Asia is the perfect pick for exotic honeymoons with options like Shangri-La Resort and Spa on white-sand beaches in the Philippines, and elephant treks for adventurous couples at the Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle in Thailand.
Shangri-La Resort and Spa, Philippines
A hidden paradise awaits newlyweds in Cebu at Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa, consistently ranked by travel experts as one of the best island destinations in the Indian Ocean-Asia region.
Mactan Island is where every preconception of the Philippines comes alive, with long stretches of sparkling, white sand beaches of staggering beauty. First-time visitors liken its laid-back character to Thailand’s Phuket a couple of decades ago.
For couples, the delights of this 540-room, five-star resort are hard to beat. It’s the ultra-perfect Filipino getaway for newlywedded bliss. There are no bad views from the Shangri-La resort, a getaway with palms framing sapphire pools.
The main wing houses the Ocean Wing Panorama suite (about $650 per night dbl), the most popular honeymoon retreat. It is a 1,400-sq.-ft. luxury hideaway with a balcony, living room, dining area and a private butler tending to every whim. Couples will especially take pleasure in the CHI Spa—one of Asia’s most celebrated spas—where they can opt for a couple’s massage and various exotic treatments.
A sleek bridge connects the resort to Cebu. The city, known as “The Queen City,” has all the ambiance of a Spanish colonial town with pleasing discoveries around every corner. Museums and old churches reflect its rich past.
A Honeymoon package (from about $700) includes two nights in the Panorama Suite, in-room breakfast, complimentary champagne, and dinner at the celebrated Cowrie Cover Restaurant. A special rate for an extended stay runs to about $385 per night.
Cebu is accessible from Manila via connecting flights from major U.S. cities. Delta Air Lines and Philippines Airlines offer service from the U.S. west coast for approximately $1,675 roundtrip.
For more information, call (866) 565-5050 or visit shangri-la.com.
Four Seasons Tented Camp, Golden Triangle, Thailand
Tucked a few miles from the Burmese border near Laos in the bamboo forests of Thailand’s Chiang Rai province, the Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle defies superlatives.
Newlyweds will find a mixture of romance, adventure and unrivaled experiences: Want an elephant trek at sunrise? This is the place. Feel like exploring the jungle with an expert guide? No problem. How about a trip down the mighty Mekong River with stops at waterfront villages to discover ancient temples and quaint villages? The Four Seasons Tented Camp can arrange it.
With 15 ultra-plush tents, a wine tasting room, elegant spa and scrumptious cuisine, a honeymoon in this all-inclusive resort will be the topic of conversation for years to come.
The Superior Tents (about $2,200 per night dbl) are accessed through a jungle walkway and are opened with elephant tusk handles on teak doors that lead into a living room weighing in at more than 580 sq. ft. The Deluxe Tents ($2,500 per night dbl) are decorated in rural Thai style and all have a custom-made hot tub on an outdoor deck.
The tents vary in decor, but have in common—aside from their luxurious atmosphere—astounding views of the Ruak River, the Burmese and Laotian mountains and the quiet green beauty of the Golden Triangle.
The Four Night Adventure package ($2,300 per night) features Golden Triangle excursions, all meals and beverages (including wines and spirits), one spa treatment a day, private transfers to and from Chiang Rai International Airport (roundtrip fare from Bangkok on Thai Airways is about $210), visits to the Hall of Opium and excursions to Burma or the Doi Tung Royal Village in Thailand.
For more information, call (800) 819-5053 or visit fourseasons.com.
