Honeymoon Month Competition!

We've reached the end of November and of Honeymoon Month. We hope you've discovered a potential location for your special holiday. But remember, even though Honeymoon Month is over, you can still get great inspiration and keep the dream alive through Holidays for Couples. Their website has a great selection of articles and deals from locations around the world to get your holiday off the ground. 

To celebrate the end of our special month, Queensland Brides have teamed up with Holidays for Couples to inspire your holiday dreams a little more. We're giving away TEN two-issue subscriptions to Holidays for Couples magazine.

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We couldn't spend as much time as we'd have like on all the different honeymoon hotspots around the globe. But we have put together a small selection of articles that might keep you dreaming... 

7 reasons to honeymoon in Vietnam

7 reasons to honeymoon in Vietnam

Vietnam may sound like the antithesis of a honeymoon destination, but the country that once was the subject of war movies has a surprisingly rich and colourful story to tell travellers. With numerous atmospheric corners to explore, a world-famous cuisine and fascinating heritage, Vietnam holds all the elements for an unforgettably exotic honeymoon.

The Ultimate Gaelic Honeymoon - Discover Ireland's Ballyfin 

The Ultimate Gaelic Honeymoon - Discover Ireland's Ballyfin 

Ballyfin was erected in 1826 by Sir Charles Coote, Premier Baronet of Ireland, and was a statement of just how wealthy and prestigious the Cootes were. Life was wonderful for the wealthy then and no expense was spared when the Cootes set out to create their Irish masterpiece - lavish artworks and furnishings were the order of the day, and a grand trip throughout Europe saw them return from Italy with an authentic mosaic floor, still greeting guests at the entrance today.

Positano Honeymoon

Positano Honeymoon

Italy and romance go hand in hand – but in Positano, their fingers are intertwined in the most loving of ways.

The Honeymoon That Gives Back: Voluntourism

The Honeymoon That Gives Back: Voluntourism

‘The honeymoon that gives back’ – could there really be such a thing? A romantic escape which fuses romance, seclusion and luxury with the heart-warming gesture of giving back to the local community? Here at Holidays for Couples, we began to wonder if this fabled honeymoon could really exist … and after a bit of digging, we’re pleased to announce that it most certainly does – in droves!

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For a guide to the most romantic accommodation collections which are perfect for your honeymoon browse: 

ASIA // USA // AUSTRALIA // EUROPE // INDIAN OCEAN & AFRICA // PACIFIC ISLANDS

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Check out Queensland Brides at www.queenslandbrides.com.au, Facebook and Twitter. Get the latest issue here.

5 Reasons to Honeymoon in Australia

Australia's 15 Dreamiest Beaches 

So our last destination feature of honeymoon was incredibly hard to narrow down to just five reasons why you'd want to honeymoon here.

1. Natural Wonders: From the spectacular arid desert and monolithic Uluru, to the many World Heritage listed national parks and the Great Barrier Reef to the Great Ocean Road, Australia is one of the most diverse and jaw droppingly beautiful habitats on Earth.

2. Wine & Dine: With a multi cultural infusions of European flair and Pacific Rim ingredients (including some of the world's best seafood), washed down with world class wines and the coldest of fresh brews, this is a foodie's paradise!

3. Cool Cities: There's the boutiques, restaurants and nightlife of buzzing Sydney, the alleyway cafes and hip bars of Melbourne, the subtropical splendour of the 'River City' Brisbane, the creative scene of Perth, the gastro pubs and live music scene of Adelaide and Hobart and the outdoor markets and artistic culture of Darwin. Every city has a different personality!

4. Self Drive: The best way to really appreciate the many sights of the Australian landscape is to hire a car and hit the tarmac for the quintessential Australian road trip! Aussies love a good off road adventure too - the long stretch of beaches and islands like Fraser Island off Queensland's coast are just made for 4WDs!

5. The Top End: Spend the night on a traditional working sheep station, camp out under an outback sky. Learn dreamtime stories from the Aborigines and go walk about through the Red Centre. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kakadu National Park where you can and swim in fresh waterholes. Australia's Top End is an adventure like no other

And of course we've put together our favourite articles to help you pick the best spot in Australia for your dream honeymoon: 

Fraser Island: The quintessential honeymoon destination 

Fraser Island: The quintessential honeymoon destination
The stuff of dreams, World Heritage Listed Fraser Island has a rich history and biodiversity to match. One of the few places on Earth where rainforests flourish in the sand, the verdant forest is home to...

