Romance & Honeymoons several times over with Chic Locations
06-Feb-2025
Category: News Stories

At Chic Locations we like to say there is no such thing as the best hotel – just the right one . It all depends on your personal requirements .
The same could be said for honeymoons . For some it needs to be a social media selfie backdrop at every twist and turn , ornate glamour in every frame . For others it might be something smaller and personalised , with nature playing an important role . South East Asia has something for everyone , with so many options . And with Thailand & Vietnam welcoming same sex marriages , it is more popular than ever .
It is relatively easy to get married in resort , especially in Thailand & Bali , and is even more popular as a honeymoon destination , be it your first or even your fourth time .
I have more experience with honeymoons than most – long story to be discussed at another time . But here would be just a few suggestions , with the emphasis on quiet moment romance . So in no particular order :
Ubud in Bali . I have said that if Ubud does not get your romantic juices flowing you are probably dead ! Waking up with someone special , watching the morning colours change before you . Stepping out onto your villa patio and have a dip in your private pool , whilst below a fast flowing river . Enjoy a private dinner , where only the Geckos might disturb you and they only wishing you good things . For me to visit Bali without going to Ubud is almost a crime , and if romance is a requirement it is right at the top of the list . Travel time from the beach resorts about 70 minutes but a very different world .
The Datai in Langkawi , Malaysia . Incredible , instant wow setting . Tropical forest on three sides and a mile long virtually private beach . Amazing place with a choice of main building deluxe rooms , or individual villas either in the jungle or beachfront each with private pool . You might be overlooked by curious monkeys but very little else .
The Sarojin , Khao Lak , Thailand . Another high quality hotel with the emphasis on personalised attention , superb facilities . Romantic appeal to all age groups , we have many clients who return to celebrate their wedding vows , as well as choosing it for their first ( or maybe second ) honeymoon . Some great dining options as well including next to forest waterfall , on your private sunset cruise or just in private envied location on the beach .
Zazen on Koh Samui , Thailand . Wonderfully boutique and romantic in a quiet manner . Hushed tones , gentle elegance , and on Bo Phut beach , one of the best on the island . To me a standout property again best appreciated with someone really special to enjoy the sunsets or just the relaxing beach strolls . And Samui can combine easily with the even less developed neighbouring islands like Koh Tao and Koh Phangan .( See article picture )
Zannier Resort , Bai San Ho , Central Vietnam . Total escapism , incredible out of the way setting . Some beach front villas , others perched around the hillside overlooking the secluded bay – and in the other direction seawater shrimp farms stretching out to the horizon . You need to take a domestic flight from either Saigon or Hanoi to Quy Nhon and from there its about an 80 minute road transfer . Very different and hardly known .
These are just a few ideas . As I said initially the choice of location and style is very personal . I tend to think romantic couples , of any age , like to have private time . They are not dependent on new arrivals for company . The places I have mentioned offer that privacy . They might not be the ideal choice if your previous conversation for the year has been limited to “ Good morning / Good Night !” and you are envious of the cooing couples around you and wonder if anything good is showing on Netflix !
David Kevan – Co-Owner Chic Locations and PATA UK Board member