Saint James Paris - Relais et Châteaux 4.5

16th and 17th Arrondissements (Bois de Boulogne), Paris, France
With a sweeping private entrance surrounded by green lawns and an impressive fountain, this upscale boutique is a rare find in Paris; in fact, the 19th century manor is considered the only chateau-hotel in the city, making it a unique and luxurious honeymoon locale. The 48 rooms and suites are large by Parisian standards, and decorated in plush, luxurious fabrics. And the common areas are even more impressive — especially the black and white grand staircase on the main floor. The terrace is a beautiful spot for lunch on a nice summer day. And there’s also a small fitness center, a spa, and a gourmet restaurant.

Romantic Honeymoon Hotels around the World(2 of 20)

 With a sweeping private entrance surrounded by green lawns and an impressive fountain, this upscale boutique is a rare find in Paris; in fact, the 19th century manor is considered the only chateau-hotel in the city, making it a unique and luxurious honeymoon locale. The 48 rooms and suites are large by Parisian standards, and decorated in plush, luxurious fabrics. And the common areas are even more impressive — especially the black and white grand staircase on the main floor. The terrace is a beautiful spot for lunch on a nice summer day. And there’s also a small fitness center, a spa, and a gourmet restaurant.
Honeymoons must be two things: romantic and memorable. Any old trip to the beach is just not going to suffice for a couple's post-nuptial getaway. But thankfully, there are plenty of unique and luxurious properties out there for newlyweds. Remote jungle hideaways, cozy mountain lodges, luxe European grand dames, and gorgeous beachfront properties are waiting with a bottle of champagne at the ready to toast your "I dos." These romantic hotels around the world are perfect honeymoon locales; go ahead and swoon over them. First up: Situated on a (large) rock between two beaches, the 22-acre, 546-room Wailea Marriott has panoramic ocean views and a serene vibe that’s often missing from some of Maui’s more crowded, neighboring resorts. Renovated in 2008, the Marriott’s spiffy rooms, gorgeous adult-only infinity pool, reputable spa, and popular restaurant make it the best mid-range option in ritzy Wailea, especially for newlyweds looking for indulgent romance without busting their wedding budget. The Marriott has consistently been considered one of Oyster’s best Hawaiian hotels for a destination wedding and honeymoon thanks to its gorgeous setting, great amenities, and reasonable prices. With a sweeping private entrance surrounded by green lawns and an impressive fountain, this upscale boutique is a rare find in Paris; in fact, the 19th century manor is considered the only chateau-hotel in the city, making it a unique and luxurious honeymoon locale. The 48 rooms and suites are large by Parisian standards, and decorated in plush, luxurious fabrics. And the common areas are even more impressive — especially the black and white grand staircase on the main floor. The terrace is a beautiful spot for lunch on a nice summer day. And there’s also a small fitness center, a spa, and a gourmet restaurant. Jamaica’s Strawberry Hill offers couples a remote hideaway in a gorgeous setting and is a top pick for a tranquil honeymoon. This former coffee plantation, nestled among the steep and winding hills of the island’s famous Blue Mountain, is a little oasis above the city of Kingston. Owned by music-maker Chris Blackwell, whose work with the likes of Bono, Stevie Wonder, and Bob Marley has made the hotel a celeb magnet, Strawberry Hill might be the island’s most isolated property, offering plenty of privacy, with just 12 cottages spread across more than 26 acres. But the hotel has all the features of a larger property: an expansive spa, a breezy restaurant and bar, a hilltop pool, lush gardens, and ample relaxation space — all of which feature panoramic vistas of the jungle, city, and ocean below. This ultra-remote, luxurious safari lodge on an island in Botswana‘s Okavango Delta isn’t a hotel, it’s an experience, where everything — including the excellent food and the guided excursions (game drives, bush walks, river cruises) — is included in the price of the stay. At the &Beyond Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp, newlyweds can get up close and personal with exotic wildlife on both land and water (think: lions and hippos), and even arriving to the property is an adventure, requiring transport by small plane, safari vehicle, and a boat. The nine safari “tents” are fully screened in and thoroughly high-end, with huge soaking tubs, four-poster beds, lots of wood, and private plunge pools, creating a charming and romantic atmosphere. The Four Seasons Resort Nevis sits on a large, attractive beach on the small, secluded, and relatively unknown island of Nevis. Nevis is a tiny island in the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis, separated from St. Kitts by just a two-mile stretch of sea. It features beautiful waters, friendly people, and lush rainforests. Less developed than St. Kitts, the island is a popular choice among newlyweds due to its remote location. The gorgeous rooms here are a romantic highlight: The updated decor has a Ralph Lauren-like look, with a blue-and-yellow scheme accented by pops of color and dark wood furniture, while the massive bathrooms feature separate showers and tubs. Plus, almost all rooms have beautiful views, of either mountains or the ocean, which couples can enjoy from their expansive private decks. The Salish Lodge & Spa, situated in a gorgeous spot overlooking the falls in Snoqualmie, is about a 40-minute drive from Seattle. The historic property originally opened with only eight rooms back in 1916, and nowadays is a popular romantic getaway