Honeymoon and travel ideas for couples in the West Midlands

Planning a relaxing mini-moon? Check out these UK wonders

Housed in a Grade II-listed 18th-century picturesque country house overlooking the beautiful Wessex Downs, The Retreat at Elcot Park offers fun-infused escapism. Filled with informal, playful twists inspired by both the history and location of the property, the hotel is a place where couples will feel instantly welcomed and at ease. The Retreat will is a destination in its own right, a place where couples can see, try and eat new things. hot air balloon rides, a pan-Asian restaurant, tennis courts, an outdoor pool and the chance to explore the beautiful North Wessex Downs (home to Britain's largest display of wild purple crocuses and where Richard Adams's colony of rabbits can be found!) and the magnificent Highclere castle amongst so much more awaits discovery!

Okahirongo Elephant Lodge in Namibia has undergone an extensive refurbishment

Okahirongo Elephant Lodge in Namibia has undergone an extensive refurbishment. The lodge is surrounded by the vast wilderness of Kaokoland, with various activities for exploration, adventure, and discovery. There are seven individual suites and a two-bedroom family suite available – perfect for a family-moon.

After a day's safari, unwind on the shaded patio and luxurious daybed on the private veranda. Giraffes can be seen wandering down the valley if you look towards the desert, where the shifting sand dunes can reach a height of 300 metres, making them some of the tallest in the world.

The Westin Turtle Bay Resort & Spa has picturesque views at every turn

Located next to a serene lagoon, The Westin Turtle Bay Resort & Spa is a five-star resort in Mauritius, situated in historic Balaclava on the sheltered northwest coast. Set on 10 hectares (800 metres) of beachfront within the tranquil and protected Turtle Bay Marine Park against a stunning backdrop of mountains, sugar cane and extraordinary views.

With 190 spacious guestrooms and suites, each with its own private balcony or terrace, an adult-only Whisper Zone, a state-of-the-art spa and 24-hour fitness centre, two outdoor pools and a variety of restaurants, lounges and bars, The Westin Turtle Bay Resort & Spa offers an idyllic yet stylish oasis where guests can relax, recharge and rejuvenate.

Le Méridien Ile Maurice has undergone a $60m transformation

Set against the shore of the glittering turquoise Indian Ocean, Le Méridien Ile Maurice is a five-star resort in Mauritius, beautifully positioned along a kilometre of sandy beach in Pointe aux Piments on the northwest coast. This year, an extensive $60 million refurbishment sees the property reimagined, firmly establishing it as one of Mauritius' leading resort destinations.

With 261 newly designed guestrooms and suites, an adults-only wing, a world-class spa and fitness centre, three pools and a choice of four restaurants and three bars, Le Méridien Ile Maurice is a must-visit for the most discerning of travellers seeking adventure and relaxation alike.

JW Marriott Mauritius Resort is a five-star luxury haven

Situated on the southwestern side of the island, against the backdrop of the majestic, unspoilt Le Morne Brabant - a UNESCO World Heritage Site and known locally as the 'Pearl of the Indian Ocean' due to its breathtaking landscape - JW Marriott Mauritius Resort is a five-star luxury haven surrounded by protected coral reefs and lush vegetation.

Offering 172 lavish guest suites all boasting idyllic views, including the Manor House Spa Suites and the largest and most luxurious villa in the Indian Ocean, the Grand Beachfront Villa, JW Marriott Mauritius Resort provides the ultimate in exclusive luxury for friends, families and couples alike looking to escape the ordinary on this paradisal island.

How to plan the perfect destination proposal

Destination honeymoons have been popular for many years, but trends show that couples are creating unforgettable engagements too. After all everyone loves to go on holiday, so what could be more romantic than going away somewhere really special to pop-the-question? No matter what you choose – a few days in a beautiful city, a beach getaway or an action packed adventure – a destination proposal is a wonderful and memorable way to start your engagement.

How to plan a luxury glamping trip for two

If you're searching for a luxurious honeymoon destination with a difference, then a glamping trip may just be for you. Here, Hannah Rose-Wynter from Boutique Camping shares her tips for planning your dream newlywed staycation among mother nature.

