A honeymoon in Hong Kong is certainly not a good idea for those who are looking forward to peace and solitude: The Pearl of Asia will not let you sleep and the endless stream of cars will be a serious obstacle for the cherished goals.

Therefore the starting point should be taken seriously – the quality of your romantic trip will largely depend on the area where you decide to stay. For example, “The Upper House Hotel” is located next to shopping centers, restaurants and – a very important aspect for tourists – the metro station.

The rooms and suites of the hotel boast great panoramic views and Café Gray Deluxe on the top floor features Western menu for those not agreeable with Chinese cuisine. For the guests who get tired of the skyscrapers, the sixth floor of the hotel features a lawn with sofas where you can relax sipping cocktails.

Overall, Hong Kong needs to be discovered with particular meticulousness – unhurriedly examining every single detail.

The first point of attraction that you absolutely must see is Victoria Park – it is the highest point of the island and at the same time a place which in spite of its obviousness and accessibility is truly breathtaking.

Having admired the panoramic views of Hong Kong from up above, go for a walk along the famous Avenue of Stars overlooking Victoria Harbor and featuring the “Symphony of Lights” – a nightly laser show with the participation of forty four Hong Kong’s skyscrapers.

To feel the unique Asian flavor, be sure to visit Aberdeen District. It is a picturesque city on the water and makes for a great excursion. Also, visit the fish markets and the floating restaurants – leaving Hong Kong without seeing them is simply inexcusable.

If you want to add a little bit more romance to your trip, go on a cruise on a traditional Chinese boat, and for fun and nightlife, go to Macau – the Chinese equivalent of Las Vegas that almost entirely consists of casinos and nightclubs.

Mandatory program:

• Visit the famous Jade market and buy a string of pearls
• Look at the largest statue of Buddha and realize that sometimes size does matter
• Make sure to try the best offerings of the local cuisine

Lausanne and Geneva are only 60 kilometers apart but they could not be more different from each other. Lausanne is far from the business and finance world and does not attract banks, offices and watch factories, but it is rather the capital of humanitarian values – the Olympic movement as well as art and its enthusiasts. It is also a great destination for a holiday which can be quite diverse.

First of all, active: even if you prefer sitting at home and watching TV to physical activities, once you find yourself in the city of the Olympians (Lausanne became the headquarters of the International Olympic Committee), it would be a shame not to join the healthy lifestyle. Such activities as sailing, windsurfing and waterskiing on the lake, hiking in the mountains, and above all, riding a bike along the promenade of Lake Geneva can be enjoyed by everyone.

Or you can also make your time here educational – Lausanne regularly hosts exhibitions, music and film festivals. Or just take a walk through the parks of the city – the ancient Hermitage and the English style Mon Repos.

Many tourists come to Lausanne not just to have a great holiday, but also to improve their health. Warm and mild climate of the Riviera and the beautiful view of the snow-capped Alps have proven to be the perfect recipe for dealing with stress. Even now, many hotel spas in Lausanne have the status of medical institutions and are major health and wellness centers.

By the way, the vicinity of Lake Geneva is also famous for vineyards: in almost every village of the alpine region you can try some unique varieties of wine. It is surprising that wine is the main occupation for many residents here – it is not as well known in the world as other Swiss brands – banks, chocolate and watches.

But there is a logical explanation for everything: as the Swiss themselves admit – they love their wine so much that they drink almost all of it themselves.

Places to stay

Luxury hotels are an integral part of the aristocratic style of Lausanne. Among them the Beau-Rivage Palace is one of the oldest. Built in 1861, this hotel has become not just the tourist attraction of Lausanne, but also secured it a respectable title of a resort. After the recent renovation, the hotel has become the venue for many celebrations including weddings.

Mandatory program

Spa Cinq Mondes at the Beau-Rivage Palace is famous for one of the best facial and body treatments in Switzerland. The fantastic results from the procedures which are based on the elite product line of Cinq Mondes are guaranteed by the fact that the basis of the spa treatments employs the recipes from around the world – Japan, India, North Africa, China and the island of Bali.

Affordable luxury

The Jumeirah Essex House Hotel is not simply one of the best hotels in New York. First of all, it is a historic monument, built in a grand Art Deco style. Gold plated doors of the hotel were first opened to guests in 1931, and although the interior of the hotel as well as its surroundings have changed since, Jumeirah Essex House has continued to attract the tourists with its pristine style and gains a lot of genuine interest.

