How to honeymoon in luxury for less than £1,000 per person
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It is supposed to be the trip of a lifetime, the perfect chance to spend some time together after the happiest day of your life - which is perhaps why the honeymoon is the second most expensive part of a wedding.
In fact, honeymoons count for an average of 15 per cent of a couple's total wedding budget, coming in at about £3,164, according to research by You & Your Wedding magazine. And there are plenty that cost much more than that.
But a romantic trip away after the Big Day need not break the bank. In fact, there are a lot of options out there offering all the luxury you could want for half the price of the average honeymoon.
According to a recent survey from You & Your Wedding magazine, the average cost for a honeymoon in the UK tops £3,164
Jane Anderson, Editor of 101 Honeymoons, told MailOnline Travel: 'Honeymooners looking for luxury for less don't need to shy away from exotic destinations such as the Maldives as this island nation has value for money all-inclusives, even featuring its legendary over-water villas.
'If you really can't afford the long-haul flight, try the Sicily Isles in mid-summer instead of the Maldives or a more off the beaten track Mediterranean spot like Formentera.
'Other good value luxury honeymoon destinations include Mauritius, the Dominican Republic, Florida, Thailand, the Canary Islands and the Greek Islands.'
Behold the best bargains for an opulent, yet affordable honeymoon on a budget - at nearly half the price of the national estimate.
Honeymoons for under £1,000 per person
Reethi Beach, Maldives
The Maldives may be known as the idyllic island playground for the super-rich, but a seven-night stay may not be as far out of your reach as one might think.
In stunning Baa Atoll, the fabulous beach resort is accessible only via a half-hour seaplane flight from the capital, Male.
All villas are made from natural materials and are every bit as stunning as the white sand beaches for which the area is known.
The Maldives may be recognised as a white sand playground for the super-rich, but a stay on Baa Atoll may be as low as £679 per person
The Reethi Beach resort, which is only a half-hour seaplane flight from Male, offers both all-inclusive and B&B stay options
There are plenty of bars and restaurants on the island, as well as many water sports options, including the not-to-be-missed snorkelling
Partake in water sports like sailing, canoeing or waterskiing and no visit is complete without exploring the breathtaking underwater marine life of the Indian Ocean.
And for those who opt for the non all-inclusive option, there are plenty of bars and restaurants on the island to choose from each day.
Cost: A week-long stay at the four-star Reethi Beach, on a B&B basis, costs from £679 per person, including flights with Oman Air from London Heathrow.
For those looking for unbelievable sea views, without the cost of a long-haul flight, consider a honeymoon in the Balaearic Islands
Barcelo Illetas Albatros, Mallorca
Get unbelievable sea views - no long-haul flight necessary - by opting for a honeymoon in the Balearic Islands.
The Barcelo Illetas Abatros on the Bay of Palma, in Mallorca, is an exclusive, adults-only property just a stone's throw from the capital's historic centre.
Most of the hotel's 128 guest rooms have ocean views and some have private jacuzzis, though everyone can enjoy the swimming pool overlooking the Mediterranean.
The Barcelo Illeatas Abatros on the island of Mallorca is an exclusive, adults-only property overlooking the Bay of Palma
With plenty of amenities and stunning views, the hotel's seven-night honeymoon package - at just £549 per person - is great value
Newlyweds will receive the ultimate romantic treatment in the form of fizz and chocolate on arrival, a romantic bath sprinkled with rose petals and a one hour couples massage, which is available in room as well as on-site at the spa.
Cost: The hotel's honeymoon package is for a seven-night stay, starting at £549 per person on a half-board basis. It includes a stay in a deluxe room with ocean views, complete with private hot tub on the room terrace, as well as a poolside Balinese bed reservation.
For those who prefer a more secluded honeymoon experience, the upscale YouPhoria Villas in Crete are the perfect rental option
YouPhoria Villas, Crete
Offering more bang for your buck, this collection of eight upscale villas on Greece's largest island reflects the latest luxurious travel trend: Renting an entire home instead of simply a hotel room.
YouPhoria Villas are all set on the bay of Kissamos, Crete, overlooking the Gramvousa peninsular.
Each villa is well-appointed, finished with al fresco dining spaces, and each boasting their own private swimming pool.
Each of the eight upscale villas are well-appointed, with large terraces, al fresco dining options and private swimming pools
There are many unspoiled beaches within easy reach of the villas, including the Balos Lagoon, just a short boat ride away
There are many unspoiled beaches within easy reach of the villas, including the world famous Balos Lagoon, which is just a short boat ride away.
History buffs will also enjoy the Minoan history on offer, while couples looking to unwind may prefer to enjoy the amenities and privacy of their one-bedroom home away from home.
Cost: Prices start at £1,387 per week for a one-bedroom villa and regular flights are available into Chania airport via Ryanair or Easyjet.
Instead of the Amalfi coast, save money and head south to Cilento, where the views are just as dramatic and the prices are markedly less
Cilento Coast and Ischia, Italy
The Amalfi coast, known for its expensive hotels and A-list clientele, may be the vacation spot du jour in Venice, but a bit further south in Cilento, the views are just as dramatic - and prices noticeably less.
This seven-night, two-destination honeymoon itinerary starts at Hotel Marulivo, a former 13th century convent on the outskirts of the medieval village of Pisciotta.
Full of character, the hotel boasts stone walls, plenty of alcoves and arches, and a stunning sea view terrace.
After visiting Cilento, this two-in-one honeymoon offer also brings couples to the island of Ischia for an extended luxury escape
After four nights, transfer to the island of Ischia and the Garden Villas Resort.
Just a short distance from the famed Negombo thermal spa gardens, the luxurious resort is all about indulgence, lazing by the pool and enjoying time on the beach.
