Bill & Harry: Spain & Portugal
Inspired by their love of Spanish wine, Bill and Harry set off on a super-romantic (and delicious) Iberian adventure. Want their honeymoon?
- Budget: $7,000
- Time of Year: October
- Length of Trip: 20 days
- Travel Time: 11 hours from Washington, DC
Where To Stay: Bill and Harry’s journey began in Spain with four nights in Barcelona at Barceló Raval, which they loved for its modern “Jetsons-esque” vibe. Next, they hopped on a train to Valencia for three nights at the Hospes Palau de la Mar Hotel. Then, they spent four nights exploring Madrid and three nights at Seville’s Gran Melia Colon, taking advantage of its rooftop hot tub. Lastly, they flew to Lisbon, Portugal, enjoying three nights at Hotel Vincci Baixa, located in the city’s center with tons of shops and restaurants.
While You’re There: Eat at Az-Zait in Seville, a tiny restaurant tucked away near Plaza de San Lorenzo. “It’s probably one of the best meals we’ve ever had,” says Bill. “We had an eight-course chef’s tasting menu that elevated Spanish cuisine to a level we didn’t know was possible!” Before you leave Madrid, go see Picasso’s Guernica at Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía—it’s one of those masterpieces that’s truly magical in person.
Follow Their Advice: Pack extra memory cards and batteries for your camera. “We came home with about 12,000 photos,” says Bill. “There was that much to take in!”
Erin & Andrew: Canyon Point, Utah
Looking for an active honeymoon in a gorgeous setting, Erin and Andrew headed to the Amangiri resort in Utah for a week of adventure. Want their honeymoon?
- Budget: $10,000
- Time of Year: mid-June
- Length of Trip: 7 days
- Travel Time: 2.5 hour flight to Las Vegas, 4.5 hour drive to Canyon Point
Where To Stay: Erin and Andrew spent six nights at Amangiri, a luxury resort in remote Canyon Point, Utah. “Amangiri is the most beautiful place I’ve ever been,” says Erin. “It’s hard to say what I loved most but I think it’s the location—it’s in the middle of the open desert in a valley surrounded by stunning canyons with vibrant colors.”
While You’re There: No day at Amangiri was the same—one day the couple conquered the rocky terrain of the Via Ferrata trails and the next they kicked back at the resort’s spa, where they signed up for a sensory deprivation treatment that involved floating in salt water heated to body temperature followed by a massage. One of Erin and Andrew’s favorite excursions was paddleboarding in Lake Powell, an oasis between slot canyons. At Zion National Park, which they say was well worth the hour drive, the scenic “Angels Landing” hike did not disappoint. The couple says to bring clip-ins (its steep slope is no joke!).
Follow Their Advice: “Don’t forget to pack your sunscreen,” warns Erin. “The desert is a hot, hot place.”
Nicolette & James: Marrakech, Morocco
Drawn to Marrakech for the chance to experience a new culture, Nicolette and James planned an exotic escape with equal parts adventure and relaxation. Want their honeymoon?
- Budget: $4,000
- Time of Year: June
- Length of Trip: 6 days
- Travel Time: 7 hours from New York City
Where To Stay: The newlyweds spent five nights at Kasbah Igoudar, a tranquil resort in Lalla Takerkoust, 30 minutes southwest of Marrakech. Nicolette and James adored their Large Suite Charme room, with its romantic canopy bed, oversize tub and Moroccan furnishings. “It even smelled amazing!” says Nicolette, our deputy art director. But their favorite times at the resort were spent reading by the pool on cushioned lounge chairs and eating home-cooked tagine.
While You’re There: Taking advantage of the resort’s cab service to Marrakech, they ventured into the vibrant city, exploring the manicured gardens of Jardin Majorelle and shopping at the souks—the city’s famous labyrinth of exotic shops. They also recommend a hiking tour of the nearby Atlas Mountains. Their tour guide even brought them to his home for tea for the full Moroccan experience!
Follow Their Advice: “Do not be afraid to haggle at the souks,” says Nicolette. “Start bargaining at a quarter of the price. This kind of negotiation is a part of the culture— they will respect you for it.”