Setting foot in the hotel, you instantly clearly realize that it is located close to the energy centers of the universe – the atmosphere here is simply fantastic. Despite the fact that it is located between the noisy Broadway and maybe less noise but just as popular Central Park, the bustling city remains outside of its doors.

The rooms of this architectural masterpiece with the crystal chandeliers, brocade curtains, elegant furniture and polished marble floors are just like the oases of majestic calm. Which is always of a great importance to the lovers who dared to spend their honeymoon in one of the busiest capitals of the world. The refined interior, naturally, is not the only attraction of the Jumeirah Essex House.

The guests with even the most sophisticated gastronomical demands will find the absolute satisfaction here as well. The “South Gate” bar and restaurant, featuring modern American cuisine, does not only offer traditional American steaks, but also the food for the soul: the panoramic views that open from the bar windows are not less intoxicating than the fancy cocktails. As an alternative to the restaurants entertainment, there is also the “Lobby Lounge”, where you can find the best coffee in the world, exotic teas and a solid wine list.

For those indifferent to the culinary delights, there are plenty of other attractions both inside and outside of the hotel: spa centers offering a stunning range of procedures, several saunas, a fitness center that is open 24 hours and any recreational activities in Central Park – from yoga to horseback riding. In short, a key to a room of Jumeirah Essex House will be your ticket to the New York that is only open to the luckiest local residents.

The new look

Now opened just a few years after the renovation, the Pierre Hotel the most important fashionable address in New York. If you are used to be in the main mix of the events and rub shoulders with celebrities, this is where you should definitely stay.

The beauty of the hotel is that despite of its status, it is not overly fancy, but conversely, immerses the guests in the atmosphere of modern New York with the best parties, crazy shopping and the rapid pulse of life as well as making them feel like the privileged VIPs living in truly royal residences. No doubt that the renovation has turned an already great hotel in a real treasure.

Positive changes also affected the restaurant – the world’s only branch of London’s iconic Le Caprice opened here after the renovation. In short, if you want to feel the rhythm of New York and remember your honeymoon as a bright flash of happiness and joy – welcome to the Pierre!

The fact by itself is a good enough argument that this is one the most beautiful places on earth, which of course could be an ideal backdrop for a wedding ceremony or a honeymoon.

The Italian coast is famous for its colorful scenery, beautiful sunsets and unique historical monuments, which can be explored endlessly. So you can easily combine educational and fun. Naturally, rural romance does not suggest that you will only be served traditional freshly baked bread, tomatoes and wine for dinner (although you are most definitely welcome to) – Italians are not shy to show off their more elaborate dishes.

However, the rural atmosphere that prevails here will make for a colorful and fun holiday. If you want to arrange for a real Italian wedding, it is best to rent a villa. The main benefits and attraction of a private house: a few bedrooms, private parking, private balconies or terraces, overlooking the sea and, of course, a swimming pool. The villas can easily house at least 10-15 people. And you won’t run into a problem with finding a place for a formal dinner – each villa has a spacious dining room and a fireplace. And the opportunity to bring in a star chef, a stylist and a photographer simplifies the process of organization. Perhaps the only difficulty will be to pick the place – the coast is replete with many luxury villas.

For a Mediterranean style wedding, Villa del Re, located in the village of Massa Lubrense would fit perfectly. The authentic interior of the house, built in the XVII century, makes it particularly attractive. The place for the ceremony can be set up on one of the terraces with breathtaking views of the sea. In the evening the bay of Naples begins to sparkle with the lights of the surrounding towns and transforms into a perfect backdrop for a wedding shoot photos.

Those who are not indifferent to history will definitely enjoy Positano. It is an ancient Italian Town that was mentioned in Homer’s “Odyssey”. Positano is incredibly romantic: it is the place where Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, Leopold Stokowski and Greta Garbo expressed their love for each other. Other international stars – Liza Minnelli, Anthony Quinn and Igor Stravinsky – liked to seek solitude and inspiration here as well. By staying at Villa Capodimonte in the center of the town you can enjoy many things while relaxing in a cozy spa and enjoying the scenery of medieval turrets through a large picture window. Multi level terraces will allow setting up several recreational areas for visitors and comfortable sofas on the porch – the perfect place for a cocktail party or enjoying the sunrises and sunsets with the loved one.

Sorrento is an ideal place for those who do not like missing all the benefits of civilization. The city, as if created for evening walks and romantic holidays, will not disappoint even the most discerning travelers.

