1. Turtle Island
Fiji
The enchantment of Turtle Island will take your breath away with its pristine beaches and your own private “bure”. The all-inclusive treatment begins upon arrival, as you and your sweetheart are assigned a “Bure Mama”, whose only responsibility is to make sure all your needs are met in Turtle Island. Every night is a dinner party, featuring different themes; from a traditional Fiji buffet on Thursday to a mountain top dinner under the stars on Saturday, dining will be a pleasure and adventure all on its own. If it’s an intimate setting you’re craving, you can always arrange to have your meal on a private dining raft in the lagoon. With the numerous water sports and land activities offered—snorkeling, diving, sailing, kayaking, fishing, horseback riding, biking, and hiking—a week might not be enough! One more interesting fact: this is the place where Trista and Ryan (from The Bachelorette), as well as Nick and Jessica Simpson, chose to celebrate their love!
2. Vatulele Island Resort
Fiji
Leave your cares behind at the Vatulele Island Resort, where a staff of 110 caters to the needs of just 19 couples. Each bure is set in a natural jungle to ensure privacy and comes with its own beach and expansive terrace. With a no television, telephone, or newspaper policy, the only thing you’ll have to concentrate on is soaking up every moment of bliss. If you’re feeling cut off from civilization, join in on a variety of guided activities that will suit every taste. There is a trip to the tidal rock pools to see the sacred Red Prawns of Vatulele, a walk through the rainforest that leads to hidden limestone caves and a hike to the lighthouse where you can take in a panoramic view of the island. A village trip to see the local native community will give you the chance to meet the Chief and participate in a traditional Kava ceremony.
3. Bora Bora Nui Resort and Spa
French Polynesia
With spacious and luxurious suites, the exotic Bora Bora Nui Resort and Spa will impress even the most discerning traveler. Stretch out on the beach or be escorted through the sprawling grounds on a golf cart. Splash around in the infinity pool overlooking the lagoon or simply enjoy cuddling on the beach with your honey as you feel the sand between your toes. As evening falls, relax with cocktails on your deck before taking a moonlit stroll along the shore. Feel like being pampered? Make a trek up to the resort’s Madera Spa, where you can take in panoramic views of Otemanu peak before indulging in a massage.
4. Hotel Bora Bora
French Polynesia
Hotel Bora Bora rests along azure waters where thatched-roof bungalows beckon honeymooners longing for romance in the tropics. You can layout on one of the three white-sand beaches or splash around in the lagoon, where coral and marine life abound. If you’re feeling social, there’s a weekly beach barbeque, where you can mingle with other guests as you watch the Polynesian cultural entertainment. For a true island experience, let the hotel take you out on a catamaran excursion to neighboring islands or take part in the many activities-jet skiing, parasailing, horseback riding, snorkeling, diving, helicopter tours…it’s all possible in this beautiful oasis.
5. Hayman
Australia
As Australia’s premier private island destination, Hayman sets the standard for resorts in the Great Barrier Reef. Comprised of 244 rooms, it features four restaurants serving fresh seafood and international cuisine and a wine cellar that holds over 10,000 bottles of wine. But don’t get too tipsy because you’ll need the coordination for all of Hayman’s recreation! There are five tennis courts, two squash courts, golf on a nine-hole putting green, archery, badminton, snooker, and exercise classes. The list continues on the dazzling coral-fringed beach, with complimentary swimming, catamaran sailing, windsurfing, and paddle skiing. The newest pride and joy of the resort is the Spa Chakra Hayman, boasting 13 individual treatment rooms, two relaxation rooms, a Hydrotherapy area, saunas, and steam rooms, and a hair and makeup salon. The spa treatments, designed to restore wellness and balance, will leave you rejuvenated for the rest of your trip.
