Sabater by Zafiro is a beautiful old Mallorcan finca that has been lovingly converted into an agrotourism hotel, featuring stone walls with country-style decoration and a touch of elegance. There are 12 suites and three villas, plus expansive gardens, an indoor and outdoor pool and an a la carte restaurant serving authentic Mallorca cuisine.

Son Sabater focuses on 'slow living' in a gorgeous rural setting in Sa Pobla, just a short distance from Pollença and Alcúdia. Ideal for couples who like a more traditional, authentic stay, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Mallorcan countryside. Couples can choose from a number of experiences on the estate to immerse themselves in rural Mallorcan life, from walks through the organic gardens to hiking routes through the forest.

The Ruby Bea Hotel & Bar is a new hotel in Florence, Italy

Ruby Hotels has unveiled its 19th hotel, The Ruby Bea Hotel & Bar, alongside the state-of the-art Ruby Dante Workspaces, both nestled in the heart of Florence. The exciting launch marks Ruby's entry into the Italian market, heralding a significant milestone as it introduces its luxury hotel experience to the enchanting city. Set in a beautiful, historic 19th-century building overlooking the grand, tree-lined Piazza della Libertà, The Ruby Bea Hotel & Bar has 118 rooms, including a number of large maisonette-style rooms.

Ballygally Castle in Northern Ireland has introduced its latest aquatic experience

Ballygally Castle, positioned on the waters of the Antrim Coast, has introduced its latest aquatic experience. Sauna by the Sea is an overnight package ideal for autumn and winter stays that enables guests to refresh and revive the mind, body and soul with an icy dip right outside the charming four-star hotel, immediately followed by a warming sauna experience on the beachfront, courtesy of local company Scenic Sauna.

Angsana Quan Lan is a new property nestled in Vietnam’s Bai Tu Long Bay

Angsana Quan Lan is a new property nestled in Vietnam's Bai Tu Long Bay. The hotel boasts 156 rooms and suites offering stunning views of the Gulf of Tonkin.The resort blends Vietnam's multifaceted culture and natural scenery and offers a rooftop mini-golf course and Vietnam's first and only coastal zipline integrated into a resort.

The rooms and suites are designed with contemporary elegance and heritage charm. All of the accommodation includes a freestanding bathtub and a private balcony with either garden or sea views. The Junior Suite features a plush king bed, sleeping and dining areas, a walk-in closet, and large bathrooms. The one-bedroom suite includes a pantry, dining space, and a panoramic balcony. For larger groups, the Angsana Suite can be connected to an ocean-view room for additional space.

Rosewood Schloss Fuschl in Austria has opened its doors as a new luxury resort

Perched upon the breathtaking blue waters of Lake Fuschl, Rosewood Schloss Fuschl has opened its doors as a new, enriched luxury resort. Rosewood Schloss Fuschl preserves and re-births Austrian traditions through its thoughtful restoration of the 15th century castle and embracing of the natural surroundings through sustainable practices.

The property features 98 furnished guestrooms, including 42 suites and six chalets, and sits as the gateway to Austria's Salzkammergut region, offering unparalleled access to its exquisite scenery. Couples can enjoy guided fishing excursions on the lake, forest foraging with an expert herbalist, and local-led cooking demonstrations in nearby alpine huts, complemented by a bespoke spa rooted in Austrian wellness philosophies and a leisure beach club with direct access to the water.

King Jason Zante in Greece is a new all-inclusive lifestyle hotel designed for adults

King Jason Zante is a new all-inclusive lifestyle hotel designed for adults. Set in a peaceful location, the highly anticipated resort is surrounded by shimmering water nestled amidst the captivating beauty of Zakynthos. At King Jason Zante, the dining scene takes centre stage, from the elevated Eastern Mediterranean food at Haroub to the vibrant world of Peruvian fusion at restaurant Pisco, where culinary excitement and a zest for flavours collide, paying homage to the ancient traditions of Peru.

The Purai Spa offers a series of techniques and therapies that optimise wellness, introducing easy new habits that can be implemented in daily routines back home. King Jason Zante is a destination for those seeking to slow down, reconnect with nature, and indulge in the finer things in life.

Beachcomber Resorts & Hotels in Mauritius has launched a coral restoration and preservation programme

Beachcomber Resorts & Hotels in Mauritius has launched a coral restoration and preservation programme. This initiative involves creating a land-based coral nursery and setting up an educational space to raise awareness about marine biodiversity protection. The centre welcomes hotel staff, couples, and local residents to awareness workshops on the importance of reefs.

With eight resorts and a ninth on the way, Beachcomber continues to be one of the biggest hotel groups on the island. Implementing a strong commitment to environmental responsibility to ensure its properties use natural resources efficiently, Beachcomber Resorts & Hotels has embarked upon a major innovation project in terms of sustainable development and energy management and was the first hotel group in Mauritius to install solar panels.

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."