After all the excitement and build-up of your big day, a relaxing honeymoon is no doubt on the cards. Luckily, the UK is full of dreamy staycation destinations that can fulfil your sense of adventure or desire to get away from it all, and what better way to enjoy it than among the landscape itself? With a romantic glamping honeymoon, you can spend a weekend under the stars, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life in the most luxurious way, so you can kickstart your married life with an adventure!

Luxurious restaurant, SEEN by Olivier has opened in Nice, France

The luxurious restaurant, SEEN by Olivier has just opened in Nice, France, inside the new Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel. The concept, created by restaurateur Olivier da Costa, is an immersion in a vibrant atmosphere, with eclectic cuisine, cocktails and music.

SEEN by Olivier has an Art Deco-inspired décor and a 360-degree view of the city and the Mediterranean Sea from the interior room and the terrace.

The Treehouses at Leckie has opened with four luxury hideaways to choose from

The Treehouses at Leckie opened in March 2023 with four sustainable luxury hideaways for couples to choose from. Set amongst ancient woodland overlooking the magnificent Gargunnock Hills in Stirlingshire, Scotland, each is unique in character with luxurious amenities. Charming details include super king-size beds, underfloor heating, cosy woodburning stoves, double sofa beds, farm shop welcome hampers, sumptuous outdoor copper baths, decking areas with electric barbecues and outstanding views offering a year-round authentic Scottish wilderness experience.

The new Bulgari Hotel Tokyo has opened its doors

The new Bulgari Hotel in Tokyo has opened its doors. It's the eighth gem in the Bulgari Hotels & Resort Collection, bringing Bulgari's contemporary style to the capital of Japan.

Occupying the 40th to the 45th floor of the ultra-skyscraper in the North District, the hotel overlooks the Imperial Palace and offers stunning views of the city, including Mount Fuji on the horizon. Named after the 17th century Dutch adventurer Jan Joosten van Lodensteyn, known in Japanese as Yaysu, the Yaesu district has recently flourished becoming one of the most attractive areas of the city.

Taking your pet on holiday – 10 tips to make the trip easier

Travel experts at Panache Cruises, specialists in ultra-luxury cruises, have researched the 10 things all holidaymakers should do before booking a trip away with their pets, so the holiday goes off without a hitch:

Check everything is pet friendly – First and foremost, before even booking a holiday, ensure that everything is pet friendly. It's impossible to take pets anywhere which isn't suitable for furry friends, most importantly accommodation and travel. Check if there are any restrictions on which pets can be brought along or any size and weight limits. Never assume and always double check, and ask if there are any additional costs for bringing along a pet.

Discover the great outdoors on a luxurious mini-moon at these gorgeous glamping sites

Pitchup.com, an outdoor accommodation specialist with over 5,000 campsites, caravan parks and glamping sites in 67 countries across the UK and Europe, is encouraging newlyweds to experience an alternative honeymoon by discovering the romance of the great outdoors.

Dan Yates, founder of Pitchup.com, says: "The UK offers some truly breathtaking scenery and wildly romantic outdoor activities, making a 'staycation honeymoon' a great choice for couples wanting to get away from it all after the business of their big day. Plus, contrary to outdated opinion, camping doesn't have to mean a back to basics experience, and there are plenty of ways to enjoy an outdoor escape without the effort of putting up your own tent. We have a wide variety of glamping sites on our books that boast luxurious amenities perfect for a romantic getaway and to make lifelong memories. Increasingly people are looking for something a little alternative and we think time alone in nature is the perfect way to celebrate romance and unwind."

The Cayman Islands are perfect for honeymoons

Wowing visitors from all over the world with pristine beaches, crystal clear waters and fascinating flora and fauna, the Cayman Islands offers couples the chance to enjoy a slice of paradise.

With a trio of islands - Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman - waiting to be explored, travellers will find a wealth of activities and locations to suit every couple's holiday desires. Ideal for adventurous travellers, nature-lovers and those looking to relax and unwind on world-class beaches, there's as much thrill as there is chill.

