However much you love kids, your honeymoon is one of those occasions when you might prefer some adult-only time. Finding an idyllic child-free spot isn’t always easy – be aware, for example, that some hotels call themselves adult only but welcome kids during the school holidays. It’s worth checking too that hotels with adult-only accommodation wings also offer a child-free pool and dining options.
Here’s my pick of ten of the world’s best adults-only resorts to suit all budgets.
1. Japamala Resort, Tioman Island, Malaysia
This paradise island off mainland Malaysia’s east coast is something of an undiscovered secret. Set in lush tropical jungle on a pristine stretch of sand, the boutique accommodation includes TreeTop chalets and Sea View Sarangs – or nests – all designed to mix luxury with a barefoot rustic feel, in keeping with the environment. After swimming and snorkelling over the coral reefs, relaxing on the white sand or in the spa, there’s an overwater restaurant to dine in too.
Book with Selective Asia.
2. Ngala Lodge, The Gambia
For an unusual African honeymoon with an added helping of luxury, a stay at Ngala Lodge makes for a unique romantic break. Set on cliffs looking out over the Atlantic, you can spot birds (and model hippos) in the tropical gardens, chill out by the beach or swim in the ocean-view infinity pool. There are 10 suites which are set in the historic house, formerly a colonial mansion. Check out the Macondo sea view suites, each with a private plunge pool.
Book with The Gambia Experience.
3. Boutique Hotel Lemongarden, Brac, Croatia
The first five-star hotel on the island of Brac, this 35-room boutique hotel looks out onto the lovely fishing harbour at Sutivan. Split across three restored historic stone houses, each room is decorated differently with hand-made Austrian furniture and Murano glass chandeliers. Lemongarden has its own private beach and bar, approached through a pine forest, and a glorious pool. Locally sourced organic ingredients star in the restaurant’s cuisine. Older teens may be staying in the summer holidays.
Book with Completely Croatia.
4. Post Ranch Inn, California, USA
The dramatic scenery of California’s Big Sur coastline makes for an ideal honeymoon road trip if you fancy something other than fly and flop. Post Ranch Inn, a cliff-hugging hideaway, has its own incredible ocean views – and a promise that kids under 18 are never accepted. Soak up the views from a cliff-edge hot tub, one of two infinity pools or over a nine-course evening menu inspired by Big Sur and accompanied by local wines, before relaxing in an individually designed room or even a stilted tree house.
Book with Turquoise Holidays.
5. Victoria Beachcomber Resort & Spa, Mauritius
Ideally located between the capital Port Louis and lively Grand Baie on Mauritius’ west coast, Victoria Beachcomber Resort has long been a honeymoon favourite. The sunset views are legendary and the location makes it a great choice if you want to get out and about. In 2018, the hotel is opening its new adults-only wing with the first swim-up pool rooms on Mauritius, as well as a new adults-only restaurant and pool. There will be 40 ocean view and swim-up pool rooms – honeymoon heaven.
Book with Beachcomber Tours.
6. Ponta dos Ganchos, Florianópolis, Brazil
Set on its own sandy cove, surrounded by forest, the 25 private villas are strictly for over-18s. My top pick for honeymooners are the Da Vila bungalows, each with a private plunge pool and wonderful ocean views. Enjoy a massage in a tent overlooking the bay, cooled by the ocean breeze, take a swim in the chlorine-free pool and indulge in the seven-course breakfast tasting menu and a candlelit dinner on the hotel’s private island.
Book with Journey Latin America.
7. Layana, Koh Lanta, Thailand
Even your transfers to this resort are done in style – picked up from the mainland, you’ll be whisked to Layana by speedboat before checking in to one of the rooms and suites built around a saltwater infinity pool and tropical gardens. The hotel is adding two-storied Jacuzzi villas in 2018, guaranteed to make a honeymoon even more memorable. There’s a superb spa and top notch beachfront restaurant, with distant views of the Phi Phi Islands from the white sand beach.
Book with Audley Travel.
8. Rendezvous, St Lucia
St Lucia isn’t short of adult-only hotels, but this relatively intimate all-inclusive gem, set on lovely Malabar Beach, has some lovely extra touches for honeymooners as well as a Caribbean price tag that won’t make you wince. Along with a complimentary honeymoon massage and sparkling wine, there’s a weekly event exclusively for honeymooners plus four-poster beds in all the rooms, beach service and lush tropical gardens to wander in.
Book with Tropical Sky.
9. Carpe Diem Boutique Hotel, Santorini
Santorini is arguably the most romantic of the Greek islands. Set in the hills with jaw-dropping views, this boutique hotel has only 10 suites, each with its own private plunge pool and terrace. There’s no wrestling the crowds for a view of the famous sunset over the caldera; just head to the infinity pool for cocktails as the sea turns molten gold. There’s a spa with hammam, as well as a small restaurant, plus more tucked away in the cobbled streets of the little village of Pyrgos nearby. And no children at any time…
Book with i-escape.
10. Casa Chameleon Mal Pais, Costa Rica
Surrounded by lush Costa Rican jungle, you might spot howler monkeys in the trees around exclusive Casa Chameleon or enjoy the sweeping beaches with views to the mountains. That’s if you can drag yourself away from your four poster bed, private pool and hammock, of course. On the edge of the Nicoya Peninsula, one of the world’s seven Blue Zones, this adults-only retreat is perfect if you fancy watersports, from surfing to diving, as well as hiking and birdwatching, or simply eating fresh fish at a cliffside table to end a day’s relaxation.
Book with Exsus.
Visit 101 Honeymoons for more honeymoon inspiration and ideas.
October 2017