Honeymoon GetawaysBY ALISON MALONE
Where to Go and What to Do after “I Do.”
Congratulations – you’re getting hitched! You’ve chosen the dress, the venue, the flowers, the bridal party, the menu, the cake, and the photographer. All set? Not quite. There’s one more detail that every couple must iron out with careful consideration. Yep, the honeymoon. With a planet full of unbelievable destinations, there’s no shortage of places to choose from. Here, rounded up for your convenience (you’re busy, after all), are some of hottest.

Costa Rica
If waking up to the sound of raging surf turns your crank, look no further than Costa Rica. A tiny country bursting with more color than the seams of Joseph’s Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, it is ideal for those passionate about ecotourism. Hike through lush rainforests in Manuel Antonio National Park, overflowing with tropical birds, monkeys, and lizards; make a splash with a whitewater rafting trip down the Naranjo river; catch a wave at one of the coast’s
popular surfing spots; or take a trip on horseback to a refreshing waterfall hidden deep in the jungle. At the end of your day, crash at the luxurious Arenas Del Mar Beach & Nature Resort in Manuel Antonio—an idyllic place to fall asleep with your sweetheart.

Prague
What better way to follow up a fairytale wedding than by honeymooning in a place that looks like it popped out of the pages of a storybook? Filled with magical castles, grand churches and winding cobblestone streets intended for strolling, Prague is emerging as one of Europe’s hottest destinations. The capital city of the Czech Republic has come into its own as a mecca for those who thrive on museums, art galleries, opera, theater, ballet, symphony and live jazz. Linger over a cup of hot mulled wine in an intimate café, take a boat ride á deux down the Vltava River under the pedestrian-only Charles Bridge, or take a jaunt out of the city to explore the Bohemian countryside. Rest your head at night at Maximilian Hotel—an übercontemporary gem located minutes from the enchanting Old Town Square—and relish the romance in the air.

The Maldives
Wading through clear, warm turquoise waters, reading a novel with a cool drink in hand, napping in a hammock—sound right up your alley? Pack your bathing suit, sunscreen, sarong, and not much else, and jet to the Maldives, a group of 1,192 islands located in the
Indian Ocean. A destination where Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes began their honeymoon, the islands are surrounded by mesmerizing coral reefs ideal for scuba diving and snorkeling. At the One & Only Kanuhura Resort—the epitome of paradise—do leisurely laps in the infinity pool, relax with a private yoga session on the dock, or indulge in a soothing treatment in the spa. Your mind, body, and spirit will thank you.

Dubai
For a touch of the unknown and plenty of opulence, take off for Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. The pinnacle of decadence, this is one place where those who like the finer things in life will feel right at home. Known by many as the City of Gold, it is renowned for its five-star hotels, modern architecture, and fantastic duty-free shopping (Dolce & Gabbana, Louis Vuitton, and Valentino, anyone?). Check out the Palm Jumeirah, a luxury housing, shopping, entertainment and resort development in the shape of a giant palm tree and dubbed the eighth wonder of the world. (Fun factoid: it’s visible from space.) If your bank account can handle the beating, stay at the Burj Al Arab, a 321-metre-high hotel in the shape of a sail that is consistently recognized as one of the finest hotels in the world. If you need a rest from the glitz, glam, and mind-boggling bling, embark on a desert
safari in the mountains outside Dubai, and let your camel take you and your betrothed off into the sunset.

Greece
Boasting whitewashed homes perched on cliffs, along with beautiful beaches, spectacular sunsets, and enough historical sites to keep you occupied for months, Greece is a perfect destination for honeymooners who want a beach vacation and a history lesson in one go. Santorini, located in the Cyclades Islands, is so postcard-worthy picturesque that one imagines it was created by the gods, with romance in mind. Travel to the village of Oia and check into Perivolas, a hip boutique hotel created out of caves that overlooks the Aegean Sea. Next, venture off the beaten track by heading to Lefkada, located south of Corfu in the Ionian Islands. Rent a pair of scooters and feel the wind blowing through your hair as you cruise over rolling hills past olive groves and vineyards toward fabulous windsurfing locales. Cap off your evenings by tucking into mouthwatering Greek fare and lingering over a glass of wine. In fact, make it a bottle—after all, it’s okay if you drop your plate. Opa!

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