Grand Velas Riviera Maya 18 May 2018
Indulgent Honeymoons Fit for Royalty

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The Massey Partnership

Niyama Private Islands, Maldives

Set across two spacious private islands, appropriately named Play and Chill, connected only by a single wooden bridge across the Indian Ocean, Niyama Private Islands is a truly special Maldivian resort in the south-western atoll of Dhaalu. Surrounded by the Indian Ocean's iconic blue topaz waters. The beauty of a dual island setting is that space at Niyama is in abundance. For couples seeking solitude and privacy, Chill is home to the hotel's DRIFT spa, a true sanctuary at sea with six over water treatment rooms all with soaring views across the ocean. From Chill, guests can also visit the hotel's fine dining restaurant Edge which is set 1km out at sea and only accessible by boat.  In addition, the hotel's studios provide the perfect luxury hideaway for newlyweds. Spacious, stylish and secluded, the studios – whether on the beach or suspended above the water – take full advantage of the islands' beautiful natural setting. Each beach studio comes with a Dhoni-shaped swing to relax in as the sun sinks into the sea, as well as private sun decks, open-air bathrooms and a butler service to ensure every need is catered for.

Room rates at Niyama Private Islans are from £475) per night. This is based on double occupancy and includes all taxes and fees. To book, please call the hotel on +960 676-2828 or visit www.niyama.com/en/ 

Shangri-La's Hambantota Golf Resort & Spa, Sri Lanka

While meandering through the thousands of swinging palm trees or perching on a nearby swing to watch the sun sink into the Ocean, it becomes strikingly evident that romance at Shangri-La's Hambantota Golf Resort & Spa is everywhere. Set against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean and surrounded by unique marbled sand, the hotel is perfectly positioned for the romantics. As the most luxurious hotel of its kind in Sri Lanka, Shangri-La's Hambantota Golf Resort & Spa offers bountiful space for couples to explore the pristine shores of Sri Lanka in complete privacy and peace. Moreover, the hotel provides an array of memorable and intimate experiences for newlyweds to enjoy from sunset river boat safari cruises down the Walawe River and romantic picnics at the Godawaya lookout point to Dine by Designs on the beach and couples spa treatments and CHI, Ayurveda Spa. Shangri-La's Hambantota ensures that all brides stay for free when on honeymoon or celebrating a wedding anniversary.

Room rates at Shangri-La's Hambantota Golf Resort and Spa are from US$293 (approx. £232) per night. This is based on double occupancy and includes all taxes and fees. To book, please call the hotel on +94 47 7888 888, email slht@shangri-la.com or visit www.shangri-la.com/hambantota/shangrila.  

Shangri-La's Villingili Resort & Spa, Maldives

Experience the ultimate honeymoon on the most private and secluded island at the very edge of the world with only the Indian Ocean separating the island from Antarctica. For those looking for the ultimate luxury escape, the resort's presidential villa, Villa Muthee is one of the largest overwater villas in the Maldives and offers a private infinity pool which runs the length of the terrace, a personal island host, a choice of both indoor and outdoor showers as well as a spectacular oval bathtub with infinity views over the Indian Ocean. Villa Muthee also boasts a home cinema, private spa pavilion and al fresco dining in a poolside pergola adjacent to an open-air kitchen. The terrace also offers a choice of spots for relaxing in sun or shade, with options spanning hammocks, daybeds, sofas and rattan loungers.

Room rates at Shangri-La's Villingili Resort and Spa are from US$645 (approx. £510) per night. This is based on double occupancy and includes all taxes and fees. To book, please visit www.shangri-la.com/male/villingiliresort, or call 0800 028 3337.

