For couples planning a destination wedding or honeymoon, the options can be overwhelming. To narrow down choices, April Schmitt, the founder of Divine Travel Company, has shared some standout properties ideal for romantic getaways.
Likuliku Lagoon Resort: A Romantic Getaway in Fiji
Recently refreshed by a $4.5 million renovation, Likuliku Lagoon Resort in Fiji now boasts upgraded bures, including eleven with private plunge pools. Enhancements also include a revamped main pool and a new dining venue, Saluwaki, in addition to the renowned Fijiana Restaurant, bringing the total number of dining options to three.
Named after the Fijian phrase for a combination of native herbs and spices, Saluwaki offers guests a chance to indulge in Fijian-inspired Asian tapas, utilizing produce from the resort’s gardens and surrounding waters. The open kitchen features unique dishes such as ember-roasted walu with young coconut and tomato sambal, alongside handmade squid ink noodles enhanced with sea urchin and chili butter.
Another aspect of the renovation is the Na Vanua Conservation Hub, designed to engage guests with local ecology and cultural practices. The hub showcases various conservation initiatives focused on reforestation, coral restoration, and habitat protection for the endangered Fiji Crested Iguana.
(Likuliku Lagoon Resort)
Couples can choose from two main wedding packages, with customizable ceremonies on the beach at sunset, at the horizon-edge pool, or even on a private island, allowing for unique celebrations. To entertain guests, a variety of activities are available, such as paddleboarding, kayaking, and scuba diving through a PADI 5-Star Dive Center. For those preferring dry land, options include fishing, water skiing, and parasailing.
For land-based adventures, guests can hike to scenic lookouts or participate in yoga sessions. Cultural experiences like visiting local villages, participating in Meke dance events, and learning traditional weaving skills provide further engagement during the stay.
No romantic itinerary would be complete without a visit to Mociu Island, an uninhabited paradise just 15 minutes away by boat. Here, couples can find solitude surrounded by pristine reefs.
Honeymoon offerings include the “Honeymoon Bonus,” which provides sparkling wine, treats, and floral arrangements, and the “Celebration Package,” which features a one-hour Aromatic Couples Massage. For spa enthusiasts, Tatadra Spa offers a signature three-hour treatment, combining a sugar glow, hot stone massage, and facial for a comprehensive pampering experience.
(Silky Oaks Lodge)
In addition to Saluwaki, dining options include private beachside meals under the stars and picnic setups on Mociu Island. The resort features top accommodations, including ten Over-Water Bures with private decks and lagoon views, as well as 29 Deluxe Beachfront Bures equipped with plunge pools and outdoor showers.
For more information, couples can reach out to Pauliani (Pau) Tubuna at [email protected]. Likuliku Lagoon Resort operates year-round, situated about 16 miles from Nadi International Airport, with transfers available via seaplane or helicopter, taking about ten minutes to reach.
Silky Oaks Lodge: A Serene Setting in Australia
Also worthy of consideration is Silky Oaks Lodge, set within the lush Daintree National Park in Queensland, Australia. While Fiji often captures attention for tropical weddings, this Australian locale offers an equally enchanting experience.
Silky Oaks Lodge presents several wedding venues, including the Marrdja Pavilion, which can accommodate 60 guests in an open-air setting. For more intimate ceremonies, the Jungle Perch offers a breathtaking cantilevered view over the Mossman River, suitable for smaller gatherings.
Cultural and adventure-filled activities abound in the Daintree, from guided walks to e-biking through nearby cane fields, kayaking in the Mossman River, and engaging in local Aboriginal art workshops. Couples may also enjoy exhilarating experiences like helicopter tours and sunrise ballooning.
(Chablé Maroma)
The lodge accommodates guests ages ten and up, featuring 39 luxurious suites. The Daintree Pavilion stands out with its expansive 3,500 square feet, including amenities like an outdoor atrium bathtub and a private infinity pool.
Annual high seasons run from June to August, attracting both domestic and international visitors, particularly from October to March. Early bookings are recommended during the “green” season from November to April, as demand can surge.
For inquiries, Alison Burn, the senior sales manager, can be reached at [email protected]. Couples seeking a relaxing experience should book the Healing Waters Spa’s signature “Ulysses” treatment, a two-and-a-half-hour experience of rejuvenation and self-care, ideally scheduled in advance.
At the Treehouse Restaurant, the daily menu, crafted by Executive Chef Matt Fury, highlights local ingredients. Dishes like coral trout paired with native seed curry showcase the region’s culinary offerings.
Silky Oaks Lodge operates throughout the year and is an 80-minute drive from Cairns Airport, with helicopter transfers from Nautilus Aviation available for easier travel.
Chablé Maroma: An Oasis in Mexico
For couples desiring a more accessible location, Chablé Maroma near Playa del Carmen in Mexico presents a premium option. Ideal for larger weddings, the resort can host up to 250 guests, contingent upon full buyout and on-site accommodations.
Available event venues include a white-sand beach, Jungle Palapa, poolside Pergola, and a rooftop Raw Bar with stunning Caribbean views. For optimal guest experience, activities such as morning yoga, cooking classes, and hydrotherapy sessions at the spa are readily offered.
Couples and their guests can enjoy adventures offsite, such as swimming in cenotes or visiting nearby archaeological sites. The Serenity Pool Villa, featuring over 1,200 square feet of personal space, outdoor showers, and a private pool, is particularly appealing for romantic retreats.
For the ultimate wellness experience, the spa includes several massage cabins designed for couples. The unique temazcal ceremony uses traditional practices for cleansing of the spirit and body, complemented by a rejuvenating dip in the ocean afterwards.
Chablé Maroma, recognized as part of The Leading Hotels of the World, is conveniently located 40 minutes from Cancún International Airport. For further arrangements, interested parties can reach Lester Romero at [email protected] or General Manager Joslin Fuentes at [email protected] for personalized assistance.
