We asked Rebecca Baines, travel consultant and honeymoon expert at boutique hotel experts Mr & Mrs Smith, for her advice on planning the perfect post-wedding escape. Here are her top five tips...
1. It sounds obvious, but book as far in advance as you can – for Europe, six months ahead is perfect. So if you're planning a summer wedding and want to travel in peak sunshine, book in January to nab the best room with a view (like the stunning Santo Pietro Suite at Borgo Santo Pietro).
2. Think about logistics in advance, and don't try to fit too much in: you'll want time to relax! If you're planning a multi-stop trip (such as Sri Lanka and the Maldives), make sure your itinerary works with direct flights, so you won't spend 16 hours making connections when you could already be at the beach!
3. Remember to check the monsoon and rainy seasons for long-haul trips. If you've got your heart set on Thailand, the best time to travel is November to February... so if you're marrying in summer, why not book a minimoon for three or four nights in the meantime? Somewhere like La Belle Juliette in Paris is perfect for romantic city stay.
4. Do your research – spontaneity is all in the planning! Ask for the most romantic bedroom, and check when the restaurant's open. If you're heading to a hotel with a Michelin-starred restaurant (L'Olivo at Capri Palace Hotel & Spa, for example) make sure it's open when you're there... some restaurants close on Sundays and Mondays.
5. If you're mindful of budget overall but want to splurge on a stunning hotel for a couple of nights, make sure you do it at the end of your trip. If you're honeymooning in France, finish your trip at Cap Estel on the Riviera – you'll definitely have the highlight of your honeymoon to look forward to!
Need honeymoon hotel inspiration? Rebecca's favourites are below:
Give Rebecca or another of Smith's honeymoon experts a call on 0330 100 3180, or submit an enquiry to the team via Mr & Mrs Smith's honeymoon form here.