It's Not Your Mother's Honeymoon: Today's Honeymoon Trends
by Paris Permenter & John Bigley

Endless love.

Heartfelt vows.

Some things never change.

But when the wedding’s completed, today’s honeymoon may little resemble the getaways of yesteryear. You are ready to celebrate with an event reflecting your own personal interests--whether that means adventure or relaxation, exotic destinations or close-to-home comfort.

CASTLE LOVE

While the venues may be old, the trend of castle honeymoons is definitely hot, helped by recent celebrity castle weddings: Paul McCartney, Ashley Judd, Pierce Brosnan. It’s particularly easy to say your vows in Scotland, thanks to relaxed marriage regulations. Majestic castles ranging from Skibo (where Madonna was a bride) to Glamis (legendary setting of Shakespeare’s Macbeth) provide the perfect backdrop.

Castles also make cozy honeymoon destinations. Your Prince Charming can sweep you off your feet at the 700-year-old Dalhousie Castle near Edinburgh or be your knight in shining armor at Inverlochy Castle in Scotland’s West Highlands.

BLENDING FAMILIES

More newlyweds who are blending their new families are opting to turn their honeymoon into a family trip, choosing a resort with a supervised kids’ program to ensure fun for everyone. Many beach resorts offer extensive kids’ clubs; others, like Marriott’s Aruba Ocean Club, also add the comfort of suites with kitchens. Closer to home, resorts like Orlando’s Holiday Inn Family Suites Resort offer themed kids’ rooms (with video entertainment) in the same suite as a private parent’s room.

‘WE VANT TO BE ALONE’

Fantasizing about your own private island? Exclusive retreats like the British Virgin Island’s Necker Island have long been a favorite with the jetset--here Oprah, Steven Spielburg, and Mel Gibson have each sought seclusion.

Today, average honeymooners get the star treatment at private island resorts like Belize’s tiny Cayo Espanto, catering to a handful of lucky couples who rarely see anyone except each other. Each of five villas boasts a stretch of beach, and couples reach staff via two-way radio. Every evening, the chef discusses your gourmet options; the day ends as the two of you snuggle beneath a canopy of fine mosquito netting.

HOME SWEET HOME

The Caribbean has long been a top honeymoon spot and today islands under the US flag--the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico--rank top with lovers. For an exotic trip with the comforts of home (from money to language to road signage), these islands are made to order.

Each island has its own unique flair. Hike the rainforest of Puerto Rico; shop bustling St. Thomas; explore St. John’s beautiful Honeymoon Beach; or photograph St. Croix’s historic Danish buildings.