New York: A honeymooner's guide

The Big Apple is a city of contradictions. From the affluent Upper East Side to the bohemian beat of Greenwich Village to the perennial hipness of TriBeCa, this multi-faceted city-that-never-sleeps offers couples the chance to sample some of the world’s most exciting cuisine, culture and art scenes.

From the opulence of Fifth Avenue to the grittier underbelly of Hell’s Kitchen, you'd be hard pressed not to find something to pique your interest in New York, no matter what your pleasure. We look at the top five must-do activities for newlyweds in NYC.

Savoy Restaurant

For authentic farm-to-table fare right in the middle of the bustling metropolis, book a table at the charmingly rustic Savoy Restaurant.

Housed in a 1830s Federal-style townhouse, Savoy, with its front windows opening onto a cobblestoned intersection, exposed wooden beams and two roaring fireplaces, make it a welcomed burrow for couples, particularly during the city’s colder months.

This SoHo eatery has been faithfully patronaged by gastronomes seeking fresh yet original dishes for over two decades, with chef and owner Peter Hoffman’s focus being on high quality ingredients sourced from local farmers and purveyors.

Savoy offers daring variations on meat, poultry and fish classics, including standouts like salt-crusted baked duck, sautéed organic veal and roasted halibut in clam broth.

Staten Island Ferry

There’s no better way to take in the city’s soaring vista than via the Staten Island Ferry.

The ferry departs from the southernmost tip of Manhattan near Battery Park, and as it makes its way to Staten Island offers sweeping views of Lower Manhattan and landmarks like Ellis Island, the New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty.

The ferry is so iconic that it is constantly referenced in films and TV shows, both past and present, including I Love Lucy, Sex and the City and Working Girl and was even the subject of a 2003 documentary called Ferry Tales, which follows the conversations of women in the powder room during the morning commute from Staten Island to Manhattan.

Better yet, the 25-minute journey is free of charge.

The Metropolitan Opera

There is something very “old-world glamour” about an evening at the opera; ladies resplendent in their pearls and long satin gloves, gentlemen dashingly decked out in tuxes.

And nowhere is opera more revered than at New York’s Metropolitan Opera House.

The Met, which plays host to some 220 opera performances annually, has seen the likes of Luciano Pavarotti, Enrico Caruso and Placido Domingo, and divas Renata Tibaldi and Beverly Sills, grace the stage.

While offstage, conductors James Levine and Andre Previn enjoy celebrity status, and directors like Franco Zefferelli and Julie Taymor have been met with thunderous applause for their richly conceived operatic interpretations.

But even if you attend the opera sans these stars, an evening at the Met is always an enchanting affair.

Chelsea Wine Vault

Fancy a free tipple? The Chelsea Wine Vault in the Meat Packing District uncork their finest vino every weekend from 1-5pm for complimentary tastings.

The cavernous, brick-walled wine shop is home to over 3,000 local and international wines, which is an impressive collection for a store that was an afterthought for its owners.

Frustrated by lack of storage for his personal wine collection, Don Kurt teamed up with Dan and Sara Barteluce to launch Chelsea Wine and Storage in 1997, which offers rented storage for space-challenged wine collectors. This then led to a ground-level retail area – à la Vault.

Kurt’s personal stock still lurks below the shop, as does wine lists of nearby eateries, and is definitely not for sale, but there are plenty of labels available to satisfy the most passionate oenophile.

Hotel Giraffe

The perhaps somewhat oddly named Hotel Giraffe is nevertheless a sophisticated yet cosy den for newlyweds seeking refuge from the clamour of the city.

Located in the heart of NYC’s historic district, Union Square Park, Madison Square and Gramercy Park are only a brisk walk away.

The hotel’s 73 guestrooms and 21 suites are inspired by the rich lavish colors and textures of the Modern Period and maintain the sophisticated luxury of the 1920s and 30s, with high ceilings, velveteen upholstered chairs, sepia photographs, Juliet balconies and French windows.

At night candles softly light the hotel’s lobby and spotlight the baby grand piano, while cafe tables and clusters of plush sofas create a quiet area for a private tête-à-tête.

Venice: A honeymooner’s guide

While Paris may be the City of Light, Venice is the City of Romance.

And it is truly a delightful city to uncover. Narrow canals replace streets, with arched bridges connecting the honey-coloured stone buildings. Alleyways wind through the city like a maze, unexpectedly opening up into sunny piazzas with stone fountains and colourful flowers cascading over balconies.

The most breathtaking view of the waterscape in Venice is by the Grand Canal. The largest and widest of the canals in the city it is lined with Gothic buildings which date from the 13th to the 18th centuries.