The abundance of restaurants, promenades and beaches – and even if that is not enough, there is an opportunity to take a boat ride to the islands of Capri and Ischia – makes Sorrento an ideal destination for your romantic trip. The highlight of the city is that it is located in the mountains so some streets run on the bottom of the gorge. The special charm of the place is the dramatic gothic architecture and the views of the Vesuvius volcano.

One of the oldest hotels in Sorrento, Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria, is located on the high cliff, directly above the city port, and to get down to the beach and hop on a boat all you have to do is to take a special elevator. The hotel has been recognized as the best in Europe multiple times and for a good reason: its luxurious rooms are decorated in a very unique style. If you are not afraid of the heights, book a room overlooking the sea and the coastline, disappearing in the horizon. For those, who want to stay closer to the land, there are panoramic balconies and terraces overlooking the park.

In conclusion, if you have not decided exactly where you want to spend your honeymoon, hospitable southern Italy could be a great choice.

Why Antigua? You can go diving to admire the underwater caves and search for the wreckages of sunken ships, bask on any one of the 365 beaches (one for each day of the year) while admiring total tranquility and relaxation.

Places to stay: 5-star Hermitage Bay consists of 25 luxury cottages overlooking the bay and the tropical gardens; St James Club and Villas – one of the best resort hotels of the world (according to the survey of American Express cardholders) – is located on its own peninsula on the southeastern coast of Antigua.

Things to see: St John’s Cathedral, the historical Museum of Antigua and Barbuda, featuring the exhibits of the pre-Columbus era and the period of colonization.

Where to go: night club, bar and restaurant “The Coast”, “the Beach” bar, Shirley Heights Lookout – featuring some exciting parties every Sunday.

Food to try: sweet potatoes gnocchi, potato patties with meat and curry (“roti”), clams cooked in charcoal, ginger beer and drinks made from tamarind.

Ideas for a romantic getaway: go to the Great Bird Island, where in addition to the beautiful landscapes you can admire all kinds of birds, even those, the existence of which you never suspected.

Note: do not buy products made from turtles – they are illegal.

Barbados

Why Barbados? You can study the patterns of British colonial buildings while enjoying the heavenly rest on pink sand.

Places to stay: five star Sandy Lane is the best hotel in the Caribbean, the favorite place to stay for the rich and famous, including the members of the British royal family; Bougainvillea Beach Resort is located on the southern coast of the island featuring waterfalls nearby; Coral Reef Club – small hotel on the west coast, that attracts with almost homelike atmosphere.

Places to see: Trafalgar Square and the monument to Admiral Nelson, which was built 38 years prior to the one in London, St Michael Cathedral and the church of St James in Holetown – the oldest in the Caribbean.

Where to go: Mount Gay Rum factory conducts entertaining cocktail tours which cover the history of the rum followed by tastings; the following restaurants are also worth mentioning: The Cliff, The Schooner, David’s Place, and Nelson’s Arms.

Food to try: conkies – a mixture of cereal, coconut, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, raisins, sugar and spices on a banana leaf; also, various flying fish dishes.

Ideas for a romantic getaway: rent a jeep and head for the Diamond Falls waterfalls – you would feel as if you haven’t seen anything more beautiful.

Seychelles

Why Seychelles? You will be able to see the beauty of the earth in one place and understand why this corner of paradise is the favorite destination for many Hollywood couples.

Places to stay: Banyan Tree Seychelles is a luxury villa complex located along the Intendance bay, a stone’s throw away from the beautiful coral reefs and tropical gardens; Constance Lemuria Resort – is a complex of villas and bungalows, seamlessly complementing the already gorgeous landscape, is located on the most beautiful island of the Seychelles – Praslin.

Places to see: The national Marine Park, a home to 150 species of exotic fish, rays and turtles, Anse Source D’Argent beach is included in the top 5 beaches in the world (by the way, you can arrange the romantic dinner right on the sand – with the delicious dishes prepared right nearby), also be sure to visit the islands of Mahe, La Digue, Praslin.

Where to go: night club “Lovnat”, located just 10 meters from the only traffic light in the Seychelles – here you can try one the local exotic pleasures – hookah, but if you want to get into VIP Zone, book your table in advance.

Food to try: octopus curry.

