Fly Me to the Moon

By Shaan Bajaj

Romantic retreats across the land of smiles, for every kind of couple!

Congratulations! You’re officially married, and made it to the other side of the wedding! Your honeymoon is the first gift of your relationship, and hence, where you spend it is a significant decision. Have a look at our curated list of resorts, with various options for an ultimate getaway.

EXPERIENCE BASED STAYS
Out-of the-box?
Once-in-a-lifetime?
 
Is that how you would like your honeymoon? Look no further, because these three hotels are unlike any other! Immerse yourself in these resorts; this is especially suitable for couples whose love language is shared experiences.
 
Loy Pela Voyages, Bangkok

All aboard Loy Pela Voyages, an exquisite river cruise where you can cruise down the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, with
a customised itinerary stopping along temples, villages, and Bangkok’s natural landscapes. The ship itself is a restored rice barge, with only eight suites, offering you and your partner complete privacy. The rooms are stylish and airy, with large windows, balconies and terraces to watch Bangkok go by. In addition to sipping on sundowners on their deck, you can take a dip into the pool or book a spa. Book this one-of-a- kind experience and start your honeymoon doing something completely out of the ordinary.
 
Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort, Golden Triangle

Located in the Golden Triangle, near the borders of Myanmar and Laos, Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort is a bucket list resort, making it an ideal choice for your honeymoon. Elephants are a big part of Thailand’s history and culture, and at the camp, you can learn about the resort’s conservation programme, while getting involved in a variety of activities including bathing, feeding, and trekking. The camp itself is a bubble of luxury, where you can also avail of their spa treatments and take in the natural surroundings.
 
InterContinental Khao Yai Resort, Khao Yai

In the middle of the mountainous region of Khao Yai, just a stone’s throw away from Khao Yai National park, is a resort unlike any other. InterContinental Khao Yai Resort, invites you on their repurposed train carriages to explore Thailand’s golden age of train travel. Set in a luscious tropical rainforest, you can step away from the bustling world, and spend your time being transported to your own little post-marital bubble, all while pampering yourself spoilt with the resort’s dining and spa options.
 
OFF THE BEATEN PATH 
Celebrate your nuptials at one of these romantic resorts that are completely tucked away from the world. As you enter a new chapter in your relationship, these resorts will allow the both of you to build a strong foundation.
 
Six SensesYao Noi, Koh Yao Noi

Situated in the stunning landscapes of Phang Nga Bay, Six Senses Yao Noi opens its doors for you to get in touch with nature and yourself. Away from the buzz, this luxury island retreat is everything a newly-married couple can want. Their comfortable and palatial 56 villas are built on stilts, and hidden amongst the trees, giving you a bird’s eye view of the bay or forest. Oh, and they all come with a private pool, and a GEM (Guest Experience Maker), who will help you personalise your vacation. The resort showcases Thai food with home-grown ingredients in their four dining outlets, while their Six Senses Spa and Wellness is second to none. To make your stay even more special, book an island-hopping tour and discover the Andaman archipelago.
 
The Naka Island, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Phuket, Naka Yai Island

This private island resort is an exclusive haven, with your every wish taken care of. Only accessible by a speedboat or helicopter, the resort is synonymous with unparalleled luxury. With 23 deluxe rooms and 67 villas, book one of their pool villas to watch the sunset over Phang Nga Bay. Switch off and let go of all your worries as you take up everything the island has to offer, starting with their waterfront Z Bar, where you can refresh yourself with a cocktail or two, before heading to one of their three beachside restaurants. To top it off, take your partner for a spa treatment or plunge into a pool and live your best island life.
 
Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas, Koh Yao Yai
 
Apristine golden beach and awe-inspiring views of limestone islets, set amongst coconut groves, are what await you at the all-new island resort of Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villa. It’s one of the luxe new resorts in Phang Nga Bay, where you and your partner and slow down and embrace island living. From your bed, to the pool, to the beach, live your ideal day. With the addition of beach bars and pool bars, and Thai, Japanese, and international cuisine, you won’t miss a thing. If you do find yourself tiring from doing nothing, head out to the sea to look for Nemo with a pair of flippers and snorkelling goggles, or take a romantic sunset cruise along the blue seas.
 
Como Point Yamu, Phuket

Located on the tip of Cape Yamu in Phuket, COMO Point Yamu is a 5-star resort overlooking the glistening waters of the Andaman Sea and Phang Nga Bay, with a bird’s eye view of the surrounding islands. It’s home to 78 rooms, suites, and villas that are open, and are designed to complement the blue and turquoise accents of the sky and bay, blending together inside and outside living. When you and your partner step foot into the resort, the striking infinity pools will take your breath away, and make you want to never leave. With three restaurants serving fresh Italian; Thai; and COMO Shambhala cuisine, which focuses on ingredients sourced from Phuket and is packed with nutrition for your wellbeing; and two bars; there is plenty to feast on. If you find yourself twiddling your thumbs, book a cooking class or hike into the hillside and explore the gushing waterfalls of Phuket.
 