One of the most striking attractions in Venice is Palazzo Ducale (the Doges' Palace). Built in a typically Byzantine style, it houses paintings by Tintoretto and Paolo Veronese, which glorify the Venetian state. A tour of the palace gives you access to the famed Ponte dei Sospiri, or "Bridge of Sighs," which connects the Doge's prisons with the inquisitor's rooms in the main palace.

The palace neighbours the famous San Marco Square, thought to be one of the finest squares in the world. It boasts a number of famous cafes where visitors and Venetians alike enjoy the open-air atmosphere. While it is alive and brimming in the day with local vendors, restaurants, cafes and local artisan shops, it is magical by night when the square is alight.

The famed Harry’s Bar is nearby, where imbibing in a peach Bellini is on any tourist’s top 10 things to do, given the bar is the birthplace of the cocktail.

Ernest Hemingway was a frequent visitor, while the bar has also played host to Alfred Hitchcock, Truman Capote, Orson Welles and the Princess Aspasia of Greece.

A visit to Venice wouldn’t be complete without a gondola ride. Once the main means of transportation for Venetian nobility, nowadays it’s only the tourists who enjoy this sedate and romantic way of roving the hidden canals that run through the heart of the city.

When to visit: Venice draws legions of tourists during the peak travel months of June through September, so consider timing your visit from October to April. You may encounter fog or a little rain during the winter months, but mild and sunny days are also common.

Stay at: Boutique Hotel Ca' Gottardi, Venice.

Patagonia: A honeymooner's guide

Straddling both Argentina and Chile, Patagonia is home to the World Heritage National Park Torres del Paine and some of the most breathtaking, untouched vistas in the world.

The Park itself is full of stunning glaciers, lakes, fjords, mountains, wild flowers and colourful birdlife, and getting back to nature is easy with plenty of hiking trails, nature walks and river kayaking.

As for accommodation, EcoCamp Patagonia gives you the opportunity to stay in this remote wilderness while having as little impact on the natural habitat as possible.

EcoCamp provides igloo-like eco “domes” – of which there are three types – Core, Standard and Suite – but considering you are on your honeymoon, we recommend opting for the latter.

The Suite Domes are built in the same way as the ancient native Kaweska's dwellings, who were the first inhabitants of the area. Each dome has a private bathroom, surprisingly plush double beds and are heated by modern low-emission wood stoves.

The domes are designed to produce minimal environmental impact, with each one having its own composting device to process waste, while electricity is generated with a micro-hydro turbine and solar panels.

EcoCamp will also help you plan an itinerary of activities during your stay (as gentle or adventurous as you choose). Local guides will lead you on treks, horseback riding, kayaking, mountain climbing, fly fishing and sailing – pretty much every outdoor activity you can think of!

When to visit: Weather is often unpredictable in Patagonia, with strong winds and sudden storms common. Summertime (December through February) is the best time to visit as temperatures are generally warmer and trails are more accessible.

Must-do: A tour of the Perito Moreno Glacier is touted as the most spectacular excursion in all of Patagonia, where you’ll take in impressive natural sites such as Lake Argentino, as well as quaint Patagonian farmhouses peppered along the Mitre riverbank.

Stay at: EcoCamp Patagonia.

Queenstown, New Zealand: A honeymooner's guide

Queenstown hasn’t earned its moniker of “adventure capital of the world” without good reason. This mountain town is the epicentre for thrill seekers of all levels and offers a veritable playground for intrepid newlyweds opting for a bit of adventure, as well as the opportunity to relax and unwind.

For water sport adventurers, hop aboard the Shotover Jet for a white-knuckle joy ride down the aptly named Shotover River, or opt for a cruise with Dart River Safaris, which lets you explore the natural beauty of the world heritage-listed Mount Aspiring National Park from the comfort of the boat, which has heated seats and plenty of warm blankets.

In town there are designer boutiques, quaint cafes to warm up with a hot chocolate and for some deep relaxation visit the Onsen Hot Pools, where you’ll be greeted with breathtaking views of the mountains from your own private cedar-lined hot tub.

In the evenings, slow down the pace with a romantic ride aboard the Skyline Gondola. Touted as the steepest lift in the Southern Hemisphere, the gondola carries visitors high above the town and, once at the top of Bob's Peak, there are numerous observations decks to take in the twinkling nighttime lights of Queenstown below.

Before heading down, enjoy a feast of fresh, local produce and wines from the Queenstown and Central Otago regions at the Skyline Restaurant.

When to visit: Primarily a ski town, visit when the snow levels are at their best (June to August).

Must-do: The ski fields are undoubtedly the town’s biggest drawcard, but for the ultimate alpine experience, take things up a notch with Harris Mountains Heli-Ski Tours. The view of the Southern Alps from the helicopter is staggering enough, but the outlook from the top as you’re ready to ski or board your way down the untracked powder fields is truly spectacular.