Shangri-La's Le Touessrok Resort & Spa, Mauritius

Shangri-La's Le Touessrok Resort & Spa offers honeymooners the ultimate in luxury with three recently redesigned Beach Villas - Hibiscus, Flamboyant and Bougainvillier. These legendary properties have previously played host to royalty and celebrities and are considered the most exclusive beach addresses in Mauritius. Incomparable privacy and personalised service are key to the distinction of the Beach Villas, blending refined luxury and outstanding access to the crystalline waters of the Indian Ocean with the heartfelt hospitality of a private residence. Each villa comes replete with a skilled team of staff, available for their guests around the clock; a Villa Manager, overseeing guest wellbeing and villa operations, a Private Chef, preparing any meal to order in the on-site kitchen, and four multi-skilled butlers taking care of any detail or request. Spanning an impressive 423sqm, each villa offers three spacious bedrooms, an immaculate infinity pool, and the seclusion of private beach access. Offsetting Le Touessrok's signature Mediterranean-style architecture, the muted and subtle tones of the villas' interiors complement the immense, breath-taking ocean views. The architectural layout means the flow between outdoor and indoor living is seamless, with large verandas linking the interiors to their magnificent Indian Ocean backdrop.

Room rates at Shangri-La's Le Touessrok Resort and Spa are from US$358 (approx. £283) per night. This is based on double occupancy and includes all taxes and fees. The Beach Villas start from £4,485 per night including taxes. To book, please visit www.shangri-la.com/mauritius/shangrila, or call 0800 028 3337.

UXUA Casa Hotel & Spa Trancoso, Brazil

Located on the famous Quadrado in Trancoso, UXUA Casa Hotel & Spa is a perfect refuge for honeymooning.  Exclusive Casas set in exotic tropical gardens, the aventurine pool, chic Beach Bar & Lounge, typical Bahian cuisine with a flair and highly personalized service provide for unforgettable, romantic experiences. Newlyweds can retreat to an exclusive and romantic treehouse casa constructed of recycled wood and thatched roof with outdoor tub and captivating private garden. This elevated tree house fantasy sprawls across three levels, with its “green” credentials coming from the recycled wood that makes up its walls, its traditional, hand-woven thatched roof, and the abundant recycled and organic materials throughout its interior. Yet despite rustic appearance, this is no ascetic hippie enclave: little luxuries are hidden throughout, including a large covered veranda, an al fresco living room with hammock and bar, a double shower in the bathroom and a spa tub on the outdoor deck. Couples shouldn't miss the hanging swing underneath the casa, a perfect site for a private sundowner with a significant other.

Room rates at UXUA Casa Hotel & Spa are from US$550 (approx. £440) per night. This is based on double occupancy and includes breakfast, taxes and fees. To book, please visit www.uxua.com/en/booking/casas, or call 0733 668 2277.

Grand Velas RivieraMaya, Mexico

With striking ocean views, turquoise seas and leading luxury service, Grand Velas Riviera Maya offers the ultimate haven for honeymooners. Hugging Mexico's Caribbean coastline, the resort is fringed by the Yucatán jungle, white sands and breath-taking Riviera Maya landscape. The resort is perfectly located for guests to enjoy a world of uninhibited luxury. Honeymooners can discover paradise reserved for a select few in Grand Velas Riviera Maya's luxury Presidential Zen Suites. Designed for serenity, this lavish suite offers a magnificent view of the jungle, open-air shower surrounded by lush foliage, private outdoor garden, spa-like bathrooms with Jacuzzi tub and rain showers and private plunge pool. 24-hour private butler and maid service leaves every moment free to soak up the Mayan sun. Couples can sip champagne under the night's sky with telescopes, blankets and bubbly through the resort's stargazing experience, swim with dolphins or even brunch at sea while enjoying a day out on Bella, the resort's very own ultra-luxe private yacht.

Room rates at Grand Velas Riviera Maya are from US$854 (approx. £650) per night. This is based on double occupancy and includes all taxes and fees. To book, or enquire about Grand Presidential Zen Suite rates, please visit www.rivieramaya.grandvelas.com, email reservationsrm@velasresorts.com, or call 0800 917 659.

