| Hawaii #1 Top Spot in World for Newlyweds - 06/10/2005
NEW YORK - The Big Island is the best place for couples to unwind after their big day, according to a survey on the world's best honeymoon destinations. Hawaii held on to its No. 1 spot on the list of top 10 overall destinations for the ninth year in a row, according to Modern Bride's annual survey of 6,000 travel agents. Italy, noted for its cuisine and cultural attractions, followed in second place while Tahiti's beaches and secluded locale earned it the No. 3 spot. While the islands that make up the Caribbean may be small, they were big enough to catch the eye of travel experts, capturing four of the spots on the list. Anguilla and St. Barths joined the top 10 this year, while Jamaica and St. Lucia continued to delight travel agents with their romantic ambiance. Fiji, Mexico and France also were popular picks among those surveyed. The experts may make their recommendations, but newlyweds still follow their heart when it comes to choosing their honeymoon destination. The most popular major honeymoon cities are Paris, Venice, Honolulu, San Francisco and Sydney, the survey said. Think luxury Newlyweds are seeking indulgence and personal pampering during their honeymoons, the survey said, citing over-the-top luxury and spa resorts as main trends. Among the most luxurious amenities travel agents singled out were overwater bungalows at the Bora Bora Lagoon Resort in French Polynesia. This ultimate honeymoon suite features a private deck that leads directly into a lagoon. The Grand Wailea Resort & Spa in Maui, where couples can indulge in massages, facials and Hawaiian baths, was rated the best resort spa by the agents, while the Four Seasons Resort in Hualalai was cited for its luxurious bathroom. That pampering doesn't come cheap. A one-night stay in an overwater bungalow during the summer months comes with a price tag of 675, or $831, according to Bora Bora Lagoon Resort's online booking system. On average, newlyweds will shell out $3,700 for an eight-day honeymoon, according to the Fairchild Bridal Infobank.
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