Tag Archives: honeymoon

Honeymoon destination: the Maldive Islands

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The Maldive Islands are a world-renowned tourist destination, celebrated for its stunning natural beauty, luxurious resorts, and vibrant marine life. Located in the Indian Ocean, this island nation comprises over 1,000 coral islands grouped into 26 atolls, offering pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and spectacular sunsets.

It all started in the 1980s as an unspoiled location for hardcore SCUBA divers – the colorful reefs on the Maldives were untouched and unmatched in their natural beauty. There was no “tourism” to speak of… very few of the tiny islands – most of them easily walked around in 20 minutes! – had any accommodations, and the ones there were consisted of primitive coral rock huts. (I happen to know because I was one of these first dive enthusiasts…). Fast-forward twenty years, and luxury hotel chains discovered this island paradise, from Hilton to Four Seasons to St. Regis… pools and tennis courts were built, and these days you’ll find luxury amenities, food and entertainment.

A favorite for honeymooners, SCUBA divers, and luxury travelers, the Maldives combine tropical serenity with exceptional hospitality. Visitors these days stay in iconic overwater bungalows …

enjoy world-class snorkeling and diving among coral reefs teeming with marine life …

… any type of watersports…

… or relax with spa treatments and private beachfront dining.

Whether you’re seeking romantic seclusion, underwater adventures, or a high-end wellness retreat for your honeymoon, the Maldives offer a unique blend of tranquility and indulgence, making it an absolute tropical dream destination.

Honeymoon destinations: Paris

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The city of light, the city of love – once in your lifetime, you HAVE to see it, so why not for your honeymoon? Believe me, it IS magical – still, despite the traffic and the tourists…

One of my own fondest memories is arriving at the Gare du Nord via night train with my then-fiance, now-husband, at the crack of dawn – way too early to check into our hotel. We left our luggage at the station and walked. We watched the sun rise in the Jardin du Luxembourg.

We wandered the streets as the city was waking up. It was a rare epiphany: we felt the soul of the city… beyond the Eiffel Tower.

Yes, of course, you should visit the Eiffel Tower, that’s a “must” for all tourists, but there is so much more! The Palace du Louvre with its world-famous museum and the glass pyramid in front …

… the newly restored and reopened Notre-Dame cathedral, one of the greatest Gothic masterpieces…

The Seine with its many bridges (and don’t forget a boat tour on a bateau mouche – maybe at night..)

… the Palais Royal…

… and long strolls throught the St. Germain des Pres neighborhood.

This here is MY Paris… quiet, romantic, and steeped in history.

Bon voyage!

Dream Honeymoon Destinations: Mauritius

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For the start of my new series, let’s begin with my own honeymoon destination – still a tropical dream!

An island country in the Indian Ocean, 2,000 km off the coast of East Africa and east of Madagascar, it is part of the Mascarene Islands of volcanic origin, and a true melting pot of cultures, religions and languages – where just over a million of Mauritians of Indian, Chinese, French and Creole origin live together peacefully. The capital city Port Louis is home to a daily market with an overwhelming selection of fresh fruit and local spices – you’ll never forget that aroma, nor the aroma of the multicultural Creole cuisine with Indian, French and African influences. I learned cooking curries there… and it has stayed with me to the present day!

Mauritius is a dream honeymoon destination, with turquoise waters and white powdery sand on postcard-perfect beaches—for example Belle Mare and the serene lagoons of Le Morne.

Beyond sunbathing and every watersport imaginable, newlyweds can hike in the lush Black River Gorges, enjoy local culture ….

… swim with dolphins, encounter the diverse wildlife ….

… go on a helicopter tour of the island, or take a catamaran to uninhabited islets.

Sunset beach dinners, private villa stays, and spa experiences make it easy to unwind and disconnect from the daily grind. Chances are, you simply want to stay there… for the rest of your married life!