MarziPlanner

The Bliss Of A Honeymoon

Posted on 20 May 2009

It seems appropriate to write about honeymoons when the weather turns cool, as we sit in our offices looking out at the rain and clouds, dreaming of white sandy beaches and temps in the high twenties .The average time spent on honeymoon for Australian couples is 2 weeks, at an average cost of $6,829*.

Stunning Hayman Island

I am off to Hayman Island this weekend for a long overdue R&R break with a girlfriend. Still a favourite for weddings and honeymoons, it is one of the luxury island venues in Qld’s Whitsundy’s catering to couples. My honeymoon four years ago was at Palm Cove and Port Douglas  and I still maintain that the time saved in getting there, plus the affordability of spending in Aussie dollars, made it a fantastic way to celebrate being newly married – far outweighing the “exotic-ness” of going overseas.

So – back to honeymoons. I tried on a swimsuit today for this weekend – I am SO surprised at the price of swimmers! Over $200 for most good quality pieces – ouch!! What happened to a cute 2-piece for $70??? And how come guys can get a groovy pair of togs for under $50? I think women’s swimsuit fabric must be more expensive per square centimeter than hand-spun silk! So I got a fabulous Jets one-piece (as is appropriate when you pass the 35 year & motherhood mark) for half price at $100. Bargain.

Elegant Jets One-pieces

What are the essentials to plan for on your honeymoon? Well the most comprehensive list I found was at The Knot – so forgive the Americanism’s but I could not have provided a more thorough list if I tried!

And my wish-list of Queensland honeymoon destinations? If I were to do it all again….

1. Bedarra Island : $7,248 for a Villa, 4 nights includes food, alcohol and activities

2. Lizard Island :  $7,072 for a Sunset Point Villa, 4 nights includes food, alcohol and activities

3. Silky Oaks Lodge, Daintree : $2,032 for a Tree House, 4 nights includes breakfast

4. Qualia Resort Hamilton Island : $6,600 for a Windward Pavilion, 4 nights includes meals and non-alcoholic drinks

5. Peppers Palm Bay : $4,267 for the new  Hemingway Suite, 4 nights includes breakfast & dinner, transfers and Spa Treatment.

Of course you can find honeymoon destinations for all budgets. North Queensland is an easy few hours from Eastern airports, and with temperate sunny weather mostly all year round, it really is a great honeymoon destination. And not just because I’m a Queenslander!!

Beach weddingmoon

Just watch out for the stingers! Jellyfish season is during the wet season – October till April.

Traditionally it’s the groom who plans and pays for the honeymoon – just make sure he knows what he’s doing!

HAPPY PLANNING!

Ilka Brookes, Marziplanner

* Bride to Be Cost of Love Survey 2008