Honeymoon and travel ideas for couples in the West Midlands

Abadia Retuerta is a 12th century converted abbey in Spain

Abadia Retuerta is a captivatingly beautiful 12th-century converted abbey in the Duero Valley in Spain. Located less than a two-hour drive from Madrid, this restored abbey is majestically set on 500 acres of vineyards in the heart of the valley, in the province of Valladolid in central Spain. For guests without a car, there is a direct train from Madrid to the city of Valladolid, lasting just over an hour, and the hotel can arrange transfers for the 25-minute drive.

Europe's best hiking holidays to enjoy this autumn

With temperatures cooling, nature has begun one final hurrah before winter, meaning there's no better time to escape on a hiking holiday. If fabulous scenery and tranquil walking routes appeal to you, then autumn is the season to pull on your walking boots.

Join the old world's mountaineering nobility at Hotel Union Øye, where no matter where you're facing, there are unforgettable and adventurous hikes to be had. Since 1891, Hotel Union Øye has mesmerised many travellers with its distinctive Norwegian charm and has been a firm favourite amongst mountaineers since its origin, located at the entry point of some of the most iconic mountain hikes and trails in Norway. The Sunnmøre Alps have been a magnet to world-famous explorers such as Slingsby, Patchell, and generations of mountaineers, with the hotel having been the basecamp of many international climbers. Hotel Union Øye offers guided tours for guests, or for the full experience, book the Hiking the Fjords package, which includes an overnight stay, a three-course dinner to fuel up, breakfast, and a packed lunch and map for your hiking adventures.

Oliver’s Travels unveils its exclusive party houses ahead of the Christmas holidays

Get ready to party with Oliver's Travels this year. Whether you're celebrating a hen-do or honeymoon, Oliver's Travels provides a wide selection of impressive properties to make sure you have a memorable event. With all bookings, Oliver's Travels provides a complimentary concierge service tailored to each stay, enabling a personalised touch to make the villa experience extra special. Take the pressure off the party planning by allowing Oliver's Travels friendly team to lend a helping hand in the process. Each property offers exclusive additional extras bookable via the concierge service, which differ depending on the property and region and are available upon enquiry.

Oliver's Travels private party concierge has shared its top picks for a celebratory stay, highlighting availability over the October half term, Christmas, and New Year.

Enjoy some winter sun with Beachcomber Resorts & Hotels

As summer draws to a close, it's time to look ahead and plan where to go for some winter sun. Beachcomber Resorts & Hotels is a paradisiacal destination for families, solo travellers, couples, and honeymooners. With over 70 years of experience, the resorts offer unparalleled experiences across eight properties dotted across the length of Mauritius. Holiday-makers may cherish moments spent on and off the inviting turquoise sea, whether raising adrenaline levels with paragliding, sunbathing on the powder-soft sand, or immersing themselves in the vibrant Mauritian culture through music and cuisine.

Find the perfect UK break

Rural Retreats share some of its favourite mini-moon breaks in the UK perfect for autumn and winter.

Get back to nature in the wilds of Scotland in this cosy, modern cottage designed by award-winning architects. There's a river at the bottom of the garden, and a famous steam railway line is visible from the property too. It sleeps four people, and short breaks start at £546.

Where to honeymoon in 2024

With Google searches for 'best honeymoon destinations' up 22 per cent, newlyweds are on the lookout for some romantic inspiration. With this in mind, Club Med has uncovered the new trending honeymoon destinations, according to search data over the last 12 months.

Google searches for 'Kingston honeymoon' have skyrocketed by 97 per cent in the past 12 months. The Jamaican capital is a real contender in the honeymoon space, with many attractions to visit, including the Hope Botanical Gardens and even the Bob Marley Museum. Kingston is still flying under the radar on social media, with just three boards on Pinterest and three Instagram posts using Kingston as the honeymoon destination, meaning a romantic trip in Kingston is very much a hidden gem.

The Boca Raton in Florida has been entirely redesigned

Recently reopened after a $65million transformation, The Boca Raton has been entirely redesigned by the renowned architecture and design firm, Rockwell Group. Paying homage to the pink hues of Boca Raton, the tower's exterior has been refreshed to a light coastal pink, giving a fresh take on Barbie's dreamhouse, featuring 224 suites and rooms, each with flexible configurations.

