Honeymoons In Paradise - Where To Go In March

Image via Indian Excursions Co.

Although the winter cold and chills are still around during March, the beginning of the Northern hemispheric spring can be the ideal time to visit countries in Southern Europe. In America, the famous cherry blossom blooms in Washington D.C. are in full picture and can make for quite a romantic sight.

1. Washington D.C., USA
March in the American capital still has the winter chills lingering, but later in the month can be quite pleasant with lots of sunshine.

Where to Stay
The Jefferson doesn’t have the usual array of amenities that we’ve come to expect from a luxury hotel, however the property’s attention to detail more than makes up for it. Flat-screen TVs are embedded in bathroom mirrors and the property also features an intimate library with vintage hardcover copies of the classics. The overall vibe at the Jefferson is homely and sophisticated.

Image via The Jefferson

For honeymooners looking for a central location, it cannot get any better than The Hay-Adams. The hotel is right across the street from the White House and it’s the closest anyone can stay to this iconic building.  The stately 144-room boutique hotel features bright and stylish rooms. The service is warm and friendly and the property’s restaurant, Lafayette Room, has nightly performances by renowned pianists.

Image via The Hay-Adams

What to Do
There is no better way to explore the historic American city than on foot. Take a walking tour to see the various historic monuments that Washington has to offer. Don’t miss the National Cherry Blossom Festival  where the pink blossoms are in full bloom with fireworks displays lighting the sky every night at 8:30pm.

Image via Travel Channel

2. Douro Valley, Portugal
While the rest of Europe is still trying to fend off the wintry chill, Douro Valley in Portugal offers warm rays of sunshine and delicious port wine for visitors.

Where to Stay
Six Senses Douro Valley is a lofty hilltop perch in Portugal’s celebrated wine region. This stunning terracotta-hued 19th century manor is all about wellbeing: relax in the river view rooms and feast on organic produce from the kitchen’s own gardens.

Image via Six Senses 

Fans of ‘Downton Abbey’ will be delighted with a stay at Vidago Palace: the hotel has an English country manor and grande-dame style. The Junior Suite has exceptional views of the lake as does the hotel’s entrance. The soothing mint-green walls make soaking in the bath much more relaxing.

Image via Hotel Vidago Palace

What to Do
The UNESCO heritage site has endless rows of terraced grape vines, creating undulating curves out of the hillside which make for dramatic and beautiful landscapes that change with the season.

Although the grape vines are dormant in the early days of spring, the clouds of pink and white almond blossoms in the Upper Douro region make for a magical experience. Walk or cycle around the region to take in the beautiful sights, or take a boat cruise along Douro River.

3. Buenos Aires, Argentina
March is possibly one of the best months to visit Buenos Aires. Summer is drawing to a close and it is not peak season for travelling.

Where to Stay
Be Jardin Escondido by Coppola hotel in Buenos Aires’ hip Palermo Soho district is a leafy, green and gorgeous hideaway. It was once home to ‘The Godfather’ director, Francis Ford Coppola and converted to a hotel. The hotel’s seven bedrooms are richly decorated with Argentine furnishings, but the biggest bedroom, ‘Francis’, sets itself apart with a private balcony and breakfast table.

Image via Be Jardin Escondido by Coppola 

For honeymooners seeking comfort, Home Hotel delivers just that. The property is a simple, ivy-covered structure in residential Buenos Aires. Each room is decorated with vintage floral wallpapers and retro Scandinavian furniture. An outdoor passageway leads to the restaurant overlooking the gorgeous grounds.

Image via Home Hotel

What to Do
March is a wonderful time to explore Buenos Aires at your own pace. The tourist crowd has disappeared along with the fierce summer heat. Visit the chic, upscale neighbourhood of Palermo for its high-end boutiques, bustling bars and cafes, and stroll along the cobblestone streets.

To get your culture fix, head straight to the Feria de Mataderos (Fair of the Matadors). Here, gauchos (cowboys) saunter on majestic horses and market vendors offer an array of food and craft. Ornately costumed tango dancers dial up the energy with traditional country dancing and gauchos rival each other for prizes.

Image via Feria de Mataderos

4. Jaipur, India
March ranks amongst one of the best times to visit the romantic city, founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in the 18th century. Weather in this rose-hued city in March is pleasant and there are many festivities during the month, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the colourful and vibrant celebrations.

Where to Stay
Live like a maharaja at Samode Palace Hotel, a 300-year-old mansion owned by a Maharaja converted into a boutique hotel. Mirror-tiled halls, mural-lined walls, marble swimming pools and regal, antique-filled suites make this property a dreamy, mystical getaway.

The Tree of Life Resort and Spa is a vibrant pop of colour in the Rajesthan desert. Its rose-hued walls, aquamarine pools and glinting gold domes are hard to miss from afar. Dazzling colour palettes of fuchsia, yellow, aqua and lime can be spotted throughout the villas – and a backyard complete with marble tub, jacuzzi and waterfall shower is simply honeymoon heaven.

What to Do
Ogle the bejewelled walls of the Amer Fort Palace in the Hall of Mirrors. Tiny convex mirrors and colourful glass compositions form a breathtaking kaleidoscope that is sure to dazzle.

Take part in the colourful Holi celebration and Elephant Festival. The vibrant and unique festival sees a procession of elephants decorated with painted patterns. Enjoy folk dancing and conclude the night by watching a spectacular fireworks display.

5. Vientiane, Laos
Located on the banks of the Mekong River bordering Thailand, Vientiane is the capital of Laos. For decades the country was rife with civil unrest and international visitors were shut out, but it is now starting to attract tourists to discover its unspoiled beauty. March in Vientiane is slightly cooler and drier. There is hardly any rain during this time of the year, making it a pleasant time to explore the region.

Where to Stay
In the heart of Vientiane stands the Settha Palace Hotel, a colonial-mansion surrounded by leafy greenery. Restored to its former glory by the same family that owned the mansion before the change of regime in 1975, the Settha Palace Hotel is the epitome of elegance and French colonial charm.

Image via Settha Palace Hotel

Green Park Boutique Hotel is a peaceful heaven in the bustling capital of Laos. The urban oasis exudes calm and tranquility from the moment you enter its dark wood lobby and step into its gardens abuzz with flowers and a sparkling pool. The rooms are stylish and feature hard wood floors and spacious bathrooms.

What to Do
A trip to Laos will not be complete without a visit to one of the country’s many Buddhist temples, and That Luang stupa is a must-visit on every Laos traveller’s list. The stupa is one of the country’s most sacred and important religious and cultural monuments. The stupa is believed to contain a hair and bone from Lord Buddha. The whole golden structure can be brilliantly blinding against a clear blue sky and visitors should admire it both from a distance and up close; pay 5,000 kip to enter the inner cloister.

Image via Asia Green Travel

Ms Chinoiserie Says: March is a wonderful time to honeymoon anywhere in the world – magical Jaipur could be at the top of my list!