Cost: The entire honeymoon, which includes four nights at Marulivo Hotel B&B and three nights at Garden Villas at half board, starts at £1,650 for two, inclusive of flights to Naples and car hire.
Take in the gorgeous views of the Aegean Sea - in serious style - at the Kassandra Bay Resort & Spa in Skiathos, Greece
Kassandra Bay Resort & Spa, Skiathos
Situated among lush gardens overlooking the Aegean Sea and Vasilias Bay, the Kassandra Bay Resort & Spa is the epitome of a romantic resort.
Ideal for honeymooners, the hotel offers plenty of bespoke activities for lovestruck couples, including candlelit dinner for two at the gazebo.
Outfitted in crisp, white fabrics, the airy room interiors are as modern as they are fresh, boasting contemporary furniture and some with their own en-suite jacuzzi.
Many of the contemporary rooms also come with their own en-suite jacuzzis and there are plenty of romantic activities on offer
Couples can lounge by the resort's two salt water pools or book in for customisable spa treatments, such as a 24k gold powder scrub
Lounge by the resort's two salt water pools or take a water taxi to town and explore the old Skiathos port.
There are two restaurant options on-site, as well as a serene spa with customisable treatments, such as the 24k gold powder scrub.
Cost: For a week-long stay in a classic double room with sea view, accommodations, round-trip flights from London Gatwick and transfers tally just £429 per person.
For those couples looking to stay a bit closer to home, the Monbazillac Treehouse in southern France is a fantastical getaway option
Monbazillac Treehouse, Bergerac
Anyone who thinks that treehouses are just for children has clearly never stayed in this castle-inspired masterpiece.
Known as the Chateaux dans les Arbres, this one-bedroom residence, perched high up in the trees, is the ultimate in affordable luxury.
With views of the area's chestnut and oak trees, the expansive elevated terrace also offers a hot tub, perfect for sitting outside and watching the sunset in complete privacy.
Situated high in the treetops, the elevated residence offers a private hot tub, large double bed and gorgeous views for just £198 per night
There are four treehouses at Chateaux dans les Arbres, all of which are designed to echo the architecture of the traditional French chateaux.
Located near Bergerac, guests will undoubtedly enjoy the rolling French countryside, and the quaint commune nearby.
Cost: A stay for two begins at just £198 per night.
But there are plenty of great offers to be found simply by looking at alternate destinations, such as Malaysia's Four Seasons Langkawi
Honeymoons for under £1,500 per person
Four Seasons Langkawi, Malaysia
If you're willing to splash out just an extra couple of hundred pounds, you can head to somewhere like the Four Seasons Resort Langkawai, which offers a great bargain offer for those staying seven nights.
Get away from it all on the resort property, which boasts a quiet adult-only pool and indulgent geo spa.
Adventure-seekers can stray off the manicured path and instead embark on a naturalist-led eco-adventure in the world-renowned mangroves of the Kilim Karst Geoforest Park, which is just a short boat ride away.
The luxurious resort is accessible to all thanks to their week-long stay for two package, which comes in at just £800 per person
At the Geoforest Park, animal loving pairs can get up close and personal with monkeys, eagles and colourful fiddler crabs.
Cycling enthusiasts will love the leisurely bicycle safaris around local paddy fields and villages, while adrenaline junkies may prefer the hotel's on-site rock-climbing or archery.
Cost: Until December 20, 2015, the luxurious Malaysian resort is accessible to all with their week-long stay for two on a half-board basis costing just £1,604 - or £800 per person - not including flights.
Despite its exclusive reputation, the striking turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean are not out of reach for budget-conscious couples
Veranda Paul & Virginie, Mauritius
The crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean are not out of reach - even for budget-conscious couples.
Veranda Paul & Virginie, in Mauritius, is a three-star plus adults-only hotel located in the fisherman village of Grand Gaube.
All rooms boast sea views and the intimate property has two restaurants and one bar for guests to choose from, while offering a stunning view of the country's northern islands and a bustling beach with plenty of water sports to choose from.
At the Veranda Paul & Virginie resort in Mauritius, newlyweds can take advantage of their honeymoon offer and save 30% for five nights
There are also great bargains to be found when it comes to flights, with Air Mauritius flying regularly from London Gatwick at just £640
If booking directly, newlyweds can take advantage of the honeymoon offer and save 30 per cent on any five night (or longer) stay.
Cost: For a week long stay on a B&B basis, a superior room will come in at just £520 for a superior room. Air Mauritius likewise offers excellent deals, from £640 per person return, flying from London Gatwick, meaning that a honeymoon to Mauritius can cost as little as £1,800 per couple.
Rayavadee, Thailand
Honeymoon in an exotic, luxurious setting - without breaking the bank - with a stay at this five-star resort in Krabi, Thailand.
Nearby, couples can take in the breathtaking limestone cliffs of Railay Beach, or trek through the lush jungles for which the south of the country is best known.
Back at the Rayavadee resort, the secluded location sets the scene for romance, surrounded only by coconut palms and native wildlife.
Who says a five-star hotel has to break the bank? At the Rayavadee resort in Krabi, Thailand, honeymooners get get value for their money
The secluded location sets the tone for romance with its large freeform pool, extensive spa, and opulent beachfront villas
On-site facilities include two restaurants, a large freeform swimming pool and an extensive spa.
There are 98 spacious two-storey pavilions, as well as four beachfront villas, to choose from and all include a king-size bed, of course.
During the summer months, great deals are on offer, as its considered the low season for Thailand.
Cost: Seven nights at Rayavadee in a deluxe pavilion will cost from £1,379 per person, based on an August departure, and includes return flights from London Heathrow.
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