There’s absolutely nothing more exciting than planning the holiday of all holidays: your honeymoon. Considered to be the most indulgent, luxurious, and romantic vacation you’ll ever take, there’s a certain level of planning required to ensure it fulfils all your wedding day dreams. From the worlds’ most spectacular sunsets to the very best luxury villa rentals, here’s five destinations to consider for an unforgettable honeymoon.

Before you start ogling locations, it’s good to have a sense of budget. While the average honeymoon costs $4,800, many high-end honeymooners can spend eight times this amount.
Here’s a few considerations for putting your budget together:

• How long you want to go for
• Flights, airlines and the coach class to travel in
• Accommodation expectations - a five-star resort, luxury villa rental or elsewhere?
• Activities and day trips to account for
• Travel extras such as; car hire, spa treatments, and private tours

Nestled in the South Pacific, the breathtaking island of Bora Bora is a timeless destination for romance. Like something straight out of a glossy magazine, overwater bungalows are the ultimate villa rentals, making you feel like you’ve been dropped in the ocean. Highly conducive to relaxation, white sands and azure waters adorn the island - but there’s more to Bora Bora than beach life. There’s plenty of lagoon tours, hiking and snorkelling available, you can even swim with turtles, or climb a volcano. The only thing you won’t be doing, is missing home!

Synonymous with honeymoons, the Maldives is the go-to destination for post-nuptial R&R. Set within idyllic and tranquil surroundings, everything is geared towards good times. Dine by candle light under the twinkling stars, enjoy a couple’s massage on the beach, and snorkel amongst neon fish in some of the most sublime (and always warm) waters. It’s no secret that this is paradise on earth, where else better to start married life.

It’s hard to think of a European destination better equipped for honeymooners than the Amalfi Coast. This adult’s playground has long been the preserve of the well-heeled, and those with discerning taste. As such, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to Italian luxury villa rentals to choose from, teetering off its spectacular clifftops. Enjoy romantic drives along the craggy coastline to picturesque Positano, take in the scenery, tour the historical site of Pompei and dine in some of the world’s finest restaurants in Sorrento. Round off your honeymoon with a trip by boat to Capri, and you’ll see why one visit is never enough.

It’s the stuff that dreams are made of, making Bali a first-class destination for your honeymoon. Here you can soak up the scenery, indulge in endless pampering and enjoy dreamy sunsets. Yes, the beaches are out of this world, and if you do nothing more than chill-out in your luxury villa rental, you’ll have accomplished enough. But for adventurous couples, the island lends itself to great exploration. Scale its majestic peaks, take a trip to the rainforest and try your hand at surfing. There’s so much luscious greenery, wellness retreats, animal sanctuaries and more to discover, that you’ll be glad you’re here for more than a fleeting visit.

When one thinks of romantic cities, Paris is always top of the list. A city with breathtaking 19th century architecture and beautiful bridges, with famous landmarks (Eiffel Tower, Moulin Rouge, Notre-Dam, Le Louvre) and bijou bakeries and cafes for watching the world go by. A trip to the Pont des Arts bridge is a must – leave a padded lock and throw your keys in the Seine River. Follow this with a visit to ‘Le Mur des Je t’aime’ – a wall complete with love notes, it’s oh so Parisian! Then lose an afternoon to its blissful parks, river walkways and cobbled streets. When day turns to night, the city comes to life. The multi-Michelin award winning Alainn Ducasse au Plaza Athenee delivers next-level fine-dining. However, a honeymoon would be incomplete without a visit to Giraf - one of the most spectacular outdoor restaurants with the Eiffel Tower in full view. Oh la la indeed!

Global Luxury Villas is a leading provider of villa rentals in the world’s most romantic destinations. Visit our website to plan your dream honeymoon escape.