Australia's 15 Dreamiest Beaches 

Australia's 15 Dreamiest Beaches
From sexy seaside escapes to intimate coves and coastlines of sunshine and gold, Craig Tansley has found a showy stretch of sand to make every heart race. Check out the full list...

O'Reillys Rainforest Retreat

Choose the Gold Coast as your perfect honeymoon destination

With the largest number of attractions in the southern hemisphere, the Gold Coast will fulfill all your honeymoon needs, and make the time spent celebrating each other's company truly special... 

Whitsundays Wonderful

Whitsundays Wonderful

Whether you’re planning the perfect honeymoon, romantic holiday or long weekend getaway, you’ll be sure to have an unforgettable experience in the Whitsundays...

For a range of honeymoon packages, browse Holidays for Couples romantic accommodation collection.

5 Reasons to Honeymoon in Hawaii

A Hawaiian Love Affair 

We can only fit two more destinations in Honeymoon Month... we sure hope you've found somewhere that tickles your fancy, but if you haven't, perhaps our next destination will be just the ticket: 

Top 5 Reasons to Honeymoon in Hawaii

1. Affordable luxury: With that seductive Aloha spirit and incredible islands and beaches that are home to award-winning resorts, fabulous restaurants, beachfront cabanas and day spas, tropical luxury is everywhere in Hawaii!

2. Wine & Dine: Hawaii offers up a feast for all tastes and moods. Enjoy traditional Hawaiian food at an authentic luau (accompanied by hula performances and ukelele!) for the most memorable dining experience.

3. Variety: With six main islands, each with its own distinctive look and personality, Hawaii offers adventures and chill out time like no other. Active couples will love the world class golf courses, whale watching, diving, snorkeling, and - of course - surfing! And with plenty of intimate hideaways to discover, romance comes naturally.

4. Proximity: Honolulu International Airport (HNL) on Oahu serves as the entry point for most visitors with major domestic carriers and many international carriers getting you here from just about anywhere in the world.

5. Shopping: From 100% Kona coffee grown on the plantations of the Big Island to quaint shops, lively bazaars and fashions from the bustling boulevards of Waikiki, you'll want to take a piece of this paradise home with you!

We've discovered four articles on Holidays for Couples that might convince you that a Hawaiian honeymoon is your dream: 

Follow the Sun: Hawaii 

Follow the Sun: Hawaii
When it comes to an idyllic island holiday Hawaii holds every ace in the pack because there’s an island to suit everybody no matter what it is that rocks your holiday boat... 

Follow the Sun: Maui and The Big Island 

Follow the Sun: Maui and The Big Island
If you’re a couple who love to hit the little white ball around a manicured green before giving yourself over to the magical ministrations of a talented masseuse you’ll find the islands of Maui and Hawaii (the ‘Big’ island) a golfer’s paradise... 

Follow the Sun: Kauai 

Follow the Sun: Kauai
If ancient mythology is true and the gods did make the islands of Hawaii then they saved their best work for Kauai, known as one of the most beautiful islands in the world – and for good reason... 

A Hawaiian Love Affair 

A Hawaiian Love Affair
he islands of Hawaii have been a siren call to travellers for hundreds of years and now with the Aussie dollar in the stratosphere and more flights from the east coast including the new Hawaiian Airlines flights direct from Brisbane, it's Australians by the thousands who are enjoying a love affair with these amazing islands. 

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Check out Queensland Brides at www.queenslandbrides.com.au, Facebook and Twitter. Get the latest issue here.

Top 5 reasons to honeymoon in Mauritius & Africa

Mauritius Tourism Promotion Office

Mauritius is perfect for exploring, it's is vibrantly tropical, and couples will love sinking their toes in the sand. The wedding is over and the honeymoon has just begun, what do you do? The sand is gloriously white and the sky is so blue it almost hurts to look at it because the sun shines so brightly. Grab your own little slice of paradise for your island honeymoon. Or perhaps you're more the African honeymoon type, exploring the wilderness and taking in the sights?

Here are our top 5 reasons to honeymoon in Mauritius & Africa

1. Affordable luxury: With a mix of five star resorts, chic boutique hotels and sophisticated villas overlooking white sands and crystal clear waters, Mauritius is all about barefoot luxury!

2. Wine & Dine: You'll find an international array of fine dining experiences, with Chinese, Indian, French and African cuisine and michelin starred restaurants in abundance. And with the infectious local party spirit, happy hour is sorted.

3. Variety: If you can pull yourself away from the stunning cobalt-blue seas, white sand beaches and coastal islands, there are the dramatic forests of Black River Gorges National Park, sand rimmed lagoons, historical sights and Africa's wealthiest city, Port Louis, to explore.

