Somewhere like Maldives, but closer!?

paddylonglegs

Hello,

I am planning to take my wife away on a second honeymoon as our first one wasn't anything major. But for our 10th anniversary I want to book a typical honeymoon to relax and not feel like we have to do anything. I am a bit more adventurous, however this time I'm happy to sit on a beach/deck/poolside for the day sipping cocktails and not feel obliged to any extra activity.

This is the thing. We will be able to get away for a week, we have 2 kids (who are staying at home!) and I don't want to be spending 2 days travelling if the destination is very far away.

Ideally, the typical beach scene of a deluxe villa over clear tropical waters and white beaches where you can relax would be the ideal spot. But from my limited knowledge, the likes of the Maldives and other far away places seem to be the only option.

She has also mentioned about loving to go on a cruise, which would be good, but personally I feel you would feel oblidged to get off at the stops to see places. Again, the ideal place would be to just relax and not be distracted by loads of different excursions etc

So, my question - any thoughts on where you could achieve this tropical water feel, but in Europe or in close travelling distance? Deluxe rooms are a must, good food and a spa would be great too

Any help appreciated

duffman13

If your looking for the over water villa id say the Mladives is probably the closest in flight time. I've been to Sri Lanka and going to the Maldives for my own honeymoon and the flights aren't that bad but it's probably horrendous to others.

You can get some fantastic resorts around Greece and the islands but you'd be paying a decent wedge for a premium experience. Cruises arent my cup of tea so cant really advise on that but if you have the time and money then look a little further afield.

BrianBoru00

how about fly/cruise fly to NYC for 2-3 nights and then get a cruise "home" to europe over 7-10 nights - no stops to "miss".

dar100

where can I find best deals for the Maldives?

baby and crumble

paddylonglegs wrote: »

She has also mentioned about loving to go on a cruise, which would be good, but personally I feel you would feel oblidged to get off at the stops to see places. Again, the ideal place would be to just relax and not be distracted by loads of different excursions etc

We went on a cruise for our honeymoon- now it was a very different beast (was up north in December to see northern lights... -16 does not "sunbathing" encourage!) but there was no obligation whatsoever to get off at all. And those massive cruise liners have everything you'd need for having a completely lazy holiday like you want.

paddylonglegs

duffman13 wrote: »

If your looking for the over water villa id say the Mladives is probably the closest in flight time. I've been to Sri Lanka and going to the Maldives for my own honeymoon and the flights aren't that bad but it's probably horrendous to others.

You can get some fantastic resorts around Greece and the islands but you'd be paying a decent wedge for a premium experience. Cruises arent my cup of tea so cant really advise on that but if you have the time and money then look a little further afield.

Looking at a few prices, it seems you get similar price for Mykonos in Greece for deluxe, plus food is on top. But I'm really not sure how they compare. Would be great to find out the comparisons.

I think it will be down to travel length at the end of the day

drunkmonkey

East coast Sardinia (the emerald coast)
West coast Ibiza
Elba

All them are tranquil. Ibiza might look a little odd there but it's a beautiful relaxing island outside of the madness down in the south east corner. Friendly vibe to the island with great food and beaches all round.
East cost Sardinia is silly expensive. Nice to see how the other half live though. Beaches are amazing.
Elba is just a beautiful island with beautiful beaches.

All have amazing looking tropical beaches with warm water. Keep away from anything connected to the Atlantic the water is a lot colder.

miamee

Croatia and Malta are both beautiful. I haven't been to the Maldives to compare but they are worth a look You can fly direct to Luqa airport in Malta or to Zadar or Dubrovnik in Croatia from Dublin.

paddylonglegs

drunkmonkey wrote: »

East coast Sardinia (the emerald coast)
West coast Ibiza
Elba

All them are tranquil. Ibiza might look a little odd there but it's a beautiful relaxing island outside of the madness down in the south east corner. Friendly vibe to the island with great food and beaches all round.
East cost Sardinia is silly expensive. Nice to see how the other half live though. Beaches are amazing.
Elba is just a beautiful island with beautiful beaches.

All have amazing looking tropical beaches with warm water. Keep away from anything connected to the Atlantic the water is a lot colder.

Would love Ibiza! Even though I'v heard its meant to be beautiful away from the madness, I think it would be hard to convince due to the rep.

Will check out the other suggestions too. thanks

drunkmonkey

paddylonglegs wrote: »

Would love Ibiza! Even though I'v heard its meant to be beautiful away from the madness, I think it would be hard to convince due to the rep.

