Honeymoon: bon viveur

Whether your honeymoon has you headed for land, sea or a combination of the two, you are certain to have the time of your life exploring any of these nine options. With more than 25 years in the superyachting industry, Liveras Yachts boasts 60-meter motor yacht Andreas L. Named in memory of the company’s late owner, this proclaimed “Ferrari of the Sea” was produced by industry pioneers Benetti and Redman Whiteley Dixon and is known for its innovative, custom-design and its outstanding service and haute cuisine. Should you choose to bring friends with you, Andreas L can accommodate 12 guests and the 15-member crew will cater to your every whim. Charter options range from the eastern and western Mediterranean and Caribbean to areas in the South Pacific and Indian Ocean and amenities include access to a 15-foot catamaran, a bounty of watersports and an illuminated Jacuzzi.

Celebrating 10 years in charter management and yacht operations, the Luxury Yacht Group purchased Solemates from the Lürssen Yachts yard in Bremen, Germany last year. Run by a 15-person crew, this 200-foot superyacht can accommodate 12 guests and is a result of the collaboration between Espen Øino and Glade Johnson. Available for charter to the Mediterranean in the summer and Caribbean in the winter, Solemates employs first-class chefs that will create decadent meals that are best savored on the sun deck. For the aquatic enthusiast, use one of the Vikal tenders to explore remote areas of your destination and when you return, have cocktails in the sky lounge or relax in the Jacuzzi.

Part of Indonesia and perched on cliffs overlooking the Indian Ocean, is the Banyan Tree Ungasan. It can be said that Bali permeates spirituality and anyone that has visited can attest to its allure. This all-pool resort is situated on the southernmost point of the island and each villa is complete with private gardens. Serving fresh seafood with an Asian twist, their signature restaurant, Ju-Ma-Na, has a central display kitchen offering diners a vibrant atmosphere. Before your vacation is over, be sure to visit their award-winning spa—the Royal Banyan is a religious experience unto itself.

Also in the Indian Ocean, North Island in the Seychelles, was purchased because of its sanctuary-like atmosphere and is owned by a conservation-oriented and ethically-driven company that is trying to honor and preserve the environment. Featuring a lodge and 11 guest villas, the resort seeks to deliver the very best in privacy, services and facilities, including Island Piazza, which serves as the hub for the PADI-certified dive center. Another unique concept is the custom spa treatments developed out of individual consultations and the “no menu” concept where the chef speaks to each guest and develops meals around their personal preferences; pair a wine from the cellar to top off the ultimate meal.

If you want to feel totally immersed in a seaside destination, ideal getaways include the Maldives and Bora Bora. Also located in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives promises views of white sandy beaches, warm turquoise waters and exotic marine life. A Waldorf Astoria Resort, Beach House Maldives is situated in the Haa Alifu Atoll. Famous for its overwater accommodations, consider the resort’s water and ocean villas for your stay, the latter of which vaunts an over-water hammock and separate living areas, in addition to the standard private deck, infinity pool, glass-paneled floors (allowing for marine observation), and partially open-air bathrooms. Go deep-sea fishing, take a sunset cruise, renew yourself at the Modun Spa, or enjoy a Castaway Escape to an uninhabited island 20 minutes away.

Also located in the Maldives are the Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa and Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, or cruise between the two on the Four Seasons Explorer. Located on the Malé Atoll, the Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa promises an authentic Maldivian experience. Sail by dhoni to the Island Spa where they use marine-based ingredients in overwater treatment pavilions, check out the resort’s surf school, spend a day on a Robinson Crusoe adventure, and for those that are not faint of heart, shark safari snorkeling is a must. While overwater bungalows might be what draws someone to the Maldives, the resort’s beach villas are constructed by local crafts-men using materials indigenous to the area and techniques that date back centuries. Have a cocktail at Baraabaru’s open tandoori bar then enjoy flavors of India on the restaurant’s deck or enjoy a private dinner out on the sandbank.

On the Baa Atoll, 90 kilometers from Kuda Huraa, is the Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru. Offering 44 acres of unspoiled wilderness, Landaa Giraavaru also has one of the largest natural lagoons in the islands making it no surprise that maritime adventures are abundant including snorkeling with turtles, dolphin cruises, sunset fishing and assisting with conservation projects at the Marine Discovery Centre, to name a few. For those seeking a more holistic getaway, the resort’s Spa and Ayurvedic Retreat is certain to make all of the stresses that went into planning your wedding fade away.

Want the best of both worlds? Cruise between the two aboard the Four Seasons Explorer for three, four or seven nights or embark on a custom charter. Housing up to 22 guests, the Explorer provides access to some of the most exceptional and untouched dive sites in the area. Spend time with the resident marine biologist observing manta rays and whale sharks then visit remote artsand-crafts villages or simply take a dip in the on-board whirlpool.

Located in French Polynesia in the Pacific Ocean, the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora is synonymous with aqua-centric luxury. Surrounded by a lagoon and barrier reef, the resort is appointed with 100 overwater bungalows, some of which offer majestic views of Mount Otemanu. Positioned on the edge of the lagoon, be sure to make an appointment for the Kahaia Spa Suite, which includes dedicated relaxation time where you can enjoy a soaking bath for two, then undulate in two hours of treatments while looking down through glass windows at the lagoon below. For the more active couple, go catamaraning or try stand-up paddle boarding and afterwards enjoy an in-bungalow dinner for two.

> Written by Jessica Latimer