Ideas for a romantic getaway: the romantic atmosphere is created by the nature itself; all you have to do is enjoy it: get on a boat and head toward the sunset – they are divine in the Seychelles.

Bora Bora

Why Bora Bora? It is a quiet heavenly place where you can completely forget about the existence of life on earth if you just avoid the entertainment venues.

Places to stay: Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora represents suites in traditional Tahitian style decorated with the works of local artists; Bora Bora Lagoon Resort and Spa – the best hotel for the lovers who prefer solitude, according to the Modern Bride Magazine.

Places to see: anything that is covered by the sightseeing jeep tours: coral gardens, tiny volcanic island and local plants.

Where to go: Monta Restaurant and Lounge Bar features dancing right on the sand every Saturday night; Le Recife Discotheque – dancing on Fridays and Saturdays from 11 pm to 3 am.

Food to try: smoked and dried fruit, fried bananas, pork, stuffed with vegetables, fish marinated in a sauce made from coconut milk and lime juice and pudding from papaya, mangoes and bananas.

Ideas for a romantic getaway: swim with stingrays – one of the most unforgettable experiences that you will take away from your honeymoon

Fiji

Why Fiji? To experience the exotic pagan flavor, that is coexisting pretty peacefully with long-entrenched Catholicism.

Places to stay: Royal Davui Island Resort consists of 16 villas drowning in a lush tropical vegetation; Vatulele Island Resort is located 30 kilometers from the island of Viti Levu; Yasawa Island Resort and Spa – a romantic dinner for you here can be arranged anywhere.

Places to see: the garden of the sleeping giant with orchids and picturesque lakes, the village of Viseisei, built by the first inhabitants of the archipelago, the Fiji Museum in Suva, the sand dunes of Sigatoka and Koroyanitu National Heritage Park.

Where to go: Indian restaurants, of which there are many.

Food to try: fish, marinated in lime juice, local mixture of meat, fish and fruits, roasted in hearths, cassava pudding and the national drink of Fiji – yagona.

Ideas for a romantic getaway: go to one of the uninhabited islands.

The Philippines

Why the Philippines? If you are not ready to give up on the nightlife for the sake of privacy on the beach, this is the perfect honeymoon destination for you.

Places to stay: Monaco Suites de Boracay – villas with panoramic Views of Balabog beach, one of the most popular in Boracay; Peninsula Manila – the Philippine version of the French Riviera Style hotel.

Places to see: the Paoay church and bell tower (it is included on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites), Santo Tomas Museum, house museum of Juan Luna, the museum of traditional Filipino culture as well as the most developed island in terms of tourism – Cebu – here you can see the ancient Spanish fortress, the country’s very first street and the oldest school.

Where to go: it is believed that golf in the Philippines is the best in Asia – many golf courses are the evidence to that. There are many options for the nightlife enthusiasts – this is definitely not the place to be bored.

Food to try: fried rice, dumplings made from rice flour (“siomay”), rice cakes (“bibingka”), pastry with fried bananas, a desert made from coconut milk and vegetables (“ginataan”), ice cream “halo-halo”.

Ideas for a romantic getaway: during the tour of the guitar factory you will not only learn how to create musical instruments but have a chance to buy the one you like to sing each other love serenades under the moon.

Hawaii

Why Hawaii? A honeymoon in Hawaii will impress even the most demanding travelers: here you have the perfect nature, vibrant nightlife and a great choice of the top notch accommodations.

Places to stay: Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea – is located on the island of Maui, just minutes from the airport; Sheraton Waikiki – after renovation it impresses the guests with flashy luxury, while maintaining one of its main advantages –the location on the famous Waikiki Beach; Halekulani Hotel hasn’t lost its luster in a hundred year history and now features a cutting edge spa.

What to see: the volcanoes, which are the main attraction of Hawaii National park, Captain Cook monument, Lyman Museum in Hilo, ancient “heaius” temple and fishing villages.

Where to go: Hawaii Theater, Blaisdell Center, Academy Theater, East-West center – the former two feature performances from all over the world, Waikiki is the home of many nightclubs, such as Waive Waikiki, Huggo’s, Sam’s Hideaway.

Food to try: minced salmon with tomatoes (“lomilomi”), steamed fish wrapped in leaves (“laulau”), pink snapper with the suce from three types of caviar (“opakapaka”), Hawaiian coffee.

Ideas for a romantic getaway: in the north of the island there is a picturesque valley, the former home of the Hawaiian kings – it is probably one of the best places for declaration of love.

