PLACES TO STAY

We LOVE using Airbnb when we travel. It’s a great way to find the exact perfect set up you’re looking for and tick off all your requirements within your specific budget. The site makes it easy for you to filter all your parameters to find The One. Here are some we found that would make great accommodations for your Byron Bay honeymoon. 

If you’ve not used Airbnb before, we have $50 for you to put towards your first trip! 

Belongil Salt 

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Beautifully refurbished ground floor apartment 50 mtrs walk from the famous Belongil Beach. Superbly located, leave the car and walk to Byron’s vibrant town centre. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. 

The Cottage at The Bower 

The Cottage is a one hundred year old home that has been lovingly restored and decorated. It has kept its charm with timber floors and high ceilings. With 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, you could invite your friends to join you! 

Byron Bay Boutique Abode

Polished concrete floors, boutique copper fittings and Manhattan style tiling. It has a New York studio feel in the heart of the tranquil Lilli Pilli area of Byron Bay. 15-minutes stroll to a beautiful tea tree lake beach. 5-minute walk to the amazing Roadhouse Cafe regarded as one of the best Restaurants in Byron. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. 

WHERE TO EAT

St. Elmo

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Personally, I can never choose what to order, I’m always grappling between two or three dishes – I want to try them all! That’s why I LOVE tapas. Share plates are my jam, and St. Elmo has some gosh darn delicious morsels for you. Go for dinner, start with the marinated olives, be sure to get the Patatas Bravas (heavenly fried potatoes!) and the scallops. Seafood is a mainstay on their menu, but even if you don’t like seafood you’ll find plenty to enjoy. They also do amazing cocktails, just saying… 

The Balcony

Speaking of cocktails, grab one (or three!) at The Balcony, where you can do some great people-watching if you score yourself a seat at the rail. They also do a creative brunch, complete with $29 bottomless Bellinis. Whether you’re a light-for-breakfast eater, or give-me-all-the-brunch muncher, you’ll find something worth writing home about at The Balcony. 

Bayleaf Cafe 

Would a trip to Byron be complete without a meal at Bayleaf Cafe? A firm favourite amongst locals and visitors for good reason – the quality is consistent, the staff do a fantastic job of keeping the bustling cafe running smoothly and personally I can’t go past their coffee. 

Combi

If you’re hankering for a seriously Instagrammable superfood bowl, you’re going to want to hit up Combi. Their entire menu is made from fresh organic ingredients – they even make their own nut and oat milks and raw treats. Grab a smoothie on the go or sit and enjoy the chill vibes over lunch. 

THINGS TO DO

Dolphin Sea Kayak Tour

Friendly dolphins and sea turtles free in the wild are a spectacular sight to see – especially as you glide by sharing their waters. Your 3-hour guided tour will be hosted by experienced surf lifesavers, who will expertly take you on a tour of Australia’s most easterly point. Book sometime from June to November you may even be fortunate enough to witness the Humpback Whale migration. 

3-hour Guided Tour – $75pp

Soul Surf School  – Surf Lessons for Two

They say those who play together stay together. Why not kick off married life with a newfound common interest? This one is sure to bring lots of laughs as you learn surfing tips and tricks from experienced trainers. While fun in the sun is the obvious drawcard, you’ll also be working together, cheering each other on and finding that perfect balance – symbolic of the road ahead in your new married life. 

Two-on-One 2-hour lesson – $260

Stone and Wood Brewery – Tour and Tasting 

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Between their  trading hours you can drop in anytime for one of their famous craft beers, or book a tasting experience. Stone and Wood offer seasonal brews, as well as an all-year-round selection. Our tip is to book for lunchtime so you can order a bite from the canteen while you’re there, or save your appetite by making it a relaxed afternoon stop off before your dinner plans. 

Tasting Room + Tour  – $25.00pp

Go Shopping 

Byron Bay is home to many bespoke labels and eclectic boutiques. Fashion not to be missed includes the likes of Spell & The Gypsy Collective, Auguste the Label, and Rowie. 

