Honeymoon and travel ideas for Cheshire and Merseyside couples

Ikos Resorts in Kos, Greece, has unveiled a new botanical garden

Ikos Resorts has unveiled a new botanical treasure at Ikos Aria on Kos, Greece, the birthplace of Hippocrates. The Hippocrates "Garden of Life" is a captivating tribute to the father of Western medicine, blending ancient wisdom, natural beauty, and cultural storytelling into a single, serene space.

The garden showcases herbs and plants once used in early healing practices, arranged in areas inspired by mythological figures and ancient heroes. Pomegranate, myrtle, fig, wild rose, juniper, dittany, and more create a fragrant, timeless journey through the landscapes of Hippocratic medicine.

Castaway Island, Fiji has created a new wellness programme

Castaway Island, Fiji invites guests to slow down and rediscover their rhythm with its new adaptive wellness programme — a gentle three- to seven-day journey designed to realign the body and spirit. Each day begins with sunrise yoga on the oceanfront deck, followed by fresh-pressed wellness shots and nourishing wholefood menus.

Personalised to suit any stay, the programme weaves together island bushwalks, cultural encounters, snorkelling adventures, and soothing spa therapies. Guided by the resort's warm and experienced team, guests naturally slip into the pace of island life, embracing a blend of movement, mindfulness, and exciting Fijian traditions.

Uga Prava is a new serene hideaway in Sri Lanka

Uga, Sri Lanka's boutique hotel group, has unveiled its seventh property: Uga Prava – a serene hideaway set along the golden shores of Tangalle. Home to seven elegant minimalist suites, a private beach, an infinity pool, and a signature restaurant and bar, the property feels like it's in a quiet, luxurious world of its own.

Named after the Sanskrit word for coral, pravala, Uga Prva blends refined design with a deep reverence for the surrounding landscape. Dining is central to the experience, with an indoor–outdoor restaurant that invites guests to savour fresh flavours while enjoying the tropical breeze and ocean views.

Santikos Collection’s latest opening is set to make waves next summer

Due to open its doors end June 2026, the 27-room property, Méros, will sit in a prime position in Naousa, Paros, offering mesmerising sea views. Part of the family-run Santikos Collection, the hotel will debut with its fully refurbished interiors and complete room offering for the 2026 season, while outdoor areas, including the pool, are scheduled to be completed in time for the 2027 season, when the property will be fully unveiled with its signature blend of laid-back luxury.

Set against the luminous backdrop of Paros, the island's newest hideaway reimagines Cycladic design with a quietly confident modern lens. The property leans into the language of the Aegean, whitewashed contours, hand-cut stone, generous arcs of light, yet resists the expected clichés. Instead, it favours a palette of chalky neutrals and sun-warmed textures. There's a sense of studied restraint: minimalism softened by natural materials, sculptural details that never overpower and an overall aesthetic that invites the eye to rest.

Grand Resort Bad Ragaz is opening a new health centre

Grand Resort Bad Ragaz, one of Switzerland's most celebrated havens for health and wellbeing, is entering a new era with the launch of the Tamina Health Centre. Opened in October 2025, the Centre is dedicated to preventative medicine and longevity, uniting cutting-edge research with personalised care to help guests extend their life span and cultivate lasting vitality.

Named after the Tamina Gorge, the source of the resort's renowned thermal waters, the Centre elevates wellness beyond traditional spa rituals. Led by a team of more than 100 specialists, the Tamina Health Centre delivers a personalised, science-based approach shaped by decades of expertise.

Crabtree & Crabtree expand their Scottish offerings

Designed for slow living, these dog-friendly retreats include a luxurious African-inspired safari tent with a wood-fired hot tub, two Scandinavian-style shepherd's huts with stargazing roofs, and a hayloft-turned-wellness sanctuary complete with private sauna. All would be perfect for a minimoon. Just an hour from Edinburgh, these hideaways are tucked within the rolling hills of the Scottish Lowlands – gateway to the Lammermuir Hills – with hiking, cycling and horse riding trails on the doorstep. The nearby Whiteadder Reservoir offers wild swimming, fishing and water sports, while the surrounding countryside teems with wildlife: from short-eared owls and kingfishers to sparrow hawks, ospreys, and roe deer.

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.