Maldives

Why go to the Maldives? To finally understand what the most relaxing holiday on the planet means. What you have at your disposal is the whole country with only one city that exists just for the airport. The rest of it – 1190 island in the Indian Ocean, minimum civilization, crystal clear diving and perfect tan.

Places to stay: there is a rule here – one hotel per island which is very alluring and makes you feel special. Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa, located on the island of Willingen (one mile west of Male) – is just perfect for honeymooners. There is a presidential villa, the ability to have a dinner in a special hall away from the prying eyes and 90minutes of various spa procedures.

What to see: while snorkeling, you will see more marine life than anywhere else: the visibility in the water sometimes exceed 50 meters. You can also take a tour of Male, visit the Good Friday mosque or go on a boat excursion among the islands.

Where to go: you will not have to travel far – any of the islands of the archipelago can be crossed in under two hours. You can select your favorite area and keep going back there from time to time.

Food to try: local cuisine is a mixture of Arabic and Indian with the staples being rice and fish. Among some of the exotic dishes to try are fihunu mas – fish bakes with chili paste – and kulhi borkihaa – delicate fish pie. Also very popular are the local bread and the local drink “raa” that reminds a punch from fermented coconut milk.

Ideas for a romantic getaway: the Maldives is the romantic getaway idea on its own. To make it even better, you can try a boat trip toward the setting sun.

If you are planning to spend your honeymoon in Rome, September and October are the best months to do so. Those newlyweds who come to get acquainted with the ancient city at this time of the year will not have to deal with the crowds of tourists in the narrow streets or suffer from the unbearable heat, and the connoisseurs of the ancient capital will certainly be happy with a relaxed and homely atmosphere that prevails here at the very end of the tourist season. The sky is still friendly blue, the temperatures are hovering around 25 degrees Celsius which gives all the favorite activities – walking through the ruins, visiting the basilica and sitting around the fountains – a very special and unique charm.

By the way, the fountains of Rome exist not just for tourist to throw coins in them all day and night, but also as a safe and healthy source for drinking water. The trick is that the fountain water comes to the city straight from the mountain springs by ancient aqueducts and its quality is not any worse than the mineral water that you can buy at a neighboring stall. The quality of water is probably what causes Carabinieri (local police) to fiercely thwart any attempts to take a swim in one of those fountains – and somehow in Rome there are many reasons to do just that.

Accommodation recommendations

Classic but not overly haughty Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese Hotel boasts a five star ranking and a great location – near the very popular Trevi Fountain, Spanish steps and the fashionable Via Veneto. However, as the name of the hotel suggests, there is an ace up its sleeve!

The things is that Villa Borghese, the most favorite Roman park, ended up right under the windows of the hotel which now offer the perfect views of the alleys, locals feeding geese at the pond and the general public zipping around on segways. However, unlike in XVIII century, the deer hunting is no longer possible, but, conversely, you can spend some time honoring aristocratic traditions in Borghese Gallery which is full of masterpieces ( a visit can only be arranged by prior reservation, which can be taken care of by the concierge service of the hotel). The hotel can also arrange a horseback riding trip through the Villa Borghese as well as obtain tickets for Romaeuropa Festival that takes place in September-October and is dedicated to the contemporary art or for October Rome Jazz Festival. When booking a room, pay attention to the special offers – there is something appealing for the lovers of romance, shopping, arts and even chocolate.

Things to try

• Rent a scooter. It is one of the best ways to see the whole city and provides plenty of adrenalin.
• Do not skip on the digestif with a heavy lunch. The famous Italian limoncello goes well with pasta, lasagna, prosciutto with artichokes and obligatory desert.

They say that native Venetians do not like the tourists – they noisily admire what they see while snapping away with their cameras all year round. Perhaps it is possible to understand the Venetians, and even envy them a little bit, since they live in the city of dreams, the life of which is subordinated to the unwritten laws that have not changed for centuries.

Arriving in Venice with a loved one, you will truly believe that your love will never end and the city will encourage your hearts to beat together. And just imagine your honeymoon in this temple of love: wander the narrow streets holding hands, sit in a cafe which brings the unique flavor of the city, feel its style and rhythm and be a real Venetian even just for a little bit.

