AFTER all the excitement of the big event the happy couple’s first trip as married partners should be a relaxing, romantic and glamorous holiday.
And the ideal honeymoon for most is a stress free break in an exotic destination with plenty of sunshine and culture.
Our grandparents probably never got further than the Isle of Man for their honeymoon while our parents were lucky if they managed to get any kind of a holiday abroad.
However, these days the world really is your oyster when it comes to choosing the ideal honeymoon location.
Always popular with newly-weds, Italy is a romantic and beautiful country, from the sophisticated elegance and natural beauty of Sorrento to the inspiring energy of Rome.
Competing with Italy in the romantic destination stakes is the Dubrovnik Riviera in Croatia. The area enjoys an old world atmosphere and unspoiled beauty, coupled with top class hotels in stunning locations and boasting panoramic views of the Adriatic and Elaphite Islands.
Many Irish long-haul honeymooners are now opting for Mauritius – often described as the ultimate paradise with white sandy beaches, coral lagoons and sweeping sugar plantations.
Mauritius has dozens of quiet romantic hideaways and has traditionally been one of the most popular honeymoon destinations with lots of top-class resorts to choose from.
St Lucia is another honeymoon hot spot. The island is one of the most scenic in the Caribbean, with a stunning coastline of powder fine sandy beaches overlooked by volcanic peaks. It’s the perfect post-wedding destination for a quiet and relaxing escape.
Further afield, New Zealand is a simply stunning destination. A country of incredible contrasts you can climb a glacier, hike across a volcano, swim with dolphins, watch whales or just bask on a beautiful beach.
Thailand is another choice for the adventurous couple. The South East Asian country has great value hotels with excellent facilities and world-renowned hospitality, stunning beaches, rainforest adventures, fascinating culture and bargain basement shopping.
Lanzarote is another great destination for fantastic picture perfect honeymoon snaps.
Couples can laze away by the beach or pool or take advantage of vibrant and varied night life in the island’s many restaurants, clubs and bars.
Newly weds feeling energised by love can enjoy jet skiing or wind surfing while a romantic trip to the volcanic landscape of Timanfaya National Park is certain to take the breath away.
Portugal is another honeymoon hot-spot. The 160km costal stretch along the Portuguese Algarve boasts spectacular scenery, warm seas and a fantastic sunny climate.
Renowned for its spectacular beaches, the Algarve is dotted with hidden coves and relaxing beaches where the water is calm.
Grooms might take note of the 30 golf courses in the region while brides might be tempted by the shopping opportunities with an abundance of cheap handmade silver, ceramics, leather goods and jewellery on offer in the markets.
Majorca – the largest of the beautiful Balearic Islands – has long been a favourite with Irish newly-weds.
Majorca has a typical Mediterranean climate. In Summer the average temperature is 23º Celsius and the skies remain blue throughout the season.
