The most popular celebrity honeymoon spots

Follow suit and you’re guaranteed a fairy-tale romantic beginning, or at least a tabloid-friendly one

1. Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai

Can a destination be purely devoted to honeymooners? The Bora Bora island seems made just for a romantic getaway, with resorts boasting of private lagoons, transparent living room floors built over crystal green waters, and massage tables balanced on glass floors. It’s quite like floating over colourful coral. There’s also the delicious food, a combination of Asian and European tastes. And black pearls to take back as chic souvenirs. So surf the list of Bora Bora hotels and book into a romantic suite for a memorable honeymoon.

2. Siddharth Roy Kapoor and Vidya Balan

Pick from 7,000 islands here. You’re guaranteed virgin beaches, clear warm waters, and hotels with private pools and spas that will tempt you to permanently shift base here. Anguilla and the Turks and Caicos are Hollywood A-list favourites, along with St Lucia, the British Virgin Islands, and St Vincent and the Grenadines. Most of the resorts also have scuba, snorkelling and sailing programmes. Some are intense private island resorts, devoted to solitude and don’t even have TVs, Internet or telephones!

3. Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor

Switzerland was a Saifeena vacation favourite for years before they got hitched. Apparently it’s so perfect that even the honeymoon was destined to be Gstaad, specifically the Gstaad Palace Hotel. The luxe resort has been hosting royalty for decades, and its old world charm and postcard-ish views happily create a bubble of romance. Gstaad’s legendary ski slopes and Switzerland’s love for Indians (restaurants here serve abundant varieties of Indian food) makes the country a delectable Indian favourite. Check the amenities of different Gstaad Saanenland Hotels and book into one that seems worthy of the rates.

4. Raj Kundra and Shilpa Shetty

If it’s pink sand beaches, pineapple fields, fresh seafood platters, and historical tours you want on your romantic vacation, list Eleuthra and Harbour Island on your list. American colonialist or Loyalist settlers lend the islands a rich history, besides its obvious appeal of sun, sand and sea. Additionally, Acklins & Crooked Island, Cat Island with a generous spread of forests, Long Island, and San Salvador offer the predictable amenities of a honeymoon – luxe resorts and indulgent spas. So book into one of the good Bahama Hotels to have a classic honeymoon.

5. Fardeen Khan and Natasha Khan

If you are looking at total indulgence, head straight to the private island resorts of Fiji. The Wakaya Club and Spa was the island of choice for Bill and Melinda Gates’ honeymoon as well, and its crème de la crème cottage or bure is accessible only by private plane. The 3,000 acres of Laucala Island thinks even grander–there’s a professional level golfing course, a swimming pool across 5,000 square metres, yachts, boats and jet skis and 25 villas cared for by a staff of 329. Book into any of the Fiji Hotels that suits both of you and have a fun honeymoon.

6. Imran Khan and Avantika Malik

Dotting the island are award-winning resorts such as Swissôtel Resort Phuket (private terraces), Trisara Phuket (lush villas), and historically elegant spaces. The latest is Naka Phuket with villas made of stone and glass, and a dizzying infinity pool. Additionally there are a number of boutique properties that are equally generous in their offer of views and access to beaches, restaurants and nightlife. Don”t delay your plans anymore, book into a couple suite of any of the good Phuket Hotels and enjoy your time with your mate.

7. Mahesh Bhupathi and Lara Dutta

Bali is such a popular destination for honeymooners that most hotels have incredible offers for newly-weds. The Viceroy Royal Honeymoon Package is a five day spree including VIP immigration and a helicopter transfer and a heli-tour. Depending on which room you book at the The Legian Bali or The Club at The Legian, you get a special surprise gift as well as airport transfers. The Oberoi indulges and includes a Balinese massage in its offer. There is a long list of Bali Hotels listed online. So finding an ideal stay won”t be a great challenge.

8. Ajay Devgn and Kajol

The country’s exotic appeal lies in its incredibly ancient history and of course the breathtaking Nile. Easily, the most romantic way to spend your time is by cruising on the river (try Aswan to Luxor), stopping at temples and pyramids in the day and sipping wine as the moon dips low at night. There’s delicious food to sample, flea markets to stock up from, and dune bashing and camel rides to revel in as well. You simply need to invest some time to find a good stay from the listed Egypt hotels. A fine stay is the first step to a good travel experience.

9. Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Sakshi Singh Rawat

We hear the couple did visit Queenstown, but we’re not sure if they signed up for the city’s incredible fare of activities made purely for an adventure junkie. Besides bungee jumping, which was invented here, and skydiving over Lake Wakatipu where Lord of the Rings was shot, there’s white -water rafting, river safaris, canoeing, kayaking, and luge carting (like go – karts but minus an engine–less control, more thrills). You’d have lost weight when you get back. Decide which places you wish to visit and plan your stay in New Zealand hotels in the proximity of such places.

10. Prince William and Kate Middleton

The world’s most publicised wedding was followed by a charmingly sweet honeymoon. Seychelles was apparently where the royal couple first decided to get married. Fittingly, they chose North Island, a uber-private resort island and nature conservation park for their honeymoon. It’s so eco-friendly that the villas have been made by trees that fell when they were diseased, and weren’t cut specifically for building luxury cottages. Surf the list of Seychelles hotels and compare rates and services before booking into one.

11. Anurag Kashyap and Kalki Koechlin

A country that embraces the best of Asia and Europe so you can be sure you’re in for an extraordinary experience. If you’d like to travel back in time, be submerged in the art, history and culture of a multitude of religions, countries and communities that co-exist against many odds – this is an easy enough choice for you. Explore Istanbul for a few days before you jet off to the Turkish Riviera (Antalya and Bodrum) .
Romance oozes out of every corner–whether you’re on a moonlit cruise on the Bosphorus, or in one of the 36 super-exclusive pool terrace cottages at the Amanruya (outside Bodrum). In the vast list of Bodrum Hotels, you will find hotels with spas, swimming pools and all facilities you are seeking. You simply need to compare rates and services before booking your hotel in advance.

Best time to visit:

The island destinations are great all year round. If you want to ski, head to Gstaad between January and March. Peak tourist season in Egypt is in winter. Remember New Zealand winter months are between April and August. To avoid the rains in Fiji, get there between May and November. Spring and autumn are best in Istanbul, and if you want to work on your tan in Bodrum, head there between June and September.

Insider Tip:

The thing about a honeymoon is that you don’t always need to break the bank to ensure a memorable stay. Think of booking the best room at an affordable hotel, instead of the most expensive room at a luxury hotel. Include the honeymoon in your wedding gift registry, or crowd source the luxe one you’ve dreamt of.