The manor house of Singita Sasakwa Lodge, in Tanzania’s Grumeti Reserves, offers honeymooners a chic place to rest between safari outings. Photo courtesy of Singita Sasakwa Lodge
There are many wonderful and rightfully raved-about honeymoon destinations, but it can difficult to decide which locale will best suit a couple. The couple also has to factor in the season and window of time they have to travel. Luckily, we’ve partnered with our expert friends at luxury travel company Indagare to put together the ultimate honeymoons for each type of bride, all equally stylish, with hotels fit for the most discerning design lover.
The Indagare team has highlighted quick tips on each destination, such as when to visit and for how long, hotel highlights and not-to-be-missed activities along the way. But as we all know, first comes love, then comes marriage, so to go with the honeymoon picks we’ve curated a selection of engagement rings that will appeal to every bride, whether she’s the quintessential classicist, an obsessed anglophile or an intrepid adventurer. Read on for Indagare’s cheat sheet to the ultimate honeymoon spots and check out our corresponding offerings of dazzling rings.
Visit Indagare to read their in-depth reports on the featured destinations and email them to schedule a complimentary travel consultation at honeymoons@indagare.com.
The Honeymoon Destination: East Africa
In a Nutshell: An exotic and adventurous trip with exquisite accommodations and unparalleled wildlife viewing.
When to Go: January – March; May – October
Ideal Trip Length: 10 – 14 days
Hotel Highlight: Singita Sabora Tented Camp
Indagare Must: Top off your trip with a few nights at a remote beach hotel overlooking the Indian Ocean.
Indagare Add-On: The Seychelles
The Ring: Follow in the footsteps of Princess Diana and Kate Middleton with a striking sapphire and diamond ring, or return to a time of understated elegance with a modestly sized, simple diamond in a delicate setting, like the one Queen Elizabeth still wears.
Photo courtesy of Singita Sabora Tented Camp
The Honeymoon Destination: India
In a Nutshell: Bursting with life and color, a honeymoon to India offers exquisite luxury and fascinating cultural heritage.
When to Go: October–April
Ideal Trip Length: 10–14 days
Hotel Highlight Taj Rambagh Palace
Indagare Add-On: Maldives
Indagare Must: A moonlight boat ride in Udaipur followed by dinner on the rooftop of Taj Lake Palace surrounded by candles, lanterns and rose petals.
The Ring: Bohemian brides will value anything unexpected and truly unique. Look for rose-cut diamonds in vintage Indian settings, colored diamonds or gemstones, yellow-gold bands or original details that give the ring extra flair.
Photo courtesy of Taj Rambagh Palace
The Honeymoon Destination: Tuscany & Venice
In a Nutshell: A perfect pairing of city and country, a honeymoon combining a visit to the floating city and rolling hills of Tuscany is a timeless, classic trip steeped in rich history.
When to Go: April–October
Ideal Trip Length: 8–14 days
Hotel Highlight: Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco
Fun Fact: Honeymoons as we know them today became popular in Europe during the Belle Époque era. It was customary for newlyweds to depart halfway through their wedding reception. The most popular destinations for honeymooning were the French Riviera as well as Italian cities and coastal towns.
Indagare Must: Pick up your first set of personalized stationary as a couple at timeless stationer Gianni Basso in Venice — it will come in handy for all of your wedding thank-you notes.
The Ring: Recall the elegance of a bygone time with an antique ring whose craftsmanship is evident in the details. Channel the era that resonates most, be it the filigreed refinement of the Edwardian period, the bold geometry of Art Deco rings or the delicate baguettes surrounding exquisite diamonds cut by hand from the 1950s.
Photo courtesy of Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco
The Honeymoon Destination: New Zealand
In a Nutshell: A far-flung, activities-heavy honeymoon in spectacular nature with stays at sumptuous super lodges.
When to Go: November–April
Ideal Trip Length: 10–16 days
Hotel Highlight: Matakauri Lodge
Indagare Add-On: French Polynesia
Indagare Must: Charter a helicopter to Fiordland National Park and land on a glacier before continuing to a private beach for a scenic lunch at Minaret Station.
The Ring: Opt for a chunkier band that contrasts a beautiful stone. Round diamonds with bezel settings or gypsy rings lend themselves to a sporty look with a touch of glamour. Otherwise, invest in a striking band or two that can be worn in place of a traditional engagement ring for the embodiment of low-key cool.
Photo courtesy of Matakauri Lodge
The Honeymoon Destination: Japan
In a Nutshell: An impeccably stylish country where aesthete couples will find the cutting edge of technology, innovative design and cuisine, Japan is home to rich cultural traditions that go back over a millennium.
When to Go: March–October
Ideal Trip Length: 8–13 days
Hotel Highlight: Amanemu
Fun Fact: Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio honeymooned in Japan in 1954. Much to DiMaggio’s chagrin, Monroe departed early when she was called to South Korea to perform for troops who were stationed there.
Indagare Must: Overnight on the art island of Naoshima and post up in pajamas at the Benesse House Museum, where you can gaze at works by artists like Richard Prince or Jasper Johns long after the crowds have left.
The Ring: A beautiful stone in a setting with clean lines and minimal ornamentation embodies the sophistication of modern style.
