Where to honeymoon: A guide to the best luxury destinations

From cosmopolitan cities and mountainous rainforests to the plains of Africa and secluded sandy beaches – when it comes to choosing your honeymoon it has to tick all your boxes. To help narrow your search, luxury travel companion les Deux Messieurs reveals its top honeymoon picks for gay newlyweds.

Brazil – Ponta dos Ganchos
If you want nature on your doorstep and outstanding service and cuisine, Ponta dos Ganchos is the place to go. This laid-back rainforest retreat in Southern Brazil is surrounded by tropical greenery, lapping waves and oyster farms. Enjoy champagne on the veranda, a candlelit dinner in the beach restaurant and pick your own wine from its cellar. Use the underground gym or infinity pool before retiring to your bungalow and sinking into its king-size bed or outdoor hammock.
From: R$1.480,00 (£379)
pontadosganchos.com.br

USA – Aria Sky Suites, Las Vegas
Touted as the most luxurious place in Vegas, Aria Sky Suites are spectacular with a capital S. Only accessible by limo (powered by compressed natural gas, no less) its suave interiors are so slick and indulgently up-to-the-minute in tech that you’ll never want to leave. The bathrooms have steam showers and electronic bidet toilets with heated seats, the beds are enormous, and the views from the floor-to-ceiling windows will take your breath away. When you’re done gadgetising, sample the hedonism of its casino and the strip outside. This is Vegas – go wild.
From: USD700 per night
ariaskysuites.com

Borneo – Gaya Island Resort, Pulau Gaya
Set amidst lush mangroves, Gaya Island is a tranquil hideaway where the mountain, forest and sea come together. Overlooking a postcard perfect white sand beach, this stylish and exotic resort serves a fantastic range of local food and is all about health and wellbeing. Visit the Spa Village and find your inner zen as you experience a rich tapestry of spa programmes that reflect the cultural healing traditions of Sabah’s many indigenous people. It’s life fuel for body and soul. 
From: £1,149 per person for 7 nights
gayaislandresort.com

South Africa – Londolozi
For a life changing experience you will always treasure, spend your honeymoon on safari and do it in style at Londolozi. Situated on the Sand River in the heart of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve – part of the six million acre Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Park, Londolozi is a safari escape that will leave you charged and craving adventure. Roaming its expanse, you’ll find breeding herds of elephant, buffalo, white rhino, lions and wild, free ranging leopards. No two game drives are ever the same and the knowledge of the trackers is astonishing.

After a day of driving through thickets and ravines, head back to one of Londolozi’s five exceptional lodges, or up the luxury stakes by staying in their phenomenal Granite Suites.
From:  ZAR8,750 (approx £514pp/night for min of 3 nights)
londolozi.com

India – Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur, Rajasthan
Surrounded by the tranquil waters of Lake Pichola, the beautiful white marble Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur is undoubtedly one of the most romantic hotels in the world. Built as a Prince’s pleasure palace over 250 years ago, its regal splendour is second to none and its decadence attracted the attention of Ian Fleming, who filmed part of Octopussy there.

Each room is distinctly designed to capture a different mood and period. Mosaics, exquisite artefacts, and other fine embellishments punctuate opulent silks, richly coloured frescoes and ornately carved furniture. Enjoy morning yoga on the terrace, spa treatments floating on the river, and dinner on lake flotillas or by the lily pond. Then select your pillow from the pillow menu, and enjoy a good night’s rest.
From: £381
tajhotels.com

Mallorca – Cap Rocat
Set on its own private peninsula with incredible views over the Bay of Palma, Cap Rocat is an old 19^th century fort that’s been transformed into a chic hideaway by none other than Antonio Obrador. Cross the drawbridge and enter a whole new world of calm: each suite has its own private terrace overlooking the bay, fabrics are locally made and woven by hand and the exquisite food is sourced locally from the island’s home grown organic farms. Bathe in natural pools around the pier and dock. take a dip in the spectacular infinity pool perched atop its old fortress walls, and enjoy yoga on the beach.

Incredibly private, but only a 15 minute taxi ride from the centre of vibrant Palma, Cap Rocat is pretty close to perfect; and if you don’t fancy lounging all day, take a cookery class or burn some energy on its tennis court.
From: €440/night
caprocat.com

Bhutan – Uma by COMO, Paro Valley
Bhutan is a very special place – not only does it measure its GDP by Gross National Happiness, it is one of the only Kingdoms left with a ruling King. The immaculate Uma by COMO is the place to stay. Located in the beautiful Paro Valley, the exclusive 29-room resort, is close to the country’s great cultural landmarks. Balancing local artisanship with the contemporary style COMO is known for, its villas offer breathtaking views of the forest, mountains and surrounding valley, and pay homage to Bhutan’s Buddhist culture and colours.

Its restaurant is a favourite with royalty, and its spa offers wonderfully calming treatments including Ayurveda. Activities range from yoga to Himalayan camping, and if that wasn’t enough, the hotel can provide you with handcrafted luxury travel experiences to help you plan your stay from start to finish.‎
From: USD450/night
comohotels.com/uma/bhutan

Thailand – 137 Pillars House, Chiang Mai
Sleek in every sense, this beautiful home-style boutique hotel has created the perfect balance of old Orient and contemporary luxe. Lounge languorously by the pool, admiring its incredible living plant wall, or go for romantic poolside seclusion and cuddle up beneath the silk-curtained salas. It has a gym, a spa and can offer you personal butler and multi-lingual concierge services, not to mention tours and community based excursions. What’s more, it’s just the right distance from town for you to enjoy the quiet, but close enough for you to hop in a tuk tuk and start exploring the temples and markets of Chiang Mai.
From: THB11,045 (£206) per room
snhcollection.com/137pillarshouse

France – Chateau Challain, Challain-la-Potherie
If it’s romance you’re after, you’ll find it by the turret-load at Chateau Challain. Built in 1854 by famed Parisian architect Louis Visconti for the Albert de la Rochefoucauld and his countess, this gleaming white neo-gothic fairytale castle looks straight out of Disney. It remains a private house today, but its owners have opened its doors to share its magic as one of the most exclusive B&Bs you will every experience. Step inside into its exquisite interior, and you’ll feel as though you’ve entered your very own palace.

Just 90 minutes from Paris by TGV, it’s well-positioned to explore the Loire. Be sure to hire a car – there are some fabulous (and Michelin starred) restaurants nearby!
From: Euro250/night
chateauchallain.com

Scotland – The Witchery by the Castle, Edinburgh
Head to Edinburgh for a minimoon filled with gothic romance and make sure you stay at The Witchery by the Castle.

Cosseting and decadent, The Witchery is a five star destination in every sense, and a favourite amongst celebs. Originally built in the 16th century, it was once the execution spot for hundreds of witches during the reign of James VI. Today, there’s not a witch in sight; instead, all you’ll find is room upon room of pure indulgence. All the rooms are suites, and in each you’ll find champagne waiting for you on ice, opulent but tasteful decor, and thoughtful personal touches, like hand-written welcome notes. Candle-lit dinner in the carved panel restaurant is a must.

Located in the heart of Edinburgh (literally at the foot of Edinburgh Castle), a stay here is one you will never, ever forget…
From: £325/night
thewitchery.com

For more of the best luxury honeymoon destinations, visit deuxmessieurs.com and thegayweddingguide.co.uk/honeymoons