6. Royal Huahine
French Polynesia
Royal Huahine will lead you into the magic of the tropics, with its exotic plants, azure lagoon, and rich marine life. Forty-one bungalows face west to give you prime sunset views as you lay in the arms of your beloved. For your dining pleasure, the Air’I Restaurant produces scrumptious meals that combine fresh seafood with local fruits and vegetables. After quelling your hunger, explore the island with complimentary outrigger canoes, kayaks, and snorkeling equipment. For an additional fee, the hotel can arrange a picnic cruise, surf transfers, a 4×4 jeep safari, scuba diving, shark feeding, horseback riding, and scooter or bike rentals. Inspire your love of history and culture with an excursion to the archeological site of Maeva. Here you can see remains of prehistoric villages and ancient stone temples.
7. Punatapu Lodge
New Zealand
You’ll never feel crowded in this rural resort of just four guest suites. Punatapu Lodge is situated in a natural alpine landscape of lush mountains and crystal blue skies that are sure to please the eye. This cozy home away from home provides all the ambiance needed for sparking romance. Daily rates include a gourmet breakfast, pre-dinner drinks, canapés, and a three-course dinner with New Zealand wine. On the premises, you can relax in the pool, spa or sauna, and play a friendly game of billiards with your honey. Explore the great outdoors as you fish in remote waters, hike in the alpine playground of the Southern Alps, and amble along with a range of walking trails. For an even better view of the vicinity, take a helicopter tour of the glaciers and mountain waterfalls. Being one with the earth is easy here as you experience nature at its best.
8. Lizard Island Resort, Great Barrier Reef
Australia
Picture yourself in the arms of your lover, swaying on a hammock and watching the sunset behind the sapphire waters of the Great Barrier Reef. Make this dream a reality with a trip to the Lizard Island Resort. Renowned for its diving, this premier resort is located right on the Great Barrier Reef, making it an ideal honeymoon destination for water sports lovers. Complimentary activities include catamarans, paddle skis, glass-bottom boat trips, motorized dinghies, snorkeling lessons, tennis, and picnic baskets for beachside lunches. For a small fee, you can also go on a full-day guided outing to the best reefs, take dive lessons, or do some game fishing. Don’t forget to take a break from all the excitement and refuel at the hotel’s restaurant, where your meals (included in the rates) will be served to you on an open verandah. After a long day, float into complete relaxation with a massage, facial or exfoliating wrap at the Azure Spa.
9. Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas
Australia
Discover a piece of heaven at the Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas, where you will be enveloped by five acres of the shimmering lagoon. Savor fine dining at one of the restaurants, pick up a delicious pastry at the Sunbird Bakery and Café, or kick back with a cocktail from the Ocean Breeze swim-up bar. For sports enthusiasts, a championship 18-hole golf course at the Mirage Country Club Port Douglas is just a few steps away from your room. Serve up your best game on nine floodlit tennis courts, hit the cardio machines at the gym, cool off in the lap pool, and relax in the sauna. When you’re done discovering the delights at the resort, a complimentary shuttle can take you to the restaurants and shopping in the small fishing village of Port Douglas.
10. Bora Bora Lagoon Resort
French Polynesia
This isn’t the only Top 10 List that the Bora Bora Lagoon Resort is on; it has been listed in prominent magazines such as Conde Nast Traveler, Travel & Leisure, and Modern Bride. And rightly so! Overwater bungalows feature a private deck leading straight into the lagoon and an illuminated glass-top coffee table enables you to feed the fish. You can practice your dive skills in the free-form pool, rally on the tennis court, or ask the staff to join you in a game of beach volleyball. There is also a variety of your usual island water sports—scuba diving, snorkeling, jet-skiing, kayaking, and water skiing. But here’s a new one: venturing to the Lagoonarium. This aquatic park allows you to swim with the fish and discover the underwater caves, coral gardens, and fauna. If you’re still feeling stressed from the wedding day, the “Honeymoon Bliss” treatment at the Maru Spa will revitalize your body and relax your mind.
