Share
THERE is something to be said about that first getaway as husband and wife. Each couple will have a specific preference for the type of getaway they would like, with romance a high priority. There are plenty of options available around the world, but it's always an added treat when a honeymoon vacation is not only private and luxurious, but also unique.
On that note, luxury hotel and restaurant group Relais & Châteaux is now offering romantic hideaway options for newlyweds in China and Bali, from the Himalayan foothills of Yunnan to Indonesia's "Island of the Gods". The retreats encompass what seems to be the complete package, with a chance to customise each experience and the promise of unique lifetime memories.
These four destinations are some of the 518 unique holiday retreats made available by Relais & Châteaux, which prides itself on offering some of the most special places to travel to worldwide.
More details on the various packages made available by Relais & Châteaux as well as their prices can be found on the group's website.
Jingmai Brilliant Resort & Spa, Yunnan
The Jingmai Brilliant Resort & Spa is set amid the largest tea garden in the world. Honeymooners can explore the surrounding villages and historic tea plantations and gardens. Couples can even pick their own tea and create a special commemorative blend, as well as visit tea workshops and attend a "teaism" show. Then comes the pampering session which is both unique and invigorating. The resort's spa offers exclusive signature treatments such as tea garden relaxation therapy and Tea Fazenda Therapy.
There is also a romantic dining experience included in this package. Couples can choose between a tea menu and a barbeque at the poolside. The latter seems like the ideal way to spend the evening: underneath a blanket of stars with an amorous setting that is complete with candlelight and champagne.
If all of these items don't already seem like the total honeymoon package, the hotel even offers a Buddhist marriage blessing ceremony.
JE Mansion, Beijing
Another Chinese getaway from Relais & Châteaux, JE Mansion offers the option of a wedding ceremony. A wedding can be held at the mansion's Chinese style banquet hall, which seats up to 500 guests, or the party can be taken outside, where there is a romantic outdoor lawn suitable for ceremonies of various styles and sizes. Contrasting the Yunan retreat, this honeymoon destination is located in the pulse of Beijing's commercial and business district. Chinese culture is evident throughout the hotel. The spaces are decorated in classical style, featuring carvings in wood, brick and stone as well as calligraphy and a warm colour palette.
Villa Mathis, Bali
If you opt to travel to Bali, try Villa Mathis, encompassing four villas set in a 1.2ha estate that is surrounded by rice plantations.
The retreat has a very intimate setting, given the purpose of its construction. Its French-speaking owners, Bruno and Lilka, initially built the villa for their close friends, but eventually decided to open their doors to guests, who are now welcomed like old friends.
There are 17 rooms here, with four swimming pools, a restaurant and a spa to spend time at.
There are also a number of activities to do during the stay. The "Romantic & Honeymoon" packages available include activities such as a two-hour horse ride through rice fields and on beaches at sunset, a two hour Balinese Boreh treatment and a whole day trip to Ubud, complete with a personal driver and tour guide in tow. For a little bit more excitement, the management can organise a whole day elephant safari and rafting expedition along the Ayung River. Otherwise there are mountain bikes available to explore the surrounding areas.
Pavilions Bali, Bali
The Pavilions Bali retreat is another option, located near picturesque Sanur Beach. This is one of Bali's oldest fishing villages, and here couples will have the best seats to beautiful sunsets. The villas offer plenty of privacy as each villa comes with a pool and walled garden, where they may choose to have a traditional Balinese blessing ceremony and exchange vows in front of a small gathering of family and friends. Packages can be customised for each couple and include a romantic candlelit dinner, a three-hour joint pampering session and two excursions of the couple's choice.
This story appeared in The Edge Financial Daily on June 12, 2012.
SHARE
