No filter — these are our top picks for the best, hottest, and coolest honeymoon spots around the globe. Cue the #FOMO
By: Sandra Ramani-AS SEEN IN BRIDAL GUIDE MAGAZINE-
There’s something about a fantastic — and eye-catching — image that begets wanderlust. Whether it’s the lighting, the angle or just the sheer luxe factor, social media influences and inspires travelers. From a decadent breakfast buffet to a bed under the stars, these haute spots boast signature shots that will have you racking up the double taps while making memories.
Royal Mansour, Morocco
Photo courtesy of Rotal Mansour
The Shot: The Spa. While you’ll likely have your camera out all the time at this gorgeous Marrakech hotel — where thousands of artisans have made magic with materials like cedarwood, mosaic tiles and rose gold — the dramatic spa is a ’gram favorite. With intricate, ceiling-high wrought iron creating a birdcage-like pattern, the all-white space takes your breath away — until argan oil massages and mint tea give it back again (room rates start at $1,500 a night).
Four Seasons Hotel: Milano, Italy
Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Milano
The Shot: The Grounds. Milan is known for its style, and you’ll find plenty of it in the 118 rooms of this hotel in the historic downtown. Top suites have been done up in themes like Fashion (with 1950s-inspired furnishings), Fresco (with original architectural details) and Renaissance (with a wooden canopy bed). One of the best shots, though, is of the facade of the 15th-century building — which once housed a convent — taken from its serene gardens. Even better, snag a table in the garden restaurant for a pre-dinner aperitivo (room rates start at about $1,065 a night).
The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa
Photo courtesy of The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa
The Shot: The Beach. It’s no surprise this resort's setting on famous Seven Mile Beach is one of its top selling points — after all, it’s right in its name. But what might intrigue you is how many ways you can kick back while there. The resort offers multiple options for reposing in a cabana: choices include the premium with cushy loungers; the luxury version has a queen-sized daybed, mini-fridge and, in some, a hammock; and a double deck cabana offers endless sunning space (room rates start at $439 a night).
Shangri-La Hotel at the Shard, London
Photo courtesy of Shangri-La Hotel at the Shard
The Shot: The Afternoon Tea with a View. From its home on the 34th-to-52nd floors of London’s glittering Shard Tower, the uber-luxe Shangri-La boasts nearly 360- degree vantage points and mega views from its rooms, eateries, public spaces, and even the infinity pool. One of the best places to snap a shot is during afternoon tea service in Ting Lounge. Choose between traditional English or Asian tea service; both feature platters overfl owing with decadent — and photo-ready — treats (room rates start at about $660 a night).
The Press Hotel, Maine
Photo courtesy of The Press Hotel
The Shot: The Artful Interiors. This Portland hotel’s interiors pay homage to its setting — a 1923 brick-and-stone building that housed the offices and printing plant of the Portland Press Herald newspaper. Decor incorporates repurposed original elements (the old newspaper weighing scale is in the gym) and a collection of works by known and emerging artists. One of the most popular Instagram backgrounds is Erin Hutton’s installation featuring vintage typewriters jutting from a white wall (room rates start at $150 a night).
Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria, Italy
Photo courtesy of Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria
The Shot: The Breakfast. Family is key at this hotel in Sorrento, Italy: not only is it run by the fifth-generation owner, but many of the employees have worked there for more than 30 years. So it's only natural that, as with any Italian family, they like to feed you well — starting with the abundant breakfast served in the Vittoria Room, under ceilings adorned with 19th-century paintings, surrounded by views of the Bay of Naples and accompanied by a pianist. On offer are cakes and pastries, fresh fruit, cheeses and meats and so much more; don’t miss the marmalade made with oranges from the hotel’s gardens (room rates start at about $500 a night and include breakfast).
Skybeds, Botswana
Photo courtesy of Skybeds
The Shot: The Bed. Located in Botswana's Khwai Private Reserve, and operated by the sustainably focused Natural Selection safari collection, the SkyBeds camp features just three rooms, each comprised of a three-story structure with bathroom, lounging areas and — at the very top — a canopied bed that’s open to the sky. Hot water bottles and mosquito nets are provided, so you can snuggle comfortably as you stare at the stars, or look out for elephants, zebra and leopards that frequent the nearby watering hole (room rates start at $395 per person, per night and are all inclusive).
The Shelbourne, Ireland
Photo courtesy of The Shelbourne
The Shot: The Drinks. This Dublin icon has been serving as the city’s “living room” since 1824. Soak up the atmosphere and mingle with locals at the elegant No. 27 Bar & Lounge (which also serves delicious bites) or at The Horseshoe Bar, where you can enjoy whiskey tastings around the curved bar. Both offer quintessentially Irish signature cocktails that change seasonally, but are always camera-ready (room rates start at about $380 a night; ).
The Broadmoor, Colorado
Photo courtesy of The Broadmoor
The Shot: The View. Among the accommodations at this vast Colorado Springs resort are 20 rooms, suites, and cabins at Cloud Camp, which sits 9,200 feet atop Cheyenne Mountain, about 3,000 feet higher than the main hotel. (You get here by SUV, mule or a three-hour hike.) All showcase nothing but views of Pikes Peak, Pike National Forest and the Colorado Rockies — and lots of clouds. The Fire Tower Suite is particularly spectacular, with a private observation room with 360-degree vistas (and a telescope) and secluded outdoor hot tub (room rates start at $300 a night).
Windstar Cruises
Photo courtesy of Windstar Cruises
The Shot: The Sail Away. One of the best parts of vacationing with Windstar Cruises is that the line only uses small ships (for a maximum of 310 guests), allowing for exclusive excursions and personalized service. And since most of the fleet is yachts, Windstar also offers an extra-special experience: the signature Sail Away, when guests gather on the main deck to enjoy drinks and canapes as the sails are dramatically unfurled, and the boat departs from the dock. No matter how many times it happens during a cruise, it’s still one of the most Boomeranged moments of the journey (staterooms start at $1,999 per person for a seven-day sailing).
Park Hyatt St. Kitts
Photo courtesy of Park Hyatt St. Kitts
The Shot: The Pools. From its setting on a secluded beachfront on St. Kitts' quiet southeast peninsula, the first Park Hyatt in the Caribbean features uninterrupted views all the way out to sister island, Nevis, from both of its beautiful pools. Ringed by cushy day beds, the main Lagoon Pool seems to melt into the beach and the sea. Honeymooners may prefer the dramatic setting of the higher, adults-only Rampart pool, which is dotted with stone walls reminiscent of the island’s historic forts (room rates start at $890 a night).
Acqualina Resort & Spa, Florida
Photo courtesy of Acqualina Resort & Spa
The Shot: The Sunset. Thanks to its positioning on 400 feet of Atlantic Ocean shoreline, this Mediterranean-style resort is one of the few in South Florida that’s completely open to the water, with no barriers between its 51-story tower and the coast — making it a prime spot for admiring the technicolor sunsets (room rates start at $500 a night).