Set amongst 200 lake and oceanfront acres, couples are invited to experience the luxury rooms, culinary concepts, a private golden beach, a spa, an 18-hole golf course, a racquet club, a pool club, and much more.

Enjoy a hearty dose of fresh mountain air at the Armancette Hôtel in the French Alps

Enjoy a hearty dose of fresh mountain air at the Armancette Hôtel in the French Alps. Part of the new Almae Collection, Armancette Hôtel is a family-owned hidden gem in the lesser-known, remote town of Saint Nicolas Veroce in Evasion Mont-Blanc. Open year-round, this 19-room hotel is located within the former bakery of the village and offers total privacy, peace and tranquillity in exceptional surroundings. A plethora of activities are available, including guided hikes and mountain biking excursions, where guests can take in breathtakingly verdant views and disconnect from everyday life. Home to an impressive spa with indoor and outdoor swimming pools, an outdoor Jacuzzi, three treatment rooms, a state-of-the-art fitness suite, a restaurant, and a wine bar, there is plenty to keep couples entertained.

The Science of the Arctic Expedition Cruise is taking place in June 2024

The Science of the Arctic Expedition Cruise is perfect for couples who want to find out more about the most northern part of the world with a group of like-minded individuals. The perfect opportunity to deepen your connection to one of the world's most rugged and remote archipelagos, travellers will have the opportunity to witness the breathtaking sight of polar bears, beluga whales, seals, walruses, reindeer, arctic foxes, and so much more.

Spending 10 days aboard the 104-metre, purpose-built, state-of-the-art Greg Mortimer expedition ship, couples will have the opportunity to listen to a range of exceptional talks, hike across the tundra, cruise past glacier fronts, marvel at fjords, and take to the water on zodiac boat safaris to get closer to some of the world's most stunning landscapes.

Tswalu Kalahari Reserve in South Africa has opened its new Loapi Tented Camp

Tswalu Kalahari Reserve in South Africa has opened its new Loapi Tented Camp. Offering a wilderness experience in the largest privately protected area in South Africa, couples won't need to share any communal spaces; instead, there are six private safari homes.

With expansive views across arid savannah grasslands, Loapi Tented Camp's private homes are tucked into the contours of the ancient Korannaberg Mountains and can accommodate two or four guests.

Mett Hotels & Resort’s second lifestyle resort has recently opened in Marbella

Mett Hotels & Resort's second lifestyle resort has recently opened on the pristine Marbella-Estepona shoreline. Inspired by the balanced bliss of Mediterranean living and Andalusian charm, the beachfront resort has 249 rooms and suites to choose from, each designed to be beautiful yet functional, with garden, sea, or pool-facing views. For those who wish to be at the heart of the conversation, Lifestyle Pool Rooms can be booked in advance, which have direct access to the Azure Beach Pool, providing immediate access to the hub of the resort.

The Rosewood Resort in Hawaii has reopened its doors

The Rosewood Resort, steeped in centuries of preserved tradition, has reopened its doors. In addition to embodying Hawaii's cultural heritage through craftsmanship, several of the accommodations feature a private lanai to encourage couples to enjoy as much time as possible in the open air. The custom architectural details, furnishings, and fixtures make the most of natural materials and showcase a rich sampling of textures.

Tenuta Zisola in Sicily offers a range of wine tours

Tenuta Zisola lies in south-eastern Sicily, the birthplace of the Nero d'Avola grape, and is just a stone's throw from Noto, a world heritage site famous for its Baroque architecture. Open all year round for wine enthusiasts, Tenuta Zisola is offering new, diversified wine tours with something to suit everyone.

Six wines are produced at Tenuta Zisola, four red and two white, with the aim of bringing out the finest qualities of the historic Nero d'Avola grape. Couples stopping at Zisola can stroll through the 50 hectares of property that extend around the estate, which offers marvellous views of Noto and the surrounding gardens cultivated with vineyards, as well as citrus, olive, and almond trees.

Beautiful honeymoon destinations in the Seychelles

Mango House Seychelles, a member of LXR Hotels & Resorts, is an exclusive five-star Seychellois oasis offering an authentic yet luxurious private residence experience within a remote island location. The ultimate choice for couples looking to combine romance with a dose of art and culture, the property was originally owned and lived in by celebrated Italian photographer Gian Paolo Barbieri. Mango House occupies the same land, mirroring the architecture of the photographer's stylish and distinctive contemporary style.