Lighthouse Walk

You can’t go to Byron Bay without taking the hike up to its iconic lighthouse. If you head up for sunrise you’re guaranteed to witness something quite magical with views of Byron’s most stunning beaches, and you may even spot a dolphin or turtle below. It’s the photo op of your holiday you won’t want to miss. Moderate fitness level required, but it is completely free! 

Byron Bay Markets 

If you happen to be honeymooning in Byron Bay on the first Sunday of the month, you must get up early and head to the markets. Byron Bay is just a big small town, so it comes with the perfect small town markets experience. Grab yourself some delicious street food as you shop for handcrafted wares, artwork and local produce to the soundtrack of happy couples and families and local musical performers. 

WAYS TO RELAX 

Hit the Beach 

Of course the most obvious way to relax in Byron Bay is to have a glorious beach day. There is nothing like breathing in that salty air as you swim and sunbathe and forget the time. Take some snacks, or break up your time in the sun with a stroll to the nearest gelato shop – don’t worry, there will be one really close by no matter where you are. We recommend Bella Rosa. If you’re coming from interstate or overseas, remember the Queensland sun can be quite harsh, so bring some extra sunscreen and a hat! 

FREE

Byron Bay Wellbeing Retreats

Treat yourself to a fully immersive wellbeing retreat, where the outside world melts away and you get to focus on you, each other and your health. After the wedding, this is the perfect time to re-energise with some healthy foods, massages, facials, sauna and yoga. What a way to start your married life together! Accommodation for three nights, alkalising juices and activities are included. 

Yoga + Detox Retreat – $674pp

Buddha Gardens Day Spa 

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If three whole days of relaxation is a little too much for you, a few hours might do the trick. How does 3-hours of pure pampering sound? A couples session will have you enjoying an organic coffee scrub, rose bud bath soak, Balinese body palming and meditative face ritual, and Swedish massage, topped off with a fruit platter and champagne. Buddha Gardens will certainly give you those paradise feels as you chill in their tropical gardens or take a dip in the heated plunge pool or sauna between treatments.

3-hour Romantic Escape – $540 per couple 

Pighouse Flicks 

Plan a date night at Pighouse Flicks. Not your average cinema, this converted piggery is now the home of a unique theatre with comfy couch seating. Watch an art house or international film all cuddled up together, but not before you tuck into some great pub grub and a beer from Byron Bay Brewery, which also calls the piggery home. 

Costs vary 

The post How to Honeymoon | Byron Bay appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

The Whitsundays is home to one of the top 5 beaches in the world, 74 islands and a mainland protected by the Great Barrier Reef, so it’s pretty easy to understand then why so many couples are turning their backs on overseas honeymoons when we have this practically on our doorstep.

Never being one to shy away from an adventure, I jumped on a plane to see what the Whitsundays had to offer. All in the name of research, of course! 

I know what you’re thinking “But you already live in paradise!”  These were my thoughts exactly, so that’s why I knew I’d be a little harder than most to impress. Let me tell you, the Whitsundays really brought its A-game.

Is This the Honeymoon for You?

Lovers and travel aficionados, you’ll be in your element if your idea of the perfect honeymoon involves turquoise blue water, sun, sand and outdoors adventure with a side of relaxation.

When To Go

The Whitsundays boasts a tropical climate, which means perfect warm winter, spring and autumn days and hot summers. I visited in winter and the climate was ideal, sitting at between 22-25 degrees every day. The water temperature is approximately 25 degrees celsius pretty much all year round, so you can even swim in winter.

Wet season runs from January through to March. This is when days can be steamy and the afternoon tropical showers are always welcome.

Although there is a higher risk of marine stingers in the waters of North Queensland from October – May, you don’t need to worry, because the locals have the protective stinger suits you need at little or no cost at all.  There’s 8 million visitors travelling to this region every year, however very few are stung by dangerous stingers. 

Getting There

Located in Queensland’s tropical central coast, The Whitsundays is easily accessible from Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.  Flights don’t currently run direct from the Sunshine Coast, but it’s an easy 1 hour drive to fly from Brisbane Airport.

