It’s sometimes hard to shake the feeling that you’re the star of an exotic film when you’re holidaying in the blissful rainforest of the Daintree. The lush green of the foliage, the jewel blues of the river, and the sounds of the native birds paint an unforgettable picture of the Australian tropics. It’s always been a source of wonder for me, particularly coming from the Urban jungle of Melbourne. That one country could have such opposing landscapes is pretty fabulous – and also provides a great selection of idyllic honeymoon locations!

Taking luxury to the next level in Far North Queensland is Silky Oaks Lodge, an eco-property that just welcomed the new Mossman Gorge Centre to its hidden slice of paradise.

Built on the Mossman Gorge World Heritage Site, this iconic centre was created by the Indigenous Land Corporation to facilitate a greater understanding of the region’s distinct cultural narrative. You have the chance to soak up the local history with eco-shuttles running every 10 minutes from the Centre to the Gorge itself, where you can take part in one of two Dreamtime Gorge Walks. The walks offer exclusive access to Kuku Yalanji land, and are led by experienced Indigenous guides who interpret the rainforest environment and its unique relationship with its people.

Owner of Silky Oaks Lodge, Paul van Min, is thrilled to see the centre open. “Silky Oaks Lodge exists in complete harmony with its natural surrounds. The significance of the Kuku Yalanji people is evident throughout the Lodge, and I am excited that we are now able to offer guests an Indigenous experience that reflects the region’s rich cultural heritage” he said.

To commemorate the opening of this important and breathtaking cultural centre, Silky Oaks Lodge is offering a special Kuki Yalanji Dreamtime package for its guests. Imagine yourself enjoying two nights in a secluded Deluxe Treehouse, with a full gourmet tropical breakfast, use of river canoes, mountain bikes, gym, tennis court and yoga classes AND  a guided Gorge walk departing from the Mossman Gorge Centre. Add to this the unique tree-house accommodation with large balcony, hammock and spa bath, and you have one dream-like honeymoon!

To find out more, or to book your slice of paradise, head to the Silky Oaks Lodge website!

There is something quite poetic about a honeymoon. Whether you’re waved away by your guests as you leave on your wedding night, or if your departure is somewhat belated due to life or circumstance, there is a certain romance that walks hand in hand when one goes on their honeymoon.

And why not!? It’s the celebration of your unity, your next step as a married couple, and if that isn’t a cause for cheer, I don’t know what is! So your honeymoon should reflect you as a couple, and forget about what the ‘norm’ is. Head to the location you’ve been lusting over!

There was no cause for debate about where my husband and I would be heading for our jaunt – we’d been dreaming about Vietnam and Malaysia for months before we were engaged, and finally, we didn’t need an excuse!

For us, it was the allure of the hustle and bustle , the heat, the food, the prices and of course, the sights. Ok, shopping was on the list too, but it wasn’t at the top (no really, it wasn’t!).  I think some of our friends were surprised that we weren’t heading to a resort on a beach somewhere but, as I said, that just wasn’t us.

Turns out, we got plenty of time on a beach in a resort, in two beautiful parts of Vietnam. My Aunt, who lives and works in Vietnam, gave us a two-night stay at the Seahorse Resort & Spa in Mui Ne as our wedding present, which was just fantastic. We did find, however, that as the area was solely focused on lounging around the pool and beach, we started to get itchy feet to see the rest of Vietnam. The two nights there were just right.

The other beachside location was the beautiful Hoi An, where we stayed in the renowned Hoi An Historic Hotel. Talk about pampered! This place was practically a palace! Hoi An is the clothing capital of Vietnam, where hundreds of tailors compete for your business, producing hand-made pieces at great prices. It also has a bustling night-life, and we found a great little bar, Mango Rooms, which makes a killer cocktail, and claims to have served Mick Jagger (it’s on a plaque!).

We also took in the crazy Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon, as the locals call it. It’s non-stop, and was a great crash-course in all things Vietnamese. How to cross the road without being run over several times, how to haggle with grace, and how to cope with the heat!

We enjoyed a memorable cruise on the unimaginably picturesque Halong Bay, memorable not only for the majestic formations jutting out from the deep blue waters, but also the sounds of the terrible karaoke that floated across the bay each night.

Hanoi was my absolute favourite, with a stimulating mix of cultures all in one place, represented in the architecture, food and shops. We stayed in the ‘Old Quarter”, at Joseph’s Hotel, just behind the gothic cathedral that dominates the square in the heart of the quarter.  Just amazing. I wandered small streets, finding a mix of artisans selling their wares, with unique clothing and homewares that just screamed “buy me!”. It was a true artists city, and we lapped it up.

On both ends of our trip to Vietnam, we stayed in Kuala Lumpur, at the luxurious Traders Hotel. This was our nod to the pampering that people had suggested we shouldn’t miss out on, and I’m so glad we went. This hotel is a Shangri-La property, and my word, they know service. I also have never eaten so much at breakfast than I did each morning of our stay at Traders. They had a breakfast buffet that represents about 15 different cultures, and I’m not ashamed to say that I made it a personal challenge to try each one.  What I loved about KL was the unabashed use of colour in everything, from the food to the fashion. I often find it hard to get colour into my wardrobe in Melbourne, but the Malaysians had me covered. This is where I shopped with gusto!