Stay at: The Spire, 3-5 Church Lane, Queenstown, New Zealand.

Tanzania, Africa: A honeymooner's guide

For those newlyweds lured by the call of the wild, it doesn’t get much wilder than an African safari.

We’re all fans of David Attenborough’s documentaries, but while the cameras show the wildlife up-close-and-personal, it’s not until you’re plastered up against the perplex window of a jeep that you realise the true power of “the wild”.

In order to fully integrate into the wild African landscape (without compromising on luxury of course), stay in your very own safari tent.

The Serengeti Migration Camp’s old-world spacious elevated safari tents, each with hardwood floors, rain showers and lavish furnishings, are surrounded by private decked verandahs with rocking chairs, where you can overlook the Grumeti River and its resident hippos.

The camp is located at the starting point of one of the world’s natural travel wonders: the Serengeti, host to the largest overland mammal migration and therefore one of the best spots to go on safari.

While the main drawcard is of course the day drives into the Serengeti National Park, you can also go bird watching, trail walking along the Grumeti River and enjoy romantic sunset dinners on your own private deck.

When to visit: June to November is Tanzania's dry season and is the best time to be on safari.

Must-do: It’s hard to top getting up close to the animal herds, but try heading for the clouds to take in sweeping views of the African landscape via a hot air ballooning ride. Be sure to toast to the wild with a glass of Champagne on your decent!

Stay at: Serengeti Migration Camp, Tanzania.

The Maldives: A honeymooner's guide

When it comes to escaping to a tropical paradise it's hard to go past The Maldives.

The pearls of the Indian Ocean, as it’s popularly known, are situated in the South West of Sri Lanka and are a series of ancient reefs that grew up around the sides of towering prehistoric volcanoes, which have long since sunk into the ocean, leaving behind the coral islands.

With its cobalt blue waters, fresh lagoons, sandy white beaches and clichéd swaying palm trees, The Maldives is a tropical haven and one of the few places around the world where you can enjoy complete and utter privacy.

Spend your days snorkeling, sunbathing and simply recharging. If you’re growing slightly tired of spending your days hammock-swinging and cocktail-sipping though, take a boat cruise around the nearby islands or try your hand at scuba diving, sailing or fishing.

When to visit: To soak up the best of The Maldives’ summer rays visit during the dry season (December to April).

Must-do: An ambitious scuba dive in the deep lagoons, where the water is deliciously bath temperature, is a must.

Stay at: The Rania Experience – Private Island Residence, The Maldives.

Paris: A honeymooner's guide

Deciding on a honeymoon destination? It's hard to go past the City of Light. Honeymooners from all over the globe flock to Paris every year for its impeccable cuisine, designer shopping, art, museums, sightseeing, and of course, romance.

For the truly eclectic Parisian experience head to Montmartre in the 18th arrondissement. This area boasts some of the city’s best patisseries and boulangeries, the stunningly stark, alabaster Sacré-Coeur Basilica, the famed Moulin Rouge, a heritage flea market, where you are guaranteed to find authentic French mementos, and even a small vineyard in the Rue Saint-Vincent.

The Rue de la Paix meanwhile is dubbed the “richest street in Paris” and is where you’ll find the world’s most up-market jewellers like Cartier, Van Cleef & Apels and Tiffany & Co, as well as a plethora of designer boutiques.

It is also a mere stone's throw from the most elegant landmarks of the city; Place Vendômem, l’Opéra, the Tuileries gardens and the Louvre are all nearby.

A gastronomes’ delight, Paris has plenty of fine-dining restaurants, but it’s hard to go past the famed L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon.

When to visit: The summer crowds and long queues can often be frustrating. Time your visit a month shy either side of the peak season to enjoy moderate temperatures and less tourists.

Must-do: If there’s one attraction on every tourist’s itinerary it’s undoubtedly the Eiffel Tower. While you can catch a glimpse of the iconic monument rising up above the city’s skyline from almost every vantage point in Paris, it’s not until you’re ascending the iron lattice tower’s hydraulic lifts, that you realise the beauty and majesty of Paris’ most treasured landmark.


Must-buy: Ladurée macaroons! Of all of the delightful, delectable treats you can sample in Paris – from sweet vanilla Mille-feuilles to rich moelleux au chocolat – no sweet is more perennially Parisian than the macaroon. And no one does them quite like Ladurée. Founded in 1862, the now-famous patisserie allegedly churns out over 135 tons of the biscuity treats every year, with flavours like ‘Madagascar chocolate’ and ‘blackcurrant violet’, while the pastel and ornate packaging make for a charming keepsake.

Stay at: Hotel Daniel, 8 Rue Frédéric Bastiat 75008 Paris, France.