By Air

You can fly direct from Brisbane with Virgin Australia, Jetstar or Qantas, to either the Whitsunday Coast Airport (Proserpine) or the Great Barrier Reef Airport (on Hamilton Island) in about 1.5 hours.

Flights are also available direct from Sydney, Melbourne and Cairns.

Airlie Beach is 40 minutes drive from the airport, therefore you’ll need to organise a transfer.  Skip the airport line ups by pre-booking your transfer with Whitsundays to Everywhere, who meet every single flight and offer a personalised service that drops you right to the door of your accommodation.

By Road

Feeling a little more adventurous?  Combine your honeymoon with your first road trip together as newlyweds.  From the Sunshine Coast you simply drive north on the Bruce Highway.  Allow approximately 11.5 hours to drive from the Sunshine Coast to Airlie Beach.

Where to Stay

Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is right in the middle of the Whitsundays and overlooks the bay and islands.  It’s the perfect place to base yourself when travelling to the Whitsundays, because it’s the major departure point to visit the islands.

Mirage Whitsundays

Luxury accommodation right on the waterfront, with uninterrupted views of the Coral Sea and a bunch of the Whitsunday islands.  I highly recommend waking up a little earlier to watch the sunrise from your balcony. I’m not usually a super-early riser, but it was so worth it!

Options at the Mirage Whitsundays range from one, two and three bedroom apartments to two and three storey villas.  Book the four bedroom penthouse though if you decide to bring your tribe of kids along. You won’t regret it!

The resort also has two large lagoon pools, an outdoor oasis spa and plenty of sundecks to lounge on whilst you enjoy a cocktail (or ten!). The main town of Airlie Beach is an easy 15-20 minute stroll along a waterfront boardwalk.

 

 

 

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Peppers Airlie Beach

Peppers Airlie Beach is centrally located and looks out over the Coral Sea and the Whitsunday passage.  There’s a selection of newly renovated one, two and three bedroom apartments with ocean views, large balconies. My bathroom had the biggest spa bath I’ve ever seen in a resort room.

I sampled some of the best breakfasts in Airlie Beach right here at the resort’s Tides Restaurant and Bar. This place has grown a pretty strong reputation for itself, with lots of locals and other tourists visiting to dine here. 

After a big day out exploring, you’ll want to head straight to their wet edge pool.  Grab a cocktail, lay back in the sun lounges, because the sunsets from here are next level.

 

 

 

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Hamilton Island

Staying at the largest Whitsundays Island resort means you’ll never be short of activities, pristine beaches and a wide variety of coral and marine life practically at your door step.

There’s six different accommodation options, from luxury and standard apartments right through to holiday homes.

The resort is also home to Australia’s only 18-hole championship course on an island, so if you can be convinced to have a round of golf, just take first dibs on driving the golf cart.  That’s always the fun part, right? 

Hayman + Daydream Island

I based myself at Airlie Beach, because most of the other island resorts were still closed for renovations and upgrades, post Cyclone Debbie. Hayman Island is expected to reopen in July 2019 and Daydream Island have a planned reopening in April 2019.

What to Experience

With so much to see, do and taste in the Whitsundays, you’ll need to allow at least 10 days to enjoy a good range of the exciting adventures and relaxation on offer. 

Helicopter Flight

I’ve travelled to 44 different countries and this helicopter scenic flight is up there with one of the best experiences of my life! GSL Aviation flew me along the coastline and as if the turquoise blue water, fringing coral reef, secluded beaches and national parks weren’t enough, we even saw a few manta rays.

 

 

 

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Thundercat Boat Day Trip

Sure you could spend a week sailing around the Whitsundays, but why would you when you can see a bunch of the Whitsunday Islands all in just one day?  Swimming and snorkelling is a must on this trip and I guarantee you will be surprised by the abundance of marine life.  I had fish swimming through my hair! 