The last night of our honeymoon will always stay with me. We hadn’t realized that it was Malaysia Day, and that on this special national holiday, there is a spectacular fireworks display in the botanic gardens, outside Traders Hotel!!!!! We were on the 34^th floor, overlooking the gardens, and it was pure magic. I still get a little teary thinking about how perfect it was, because it felt like the sky was sparkling just for us.

 All photos by Ms Herringbone (and a few pinched from her husband)!

 

Pegah & Michael

Today’s wedding makes me homesick for Greece and I’m not even Greek, I just listen to Ms Gingham’s incredible stories and pore over her holiday snaps! I absolutely love today’s destination wedding- it embodies everything about Greece that I dream of. The beauty of the crisp white and blue against the rough clifftops, dancing, incredible traditions and wild, passionate love.

Chris, the wedding photographer today tells the couple’s story .”They met in Australia, Michael is British, Pegah is Australian with Persian roots. Michael was traveling. ” Chris, of Chris Spira Photography captured today’s photographer with rich colours, romantic shots and plenty of beauty.

Weddings in Santorini planned the wedding, with the event being held at La Maltese in Imerovigli.

 

Pegah walked down the aisle to Desiree’s “Kissing You”.

The ceremony had Persian influences, Sufi readings by Pegah’s Dad, Persian rituals like displaying a mirror,  a tray of seven multi-colored herbs and spices, and a basket of decorated eggs and a basket of decorated almonds, walnuts and hazelnuts in the shell to symbolize fertility. A basket of pomegranates and/or apples for a joyous future. Pomegranates are considered heavenly fruits and apples symbolize the divine creation of mankind. A cup of rose water extracted from special Persian roses “Gol-e Mohammadi” to perfume the air. A bowl made out of crystallized sugar “Kaas-e Nabaat/Shaakh-e Nabaat” to sweeten life for the newly wed. A brazier “Manghal” holding burning coals sprinkled with wild rue “Espand” a popular incense. Wild rue is used in many Zoroastrian ceremonies, rituals and purification rites. It is believed to keep the evil eye away and bring on plenty of health. A bowl of gold coins representing wealth and prosperity. A scarf or shawl made out of silk or any other fine fabric to be held over the bride and bridegroom’s head throughout the ceremony by various happily married female relatives (mostly bride’s close family members). Two sugar cones “Kalleh Ghand” made out of hardened sugar to be used during the ceremony. These sugar cones are ground together above the bride and bridegroom’s head (over the scarf held above their heads) throughout the ceremony to shower them in sugar (symbolizing sweetness and happiness). A cup of honey to sweeten life. Immediately after the couple is married they each should dip one pinky finger in the cup of honey and feed it to the other one. A needle and seven strands of colored thread to figuratively sew up the mother-in-law’s lips from speaking unpleasant words to the bride! The shawl that is held above the couple’s head throughout the ceremony is sewed in one corner by the needle and threads. The site was decorated by the family of Pegah who flew all the goods in from Iran.”

 

 

 

Of their photographer, Pegah says “The shots are just magic and we absolutely love them. Chris really captured the feel of our wedding so well and he’s incredibly talented.”

 

Congratulations on your marriage Pegah and Michael! Thank you for sharing your wedding with us! Thank you also to Chris Spira Photography for sharing today’s photographs!

Santorini base British photographer Nathan J Wyatt sent through this stunning honeymoon shoot which I found so visually stunning I knew I had to share it with you all! Santorini is such an iconic destination for a honeymoon and these images convey the feel of the ancient island to perfection! I particularly love the image of Kathani under the flowering bougainvillea as it looks like she had a gorgeous floral wreath through her hair!

Owen and Kathani were both born in Hong Kong but spent most of their young lives in Toronto Canada where they  met one another. After spending two years together Owen proposed and they decided to relocate back to Hong Kong for their wedding and to start their new lives together in their home country. The couple had always had a mutual fascination with the Greek Islands and set out on a long honeymoon to celebrate their marriage.

Owen and Kathani planned to have a honeymoon photo shoot during their time in Santorini. After spending time discussing ideas for the day with their photographer Nathan J Wyatt they decided to do a morning and evening shoot. They met up early and headed to the traditional settlement village of Pyrgos which has always been one of Nathan’s favourite and alluring locations on the island. You can find yourself lost in a labyrinth of winding lanes and donkey track leading up to the ancient walls of a once citadel and Venetian castle.

Later the same day they visited the northern point of the island and the famous village of  Oia where they had fun across the iconic blue domed chapels making for some great shots. Sunsets are truly spectacular in Santorini and they found themselves a quiet spot high up on the volcanic cliff tops to complete the shoot.

Photography by Nathan J Wyatt

The most relaxed blog of them all! Here on Polka Dot Honeymoons it’s all about chilling out and soaking in the travel! Get inspired for your honeymoon, destination wedding or next getaway with the top posts of 2012 (in no particular order).

1. Destination Wedding Invitations

2.Vanessa and Jay’s Villa Botanica Destination Wedding

3. Lucy and Nick’s Canggu Bali Wedding

4. Water & The Wedding Dress On The Whitsunday Islands

5. Celeste and Cristian’s Tasmanian Elopement

6. Gabby and Julio’s Destination Fiji Wedding

7. Sarah and Mark’s Bali Destination Wedding

8. Real Honeymoon In Vietnam

9. Real Honeymoon – Vanuatu

10. Outback South Australian Bush Honeymoon

11. Jetset Bombshell Bay Swimwear Collection

12. Real Honeymoon – Maldive Island Getaway