Hawaii and Alaska. To mainlanders they both sound exotic and evocative — ideal for honeymoons. But how to decide? We offer up two options: a fun lover’s trek to the tropics and an outdoor enthusiast’s active immersion into the wild. Note: please check COVID-19 restrictions before booking any trip.
Hawaii
Playful newlyweds can honor their inner child at Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, located on Maui’s breathtaking Wailea Beach. An eye-popping, 40-acre oasis of tropical gardens, the artful retreat has all the perks of most magical Hawaiian hotels at first glance. However, suit up for the pool to enter the realms of your vacation imagination. There’s really nothing in the world like the 2,000-foot-long, 25,700 square-foot, 770,000-gallon watery haven — as pleasing to fun loving adults as children. The biggest problem is that you may get lost from one another as you fly down slides, swing and leap from a rope, float the rapids, soak in a jacuzzi, tipple Pina Coladas at the swim up bar or descend in the futuristic water elevator. When repose calls, you’ll want appointments at innovative Spa Grande, Hawaii’s largest spa, known for its blissful therme baths and indigenous treatments. Choose from 8 restaurants, including award-winning “Best of Maui” Humuhumunukunukuapua’a. Just try to say that!
Room to Book for Romance: Go for the Napua Club Grand Suite, located in the exclusive Napua Tower, with panoramic ocean views and high-end comforts including a private lanai, dedicated concierge, private check-in, and a full bar.
The Deal To Book: Grand Wailea also offers a special Getaway Package for a romantic getaway that includes a bespoke dinner for two, a couples massage at Spa Grande, a private cabana for two at the Hibiscus Pool with a bottle of Moet and Chandon, and a King Ocean View or Honua’ula Suite for two nights. Package starts at $4,000.
Of Note: The Extended Stay Package allows travelers to set up a ‘home’ at Grand Wailea, with an emphasis on making the travel experience as seamless and safe as possible. It includes flying private from the continental US, personal office space, fitness pods, a dedicated concierge (and more).
Alaska
Right from the page of a calendar (remember those?) the verdant, untamed terrain of southeastern Alaska enlivens the spirit. Ketchikan, an historic town, which faces the Inside Passage, sits on the waterfront, anchored by its collection of First People totem poles and architecturally characteristic homes and businesses. Nearby, Misty Fiords National Monument, hewed from glaciers, rolls out in an array of wildlife (think: bears and bald eagles) snowcapped mountains, salmon-brimming streams and waterfalls. Amongst the region’s backdrop, Salmon Falls Resort beckons. For those entranced by nature, this hideaway trumps any other honeymoon on earth. Here, immersed in the salmon capital of the world, peerless guides from the resort will guide you into the wilderness with results guaranteed — even if that just means learning to tie flies, though chances are you’ll catch the one you can brag about on your anniversaries to come. At the rustically elegant Salmon Falls, your off-the-grid honeymoon will include small explorations sure to wow you. Take a Misty Fjords Floatplane from the dock to tour the fjords, lakes and bays. Wildlife watch on a zodiac boat safari, where you’re likely to view whales, seals, eagles, lions and bears. Seek black bear in their own habitat with an expert guide on a Bear Watch adventure. Or, take an eco-kayaking tour, paddling through the magnificent Clover Passage.
Room to Book:
Choose the newly renovated, secluded Luxury Room with attached living room, which has views of wildlife and the water. All bookings include three meals per day, airport transfers, fishing gear, accommodations, and fish processing.
The Deal to Book: Act fast to get 25% off all room and meals packages for June, as well as 25% off all guided and self-guided fishing during the month of June. The offer ends April 1, 2021.
Of Note: Extended stays at Salmon Falls save you money. Four-night stays receive a 10% discount on above pricing, five nights get 15%, six nights 20 % and seven nights 25%. What a deal!