The Scarlet, Cornwall

Start married life in secluded coastal bliss at the adult-only Scarlet Hotel in North Cornwall. Perched on the cliff tops overlooking the golden sands of Mawgan Porth, the luxury eco hotel is the perfect setting for a romantic getaway. Rooms are spacious, each with outside space, and magnificent soaring views of the sea and sky.

Guests can take full advantage of the spa facilities including the indoor swimming pool with infinity views, the reed-filtered outdoor pool, and sauna. The cliff top hot tubs offer a fabulous vantage point from which to experience one of Cornwall's famed sunsets, and a glass of bubbles at sundown is positively encouraged.

The Scarlet offers an Ayurvedic-inspired treatments, including those suitable for couples, and guests who would like to, can start their day with a relaxing yoga or meditation session in the hotel's dedicated yoga studio.

The hotel's restaurant offers dishes featuring the freshest, seasonal ingredients, and guests can gaze out over the beach, watch the waves, and feast on head chef Mike Francis's daily-changing menus.

The luxury eco hotel's focus on enhancing its natural surroundings ensure guests leave feeling re-energised, reconnected and relaxed, but with the knowledge that their stay didn't come at a cost to the environment.

Room rates at Scarlet Hotel are from £240 per night. This is based on double occupancy and includes breakfast, taxes and fees. To book, please visit www.scarlethotel.co.uk/stay/rooms, email stay@scarlethotel.co.uk, or call 01637 861 800.

Shieldaig Lodge, West Highlands, Scotland

Celebrated for its stunning scenery, delicious locally sourced food and access to exhilarating country pursuits including deer stalking, hiking and falconry, Shieldaig Lodge overlooking Shieldaig Bay in the Scottish Highlands offers the ultimate honeymoon for lovers of the countryside. The picturesque village of Gairloch is home to Shieldaig Lodge, a former 19th century Victorian hunting lodge which has been lovingly transformed into a splendid country house hotel set within a 26,000 acre estate. With 12 newly renovated rooms including an exclusive honeymoon suite offering spectacular loch-side views and a restaurant and bar serving local game, fresh seafood and over three hundred whiskies. Shieldaig Lodge is a 15 minute drive from Red Point, a small settlement with two spectacular sandy beaches, Near Beach and Faraway Beach which are a must see for visitors to area. As well as being selected as the backdrop for major hit films including British comedy-drama “What We Did On Our Holiday”, Faraway Beach is rumoured to be one of the Queen's favourite spots to moor Britannia for a beach barbecue.

Room rates at Shieldaig Lodge are from £150 per room, per night including breakfast. For further information about Shieldaig Lodge and for reservations: www.shieldaiglodge.com 

Abbaye de la Bussiere, Burgundy, France

Originally a 12th Cistercian monastery, Abbaye de la Bussiere is a 20 bedroom luxury hotel in the heart of Burgundy, located between Dijon and Beaune, and next to the Burgundy canal.

Set in 17 acres of beautifully renovated gardens, and with two restaurants, including the Michelin-starred 'The 1131' and a more relaxed bistro, it is the perfect romantic escape or mini-moon destination for those who love excellent food and wine. Sensitively renovated by its British owners, the building's original features are impossible to ignore, from the double-height vaulted ceilings and tiles as you enter the hotel, to the hand-etched glass panels and frescos in the dining rooms. The hotel's bedrooms and suites range in size and style, but each with sumptuous soft furnishings and antique furniture, and striking views of the park.

A short drive from the famous Cote d'Or vineyards, and close to the homes of some of the world's finest wines including Gevrey Chambertin, Meursault and Pommard it is the ideal spot from which to head off for some wine tasting, before indulging in chef Guillame Royer's fabulous signature menu featuring seasonal ingredients from local artisan food producers and farmers.

Room rates at Abbaye de la Bussiere are from 225 Euros (approximately £200) per room, per night. For further information about Abbaye de la Bussiere and for reservations: http://www.abbayedelabussiere.fr/en/