The largest within the three-island archipelago, Grand Cayman offers complete relaxation, exquisite dining, exciting nightlife and, of course, crystal-clear waters and white sand beaches. Couples will love the cosmopolitan atmosphere of Seven-Mile Beach, the many world-class hotels, restaurants, beach bars and activities available, and the rural-town feel of the East End.

Discover a taste of luxury in the heart of the Turkish Riviera

Susona Bodrum, the fourth hotel from LXR Hotels & Resorts, Hilton's collection of independent luxury properties, is welcoming UK guests to its coastal retreat for the new season as it re-opens on the 7th April 2023.

Situated on a stunning seafront, in the heart of the Turkish Riviera, Susona Bodrum is a luxury five-star boutique hotel boasting 70 rooms, suites and villas, a dazzling infinity pool, jetty, serene spa, vibrant beach club, two mouth-watering restaurants, and a whole host of experiences.

Radisson Hotel Group opens its first Radisson Individuals hotel in Paris

Radisson Hotel Group has announced the opening of Hotel YAC Paris Clichy located in the leafy suburbs of the city of lights. Following an extensive renovation, the hotel welcomes guests with its magnificent rooftop, lush garden, and beautiful patio, as well as renovated guest rooms and an indoor swimming pool, all within a short walk of the Seine and the Clichy Bridge.

Hotel YAC Paris Clichy is ideally located in the North Western suburb of Clichy, one of the most prominent business and corporate hubs in Paris and home to the headquarters of several large companies such as Amazon France and L'Oréal International.

The top eight honeymoon destinations

Santorini, a small island located in the Aegean Sea in Greece, has become a popular honeymoon destination for many reasons. The island is known for its stunning sunsets, beautiful black sand beaches, and unique architecture. The white-washed buildings with blue domes are an iconic image of Santorini and create a romantic atmosphere. Couples can walk through the narrow streets of the idyllic villages, go for vineyard tours and explore the historic towns.

Yazz Collective is opening for its first full season in 2023

The Mediterranean's new chic boutique resort, Yazz Collective, is opening for its first full season in 2023. Set within a private bay in Fethiye, Turkey, the resort boasts an unrivalled location and is only accessible by sea.

This serene retreat turns the volume up at the weekends as resident DJs take centre stage to host sundown session and after dinner parties.

Comprised of a beach restaurant, with menus boasting seasonal ingredients and local produce, a bustling bar and 16 luxury guest houses peppered amongst verdant gardens, the resort has been designed to sit in harmony with the surrounding nature.

NOBU Ibiza is set to reopen this season with a new holistic retreat

The Balearic Island's free-spirited, five-star haven, Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay is back earlier than ever for 2023, inviting guests into a playground of discovery, taste and self-love on the south of the island.

Self-love is at the very core of Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay, so this season the hotel is proud to partner with on-demand mental health experts, Self Space, to host an unforgettable personal growth retreat: Grow Through What You Go Through. Centred on Self Space's eponymous self-compassion book, the partnership will provide guests with the valuable tools needed to cultivate self-love and positive mental health every day.

Mondrian is set to launch a new property in Singapore

Mondrian, part of Ennismore, a hospitality group with a global collective of 14 brands, will open a new property in Singapore in March 2023. The brand's southeast Asian debut will inject its signature blend of art, glamour and culinary flair into the vibrant neighbourhood of Duxton Hill.

Rising above the historic and colourful Chinatown shophouses with sweeping views of the glittering city skyline, Mondrian Singapore Duxton is a stone's throw from the Central Business District and will house 302 guestrooms and suites, a cinematic rooftop pool and restaurants and bars.

Eco-friendly and sustainable places to go on honeymoon

A honeymoon should be a truly special holiday that you will never forget. Specialist travel agent, The Honeymoon Fixer, helps couples find their perfect getaway and says they've noticed an increase this year in enquiries about eco-friendly and sustainable honeymoons.

In response to the issue of climate change, many hotels and resorts have taken, or are taking, steps to lower their carbon footprint, support the local community and help protect the surrounding environment and wildlife.

Most hotels and resorts now have a sustainability page on their website where they outline what they are doing, and it's well worth reading before decision on a destination.