Will check out the other suggestions too. thanks

Had the same problem with mine, she's went again since though. The madness is a strip down in San Antonio, tbh you'd drive through it in 1minute. It's no reflection on the rest of the island.
I'd buy a holiday home there but the prices of property make Dublin look like a bargain.
https://www.white-ibiza.com/guide/island/north-east

HeidiHeidi

Formentera, just south of Ibiza. You'd fly to Ibiza and get a ferry over.

Beautiful turquoise water, white beaches, small town, it's where the great and good go NOT to be seen! (We were anchored beside a normal looking yacht with a few premiership footballers on a day off)

It's absolutely beautiful!

Otherwise I'd also vote for Ibiza. The madness bit is tiny.

mojesius

You should check out Kefalonia in Greece. Fantastic beaches, easy island to get around and very unspoilt. We stayed right beside the airport and there were three quiet paradise-esque beaches right beside us. Other areas to choose from, the whole island is gorgeous. Due to its proximity to Italy, the food is a blend of Italian and Greek.
Good value for money as well.

No direct flights from Ireland but we flew with Ryanair to pisa, did a couple of nights in Florence, flew Pisa to kefalonia for 10 days with Ryanair then did a night in Pisa on the return leg. It was the trip of a lifetime.

duffman13

dar100 wrote: »

where can I find best deals for the Maldives?

What are you looking for? Im doing it myself as opposed to using an agency. I've been quoted 10k+ for days in over water villas by agencies. Can knock 30%ish off doing my own flights and hotel.

schemingbohemia

HeidiHeidi wrote: »

Formentera, just south of Ibiza. You'd fly to Ibiza and get a ferry over.

Beautiful turquoise water, white beaches, small town, it's where the great and good go NOT to be seen! (We were anchored beside a normal looking yacht with a few premiership footballers on a day off)

It's absolutely beautiful!

Otherwise I'd also vote for Ibiza. The madness bit is tiny.

My wife raves about Formentera, hopefully we'll get there soon.

HeidiHeidi

schemingbohemia wrote: »

My wife raves about Formentera, hopefully we'll get there soon.

I've been there twice (on a boat, from Ibiza) and I just adore it - seriously low key, so you'd want to like your own company - but soooo chilled.

Not sure if there's any luxury, honeymoon-style accomodation available - I'd be surprised if there wasn't tbh, but we stayed on the boat so I just have no idea - so may not be exactly what the OP is after - but if you're in the vicinty it's well worth a look.

paddylonglegs

Great ideas guys thanks a million, have plenty to think over

Daisy 55

I've never been, but santorini looks lovely?

paddylonglegs

HeidiHeidi wrote: »

I've been there twice (on a boat, from Ibiza) and I just adore it - seriously low key, so you'd want to like your own company - but soooo chilled.

Not sure if there's any luxury, honeymoon-style accomodation available - I'd be surprised if there wasn't tbh, but we stayed on the boat so I just have no idea - so may not be exactly what the OP is after - but if you're in the vicinty it's well worth a look.

Had a look there and there are some high end places, very quirky and chilled. On the list and now to convince her to go to Ibiza!

drunkmonkey

Tell her you'd like to go to the balearics it sounds better, she'll enjoy pottering around all the outdoor markets, strolling through Ibiza old town, grabbing lunch down with the super yachts in Santa Eulalia, Watching the sun go down on Sunday at Benirrás beach to the sound of the hippy drums (lovely restaurant on that beach http://elements-ibiza.com
I'd advise renting a car for how ever long your there, it's easy drive around but hard to get to places without one, there pretty cheap anyway
Look when she sees the fresh oranges growing on the side of the road she'll forgive you failing that you can always take her to Lidl in San Antonio.

love_love

I would second Malta - there's kind of nothing to do there but it's absolutely beautiful, and I'm sure you could find some lush place to stay.

Mal_83

Went to Ibiza about 10 years ago with the lads (about last time I was on boards too!) but I am told now it is completely different and more honeymoon type destination. Gas. Maybe check it out.

paddylonglegs

Mal_83 wrote: »

Went to Ibiza about 10 years ago with the lads (about last time I was on boards too!) but I am told now it is completely different and more honeymoon type destination. Gas. Maybe check it out.

A couple of people mentioned Ibiza alright, they weren't talking about San Antonio though!