5 Honeymoon resorts worth the splurge

For those who say “money doesn’t buy happiness,” we’ve got one rebuttal — you haven’t seen these resorts. After months of dieting, dress-fitting and wedding planning, splurge on a stay at one of these luxurious, gorgeous and big-ticket resorts.

From over-the-water villas to a complimentary Mercedes-Benz on check-in, a stay at one of these five-star resorts and hotels will have you feeling like a million bucks.

If you’re looking for a secluded honeymoon that is still close to the hustle and bustle of a big city, book a stay in one of the suites at the Montage Beverly Hills. Located just a block away from Rodeo Drive and 10 minutes from Hollywood, this stunning five-star property is the perfect location if you’re interested in high-end shopping and dining. All of their suites come with complimentary access to a Mercedes-Benz of your choice, thanks to a partnership with the luxury car brand. Be sure to reserve a table at Scarpetta, their fine-dining Italian restaurant. If you only want the best of the best, stay in the Presidential suite, which has its own private access, baby grand piano, steam shower and full-service kitchen. Suite rates start at $600 a night.

Rated one of the best places to go on a honeymoon, Bora Bora is a newlywed’s dream, with minty blue waters, stunning mountain views and gorgeous resorts with luxurious bungalows. Of all the resorts in Bora Bora, our favorite is the five-star InterContinental Resort & Thalasso Spa. The postcard-perfect resort has 83 over-water, one-bedroom villas featuring views of either the lagoon or the majestic Mount Otemanu, and their own private docks. In addition to luxurious accommodations, the Sands restaurant has amazing local seafood and meat, like fresh plank salmon and beef Carpaccio. After dining, book a couple’s massage at the magnificent 4,000-square-foot Deep Ocean Spa. Villas start at $863 and up.

If you’re looking to dine or sunbathe next to an A-lister, spend your honeymoon at the most luxurious resort in all of Mexico, the five-star One & Only Palmilla. Because the hotel focuses on individual customer service, you never feel like you’re at a large 172-room hotel — more like you’re staying at a very fancy bed and breakfast. Each of the rooms has red tile ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning views of the Sea of Cortes. Reserve a table at the renowned Jean Georges Vongerichten’s Market Restaurant, featuring fresh Mexican seafood like tuna ribbons. Then give yourself a much-needed pampering day at the spa. We highly recommend the signature chocolate treatment. Rooms start at $800 a night.

If you want a tropical honeymoon but one a bit more exotic than the Caribbean, hop on a plane and spend your first vacation as a married couple at the five-star Amandari in Bali, Indonesia. With just 30 rooms, it’s designed to replicate a cozy Balinese village. It has stunning views of the lush, tropical rainforest and Ayung River Gorge. The jaw-dropping accommodations have freestanding thatched-roof suites with private gardens, glass on three sides of each room and Balinese artifacts. Each room is also decorated with stunning mosaic tile. The main restaurant offers food from all cultures, including Eastern, Western and Balinese influences. Rooms start at $950 and up.

There’s no better place to spend your first few weeks as a happily married couple than the twinkling city of lights and romance. It’s hard not to fall head-over-heels in love all over again in Paris, especially if you’re staying at the super swanky and exclusive Four Seasons Hotel George V, located right off the Champs-Elysées. First opened in 1928, it looks like the private home of Louis IV, from a stunning lobby with a giant crystal chandelier and gold-plated antique furniture to ornately decorated guest rooms fitted with historic artifacts, famous paintings and “work of art” floral arrangements. If you’ve got the bucks, spend them on the Penthouse suite, which offers 360-degree views of the Eiffel Tower and a private terrace. Rooms start at $1000 and up.

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