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The UAE offers a stunning backdrop for couples looking to tie the knot in style. From pristine beaches to elegant desert settings, crafting your dream destination wedding here requires thoughtful planning.

Choosing the Perfect Venue

Whether you want a beachside ceremony or a glamorous hotel setting, the UAE has options for every style. For a serene and luxurious wedding in Abu Dhabi, the likes of Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Yamm Villa Resort offers the perfect romantic escape, complete with stunning ocean views and elegant settings.

Image via Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Yamm Villa Resort

Understand Local Customs and Regulations

It’s crucial to understand the cultural and legal requirements of getting married in the UAE. Ensure you have the right documentation and are familiar with the local customs, especially if you’re planning a multicultural wedding. Respect for traditions will add an authentic touch to your big day.

Hire an Experienced Wedding Planner

Working with a local wedding planner can be a game-changer. They will help you navigate the rules, recommend the best vendors, and ensure everything runs smoothly on the day. Their knowledge of the local scene can make all the difference in bringing your dream wedding to life.

Timing is Everything

The UAE’s desert climate can be extreme, so plan your wedding during the cooler months, between October and April. This will make the experience more comfortable for both you and your guests, and ensure you can enjoy an outdoor celebration without the heat taking away from the magic.

Hua Hin is a coastal town located in Thailand’s western province of Prachuap Khiri Khan and always attracts beachgoers and water sports enthusiasts. However, beyond these water-based adventures, it also features several attractions on land for the adventurous couple. Here are some of the best places that couples can visit during their visit to Hua Hin.

Wat Huay Mongkol

This historic temple features one of the largest statues in the world, and several architectural features and stunning artworks. The statue depicts the famed Buddhist monk Luang Por Thuad who was said to have the ability to perform miracles. Couples staying at the Anantara Hua Hin can easily visit the iconic temple by making arrangements at the hotel.

Phraya Nakhon Cave

Visiting this mysterious landmark is one of the more adventurous things to do in Hua Hin, Thailand. This is because within the cave you’ll find a natural green space with fully-grown trees and plants, that are supported by an opening at the top of the cave that brings in sunlight. It is a perfect spot for couples to explore together as it resembles a scene from a fairytale.

Monsoon Valley Vineyard

Another romantic adventure couples can enjoy is a visit to this popular vineyard and taste award-winning wines. The Vineyard thrives by taking advantage of its location and climate to produce high-quality grapes and wine. The taste of wine paired with the vineyard’s picturesque surroundings make for a truly unique experience.

josef knecht, Hua Hin Hills Monsoon Valley Vineyard – panoramio – josef knecht, CC BY 3.0

Wat Khao Takiap

This temple is located halfway up a mountain called Chopstick Mountain, also known as Monkey Mountain as it is frequented by macaque monkeys. The temple itself offers fantastic panoramic views of the ocean and a 20-metre-tall statue of a golden Buddha that overlooks the sea. However, getting to the temple requires you to climb the 80 steps after which you’ll be rewarded with scenic views.

From the sun-kissed shores of the Great Barrier Reef to the serene landscapes of the Blue Mountains, each corner of this diverse country provides an idyllic backdrop for love. Australia’s unique charm and natural beauty set the stage for unforgettable moments, whether it’s a secluded beachside retreat, a luxurious vineyard stay, or a cosy cabin nestled in the bush.

Discover the Wildlife Together

Experiencing wildlife in its natural habitat is not only an exhilarating activity but also an opportunity for couples to deepen their bond. In Australia, witnessing the charming little penguins at Phillip Island offers a magical moment, especially during the Penguin Parade where these tiny “fairy penguins” waddle up the sandy coastline to their nests at sunset.

