Mr Polka Dot took a beautiful snapshot on a trip to Vanuatu which he shared here… and if you’re like me then the image in your head of Vanuatu is one of flowers in your hair, sarongs, crystal clear waters and cocktails. So what the heck is this guy doing?

It’s called land diving and basically it’s bungee jumping but with vines. During the months of April, May and June, there is a ritual that takes place in the southern part of Vanuatu in which men jump from 30 metre high towers with vines tied to their feet. The ritual is said to be performed to ensure a good harvest. The vines are at their most elastic at this time of year ensuring that they don’t snap. Quite important really.

The ritual which is ages old and is called the “Nagol” or “N’Gol” was brought to the Western world’s attention when David Attenborough and a BBC film crew captured it on film in the 1950s. Queen Elizabeth travelled to Pentecost, Vanuatu in 1974 to witness the ritual. Tragically, a man died during this ritual as it was performed too early in the year and the vine gave way.

Today, it’s a very popular tourist attraction and if you fancy checking it out, you can get more information here.

Photography via Vanuatu Travel

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Photo by Mr Polka Dot

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After spending the night at the Emporium Hotel we headed up to Golden Beach, Caloundra where we stayed at the Grand Pacific Breakfree Apartments. It was a beautiful place to stay where we were able to choose whether to eat out or in and relax all day by the pool. It was nice to be a tourist in our own state and eat a whole lot of gelato after watching what I ate before the wedding!

My advice to other couples choosing their destination is to choose somewhere you know you will be able to relax rather than impressing everyone with where you are going!

Photography from Melynda and Timothy’s collection

Ms Gingham says: We’re so lucky to have gorgeous Queensland right in our own backyard! Thanks to the gorgeous Melynda for taking the time to tell us about her honeymoon!

Melynda says: “I recently got married and thought I would share some details and photos of the day. I’ve been reading Polka Dot Bride for a while now – even before I got engaged and it has been a great source of inspiration… Australian inspiration!”

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1. Ultra-Calming Skin Moisturiser from Aveeno / 2. Notebook from Kikki K / 3. Pendant from Etsy / 4. Beanie from Topshop / 5. Travel coffee cup from Yedi / 6. Hemp Lip Protector from The Body Shop

Keep your head nice and toasty in a bright coloured beanie, write down all your inspired thoughts or keep a journal of your travels in a fun notebook, don a Jemima Puddleduck necklace as a nod to famous resident Beatrix Potter, take your tea with you in a handy travel flask, and make sure your lips and skin stay in tip top condition despite the cold air and wind with some hydrating lip balm and moisturiser.

Ms Gingham says: Scarves, wellies, sunglasses…. oh how much fun you could have styling it up for the English countryside.

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Tropical beach honeymoons can be lots of fun, but if you’re looking for something a little more cosy and romantic, you should consider England’s Lake District. With sweeping green mountains, big reflective lakes and that crisp, fresh English air, you’ll be absolutely captivated and inspired by this place. William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter, both notable residents of the area, were… so who knows? You might just happen upon Peter Rabbit hopping along one of the windy paths that lead down to the lakes!

We did our homework and found a stunning place for you to stay on your honeymoon – Gilpin Lake House. Owned by the Cunliffe family, the Lake House sits on the banks of the Knipe Tarn, in 80 acres of breathtaking grounds. Within the grounds there’s a viewpoint called ‘Cat’s Crag’ that has 360-degree Lakeland views with a herd of wild deer living nearby. Can it get any more English than that? It also offers peace and quiet (you won’t hear any traffic or loud parties), pristine views, fabulous food, fresh flowers and a fireplace to cuddle up by. Besides the private gardens to meander around, there’s also a swimming pool, sauna and cedar wood hot tub to relax in.

There are six different suites to choose from (Harriet, Gerties, Maud, Beatrice, Ethel and Adgie – named after the Cunliffe sisters) and they’re all beautifully designed to the highest standard. We were particularly taken with the Harriet suite, which is pictured below. All suites are open plan with the bedroom and lounge room, and they include an ensuite bathroom. But the Harriet suite has something extra special. The magnificent view of Knipe Tarn and surrounding woodland is let in with 25 feet of wall-to-wall, floor to ceiling glass windows. Winter or summer, it would be divine to curl up in an armchair with a cup of tea and take it all in, don’t you think?

When you feel like venturing out of your room, you could pop into the conservatory for some breakfast – even though you’re indoors you’ll feel like you’re sitting amongst nature. You might even be able to spot some wild birds and red squirrels while you eat.

There’s also the lounge where you can chill out, grab a book to read, warm yourself by the fire and chat with other guests. When you’re ready for dinner, a chauffer will come and pick you up (how’s that for luxury… it is your honeymoon after all!) and take you up to the neighbouring Gilpin Hotel where a feast will await you.

We highly recommend exploring the Lake District as well. There are so many pretty spots not to be missed and your camera is sure to get a work out. Why not…

• Head on up to Dove Cottage and get a guided tour of the house where William Wordsworth wrote his most inspired poetry.
• Take a lake cruise and get your bearings.
• Unleash you inner history buff and visit the Ambleside Roman Fort.
• Play prince and princess at Brougham Castle.
• Pour over Beatrix Potter’s famous illustrations.
• Go on a horse and carriage ride and stop off along the way in the countryside for a picnic lunch.
• Get an adrenalin rush at Grizedale Forest Park where you can fly across the tree tops.

Honeymoons should be about relaxing, talking, being awed by your surroundings, eating delicious food, pampering, and just soaking up that one-on-one time with your new husband or wife while you’re away from the rest of the world. So the Lake District has to be one of the top places to achieve all this!

What do you think, Dotties? Is this your ultimate honeymoon destination? Or do you have somewhere else in mind? We’d love to hear what you think, or if you have suggestions on what other places you’d like to see featured on Honeymoons, please leave a comment and we’ll do our best to find out everything you need to know.

Photos from Gilpin Hotel and Lake House

Ms Gingham says: I love the idea of snuggling up by a fire with tea and crumpets! Great review Ms Floral!

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