Lyla Dejesus
The royals certainly know how to honeymoon. From yachts to private islands, these newlyweds spare no expense when it comes to their post-wedding trips. Prince William and Kate Middleton, for example, jetted off to one of the most remote islands in the world, North Island in the Seychelles, after their wedding at Westminster Abbey. The private island has just 11 villas, with indoor and outdoor showers, plunge pools, butlers, a round swimming pool, and a cinema.
Princess Diana and Prince Charles also honeymooned on the Royal Yacht Britannia in the Mediterranean, as did Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones, who explored islands like Trinidad and Antigua.
Other royals have preferred to stay on land. The Queen and Prince Philip spent part of their honeymoon at Birkhall in Scotland, as well as Broadlands House in Hampshire, while Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III of Monaco sailed around the Galapagos Islands on a yacht.
More recently, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle delayed their honeymoon but eventually headed to Africa, staying at the luxurious Hoanib Valley Camp in Namibia.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Honeymoon Destinations | Galapagos Islands, Seychelles, Scotland, Greece, India, Tanzania, Arizona Islands, Cyprus, North Island, Mustique, Balmoral, Schloss Wasserleonburg, Austria, etc. |
| Honeymoon Activities | Sailing, cruising, island-hopping, hunting, wildlife viewing, nature walks, etc. |
| Honeymoon Accommodations | Royal Yacht Britannia, luxury yachts, luxury villas, luxury resorts, castles, etc. |
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Yachts and cruises
Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones were the first royal couple to use the Royal Yacht for their honeymoon in 1960. They sailed on a six-week cruise across the Caribbean, with the princess keeping mainly to the Royal Apartments, where all meals were formal, and dinner was eaten in full evening dress. Princess Margaret took the ship for her honeymoon a second time when she later married Antony Armstrong-Jones.
The Royal Yacht was also used by Princess Diana and Prince Charles for their honeymoon in 1981. They sailed on an 11-day or 12-day Mediterranean cruise, visiting Tunisia, Sardinia, Greece, and Egypt, beginning the journey in Gibraltar. They also stopped at various Greek islands for barbecues and beach picnics. Diana said the honeymoon gave her the "perfect opportunity to catch up on sleep".
Other couples who honeymooned on the Royal Yacht Britannia include Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew, and Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips.
In addition to the Royal Yacht, some royal couples have chosen to honeymoon on private yachts. For instance, Edward and Sophie, who retreated to Birkhall Lodge in Scotland for their honeymoon, first boarded a private yacht to the Azores Islands near Portugal.
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Private islands
For those seeking a more adventurous trip, Mozambique promises an unforgettable honeymoon experience. Tropical islands with soft, white sand beaches and turquoise waters offer castaway beach picnics, romantic sundowner cruises, world-class diving, and beach swings.
For those seeking a more luxurious experience, the Velaa Private Island in the Maldives offers the ultimate in honeymoon suites, with a villa-to-staff ratio that takes service to the next level. The Romantic Pool Residence is only accessible by boat and offers uninterrupted ocean views, a private chef, butler, jacuzzi, pool sundeck and sunken bath.
For a truly exotic escape, Tetiroa in French Polynesia is a newlywed oasis in the middle of the ocean. Guests can only arrive via private plane and will check into one of The Brando's 35 villas upon landing. These beachfront suites come with butlers who will assist with all honeymoon requests, and the property welcomes friendly local visitors like sea turtles, manta rays and exotic birds.
For those seeking a more intimate experience, Koh Samui in Thailand is an excellent choice. The Cape Fahn Hotel is located on a private island with only 23 villas. Couples can book the Fahn Noi Private Island Pool Villa, which includes two bedrooms and a private pool, far away from the other guests. While there, couples can book authentic Thai massages, dine at beachfront restaurants, enjoy a sunset cruise on a yacht, and snorkel through sheltered coves.
Other private island honeymoon destinations include Fiji, Belize, the Bahamas, Zanzibar, and the Galápagos Islands.
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Hunting lodges
Honeymooning in a hunting lodge is a popular choice for many couples, including royalty. Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles spent their honeymoon in a Scottish hunting lodge, Birkhall, on the royal Balmoral estate. The early 18th-century lodge, described by Charles as "a unique haven of cosiness and character", allowed the couple to engage in country pursuits such as fishing and long walks.
If you're seeking a similarly luxurious and intimate experience, there are several hunting lodges to consider for your honeymoon.
