The Best Honeymoons for You

Location: Mustique
Part of St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the West Indies, Mustique is one of the most exclusive private islands in the world and offers a reclusive getaway filled with great food and lots of romantic scenery.

Hotel: Cotton House Resort
Located on the intimate Grenadine island of Mustique, which is only 3 by 1/2 miles, the Cotton House is situated on a picturesque hillside surrounded by the Caribbean Sea to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. CottonHouseResort.com

3 Things to Love (besides your husband):
1) The privacy factor
2) The ability to disconnect — There are no traffic lights, or people hassling you at the beach, and you’ll find many unpaved roads
3) Basil’s Bar — Chat up owner Basil Charles about his celebrity friends including Prince William, Mick Jagger and Johnny Depp. You may even have a sighting…

You’ll know you’re a newlywed when....
“The sun dips low on the horizon, bathing your beachside picnic of champagne and seafood in its ruddy, romantic glow. Recruit a local skipper to take you on a private sunset cruise.”

Suggested number of days: 7
When to go: December – April
Cost: Rates start at $815 per night

Location: Istanbul
As the only city in the world that encompasses both Europe and Asia, its rich history and culture (Hagia Sophia, Topkapi, Blue Mosque) is only matched by the delicious cuisine. And although it may seem strange going someplace where homosexuality isn’t welcomed on a gay honeymoon, remember, even straight men hold hands on the street here. (Just watch the making out.)

Hotel: Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet
Created from a century-old neoclassic Turkish prison in the core of this fabled city – steps from the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace. Just 65 guest rooms and suites frame an open courtyard, for an atmosphere of personal attention and ease unprecedented in Istanbul.
FourSeasons.com/istanbul

3 Things to Love (besides your husband):1) Cagaloglu Hamami -- Experience the magic of a Hammam first hand at one of the most famous and historic Turkish baths in town, constructed in 1741
2) Uskudar -- Take a ferry across the Bospherus river into Istanbul’s Asian “suburb” and grab dinner at Balikci Sabahattin to indulge on Meze and fresh caught fish
3) Ephesus -- You can hop on a short plane ride to Kusadasi and hire a private guide to help you explore the ancient ruins

You’ll know you’re a newlywed when....
“Fresh flowers perfume a late evening stroll through the Sultanahmet Park from Hagia Sophia, the setting sun turning the Blue Mosque into a dramatic silhouette.”

Suggested number of days: 9
When to go: Year round depending on weather preferences. Fall adds some relief to the very hot summers
Cost: Rates start at $525 per night

Location: Dar Es Salaam to Cape Town
This epic 14-day train journey on the spectacular Pride of Africa travels through South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Tanzania and has become one of the most famous train journeys in the world. This is the ultimate African safari, designed for travelers who wish to re-live true adventure and romance in complete luxury, comfort and security. Add on 3 days at Cape Grace (CapeGrace.com) to experience Cape Town post journey.

Transport: Rovos Rail
Since its establishment in 1989, Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its truly world-class travel experiences. Their unique train safaris through the heart of Africa combine some of the most magnificent scenery with the glamour and excitement of the golden age of rail travel.

3 Things to Love (besides your husband):
1) The Royal Suite -- For a super splurge, it takes up half a train carriage and has an amazing bathroom, too
2) The Observation Cars -- open-air balconies one-up typical behind-the-glass train tours
3) The Itinerary -- Combines your adventurous nature behind an authentic safari with the elegance of an old fashioned locomotive

You’ll know you’re a newlywed when....
“You and your husband awake at dawn to catch a glimpse of the elephants, lions, and buffalo that roam the Madikwe Game Reserve in South Africa… Doing it like they do on the Discovery Channel, indeed.”

Suggested number of days: 18
When to go: October 10 - October 26
Cost: Rates start at $8900 per couple, optional post train tour $2070 per couple

Location: Vieques, Puerto Rico
Just eight miles east of Puerto Rico proper, this once-sleepy island still retains its unspoiled, rural charm (and packs of wild horses) with excellent snorkeling, some archeological sites and plenty of pristine white sands perfect for lazing in the rays all day.

