Of all the romantic places in the world, how does a wedding couple decide where to honeymoon? Most couples will say they want privacy, beauty, relaxation and well, more privacy. That said, those hazy romantic images could be conjured in the Caribbean, Thailand, Madagascar, Morocco, Tahiti, Europe and all points in between.
Numerous factors can help you make the decision such as: money, distance, time allotted for your holiday, visas, passports, hotel availability, flight schedules and the list goes on and on. But let’s just say you were smart and applied for passports early, your great aunt is funding the trip and your bosses agreed to some time off. In other words, if you were King and Queen of the World, or just Kate and Prince William, what would be your ultimate honeymoon destination?
Seychelles is one of the newest, hottest spots on the globe for those seeking exotic privacy.
White sand beaches and the deep blue Indian Ocean guarantee romantic days, and lively casinos and nightclubs seduce lovers during the twilight hours. Many luxurious accommodations are available to create the ultimate honeymoon. The archipelago of Seychelles is comprised of 155 small islands, many of which are national parks with extraordinary flora and fauna.
Far from the maddening crowds and paparazzi, Seychelles has begun to see it’s share of celebrities such as Pierce Brosnan and Michael Douglas. Liz Hurley and her now ex-hubby Arun Nyor opted for Fregate Private as their post nuptial hideaway.
This all-inclusive resort is located on its own private island within the Sainte Anne Marine National Park. Visitors can choose from one of 87 luxury villas, each with ocean views, private gardens, outdoor showers and complimentary use of Wi-Fi and bicycles. Dining is offered at the property’s 5 restaurants and a Clarins spa is available for rejuvenation. Non-motorized watersports such as snorkeling, kayaking, windsurfing or sailing are also complimentary. Guests are free to explore this naturally beautiful island via hiking or biking.
Catering to only 20 guests at any time, Le Chateau des Feuilles is an exclusive property in the Relais 7 Chateaux group located on the island of Praslin. Each suite is accompanied by the use of a rental car for guests to explore the island and on weekends the private island of Grand Soeur is reserved exclusively for guests of Le Chateau des Feuilles. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi internet in rooms and common areas as well as iMac computers.
Four Seasons Resort Seychelles
This 5-star property, on the island of Mahe, offers guests tree house villas overlooking the Indian Ocean. Each villa has its own private infinity pool, air conditioning, Creole décor, 42-inch flat-screen TV, CD/DVD player and wireless internet access and all the other special amenities Four Seasons resorts are known for. The resort has a full service spa, two restaurants, library, pool, twice daily maid service, 24 hour laundry and dry cleaning services as well as 24 hour in-villa dining options. Their state-of-the-art fitness center even provides complimentary work-out clothing such as shorts, shirts, gym shoes and socks.
Seclusion seekers rave about the 17 villas on Fregate Island Private. As the name implies, Fregate Island is an exclusive little rock in the middle of the Indian Ocean. This pristine, eco -conscious island hideaway was named No. 8 of Top 10 Celebrity Honeymoon Hotels, Trip Advisor, 2010 and one of the 7 beaches, Anse Victorin, was voted as the most beautiful beach in the World; Traveler’s World, 2011.
Each villa has it’s own private infinity pool and Jacuzzi, private butler, complimentary WiFi and golf buggy. Rates include all meals and non-alcoholic drinks, a three night minimum is required.. The property offers a spa, two bars, two restaurants, wine cellar, library, fitness center, private gardens, two communal infinity pools and a Castaway Clubhouse for kids.
With the sole purpose of spoiling you rotten, North Island welcomes each guest with a complimentary 20 minute massage to ease you into the experience. A helicopter or boat is required to reach this fantasy hideout, but it’s worth the extra time.
North Island strives to turn back the ecological clock, so it is one of the most eco-conscious resorts you will find. The well trained staff honors the island as much as they do their visitors. Each 4900 sq. ft. villa has two bedrooms, a main and a second, which are artfully decorated in wood, stone and glass by Seychellois and African craftsmen. Each villa also offers both an indoor and an outdoor shower, air-conditioning, overhead fans and retracting sliding doors for prime views of the Indian Ocean. Your private oasis also includes internet access, satellite TV, DVD/CD system, private plunge pool and sauna.
Guests can tour the island in an island buggy, on mountain bike, kayak or boat. Chef Neil Wager speaks to each guest individually to determine your dining preferences before he and his staff harvest island grown fresh herbs and vegetables for your meals. Of course, this property offers an impressive wine cellar for perfect pairings. Only 11 villas adds to the exclusivity.
There are several other exquisite resorts in this chain of islands off the coast of Africa. The natural, unspoilt beauty of this region is a picture perfect backdrop for a wedding, honeymoon or life event. To reach Seychelles, fly into Mahe via Air Seychelles.
photos 1-3 courtesy of Fregate Island Private
photos 4-5 courtesy of North Island/photographer Andrew Howard