Hotel Danieli

This symbol of Venetian luxury is located in a magnificent palace just a few steps away from the central square of San Marco and the major monuments of this great city. The building was built in the XIV century and belonged to one of the noblest Venetian families – Dondolo.  Pink marble, gilded ceilings, Murano glass chandeliers and antique furniture – just a fraction of what you will see inside of this hotel. Restaurants with fine Italian cuisine and special offers for the newlyweds on a honeymoon make this hotel very attractive for romantic travelers.

Hotel Gritti

The building of the hotel was built in the XVI century right on the Canal Grande as the residence of the head of the Venice Republic, Andrea Gritti. It is located a stone’s throw away from the most luxurious shops of Venice and other main attractions of the city. Ernest Hemingway once called it the best hotel in the city. Perhaps he can be trusted.

The Westin Europa and Regina

The hotel complex is located a stone’s throw from Piazza San Marco on the Canal Grande. The old hotel buildings have been carefully remodeled and today they harmoniously combine classic and modern styles. For example the views from the hotel windows were once admired by Claude Monet, who once stayed there. So touch the history and feel like a king and a queen – after all, a honeymoon – is the time for just the two of you.

In Tuscany all of the above points are stressed to such a degree that it would be a real shame not to experience its green hills, picturesque medieval villages and sun filled Chianti. And do not be afraid that you will get bored at the backdrop of the pastoral landscape – no matter which small town you pick for your honeymoon, beautiful Florence, the notorious Pisa or the sea coast will not be too far away. Here even a short hiking or cycling trip will be a small adventure: a new sight will be revealed behind every hill and it is practically impossible to stop discovering the beauty of the region.

You can appreciate all the merits and beauty of Tuscany while staying at five-star Petriolo Spa Resort, which is located 15 km from Siena Airport and 80 km from Florence. The hotel is hidden at the point where the hills merge with the Maremma National Park and the location itself brings the happiness and total relaxation to the guests. The terrace offers an exhilarating view of the sea of cypress and oak trees, and if you are not too lazy to venture out into the woods, you will be rewarded with surprising encounters – foxes, hares and hedgehogs that live in these woods are just as friendly as Disney cartoon characters.

But the main treasure of the resort are not the landscapes and the fresh air, but the oldest hot spring in Italy the water of which (430 degrees Celsius) is rich in sulphur dioxide and is beneficial for skin, joints and metabolism. The mineral baths of Petriolo Spa Resort are available to the guests at any time of day or night, and the medical staff, upon request, will develop a special diet just for you. Incidentally, do not be intimidated by the “diet” – the chefs of the resort are able to create culinary masterpieces even from spinach and lettuce.

Mandatory things to do:

• Forget about the count of proteins, fats and carbohydrates and enjoy the heavenly taste of the best Tuscan food – flavored olive oil and traditional unleavened bread, which are part of every local meal. Prosciutto ham, pecorino cheese and beef with herbs will not disappoint you either.
• Go on a wine tour: Tuscany is famous for 14 routes that pass through vineyards and each of them offers wine tastings.
• Use the concierge services of Petriolo Spa Resort – they definitely know how to entertain a couple on a honeymoon.  Early in the morning you will be taken a few kilometers away from the hotel where you will be served a breakfast with champagne right on a hill. Having tasted earthly delights, be ready for a trip on a hot air balloon – you will not have a better opportunity to see Tuscany.
• And finally, see the culture of Renaissance, visit the home of Boccaccio, the author of “Decameron” in the town of Chertaldo, find the scattered traces of the Etruscans and Romans, and scoff at the negligence of the authorities of Pisa, who still don’t seem to notice that the tower is falling!

To discover Morocco is to find the time to visit at least a dozen of its cities, each of them, just like a piece of a puzzle, is extremely important for understanding the whole picture. For example, the capital Rabat, as it befits the birthplace of a monarch, is distinguished by tidy neighborhoods, wide avenues and a subtle European flavor – many buildings in the city were built during the colonial times by the French. In addition to architecture the locals also borrowed from the Old World the excellent tradition to serve delicious croissants and hot chocolate for breakfast.

Casablanca, the neighbor of Rabat, was created with a completely different character – it is enthusiastic, excited and temperamental. It still preserves the most important cultural monument of the country – the famous mosque of Hassan II. The luxury of its praying rooms can even be observed by non-Muslims for a nominal price of about $10. This fact is very becoming to the city that claims to be the business center of the world – the most important trade routes of Europe, Africa and America converge here.However, the skyscrapers and the offices of trading companies that have grown in recent years still cannot overshadow the romance of the city. Stunning Atlantic beaches and curvy cobbled streets of Casablanca are the points of attraction for the cruise ships that make their stops in the local harbor.