Hotel: W Vieques
Long a supporter of the gay community, W Hotels’ resort property is a natural fit for celebrating your love in pampered style, with equal emphasis on relaxation and fun-in-the-sun party time. Indulge in couples treatments at the on-site spa. WHotels.com/vieques

3 Things to Love (besides your husband):
1) miX on the Beach -- Alain Ducasse’s first Caribbean restaurant
2) Horseback riding on the beach
3) Beachside yoga -- a great way to unwind after stressful wedding planning

You’ll know you’re a newlywed when....
“The light of millions of tiny plankton create a heavenly around your bodies when you go on a moonlit dip and kayak tour in the Bioluminescent Bay.”

Suggested number of days: 7
When to go: First two weeks of December for some great deals
Cost: Rates start at $325 (including taxes) a night

Location: Buenos Aires
Often called the “Paris of South America,” cosmopolitan Buenos Aires has it all, including an incredible party scene buoyed even more by its own legalization of gay marriage.

Hotel: Park Hyatt Palacio Duhau
Located on the famous Avenida Alvear, this hotel is a brilliant gem in the city's exclusive Recoleta district. Spacious guest rooms with magnificent garden, palace, and city views feature butler service and generous 21st-century amenities. BuenosAires.Park.Hyatt.com

3 Things to Love (besides your husband):
1) Milonga -- Argentina’s most famous cultural contribution to the world is the sensuous dance, the tango. Dip and swirl all night long at La Marshall (LaMarshall.com.ar)
2) Niceto Club -- One of the city’s trendiest nightspots that plays traditional South American mixes by worldclass DJs. For one of the best nights out on the town, don’t miss out on the Wednesday night underground party, Zizek (Nicetoclub.com)
3) Steak – A silky cut of Argentina’s legendary beef washed down with a bold glass of Malbec will keep you fueled all night long

You’ll know you’re a newlywed when....
“You’re walking down the famous Florida Street at the wee hours of the morning and sharing a scoop of Champagne ice cream at Persicco”

Suggested Number of Days: 8
When to go: December – April
Cost: Rates start at $580 per night

Destination: New Orleans
An incomparable food and culture mecca, New Orleans is an affordable, supremely fun and delicious option for a domestic honeymoon, with no small amounts of romantic atmosphere.

Hotel: Ritz Carlton New Orleans
Discover The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans hotel and experience the city’s Southern hospitality and unforgettable style from the edge of the French Quarter. Featuring a world-class spa, a signature restaurant, impeccable service and exceptional amenities, it’s a luxurious retreat right in the heart-of-the-city hubbub but blessedly away from it. RitzCarlton.com/neworleans

3 Things to Love (besides your husband):
1) The French Quarter -- historic, romantic, and teeming with some of the most famous, landmark New Orleans restaurants ranging from Antoine’s to Galatoire’s to Arnaud’s, and beverages aplenty on the always lively Bourbon Street. Experience the culinary New Orleans from decades past and remember to bring a sports jacket.
2) Po’ Boys, Beignets, Muffalettas -- famous staples for a reason. Be prepared to indulge, some of our favorites at Mother’s, Café du Monde and Felix’s!
3) The People -- Southern genteel culture combined with a rich sense of hospitality and can-do attitude, the neighborly charm and embracing swagger of locals can’t be beat

You’ll know you’re a newlywed when....
“You’re holding hands during a free Wednesday afternoon concert in Lafayette Square and a weathered grandma says you two just look darlin’ together.”

Suggested Number of Days: 5
When to go: January – May, but June and July offers great value if you can stand the heat

Cost: Rates start at $340 per night

For more honeymoon ideas or to create a custom itinerary, give Curtis a call at 617-868-2600 ext. 46810 or visit AmexTravel.com.