05 August 2025

For my first blog post, I thought where better to start than back to our own honeymoon trip of a lifetime back in 2016…. There’s something undeniably magical about boarding a plane the day after your wedding, still riding high on the emotion and joy of the day before. That’s exactly what we did back in June 2016. Wedding bliss still buzzing in our veins as we slipped into our business class seats, champagne in hand and set off on the adventure of a lifetime. Our honeymoon was nothing short of a dream, spanning three incredible destinations: Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and a surprise finale in Dubai. Sri Lanka: Secluded Luxury & Cultural Wonders Our journey began in Sri Lanka, where we checked into the serene and stunning Uga Ulagalla... A hidden gem nestled within lush greenery and steeped in history. This luxurious resort is built around a 150 year old ancestral mansion, and each chalet feels like your own private sanctuary. We stayed in a luxury pool villa surrounded by monkey filled trees, which was so peaceful and secluded, it felt like we had the entire resort to ourselves. With bikes provided to explore the expansive grounds, we could glide past the rice paddies, horse stables, beautiful lake and tropical gardens, completely immersed in nature. The dining was as bespoke as it gets. One evening, we dined under a canopy of stars on the private observation deck, and another night we were guided to an intimate table set in the middle of a candlelit paddy field... a surreal and incredibly romantic experience. We also took part in a private Sri Lankan cooking class at the resort, learning to prepare traditional dishes with the freshest ingredients, straight from the garden. During our stay, we had a private driver for the whole trip who became our new best friend, dedicated photographer and showed us the very best of the Cultural Triangle... From the ancient city of Anuradhapura to the majestic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, the serene Dambulla Cave Temples, and even a safari in Minneriya National Park where we spotted elephants in the wild. Every moment was awe-inspiring and unforgettable. The Maldives: Overwater Bliss at Niyama Private Islands From the lush greens of Sri Lanka, we flew to Malé and then boarded a seaplane to the Maldives; the very definition of paradise and every bit as beautiful as all the photos you see. Our destination was the incredible Niyama Private Islands. Niyama is made up of two separate islands, aptly named Play and Chill, each offering its own unique vibe and connected by a wooden bridge over crystal-clear waters. We were greeted at the dock by our personal butler, who welcomed us by name, as did every staff member throughout the resort during our stay, somehow always knowing exactly who we were, adding such a thoughtful and luxurious touch. On arriving at our overwater villa, we opened the doors to our own private paradise... A shimmering pool stretched out toward the horizon, seemingly melting into the ocean. Floor-to-ceiling glass framed the endless views, and just beyond the deck, steps led into the crystal-clear sea. Inside, every detail felt made for romance, from the king-size bed facing the water to the outdoor shower and the glass floor in the bathroom, where we could watch fish drift by beneath our feet. It was intimate, dreamy, and completely unforgettable. The dining at Niyama was on another level. Our favourite being Edge, a refined fine-dining restaurant located half a kilometre offshore, only accessible by boat. Arriving by sea under the stars made it feel incredibly romantic. We also loved Nest, perched in the jungle treetops serving Asian-inspired dishes, and Tribal, which offered a more theatrical dining experience with African and South American flavours under the stars beside a glowing firepit. It really was a foodies paradise! And we couldn’t miss Subsix; Niyama’s iconic underwater bar. Descending below sea level to sip drinks surrounded by coral and marine life was like stepping into another world. We spent our days relaxing by the water, exploring the island by bike, indulging in a romantic couple’s massage at the overwater spa, snorkelling with vibrant marine life in the lagoon, and even saw dolphins on a private boat trip. One evening, our butler surprised us when we returned to our villa after dinner to a candlelit bath waiting, rose petals scattered, and soft music playing. It was those little touches that made Niyama feel so unforgettable. Truly, honeymoon paradise. One More Surprise: A Magical End in Dubai Just as we were winding down for our early morning seaplane home, my husband surprised me with a handwritten note that simply read: “One more stop…” Instead of heading home, we jetted off to Dubai, where he’d secretly arranged a final leg of the trip. We checked into the elegant Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf, staying in an Arabian-style villa with its own butler service. Our days were spent relaxing by the private villa pool and lounging on the beach in front of views of the Burj Al Arab as well as indulging in an iconic Dubai brunch. With our evenings spent enjoying sundowners during the complimentary happy hour in our villa, floating through the resort’s waterways in traditional abra boats and dining at some of the many incredible restaurants available at the resort. Our favourite was the stunning Pierchic, suspended over the water, perfect for a special romantic dinner. On our last night, we received our wedding photo and video previews. We sat barefoot on the beach, cocktails in hand, watching the memories of our wedding day play out on the screen as the sun dipped below the horizon. A truly full-circle moment and the perfect end to the most magical trip of our lives. Your very own dream honeymoon starts here! Every honeymoon should feel this personal, this unforgettable. From private pools in the jungle to overwater villas and surprise destinations, I’ll help you craft a journey that’s completely tailored to you and your love story. Ready to start planning the most magical trip of your life? Let’s make your honeymoon the adventure of a lifetime... Message me now to get started!