Those who want to understand how Morocco looked centuries ago, have to go to Fez. Here, a true medieval spirit still reins within the city walls: numerous colorful shops will offer you essentially anything – from copper bowls, items of the interior, decorated with mosaic and mother-of-pearl to leather products. You can still see the water mill – just like hundreds of years ago it keeps on tirelessly fraying the seeds to extract the juice that is used as a natural dye for leather making.

Traditional oriental bazaar can be found in Marrakesh – one of the most beautiful places in Morocco. Particularly interesting is Jemaa el-Fna square, located in the old medina quarter not far from the royal family palace. There you can spend hours watching the performances of the acrobats, musician and dancers, while shopping for fragrant oils, various spices and jewelry. Luckily, it is almost impossible to get lost in the web of the narrow streets of the old town – any hotel will offer you a guide that will not only serve as a navigator, but also ward off pesky fortune-tellers and tell you about the most fascinating points of interests.

To visit Morocco without experiencing the charm of the Moorish luxury is an unpardonable levity, so do not hesitate to choose a hotel that looks like a palace from Oriental tales. Royal Mansour Marrakech complex can hardly be called a hotel, although formally it is. Built according to the initiative of the royal family, it really looks like a guest residence of His Majesty. It took five years to build it using pieces brought from all over the country.

The guests stay not just in regular rooms or suites, but in private riads, which remind miniature palaces with courtyard, fountain, pool and traditional Moroccan terrace that overlooks the city and the snow-capped peaks of the Atlas Mountains. If you feel particularly romantic, you can even arrange a helicopter ride or a candlelight dinner in the desert.

The main advantage of the island is its unique climate. The reason why the swimming and tourist seasons in Madeira do not come to stop even in winter is due to the warm waters Gulf Stream that ensure the comfortable temperatures on the island all year round.

Reaching this paradise on earth can be accomplished by air – there are direct flights from Lisbon and many cities in Europe, or by a cruise ship – they typically make stops at the island’s capital Funchal while on voyages across the Atlantic.

The idea of seeing the rising volcanic cliffs of Madeira from the deck of a cruise ship is of course very tempting, but the problem is that cruise companies usually have to follow strict schedules and do not allow the passengers to linger on the island for very long– and just a day is definitely not enough.

And you will need plenty of time to explore the steep streets of the historical center of Funchal , take plenty of pictures of the exotic flowers that the island is so rich with as well as to watch the dolphins (and if you are lucky – even whales),  which often swim close to the shore.

But do not waste any time making a decision regarding the choice of a hotel and simply follow the example of Winston Churchill, George Bernard Show and other equally smart people and become guests of Reid’s Palace. It is not just a hotel – it is a local legend. The hotel restaurant is jokingly called by the owners “the House of Lords”, ironically stressing the number of high ranking guests that had the privilege to dine here over the 120-year history. But despite the status and rich history, the hotel does not look either overly formal or outdated. Generally, Reid’s Palace, located on a cliff above the ocean, allows the guests to observe the life of the island from above, but if you came here to not just spend your honeymoon lying by the pool or strolling through the garden, venture out to the Funchal harbor.

Your objective here is to find the lowest cable car stop, then ride the cable car over the red tiled roofs of the city to get to the top of the Monti hill. All of it can be worth merely for a single reason: to immediately ride downhill on one of the most exotic vehicles in the world – wooden sleigh, which heads down right along the polished asphalt winding road.

Ernest Hemingway once called this experience “intoxicating”, and the writer could find the exact words like no other. Do not be intimidated: the sled is equipped with a soft seat and is steered by experienced experts in straw hats and traditional shoes with thick rubber soles. They are able to slow the sled down if a turn is particularly steep.

Having experienced the adrenalin, now is the time to take care of the stomach. Every seafood restaurant in Funchal has a front counter that features the freshest catches of the day. There is nothing nicer at the end of the day than to be able to pick your own dinner, wait until it is cooked on the grill and then served to you with a glass of wine.

Mandatory program: visit the botanical garden. The amazing climate makes Madeira exceptionally suitable for growing exotic plants from all over the world. Moreover, the experts do not simply cultivate the desert cacti, orchards from the tropical forests and the island’s signature dragon tree, but also lay out the complex patterns of plants of all shapes and colors.