Heartland Lodge
Heartland Lodge offers couples hunting packages in luxurious suites with romantic amenities such as whirlpool tubs and fireplaces. Located in the Midwest, it provides prime hunting grounds for avid hunters. The lodge also offers home-cooked meals and comfortable accommodations for a relaxing honeymoon experience.
Tuningi Safari Lodge, South Africa
For an international adventure, Tuningi Safari Lodge in South Africa offers a unique honeymoon experience. This lodge, nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of South Africa, provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore the country's renowned wildlife.
Baldone Manor, Latvia
Baldone Manor in Zemgale, Latvia, is a historic hunting lodge that can provide a unique and cultural honeymoon experience. The manor is steeped in history and provides a glimpse into the past while also offering the thrill of the hunt.
Honey Brake Lodge, Louisiana
Honey Brake Lodge, nestled on the banks of Larto Lake in Louisiana, offers a premier luxury hunting experience. With 20,000 acres of the old Louisiana Delta Plantation, it provides a diverse array of year-round hunting and outdoor recreation opportunities. The lodge also features luxurious accommodations and a full-service gun club for a well-rounded honeymoon adventure.
These hunting lodges, offering a blend of luxury and outdoor pursuits, can create a memorable and intimate honeymoon experience, fit for royalty.
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Overseas
In the past, royal couples have usually spent their honeymoons locally, in the UK. However, in recent years, some couples have opted for more far-flung destinations.
Greece
Princess Diana and Prince Charles, for instance, spent part of their honeymoon on the Royal Yacht Britannia as it cruised around the Mediterranean. They also visited the Greek islands, including Malta. Similarly, Princess Anne and Mark Phillips spent their honeymoon on the Royal Yacht Britannia, traversing the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and cruising around the Caribbean and the Galapagos Islands.
Africa
William and Kate escaped the media glare with a honeymoon in the Seychelles, an archipelago of 115 islands located off the East African coast. They travelled by private jet for their week-and-a-half vacation on this private island, which has just 11 luxury villas.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle also reportedly vacationed in Canada to celebrate their nuptials and honeymooned in Africa, with Botswana and Namibia proving popular tips.
Europe
Some royal couples have chosen to honeymoon in Europe. For instance, King Abdullah II of Jordan and Rania Al-Yassin honeymooned in Cuenca, a medieval fortified city in Castilla-La Mancha, Spain. Meanwhile, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan and Jetsun Pema travelled to India for their honeymoon, embarking on a luxury train journey across Rajasthan, making stops in Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur.
Australia
Princess Anne's daughter, Zara Phillips, met her husband, rugby union player Mike Tindall, during England's Rugby World Cup campaign in Australia in 2003. They later honeymooned in Cyprus, a sunny island in the Eastern Mediterranean.
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Exotic animals
When it comes to honeymoons, the royal family does not hold back. Their post-wedding trips are often luxurious and sometimes exotic, with destinations that range from private islands to tropical locales.
Some royal couples have chosen to spend their honeymoons on safari, viewing exotic animals in the wild. Prince William and Kate Middleton, for example, reportedly saw baby turtles hatch and swam with sharks during their time in the Seychelles. Similarly, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle delayed their honeymoon but eventually travelled to Namibia, where they stayed at the luxurious Hoanib Valley Camp and went on wildlife viewing to see giraffes, elephants, and rhinos. Likewise, Frederik, Crown Prince of Denmark, and Mary Donaldson spent three weeks in Tanzania, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and enjoying African safaris to admire wildlife.
Other royal couples have chosen to spend their honeymoons in locations where they can enjoy a mix of activities, including viewing exotic animals. For instance, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan and Jetsun Pema travelled to India for a luxury train journey across Rajasthan, stopping in Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur. Meanwhile, Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones spent their honeymoon on the Royal Yacht Britannia, exploring islands like Trinidad and Antigua, and also visiting Scotland, where they spent time in a hunting lodge on the Balmoral Estate.
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Frequently asked questions
Prince William and Kate Middleton travelled by private jet to North Island in the Seychelles, one of the most remote islands in the world. The couple stayed in one of the 11 villas for 10 days, enjoying the Indian Ocean in complete privacy.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle delayed their honeymoon, but when they finally went, they went to the luxurious Hoanib Valley Camp in Namibia. The intimate getaway has just six villas and the couple enjoyed activities such as wildlife viewing and nature walks.
Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III of Monaco sailed throughout the Galapagos Islands on a 147-foot yacht gifted to them by Aristotle Onassis.
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