4. Proximity: Air Mauritius operates from Melbourne and Perth directly to Mauritius, while Emirates depart from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth through Dubai to Mauritius everyday of the week.

5. Shopping: Mauritius glass, Mauritian and Malagascan crafts, essential oils from the Domaine de l'Ylang Ylang, baskets, spices … from craft markets to upmarket boutiques, you'll find the perfect keepsake of your honeymoon in paradise!

But don't just take our word for it, Barry, Christina, Melissa and Lauren have shared their own experiences with Holidays for Couples and so we can catch a glimpse of the reality.

 

A Wild Romance by Christina Pfeiffer

Dawn breaks as the hot air balloon drifts above the straw-coloured plains. The vast savannah of the Maasai Mara is spread out beneath us. Slender-necked giraffes nibble on tree branches and herds of elephants forage in the grass.

An African Honeymoon by Lauren Robinson

Everyone enjoys a bit of luxury coupled with adventure... I know that was on our minds when we planned our two week honeymoon from Cape Town, where we were married, to Victoria Falls, where Nick had proposed just over a year earlier.

Mauritius: Tropique Magnifique by Melissa Rimac 

Voluptuously tropical, vibrantly cultural and wrapped in a catchy Creole vibe, Mauritius weaves a spell that’s indelibly magical.

Meet me in Mauritius by Barry Stone 

I was sitting at a table on the verandah of the Maison Eureka, an original early nineteenth century home in the hills south of the Mauritian capital of Port Louis, and was about to be served a meal that was quintessentially Mauritian...

Head over to Holidays for Couples to find your ultimate romantic accommodation.

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Check out Queensland Brides at www.queenslandbrides.com.au, Facebook and Twitter. Get the latest issue here.

Vanuatu Hot Honeymoon Packages

If you caught our top 5 reasons to honeymoon in Vanuatu you'll understand why we think you may just want to have a look-see at these hot honeymoon packages.

The Havannah

The Havannah
The Havannah is the ultimate in seclusion, romance, fine dining and attention to detail to make your honeymoon the most special time away together you will ever have. $575 per couple
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Ratua

Ratua
Indulge in a unique honeymoon destination steeped with intimacy and luxury. Let Ratua Private Island take you on a journey back in time when nature is closest. Make wonderful memories in this secluded little paradise and treasure it always. $2700 for 7 nights
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Sunset Bungalows 

Sunset Bungalows
Sunset Bungalows’ beautiful lagoon setting sees every adults’ only room or bungalow hovering over the water’s edge – the perfect backdrop for a honeymoon to remember forever. $400
See more

Eratap

Eratap

This stunning resort continues to set the standard for excellence in Vanuatu. With beautiful private waterfront villas, stunning beaches and one of the best restaurants around, it provides couples with everything they need for a perfect escape.
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Check out these combined honeymoon and wedding packages...

Warwick Le Lagon

Warwick Le Lagon
With beautiful Erakor Lagoon as your backdrop, say “I Do” at Warwick Le Lagon then celebrate with a reception under a marquee on the beach terrace. Ask about our popular ‘Escape to Paradise’ wedding package or design your own.
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Bokissa

Bokissa
Are you looking for the quintessential South Pacific island experience for your wedding? Bokissa Private Island Resort offers absolute beachfront bungalow accommodation – walk out of your room onto the sand and into the water so blue you won’t believe it. $1800
See more

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Check out Queensland Brides at www.queenslandbrides.com.au, Facebook and Twitter. Get the latest issue here.

Top 5 Reasons to Honeymoon in Vanuatu

Image: Craig Tansley

Vanuatu is the kind of place where you can make your own adventure. Couples who enjoy a restful holiday will be equally at ease in Vanuatu as couples who like to be on their feet and doing activities. If you're a couple that likes to do both, well then you've hit the jackpot. 

If you have got your eye on Vanuatu as a potential honeymoon destination we've got 5 fantastic reasons to shortlist it right now.

1. Affordable luxury: With a range of accommodation options from private villas to small, exclusive luxury resorts and waterfront bungalows on secluded beaches, Vanuatu offers a true tropical paradise for all budgets.

2. Wine & Dine: The resorts offer great dining and those fabulous Melanesian feasts served up beach barbecue-style. If you are staying close to Port Vila you can find some lovely waterfront restaurants and bars in town.

3. Variety: There's a perfect mix of romance and adventure in Vanuatu, from eco and cultural tours, waterfalls and jungles, snorkelling and diving to golfing, sunset cruises and plenty of toes-in-the-sand time out.