Home to 41 luxurious rooms and suites all with magnificent views of Anse Aux Poules Bleues Bay, the accommodations vary in size from a King Premium Ocean View to a Three-Bedroom Bay House with Plunge Pool. The most sumptuous choice for honeymooners is the sprawling One-Bedroom Ocean House with Pool, which comprises 130sqm of living space, including a private pool terrace complete with daybeds and a captivating ocean view - just the spot for sundowners à deux.

Romantic getaways in Croatia

Valamar, one of Croatia's leading hotel and resort brands, provides ideal settings for a romantic stay for couples. With luxurious amenities, breathtaking locations, and unparalleled hospitality, these hotels ensure an unforgettable experience for you and your loved one.

Whether it's the enchanting views, intimate Jacuzzi moments, or the exquisite sunset dinners, Valamar's hotels incite an idyllic atmosphere from the moment you arrive. So, take a trip to Croatia to indulge and enjoy personal moments with the special person in your life.

Treat yourself to a UK mini-moon

Located on the Duke of Somerset's Estate in the beautiful village of Maiden Bradley, The Bradley Hare has 12 bedrooms and offers the perfect countryside escape this summer. Swap the two-hour flights, for a two-hour drive from London, to experience the ultimate stylish stay with James Thurstan Waterworth, ex-European design director for Soho House, having overseen the Inn's cool, yet authentic interiors. For those who are able to be torn away from soaking in the gorgeous freestanding baths, the sumptuous beds and linens, or the candle-lit dinners, why not enjoy romantic springtime strolls around the estate? Swap the Aperol Spritz in the Tuscan rolling hills, for a Hare on the Rocks in the sunny Wiltshire countryside this summer.

Discover the thrill of South Africa with these new properties

South Africa is set to continue to grow its immense popularity amongst British travellers. Brace yourself for captivating adventures and awe-inspiring new additions as South African Tourism explores the country of endless possibilities.

BABOHI Lodge is a gorgeous luxury retreat designed for adults with impeccable dining experiences and refined service, set amidst 11,000 hectares of the sprawling Waterberg.

Immerse yourself in one of the 25 rooms and suites, each offering spectacular views of the wilderness, some with private plunge pools and wood fired hot tubs. Guests can choose to get hands on with wild game on a wood fired grill, or enjoy al fresco dining under sweeping starry skies.

Camp Doros by Ultimate Safaris has opened in the heart of Damaraland, Namibia

Camp Doros, nestled in the heart of Damaraland in Namibia, is a new space perfect for honeymoons. Small and intimate, Camp Doros is open 365 days a year and offers a special connection to the fragile wilderness and wildlife of its semi-arid mountainous savanna landscape. Each of the six shaded tents (one of which is a family unit) is raised on platforms, uses solar-powered energy, recycled material destined for the landfill to create comfortable furniture, and wastewater processed through a sophisticated reclamation process – all without compromising comfort or safety.

Camp Doros is perched on a high bank overlooking a riverbed and is completely hidden by Mopane Trees. Guests at Camp Doros will enjoy the fully immersive exploration of Damaraland, where they can take in the sheer magnitude of the environment and learn about the rich culture of Namibia.

Hidden gem road trips across the UK

Motoring experts at LeaseCar.uk have named the 10 best-hidden gem road trip spots for those seeking to find undiscovered yet beautiful places across the country.

Stretching over Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire, the Malvern Hills were formed out of some of the oldest rocks in England. The stunning panoramic views along the 13 km stretch of hills and the natural mineral water springs for walkers to explore makes the Malvern Hills a great place to explore the rural countryside.

The Montenotte in Ireland has undergone a rebrand

The Montenotte, Cork's urban resort and one of Ireland's leading hotels, has unveiled a new brand identity, featuring a new logo, tagline, bespoke illustrations and a jackalope motif across the property, its website and social channels. The rebrand aims to capture The Montenotte's eclectic personality and charm, as well as its artistic ethos and design focus, showcasing the vibrant and fun foundation underpinning the striking, contemporary hotel. Situated above Cork, The Montenotte's redesign showcases the hotel as a dynamic urban resort, a gateway to the Irish wilderness inviting guests to run wild in the hotel's Sunken Victorian Gardens and the upcoming Woodland Suite Experience which is set to open in Summer 2024.