HEALTH AND WELLNESS 
In the land of relaxation and massages, here are the crème de la crème of wellness retreats. If you are looking to start off your marriage on a blissful note, look at these resorts that will work through all your knots.
 
Chiva-Som, Hua Hin 

An award-winning luxury spa resort, Chiva-Som is renowned for its wellness programmes, where they focus on revitalising your mind, body, and spirit through both Western and Eastern wellness knowledge and practices. If you are looking to invest in your own wellbeing and start this new chapter with a clear mind, Chiva-Som is a great option. Their accommodations overlook the beach or gardens; while the holistic programmes will help you improve your health. You can partake in yoga, meditation, or even tai chi, all while their team help you make the most of your stay.
 
The Sukhothai Bangkok, Bangkok

Experience the heart of ancient Thailand, located in the middle of Bangkok’s Sathorn area, at The Sukhothai Bangkok. The grounds exude old-world elegance, with teakwood and marble furnishings, while the resort is surrounded by lush gardens and earthy lotus ponds, inviting you to disconnect the moment you enter. Their Spa Botanica is a wellness haven, where spa therapists use traditional Thai practices and modern techniques to give you the very best of relaxation, and they are about to unveil their all new luxury spa complex, The Sukhothai Spa, where guests can take advantage of the finest wellness experiences to soothe their body and soul. In addition to their spa, The Sukhothai Bangkok is home to award-wining restaurants, ensuring your stay will fulfil every one of your desires. Stay at The Sukhothai Bangkok for a tranquil retreat, while still having access to everything the city has to offer.
 
Centara Reserve Samui, Koh Samui 

Anew age for the leading Thai hospitality brand, Centara Reserve Samui serves top-tier luxury on a silver platter, served to you by your very own Reserve host. The resort sits on the quieter end of Chaweng beach, where you can avail of the calm serenity or the bustling nightlife, whichever you wish. The property unveiled their new look in 2022, with a modern and incredibly Instagrammable aesthetic. Featuring 184 rooms, six restaurant and bars, and a world-class spa, it has all the ingredients you need to make it a honeymoon to remember. The Reserve Spa Cenvaree is an immersive relaxation journey to rejuvenate your soul. They use aromatic oils and therapeutic herbs that are locally harvested from the grounds.
 
ECO-FRIENDLY LUXURY 
For the conscious couple, who strive to lead a sustainable lifestyle, these resorts are eco- friendly and yet dripping in luxury. You can get everything you want, without doing harm to the environment around you. Make your honeymoon a guilt-free one!
 
Soneva Kiri, Koh Kood

Often labelled as the leader of sustainable hospitality, Soneva Kiri marries eco- friendly practices with all things luxury, where you are truly spoiled without harming your natural surroundings in Koh Kood. For your stay, choose from one of their spacious 33 pool villas, with the option of staying on the beach or perched on a cliff. After tying the knot, Soneva Kiri has everything you and your partner need to relish in your new status, from Michelin-starred chefs to serve you luscious dishes, to a serene spa, where you are the priority. The team will also help you plan a range of activities like stargazing, a cinema under the stars, or diving in the clearest waters. Soneva Kiri welcomes you to experience true luxury, where you can slow down and experience a child-like wonder for nature all over again.
 
Keemala, Phuket

Perched on a hillside, Keemala overlooks Kamala village and the Andaman Sea, with 38 private pool villas that sit amongst the trees, designed to limit deforestation and let in plenty of natural light. The rooms are one-of-a- kind, with four different styles to choose from, spanning cottages, tents, treehouses, and nests, each drawing from natural and rustic elements to root you in your surroundings. Keemala invites you into their sanctuary, where you can even choose to take part in one of their holistic retreats, offering you massages, healing treatments, healthy cuisine, and exercise, designed to help you energise. Their ingredients are all locally- sourced or from their in-house garden, where they grow their own vegetables and herbs. For couples looking to recharge after the wedding festivities, head to Keemala for an unforgettable stay, where luxury is guilt-free. 
 
The Sarojin, Khao Lak 

Nestled on an 11km-stretch of white sand in Khao Lak is a romantic and luxe romantic escape. The Sarojin is home to 56 luxury guest residences, with a dedicated team to personalise your stay based on your needs. The resort celebrates romance, and have a variety of activities for couples, making it a perfect option for couples. You can enjoy a candle-lit dinner on the beach or at a jungle waterfall, or charter their Lady Sarojin luxury boat for a day trip or sunset cruise. Additionally, The Sarojin highlights wellness with their spa, yoga classes, and meditation classes. As a luxury resort, they have committed to going entirely plastic free, by giving guest re-usable aluminium water bottles. Their ethos is rooted in helping the community around them, which is why they started the Sarojin Khao Lak Community Fund, which works with a variety of orphanages, animal welfare, construction, and more