When I visited in early August, the Humpback Whales were also in town, so breaching, tail slaps and a newborn baby were all part of the action.

The Red Cat Adventures Thundercat is designed for stability and speed, so there’s no need to be concerned about sea sickness.

 

 

 

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 Whitehaven Beach

With 7km of white sand and sparkling turquoise blue water, Whitehaven Beach lives up to its best beach in Australia and the 5^th best beach in the world status.  The sand is 98% silica, so even on a hot day you can walk barefoot without burning your feet.

The best and easiest way to visit Whitehaven Beach is by boat tour or scenic flight, and some of these trips also combine a visit to Heart Reef in the same day.

While you’re here, take the easy walk to see Hills Inlet. The views from the top provide the ultimate Insta loved-up honeymoon backdrop, guaranteed to make everyone back at home jealous.

Picnic on a Secluded Beach

Romantic picnics on secluded beaches is just part of every day life in the Whitsundays. I sampled my weight in delights from Peach and Pear Events Catering.  Delicious goodies, champagne, cutlery, glassware and a picnic rug are all delivered to your chosen location and set up as a surprise.

Heart Reef

This is the heart-shaped coral reef you’ve seen in all the holiday brochures. Due to protection laws, snorkelling and diving is prohibited, however a scenic helicopter or seaplane flight can fly you right over the top for a birds eye view.

Progressive Lunch Tour on a Tuk Tuk

I spent most of this afternoon hysterically laughing on the back of Tanya and Brett’s Tuk Tuk as they drove me right the way around Airlie beach for a progressive lunch experience unlike any other. We visited 3 of the best eateries in Airlie Beach – the ones not everyone knows about and learnt all the local knowledge.   I’m still not sure if the luxury boat docked at the Marina actually belonged to Mark Zuckerberg or Prince Harry, but their stories were both informative and extremely entertaining.  The Just Tuk’n Around tour took 3 hours and included plenty of food and cocktails.

Best Places to Eat

Most of the restaurants and bars are on or nearby the water, so you’ll pretty much always have the perfect vantage point for those famous Whitsunday sunsets.

I was surprised to discover that Airlie Beach had changed so much since my previous visit 10 years ago. Thanks to some of Australia’s best chefs relocating to Airlie Beach, the food options were incredible. There’s plenty of casual and fine dining options available and you’ll be hard pressed finding a local that doesn’t rave about their favourite place to grab the best seafood platter.  Just don’t leave without sampling a tropical fruit sorbet or cocktail. There’s a good chance you won’t find the same varieties further down south.  

My Recommendations:

• Northerlies Beach Bar & Grill 
• Coral Sea Resort (head to the end of the jetty for a pre-dinner sunset cocktail first. #honeymoongoals)
• Fish D’Vine
• SHUCKZ Oyster and Champagne Bar
• Tide’s Restaurant and Bar (Pepper’s Airlie Beach)
• Sorrento Restaurant & Bar

Average Costs

Airlie Beach Honeymoon Resort – 1 bedroom Apartment: $180 – $400 per room, per night.

Boat day trip with snorkeling and a visit to Whitehaven Beach: $189

Whitsunday Helicopter Experience: from $229 per person

Lunch/dinner at a waterfront restaurant: average of $35 per meal

Domestic flight from Brisbane to Whitsunday Coast (Proserpine): Prices vary. I have seen them from as low as $59 one way.

Visit Tourism Whitsundays for more planning tips.

Disclosure: This trip was a honeymoon familiarisation tour hosted by Whitsunday Tourism, however this editorial is not a paid sponsorship. All views and opinions expressed in this post are disclosed with honesty and integrity. Average prices were correct at the time of writing. Written by Jenny Cooper. 

The post The Whitsundays | Best Honeymoon Destinations appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

When you wake up each day on your honeymoon and sit down for breakfast with your new husband, what kind of view will you gaze upon? The famous white peaks and calm waters of Santorini, Greece? The iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris? Sunny skies and famous ocean waves of Noosa? Let’s see if we can find your dream in these Airbnb honeymoon ideas. 

