Honeymooning in Orlando

The state of Virginia might have stolen some of Florida’s thunder when it comes to slogans – after all, they coined the phrase “Virginia is for Lovers” in 1969 – but the Sunshine State can certainly claim to be the place for honeymoons.

With seemingly endless white sand beaches, a balmy climate, luxurious resorts and romantic dining options galore, this is truly prime real estate when it comes to deciding on your post-wedding celebration.

It’s no real secret, of course. Florida has been the choice of newlyweds since the early 1940s, when newly rechristened Honeymoon Island State Park on the Gulf Coast was highlighted in magazines and newsreels as THE place for couples.

Ever since, the lure of blissful beaches, blue skies and swimming pools with hot-and-cold-running bar service have brought in honeymooners by the boatload.

If that’s the big picture, there are also plenty of choices to keep the romance blooming nicely once you’re here. So, having provided the inside track on Florida weddings in our blog last week (insert hyperlink here), we thought we’d follow up with a Top 10 of perfect places to visit for the follow-up!

Honeymooning in Florida reason 10.

Having mentioned Honeymoon Island, we must flag this up as somewhere you’ll want to visit if you’re staying anywhere in the Clearwater Beach area. With four miles of pristine sands and the bluest of blue waters, it makes for an idyllic day out, especially as its unspoiled nature is geared towards leisurely beach walks, swimming, shelling and wildlife watching, and not a lot else.

Honeymooning in Florida reason 9.

Taking the opposite approach, for couples looking for that razzle-dazzle and non-stop excitement, you can’t beat Walt Disney World in Orlando as somewhere that delivers both fun and luxury in equal measure. Try the Senses Spa at the Grand Floridian Resort, where the ‘Just the 2 of Us’ package provides the ideal couple’s chill-out after a day in the parks, or the Mandara Spa at the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resort..

Honeymooning in Florida reason 8.

Ready for more Florida nature? Wekiva Island offers a terrific day venue, if you’re into relaxing with your partner in a kayak made for two, with just the crystal-clear waters of the Wekiva River to keep you company. This rustic retreat is lively at weekends but relatively quiet during the week, when you can also hire a private cabana for the day to ensure the maximum “Us time.”

Honeymooning in Florida reason 7.

Talking of cabanas, the opportunity for your own private space is also on offer at Discovery Cove, SeaWorld’s magnificent swim-with-dolphins opportunity, which is as much an all-inclusive South Seas island paradise as it is a water park. With all your necessities, amenities, meals and drinks laid on, this is where you can really relax with your partner and soak up the serene laid-back vibe.

Honeymooning in Florida reason 6.

For those on the Gulf Coast, it’s hard to beat sharing a sensational sunset with your new life partner. From Dunedin to Marco Island and all points in between, you can guarantee a spectacular conclusion to the day as you gaze east and watch the horizon become a symphony in red and orange. Enjoy it from the chic rooftop hangout of Level 11 Bar & Lounge atop the Bellwether Resort on St Pete Beach and you can toast the occasion with one of their superb signature cocktails.

Honeymooning in Florida reason 5.

Fabulous dining is very much a part of the Florida scene wherever you go, but the state also specialises in plenty of options for that unforgettable honeymoon dinner. And, when you need a magnificent setting as well as fantastic food, head for the Michelin-rated delight that is rooftop Capa Restaurant at the Four Seasons resort. Time your dining with the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom and you will truly have a meal with a view.

Honeymooning in Florida reason 4.

You want views? Orlando’s got views! ICON Park in the heart of International Drive boasts the 400ft vantage point of The Wheel at ICON Park, which is truly iconic as the sun goes down, and the view to the west goes way beyond spectacular. Even better, you can buy their VIP Experience and get a digital photo and various discounts on merchandise, and grab some bubbly before you embark from the handy Sky Bar. A guaranteed honeymoon moment.

Honeymooning in Florida reason 3.

When you’re ready to turn up the heat and put some night-time spice in your honeymoon, head for International Drive hotspot Mango’s Tropical Cafe. Not only to do they offer drinks, dancing and a lively cabaret, if you visit on the right night you can Sip, Savour and Salsa the evening away with mojitos, appetiser tasting and salsa and bachata lessons from 7.30-10pm.

Honeymooning in Florida reason 2.

It is hard to beat a great spa experience for honeymoon bliss, and we can heartily recommend the fabulous Relâche Spa at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee. Here, the Couple’s Body Ritual is tailor-made for side-by-side pampering, with a strong South Pacific influence on their treatments in the purpose-designed Couples Suite. Head upstairs and you can also enjoy a delectable dinner at Old Hickory Steakhouse.

Honeymooning in Florida reason 1.

For a definitive superlative on your grown-up vacation, consider taking flight – a balloon flight. Taking off from a secluded part of Central Florida as the morning sun comes up, this is as special as it gets for a distinctive Sunshine State experience. With the chance to help set up the balloon to start with, then a glass of champers when you land, you’ll be head-over-heels in love with the morning ambience, as well as each other. Check out Bob’s Balloons for a respected local operator, who also offer private flights for two for the ultimate couple’s occasion.

For more honeymoon ideas and places to visit, look up the special section of VisitFlorida.com.

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