4. Proximity: There are regular scheduled flights from Australia to Vanuatu, at just 2.5 hours from Brisbane and just under 4 hours from Melbourne.

5. Shopping: Check out the Hebrida Market Place and the outdoor markets in Port Vila for colourful hand painted clothing, woven mats, bags, shell necklaces and carved bowls and masks.

Still not sure if this is the top spot for you? Why not head over to Holidays for Couples and have a read of these articles - inspiration galore!

Image: Craig Tansley

Venture into Vanuatu by Craig Tansley 

Craig Tansley finds plenty of ways to explore this tropical getaway 

Image: Vanuatu Tourism Office

Follow the Sun: Vanuatu by Rhonda Bannister 

My first visit to a Pacific island was to lovely Vanuatu a little over two decades ago and I fell totally under its spell...

Find your perfect romantic escape to Vanuatu here.

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Check out Queensland Brides at www.queenslandbrides.com.au, Facebook and Twitter. Get the latest issue here.

Blissful Bali Honeymoon Packages

Honeymoon month is gathering momentum...

Honeymoons are the chance to stop stressing, the wedding is over, let the party begin! But if you're finding that honeymoon plans are stressing you out, why not consider one of these fabulous Bali-based honeymoon deals and packages from Holidays for Couples.

Honeymoon Deals & Packages

The Samaya

The Samaya Combined Honeymoon Package
Experience the best of Bali by blending the serenity of misty hills at The Samaya Ubud spectacularly located amid the rice fields and verdant hillsides of Bali’s lush interior and stunning sunset at The Samaya Seminyak. $2474.45

The Mulia, Mulia Resort & Villas

The Mulia, Mulia Resort & Villas Honeymoon Package

Explore the dramatic coastline of Nusa Dua that surrounds The Mulia, Mulia Resort & Villas, experience the serenity of breathtaking landscapes, or stroll through the perfect scenery for those special moments. 30% OFF

Kayumanis Ubud Private Villa & Spa

Kayumanis Ubud Private Villa & Spa Exotic Retreat Package

Experience an exotic hideaway in a discrete and intimate refuge of peace and calm in the heart of the Ubud at Kayumanis Ubud Private Villa & Spa. $1539

Amadea Resort & Villas

Amadea Resort & Villas Deluxe Spa Package

An oasis in the heart of Seminyak, the stylish Amadea Resort & Villas is perfect for honeymooners and couples who want to enjoy a romantic escape which combines the vibrant side of Seminyak with the laid back lifestyle of Bali.

Puri Wulandari

Puri Wulandari Honeymoon Package

A visible connection between you and the world. Designed in a traditional Balinese style, offering the level of comfort and privacy that the most discerning travellers expect. Puri Wulandari is a favourite amongst those who seek private and romantic times. $1500

Ametis

Ametis Honeymoon Package

Ametis Villa offers you to take time out a romantic experience where each stay results in a collection of lasting memories as opposed to a suitcase filled with trivial souvenirs … $1535

Maya Ubud Resort & Spa

Maya Ubud Resort & Spa Romantic Honeymoon Package

For a romantic honeymoon getaway or for that once-in-a-lifetime event, Maya Ubud Resort & Spa awaits. Spoil yourself in the tranquil setting of the resort. You will find the beautiful natural surroundings not only relaxing, but totally inspiring. $1371Destination Wedding Packages
Feel combining the wedding and honeymoon? A destination wedding could be right up your alley. With packages like these on offer, there's no reason to say no.

Bali Mandira Beach Resort & Spa

Bali Mandira Beach Resort & Spa - Purely Paradise Package
Happily ever after begins in paradise. Say “I Do” in paradise! Bali Mandira Beach Resort & Spa is the perfect place to combine your destination wedding with a romantic honeymoon getaway. USD 1990

Discovery Kartika Plaza

Discovery Kartika Plaza - Gold Wedding Package
Make your dreams come true at Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel by celebrating your ultimate wedding at our spectacular beachfront location. $2700

Grand Nikko Bali

Grand Nikko Wedding Package
Let the blue Indian Ocean be the backdrop of your wedding day at the brand new cliff-top wedding gazebo KAMITA at Grand Nikko Bali. USD 3150 

White Rose Hotel Legian

White Rose Hotel Legian
At the garden of White Rose Hotel Legian, we provide a completely bespoke wedding service. Let us take the pressure away from you, leaving you free to enjoy your memorable day. $4950

More heavinly honeymoon ideas over at Holidays for Couples.

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