Airbnb, in my opinion, is one of the best things to happen to world travel. Personally, I don’t love feeling like a tourist when I travel. To me, immersing into the local culture and taking in the feeling of living in a new place, even if only for a few days, feeds my imagination. Hotels don’t give that feeling the way staying in a house or villa can.  

The ease of Airbnb is another attractive feature – you peruse all listings, book and interact with your host online. It can also be a whole ton cheaper to book an Airbnb home rather than going through the traditional channels of hotel booking sites. 

I’ve had a whole ton of fun searching the whole world for some Airbnb honeymoon ideas with privacy, luxury and romance in mind. I’ve carefully selected homes with overwhelmingly positive reviews, which can only be supplied by people who have genuinely stayed in the homes. All of these homes and their hosts sound wonderful. 

But hey, this might just be a jumping off point for you to find your dream honeymoon. The world is your oyster, and I highly recommend diving into Airbnb and finding the best place for you to start your marriage in romantic bliss. 

VIEWS FOR DAYS IN SANTORINI 

The trouble you might find with this one-bedroom villa in Santorini is finding any motivation to set foot outside your oasis built for two. Taking a little dip in the spa looking out over the most incredible view of all of those white peaks and the calm water horizon will surely take up a considerable amount of your holiday time each day. This is the dream, isn’t it? Waking up to peek outside the sweet little white-curtained window to that famous sight. Ah… can it be topped? 

VILLA IN BALI

For Australians, honeymooning in Bali just makes sense. It’s close, it’s cheap, we love the warm weather it offers, and of course it’s beautiful.

An architecturally designed treasure in secluded location, accessible only by scooter (fun!), yet only minutes from Ubud. This villa has all the necessary elements for a relaxing balinese honeymoon – four poster bed with romantic draping curtains, multiple day beds, indoor/outdoor shower, and breakfast nook. You will also enjoy your own pool with dense garden providing complete privacy. Did someone say skinny dipping? 

MR BIG + CARRIE FANTASY IN NEW YORK

Live out that Upper East Side fantasy you’ve been harbouring since the Sex and The City Days in this studio apartment fit for any Carrie-type (with a hint of Charlotte, I reckon.) There is a sweet little kitchen to whip up a meal to share in bed, or you know, to use the oven for storage or something. 

On the same block as famous Madison Avenue, shopping is sorted, and you’re only two blocks from Central Park. Close by are plenty of cafes, restaurants and museums to get your cultural hit, too. 

As I look at the writer’s desk complete with lace curtained window outlook, I can’t help but wonder, “Why the heck haven’t I booked this already?!” 

STAYCATION HONEYMOON IN NOOSA 

If you’re wanting to make the most of your Sunshine Coast wedding by extending your stay to make it your honeymoon, well that’s a brilliant idea. Noosa has so much to offer – the world’s most beautiful beaches, amazing restaurants, nature exploration and tons of retail shopping experiences to be had. 

This villa at Marcus Beach has capacity to invite your friends to stay for the honeymoon, or kick them out after the wedding and enjoy the indoor pool and insane ocean views from every window all to yourselves. 

LOVE LIKE A PARISIAN 

And finally, there is no talk of honeymoon ideas that doesn’t include the possibility of Paris. For romance, it simply cannot be beaten. Getting lost wandering the streets of Paris, popping in to the odd pattiserie or cafe for sustenance. Living on macarons, coffee, cheese and chocolate… I mean, could it get any better? 

Drinking in the Parisian architecture is an activity in itself, though the famous attractions of the Louvre, Versailles, Saint-Germain-des-Prés and of course the Eiffel Tower are a must.

Breakfast with an Eiffel Tower view at this price is absolutely incredible, making the dream more likely to become a reality. 

Love these honeymoon ideas? Get $50 towards your Airbnb honeymoon 

If you loved these honeymoon ideas, or you’d like to find more Airbnb honeymoon destinations, be sure you use this link to get $50 towards your first Airbnb booking! 

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