£5000 Honeymoon - where would you go and why?

[paap1975]

Just that really, we're a bit stuck for ideas (ridiculous, I know)

Maldives- because it's out of this world and you will never experience anything like it.

The snorkelling is amazing, you can scuba if you want, the sand is like powder.

We went to an island with no swimming pool and didn't stay in the fancy water rooms, just a beach bungalow and it was sensational. Walk out onto the beach. We went for an island further away from male as they are more beautiful. We specifically chose ours because you could canoe the entire way around the island (a lot have concrete walls to protect the reef).

Thank you. Do you remember the name of the place? I guess for the Maldives it's best to go all inclusive (as in, you can't get off!)

Athuruga - not sure if it would come in under budget as we went about 6 years ago. We only went for a week but that was perfect switch off us time.

If £5K would stretch to it then Argentina (suspect it wouldn't !) - we wanted to go there on our honeymoon and didn't have the budget for it. Or Tanzania and going on to Zanzibar. Or a houseboat in Kerala. Something special basically we wouldn't usually have the opportunity to do. Its just personal but while I could definetely handle a couple of days in the Maldives, as there isn't anything to do there I think by day 4 I'd be a snarky annoying and annoyed bride. My sister spent 2 weeks in the Maldives arguing with an ex and bored out of her brain so I'm probably just going on her experience. Mauritius looks like there would be more to do & it has the beach bit so maybe worth a look?

Singapore for a few days then Thailand or Bali or Vietnam

We did a week in Mexico all-inclusive, then two weeks around the US (Texas, New Mexico, Grand Canyon, Vegas, California, etc) for about that. Loved it.

The Maldives is out of this world because everything is artificially perfected for the tourism industry.
This is what tourism has brought to the Maldives. Out of this world indeed.

OP either go for the honeymoon (few days in bed together doing nothing but enjoying each other's company) or the holiday of a lifetime (experience something amazing) option. If the former then you can take your pick of all inclusive tourism bubbles in hot places: Maldives, Mauritius, Dubai etc. Or you could go for a social change: India, Vietnam, China, or a geographical one: Iceland, North Pole, South Pole, Alps etc.
5K is a lot of money. You can do pretty much anything you want with that, you just can't do all you want for as long as you want in the luxury you want, necessarily!
I envy you: I think the browsing is half the fun!

@Andtheresaw

That island has sadly been there long before tourism.

I agree the Maldives is an amazing choice for honeymoon.

I would also suggest sailing around the Greek islands, Mykonos, Santorini & some of the smaller ones, you could easily do it for that budget.

Or how about NYC for 4 nights followed by a week in Bermuda?

Safari?

Mayanmar. lots to do and see and it's cheap as chips

Alaskan Cruise?
Fairmont hotel in Canada nr Lake Louise is one of my bucket list hotels.

Japan.

So different. Not as expensive as you might think. The traditional rayokan was an amazing experience. The country is beautiful and the contrast of temples and technology, truly staggering.

I'd go again in a blink... but too many other places.

Sod sitting on a beach!

Or Sri Lanka!

Safari, temples, history, food. We're going at Xmas so I can't say if iit will earn a place in my top 5.

Maldives!!!!
Nowhere else compares

Another vote for the Maldives. Would love to return

South Africa - combine safari, driving the Garden Route and a final luxury hotel stay in Cape Town. Wish we'd added a couple of nights in the winelands - we just did a day trip out there and it was gorgeous

What do you actually like doing?

Because with £5000 I'd go to the same place I went with £2000 and have a nicer time not carry my own luggage as it was exactly where I wanted to go.

Are you beach people, experience people, outsdoorsy exploring people, history and culture people?

There is no point blowing £5000 on the Maldives if you would rather be seeing Britney in Vegas, or on a private game drive in Botswana.

We toured around Borneo for a similar amount a few years ago. A mix of eco tourism and five star luxury. The wildlife was amazing. I'd highly recommend. But I also love the Maldives.

I would go for something impossible to do with kids: roadtrip, sailing boat, scuba diving, hiking
(If you want kids)

Another vote for South Africa, look for Grootbos natural reserve

Went to Bora Bora 15 years ago and it was amazing , but very expensive to eat and drink. Don't know if you can get an AI package now

I’m sending DS and his new wife to South Africa for their honeymoon.

4 nights at 12 Apostles, Cape Town
2 in Franschhoek wine country
2 whale watching at Hermanus
2 at Knysna
2 at Storms Rivier
2 at Gorah safari lodge, Addo.

It’s cost a little over £5k.

Maldives is also beautiful, we did 4 seasons at landaa giravaru

St John in the Caribbean was pure paradise. I would try UK Virgin Islands too

What time of year?

That aside, the Maldives isn't a bad shout. But definitely all inclusive. Each resort is it's own island. The cost of your meals will more than cover the difference, never mind drinks!

Hawaii. It’s relaxing - great beaches, great temperature, great snorkelling or diving if you like. Also mountains, amazing scenery and great walks. No dangerous animals or insects! Safe but different (I can be adventurous too but, meh, you wanna relax on your honeymoon!).

Different islands to explore. You wouldn’t regret it. We spent almost 3 weeks there.

Best islands are Maui and Kauai I think.

It is our great hope to one day go back!

You could also do a stop over in San Francisco if you fancied it!