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TOP 10
Wedding &
honeymoon
destinations
Rowena Marella-Daw finds no shortage of
idyllic spots in which to marry and spend
a honeymoon in Asia and Australasia
Maldives
This string of dreamy coral islands cast their spell as soon as you set
eyes on them from the air. Bare feet are cushioned by fine white
sand, and the horizon is a canvas of cobalt blue sky and water. Of the
1,200 islands grouped into 26 atolls, only around 200 are inhabited,
yet the choice of resorts is staggering — from all-inclusive to five-star
and private retreats; from Robinson Crusoe-style over-water suites
to contemporary beachside villas. With a growing influx of tourists
descending on the islands, it’s worth considering a visit during off-
peak periods, which can still offer good weather alongside better
value and less crowded beaches.
The Philippines
The Philippines is not your typical
Southeast Asian country, which
is why it’s one of the region’s best-kept
secrets. Couples hankering for a luxurious,
yet laid-back paradise setting head for
the islands and resorts of Palawan in the
southern Visayas region, notably Coron,
El Nido, Amanpulo and Huma. Still
untainted by mass tourism, these gems
are blessed with sugar-fine white sand,
blue lagoons, underwater rivers and caves,
and some of the world’s best snorkelling
and wreck-diving sites.
English is widely spoken and Filipino
hospitality is legendary. Home-grown and
foreign chefs are slowly but surely placing
Manila on the gourmet dining map, which
justifies a stopover to savour the plentiful
gastronomic delights available, along with
the intoxicating nightlife.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s rich history, culture,
diverse landscapes and wildlife
make this island ideal for couples seeking
more than just lazy days under the sun. Take
a break from the palm-lined sandy beaches
to enjoy enriching experiences: visit Sigiriya’s
3,000-year-old rock fortress, ancient
Buddhist ruins and Adam’s Peak; witness
Kandy’s Tooth Festival; or take a safari in
Yala National Park.
A few hours of Ayurvedic treatments can
work wonders, while a scenic train journey
traversing the highlands, rice fields and
sprawling tea plantations on Hill Country
is a romantic way to explore this charming
country. Those wishing to get married here
need to provide proof of their civil status,
among other documents, and are required
to stay a minimum of four days in the
country prior to registration.
Clockwise from top left: Sandy beach,
Maldives; Hoi An, Vietnam; waterfall
in Malaysia; Sri Lankan tea plantation
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Vietnam
Vietnam offers many surprises. The
mystical limestone islets of Halong Bay
in the north-east are a sight to behold,
while an exhilarating stretch of coastlines
and beaches plays host to luxury resorts.
Hoi An’s ancient town is like a movie set,
crammed with charming, well-preserved
buildings painted in pastel colours. The
motorbike-ruled roads of Hanoi and
Ho Chi Minh City are a spectacle, and
savouring Vietnamese cuisine is part of
the experience. Tag along with the hotel
chef when he visits the local wet market
for ingredients: the freshest seafood,
herbs, fruits and tasty native delicacies.
Be pampered at an all-inclusive spa, then
enjoy a gentle cruise along the tranquil
Mekong on board a luxury riverboat.
Malaysia
Heritage, verdant landscapes
and delicious cuisine make
Malaysia a tempting honeymoon
destination. Penang’s capital,
George Town, is bustling with
colourful trishaws, hawker stalls
and shophouses, as well as
contemporary street art. Stay
at a romantic beachside villa
on Langkawi, then take a cable
car ride to the peak of Gunung
Machinchang for 360-degree
views. Stop over in Kuala
Lumpur to visit the amazing
Petronas Twin Towers.
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Japan
It’s easy to fall in love with Japan. The
traditions, cuisine and gentle nature of
the Japanese are its assets, and so are the
seasons. Autumn foliage bursts in palettes
of reds, orange, yellow and gold; winter snow
adds magic; spring heralds glorious cherry
blossoms. Tokyo’s energy is intoxicating,
and the Imperial Palace in the heart of
the city is an ancient architectural marvel
amid skyscrapers. In Kyoto, Japan’s ancient
imperial capital, temples, shrines and zen
gardens impart a mystical aura. Step back
in time at Gion and stay in a ryokan.
Non-residents can legally marry in Japan
the same day they obtain their marriage
licence — it’s that easy. And what better
way to celebrate than with a traditional
Japanese wedding, donning kimonos,
followed by a traditional tea ceremony?
Fiji
It may be a long way from home, but Fiji’s
paradise islands, coupled with the legendary
friendliness of its people, make the journey
worthwhile. Fiji’s reputation as the soft
coral capital of the world attracts snorkellers
and divers to the Yasawa and Mamanuca
chain of islands. Here, corals create a
stunning sea garden of brightly coloured
bouquets, and would make a spectacular
setting for an underwater wedding.
Marine-based activities include dolphin
watching, parasailing and windsurfing, while
secluded beaches and coves provide more
tranquil hideaways. Engage with locals by
learning about their customs and traditions.
A hearty Lovo barbecue feast goes hand-
in-hand with a spectacular Meke song and
dance performance that brings to life the
legends, history and spirit of the Fijians.
From top: Islands of Fiji;
Zen Garden, Japan
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New Zealand
New Zealand is blessed with jaw-dropping
geological wonders to explore — mountains,
glaciers, volcanic plateaux, fjords, subtropical
forests and miles of sandy beaches.
Add in the hundreds of vineyards
producing world-class wines, and you have
the perfect recipe for an unforgettable
honeymoon. A road trip enjoying the
spectacular views between visiting vineyards
is a relaxing, romantic way to experience
Indonesia
In Indonesia, the mighty volcanoes
are jaw-droppingingly stunning;
the temples of Bali and the
spiritual sunrise over Borobudur
in central Java mesmerising. Yet
beyond the mystical beauty of
these sacred places lie lesser-
known but equally enchanting
islands. The Komodo Islands and
its national park, a UNESCO World
Heritage Site, are rich in coral reefs
teeming with more than 1,000
species of marine wildlife, while
the Raja Ampat archipelago in
Indonesia’s West Papua province
is home to the country’s largest
marine national park. The best
and most romantic way to explore
these and other remote islands
is on board a small luxury cruise
ship, or you can charter a phinisi, a
traditional two-masted sailing ship
used by seafarers from
South Sulawesi.
Thailand
These days, couples expect a lot more from
their honeymoon — experiential journeys
that are inspiring, educational, and perhaps
even life-changing. Thailand has everything
to offer in terms of culture, history,
cuisine and luxury retreats, but aside from
lounging around on the beach, there are
more novel, romantic ways to encounter
the lesser-trodden, authentic side of the
country. Embark on a luxury train journey
with Belmond across lush landscapes, then
spend a few days at a five-star resort. In
northern Thailand, sample Chiang Rai’s
regional dishes, visit the local craft and
art workshops, and meet indigenous hill
tribes to learn about their culture.
the country’s natural beauty. The Central
Otago region in the south produces
award-winning pinot noir, while the
Marlborough region takes pride in its
sauvignon blanc and green-lipped mussels.
Trek to the South Island’s glaciers and
cruise the fjords. Don’t miss out on an
opportunity to engage with the Maoris
through their lively song and dance — this
is where the country’s identity lies.
Clockwise from top left: Mount Cook, New
Zealand; Bali temple; Phi Phi Islands, Thailand
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