Honeymoon and travel ideas for Cheshire and Merseyside couples

Average cost of a honeymoon reaches £4,550 per couple

With wedding season well underway, new research by insurer Aviva shows that newlyweds could expect to spend £4,550 on a honeymoon on average. Those who opt for a minimoon - a shorter escape usually straight after the wedding - can expect to spend £3,438 on average. Around three million Brits - 6% of those surveyed - are planning both an overseas minimoon and honeymoon. For these newlyweds, the cost could amount to £8,861 on average per couple.

Why Autumn and Winter Are the Perfect Time to Discover Piraeus, Athens

Now that the summer crowds have dispersed and the islands begin to wind down for the winter, there has never been a better time to experience Athens at a different pace. With cooler temperatures and fewer tourists, visitors can explore everything the city has to offer – from world-class museums and ancient landmarks to vibrant neighbourhoods and an ever-evolving dining scene. And instead of staying in the bustling city centre, consider basing yourself in nearby Piraeus, Athens' dynamic port district that has been enjoying a cultural and culinary resurgence in recent years. With newly opened galleries, acclaimed restaurants and wine bars, plus the convenience of new metro stations linking directly to both central Athens and the airport, Piraeus offers the perfect balance of accessibility and atmosphere.

AWASI EXPANDS WITH TWO NEW SOUTH AMERICAN SANCTUARIES

As South America takes centre stage in the world of experiential travel, Awasi is building on the success of its award-winning lodges in Patagonia, Atacama and Iguazu. The brand is evolving into an integrated portfolio of connected outdoor journeys, each rooted in the culture, ecology, and rhythms of its surroundings. Joining the collection are Awasi Santa Catarina in Brazil and Awasi Mendoza in Argentina. Each new destination reflects the Awasi ethos: a profound relationship to land, culture and craft, where time slows and every detail is tailored to the individual guest.

IKOS RESORTS EXPANDS LUXURY OFFERINGS

Ikos Resorts, the award-winning collection of luxury all-inclusive resorts across the Mediterranean, is further expanding its Deluxe Collection offering for the start of the 2026 season, with the introduction of luxury villas in Ikos Odisia (Corfu, Greece), and Ikos Porto Petro (Mallorca, Spain), alongside a selection of new room categories. These additions mark the next step in the group's commitment to redefining luxury all-inclusive holidays, offering guests more space, privacy, and tailored experiences than ever before.

PURPLE SKI INTRODUCES NEW CHALET CERVINIA

Purple Ski, the premier luxury chalet operator across the French Alps, is delighted to reveal the latest addition to its portfolio, Chalet Cervinia, Val d'Isère. Sleeping up to 13 in six bedrooms, and available for stays from December '25, Chalet Cervinia is tucked away in the quiet lanes of the charming Le Joseray area of Val d'Isère, the opulent three-story residence is a true hidden gem that effortlessly blends classic alpine design with state-of-the-art facilities.

A GASTRONOMIC AND WELLNESS ESCAPE WITH INIALA BEACH HOUSE

Experience unparalleled luxury with Iniala Beach House's exclusive three-day, two-night Gastronomy and Wellness Escape for two. This extraordinary package invites guests to indulge along the untouched shores of Natai Beach, unwinding in the elegant sanctuary of a Lotus Suite or Boudoir Suite. The package includes gourmet breakfast each morning, daily massages to restore balance and calm, an intimate chef's table experience at the Michelin-starred Aulis Phuket by Simon Rogan.

The Rise of 'Soft Adventure' Travel

As travellers look beyond high-risk extremes, they are prioritizing accessible, lower-risk activities that cater to a wider demographic, including multi-generational families and first-time adventurers. This demand is strongest for holidays that successfully blend active elements—like hiking, trekking, and biking—with comfortable, enriching cultural experiences. We've rounded up 10 diverse and unique "Soft Adventures" to consider for 2026. Discover soft adventures here and get booking.

Ifuru Island Maldives Announces Festive Season

Ifuru Island Maldives is delighted to announce its festive season programme, taking place from 21 December 2025 to 10 January 2026. This year, the resort will embrace the soulful rhythms and vibrant atmosphere of New Orleans, blending the joy of jazz and the elegance of Mardi Gras with the natural beauty of the Maldives. The celebrations will feature a series of carefully curated events designed to bring guests together through music, fine dining, and island warmth.

NEW AUTUMN EXPERIENCES AT MAR HALL GOLF & SPA RESORT

Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort celebrates its first Autumn since its £20million refurbishment with two curated seasonal escapes. Each new package invites guests to explore the 240-acre estate with outdoor pursuits, restorative spa treatments and nourishing Scottish dining. Located on the banks of the River Clyde with views of the Kilpatrick Hills, the estate fuses warm urban energy with Autumnal Scottish calm, just 10 minutes from Glasgow Airport.

Introducing Off Grid Girona

Off Grid Girona is a new ten-bedroom rural hotel with adjoining four-bedroom barn, set within a restored 17th-century masia in the Alta Garrotxa region of Catalonia. Situated at the base of Mare de Déu del Mont amidst ancient forest and the sweeping expanse of mainland Spain's largest volcanic landscape, the property places nature, simplicity, and shared experiences at its core. More open home than hotel, Off Grid Girona encourages connection with nature, community, and craft, through its shared spaces, communal dining, local collaborators and quiet invitation to switch off.

Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve: Guardians of the Red Sea

Set on a private island in one of the world's most unspoiled marine environments, Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is shaping the future of luxury travel. As one of the first resorts in Saudi Arabia to achieve LEED Platinum certification, Nujuma stands as a living testament to thoughtful stewardship, cultural authenticity, and regenerative tourism. Guided by the ethos of "Guardians of the Red Sea," every stay is designed to protect, restore, and celebrate the pristine landscapes, rare marine life, and centuries-old traditions that define this extraordinary destination.

Grand Hotel Central Launches New Cultural Experiences

Following the celebrated re-opening of Barcelona's Grand Hotel Central in 2024, the landmark property is now offering guests unrivalled access to the Catalan capital's cultural heart with two new experiences: The Artisan's Barcelona and The Storyteller's Barcelona. Both are two-night itineraries which explore two of the city's richest traditions: its legacy of artisan craftsmanship and its literary roots. Whether browsing centuries-old workshops or tracing the footsteps of Orwell and Zafón, guests will enjoy privileged access, local encounters, and behind-the-scenes moments that connect them to Barcelona's history through its living culture.

CELEBRATE YOUR LOVE WITH EAST WINDS ROMANCE PACKAGE

East Winds has thought of everything to ensure couples have a stress and hassle free visit. Private airport transfers ensure a smooth and stress-free arrival on island. On reaching the resort, a chilled bottle of champagne awaits couples in their room, ready to be enjoyed as they settle in and begin their stay. The all-inclusive boutique resort has just 30 rooms set in acres of stunning tropical gardens and is set on a storybook sandy beach.

NOW OPEN: Casa Cook Madonna

Casa Cook Madonna, the brand's first mountain retreat and debut property in Italy, has opened its doors for the very first time this August. This adults-only sanctuary is nestled in the picturesque village of Madonna di Campiglio, in a charming village in the heart of the Dolomites, just 150km from Verona Airport and 170km from Milan Bergamo Airport. In partnership with lifestyle hotel operator TREASURESTS Hospitality and JP Hospitality Investors Club, the hotel combines understated luxury with serene mountain charm, and offers an unparalleled escape for both winter and summer pursuits in one of Italy's most stylish destinations.

IDILIQ hotels and resorts launch pink room

In honour of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, IDILIQ Hotels & Resorts is delighted to unveil its 'Pink Room' - a revamped Deluxe Suite at Wyndham Grand Costa del Sol, where all proceeds from stays booked during October will go towards AECC, the Spanish Cancer Association. The Deluxe Suite has been transformed into a pink paradise complete with pink bedding, cushions, towels, and even pink glasses and crockery. Guests can take home a pink teddy bear and share personal memories and stories in the dedicated guest book.

St. Regis Red Sea: The ultimate luxury escape

As Saudi Arabia opens its doors wider to international visitors, the Red Sea is emerging as a new frontier in luxury travel, combining untouched nature, architectural brilliance, and a commitment to regenerative tourism. For well-travelled UK guests, the appeal lies in experiencing this exclusive destination before it becomes mainstream. This growth is supported by increased flight routes, new airline partnerships, and the launch of a streamlined e-Visa system for UK citizens. With demand rising across the Gulf region, the Red Sea is positioning itself as the insider's destination of choice.

A fresh take on luxury in the Capital of the Alps

Think of luxury and it's easy to picture five-star hotels and fine dining, but a break in the Capital of the Alps enables guests to indulge in a quieter splendour, which reconnects with nature and offers the opportunity to fully relax. Experience the concept of natural luxury in Innsbruck this summer, a city surrounded by mountains, crystal-clear natural lakes and beautiful alpine spas.

Virgin Limited-Edition Unveils the New Look of Mahali Mzuri

Mahali Mzuri, Sir Richard Branson's luxury tented safari camp in Kenya's famed Maasai Mara, and part of the Virgin Limited-Edition collection, has officially re-opened following a full interior re-design. The re-opening is welcomed in time for guests to take their front row seats for the annual great migration, which typically occurs during July and August. Mahali Mazuri, meaning 'beautiful place', was born out of a passion to conserve the under-threat route of the Great Wildebeest Migration, in 2013.

A MICHELIN-STARRED CHEF, TOM AIKENS, HEADLINES CULINARY PROGRAMME

For discerning travellers seeking a rare blend of gastronomic brilliance and barefoot island luxury, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort is set to serve up its most exceptional festive season yet. From 26 December 2025 to 6 January 2026, the five-star retreat will welcome Michelin-starred Chef, Tom Aikens, for an exclusive 12-day residency — a once-in-a-lifetime experience for food lovers. As the youngest British chef ever to be awarded two Michelin stars, Tom Aikens is revered for his ingredient-led, deeply personal approach to modern European cuisine. Now, guests of InterContinental Maldives can savour his creations in a series of immersive culinary events — all set against the breathtaking turquoise waters of the Raa Atoll.

Minos Palace Resort, unveils signature scientific programmes for longevity

Five-star Minos Palace Resort in Crete, a member of Bluegr Hotels & Resorts, has unveiled details of the five signature, personalised longevity programmes; available to guests at its revolutionary Nao longevity hub, which opened on 16th May 2025. Taking centre stage as Greece's newest luxury wellbeing destination, Nao, integrates ancient healing practices with advanced diagnostics and treatments to target the 12 Hallmarks of Ageing. Created by a scientific board, what sets Nao apart, is its unique suite of advanced treatments, which are seamlessly integrated with mindfulness and self-mastery coaching, to support emotional wellbeing and behaviour change.