Explore romance in the famous Wine valleys

Australian winemakers have gained global acclaim for their high-quality, diverse vintages. Exploring the country’s renowned wine regions offers more than just tasting; it immerses you in the breathtaking landscapes of these areas. Adelaide, recognized as the Great Wine Capital of Australia, is part of a network of nine cities worldwide with a cultural and economic bond to wine. This is quite an easy activity to pursue if you’re staying in 5 star hotels in Australia like the glamorous choices of the Pan Pacific PARKROYAL COLLECTION & PARKROYAL.

Soar over the Australian Skies

Hot-air balloon – Image via Flickr

A hot-air balloon ride is often underestimated in terms of romance, but it provides an extraordinary aerial view of Australia’s most stunning destinations. Imagine floating serenely with your loved one, gazing down at the magnificent landscape below, whether it’s the rolling hills of a sheep farm, the winding trees of a tropical forest, the rushing waters of a wide river, or the dramatic bluffs of a nearby gorge.

Embrace road-trips together

Few experiences are as romantic as a couple’s road trip, and Australia’s most scenic drives provide the perfect backdrop for such a journey. As you craft the soundtrack to the ever-changing landscape, you’ll find that the journey itself is as meaningful as the destinations. Take time to pull over and explore!

While Chiang Mai is a perfect destination for travellers of all kinds it is particularly great for couples looking for a serene and relaxing experience on their vacation. From cultural wonders to various natural marvels, here are some of the serene places to visit with your significant other in Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai Temples

Chiang Mai is perhaps best known for the multitude of historic temples that feature fascinating architectural traits and artworks. The city is home to over 300 temples and they are best explored through a day excursion around the city so that you can witness as many of them as you can. If you are staying at the Anantara Chiang Mai Resort, you can organise a trip solely around visiting the temples of Chiang Mai.

Visions of Domino, Chiang Mai – Temples (24596893731), CC BY 2.0

Queen Sirikit Botanical Gardens

This is the first of its kind in the country and spans more than 220 hectares, allowing for various climates for its plants to grow. As you wander through the gardens you’ll see different species of plants from all over the world, including those found in Asian tropical rainforests.

Tweechol Botanical Gardens

Visiting the Tweechol Botanical Gardens is one of the unique things to do in Chiang Mai because, in addition to its diverse plant life, you’ll discover magnificent plant sculptures that depict massive dragons.

Bai Orchid Butterfly Farm

As its name suggests a visit to this enchanting space will allow you to witness a vast population of colourful butterflies as well as thousands of vibrant orchids. The combination of orchids and butterflies gives the farm a fairytale-like allure that you and your partner will love.

Phuket, a tropical haven, sets the stage for couples seeking romance and adventure – amidst the pristine sandy beaches, glistening emerald waters and colourful heritage, the island boasts a range of experiences to create unforgettable memories. Offering an unparallelled blend of luxury, adventure, and romance, discover why Phuket is the perfect destination to celebrate your love.

Rum Tasting at the Chalong Bay Distillery 

Kickstart your honeymoon with a visit to the Chalong Bay Distillery, where you can sample a variety of local rums and learn about the island’s rum-making heritage, a truly unique experience in the south of Phuket.

A Romantic Dinner on the Beach 

As the sun dips below the horizon, savour a romantic dinner on the beach, accompanied by the gentle lapping of waves. Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas offers customisable meals for two, with the option for candlelit Phuket romantic dining overlooking Mai Khao beach.

Image via Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas

Afternoon Junk Boat Cruise (Pha Nga Bay)

Alternatively, take your glass of Champagne to the high seas, on board a traditionally styled Junk boat cruise. The wooden deck offers panoramic views of the towering limestone karsts rising from the emerald seas of the Bay.

Helicopter Tour Over the Andaman Sea 

For a truly unforgettable experience, consider a helicopter tour over Phuket’s stunning coastline. Witness the island’s beauty from a bird’s-eye view, capturing breathtaking photos to cherish forever.

Snorkelling in Phuket 

Spend your remaining honeymoon days melting away the stresses of everyday life, with a couple’s spa treatment at a luxurious resort.