Lover’s dozen: 12 honeymoon escapes for eternal bliss

Let’s face it, a honeymoon should be more than the sequel to your wedding. While Netflix and chill remains top of the list for GCC brides, it turns couples also want to be able to write their origin stories in places that feel uniquely their own. In other words, everyone wants their own personalised experience of life on The White Lotus/Shogun/pick your all-time favourite binge-watch classic.

That means there’s much more variety on offer in terms of honeymoon destinations. After all, late-stage travel capitalism has made sure everyone has already been to Paris and Petra.

But once a destination has been locked down, many couples also want to do as much as possible over a seven-to-ten-day period – all with what seems to be a goal of building as many different core relationship memories as possible.

“Couples increasingly want to make the most of their trip, whether it’s a week-long island retreat or a multi-stop cultural itinerary, ensuring their honeymoon feels meaningful, unhurried, and tailored to their shared interests,” says Matthew Vlemmiks, leisure manager at dnata Travel, which offers a broad range of tailored honeymoon packages designed with GCC clients in mind.

The majority of honeymooners now want five-star hotel stays, with many also asking for unique accommodation that reflects their desire for once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Vlemmiks cites the example of igloos and glass-ceiling rooms in Finland to view the Northern Lights and traditional ryokans in Japan that put honeymooners up close to the local culture (did we say Shogun?).

That ties into the research: “The rise of social media has influenced honeymoon travel trends, with couples seeking Instagram-worthy destinations and immersive activities to share with their online communities, driving further demand for curated honeymoon experiences and bespoke travel services,” a December report from analytics firm Infinity Business Insights says.

Depending on the operator or hotel – and on your budget – you should be able to book optional add-ons such as videographers for private shoots, Arabic-speaking guides, visa assistance and travel insurance, as well as luxury car rentals or, at the top end, private yacht charters, helicopter transfers and fine dining at Michelin-starred restaurants.

Some properties, such as the Rosewood Amsterdam, don’t do packages; as a hotel spokesperson emphasises, every stay is tailored to individual guests.

Overall, destinations big on culture and those close to nature are trending, and it seems couples aren’t hesitating to prioritise value for money with short-haul honeymoons. Just as long as they can have a digital detox – except for that hashtag-heavy post, of course.

So here is a curated list of options for all tastes and budgets. Remember, rates are indicative and can fluctuate based on factors such as travel dates, specific accommodations, flights, exclusivity and other inclusions.

Time for a ‘homeymoon’?

Can’t tear yourself away from the Emirates? Or maybe you want to get away later in the year? If it’s a “homeymoon” or “mini moon” you’re after, these properties may fit the bill.

Exclusive escape: Madinat Jumeirah

Coastal comfort: Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island