and wedding destination. The restaurants feature beautiful views and the elegant spa has numerous signature treatments (including one with homemade honey). Sexy rooms have wood-burning fireplaces and peek-a-boo bathrooms with two-person tubs, perfect for couples. The entire property has a soothing, rustic-luxe style; features such as stone fireplaces, stacked firewood, cashmere throws, bookcases, and warm, earth tones complement the outdoor scenery. The luxe Porto Bay Rio Internacional Hotel is located across the street from the popular Copacabana beach in Rio De Janiero, Brazil. The 117-room hotel is a solid mid-range option for couples looking to experience some South American sizzle in the South Zone, home to the majority of the city’s hotels as well as numerous monuments, and the main attraction: beautiful beaches. Featuring sleek decor with blonde wood floors, small modern bathrooms, and a nearly all-white color palette, spaces are stylish but unpretentious. All rooms have stocked minibars and electric kettles, as well as balconies overlooking the ocean or floor-to-ceiling windows. The small but chic rooftop pool, poolside bar, and fitness center all have great views, and on the beach, attendants provide guests with towels, chairs, and umbrellas. This 57-room rustic-luxe retreat in Carmel Valley sits in a lovely setting among rolling hills and vineyards. Details such as vaulted beamed ceilings, wood-burning fireplaces, and chic country-inspired decor help to create an atmosphere that is cozy and romantic. Rooms are especially perfect for newlyweds, featuring stone fireplaces, feather beds, plush white bedding, and patios or decks with private whirlpools. Large bathrooms are another delight, with walk-in showers and two-person soaking tubs. There are several restaurants here — including the famous Marinus restaurant with its chef’s table where diners can watch the chef cook (Julia Child is among the many famous culinary gurus to savor the experience). Additional appealing amenities include an outdoor pool, pool bar, and inviting spa where wine-based treatments are available. An outstanding luxury boutique located in the shadow of four volcanoes (two of them active — for a truly hot honeymoon), La Reunion is about 30 minutes from the colonial city of Antigua. Luxurious facilities and incredible volcano views are highlights here that the bride and groom are sure bask in during their stay. There’s also a fabulous infinity-edge pool and a Pete Dye-designed golf course, if couples feel like stretching their legs. Plus, the upscale restaurant and rooftop bar both have volcano views. The 26 rooms mix elegant decor with hand-woven textiles from local artisans to create comfortable, romantic spaces. Featuring private patios with infinity-edge swimming pools and fantastic bathrooms with soaking tubs and private outdoor showers, they are perfect for couples. Situated on more than 200 acres of picturesque land, The Ventana Inn & Spa looks like a rustic cabin nestled in the woods -- yet it features 62 luxurious, streamlined rooms with wooden accents, refreshing pops of color, and modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, and free Wi-Fi. Many rooms have fireplaces, creating a cozy retreat vibe to fit with its surroundings -- though glass doors and large windows keep the rooms feeling bright and airy. Not a place for families, the overall goal of the hotel is to create a zen feel with such offerings as yoga classes, discovery walks, afternoon wine and cheese, Japanese baths, and two pools (one of which is clothing-optional). The Lakedale Resort is not your grandfather's campground. In addition to a lakefront location with picnic spots, this 82-acre property offers everything from an airstream trailer to canvas cabins. The lodge rooms definitely have the most conveniences -- bathrooms with Molton Brown toiletries, TVs, and patios -- but they are also the least outdoorsy. The Canvas Cabins are no-frills -- but in a good way -- sporting charming rustic decor and comfy beds. The property is best suited for newlyweds looking for a back-to-nature camping experience, although poor cell phone reception may be a nuisance for some. This upscale boutique, opened in 2010, is one of the newest hotels on the Marina Bay waterfront. It's intimate by Singapore hotel standards (100 rooms), and with its top-notch service and wonderful amenities, the property feels exclusive and private. Spacious rooms have masculine decor, with dark colors and wood accents, and come equipped with high-end amenities, including Egyptian cotton linens, Molton Brown toiletries, Nespresso coffeemakers, and iPod docks. Double-glazed floor-to-ceiling windows offer stunning bay and skyline views. The vistas can also be enjoyed from the balconies and the deep soaking tubs (note that the glass walls between the tubs and the rooms do have privacy shades). The stylish rooftop bar, the huge pool, and the great dining options round out the experience. This ultra-remote, rustic luxe hideaway is worth the bumpy, two-and-a-half hour drive from Liberia Airport. The rooms aren't as impressive as those at larger luxury resorts in the region, but the unparalleled views, stunning infinity pool, and ruggedly beautiful (if rocky) beach more than compensate. Plus, this is a hotel with a heart: Punta Islita is environmentally friendly, and gives back to the local community. Arguably the most luxurious hotel in Hong Kong, the 565-room Shangri-La features opulent details -- including the largest Chinese silk painting in the world, and TVs in every bathroom. Elegant rooms are outfitted with silk throws, gilded wooden furniture, crystal chandeliers, and high-tech features such as large flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. Amenities include an outdoor pool, a well-equipped fitness center, and a spa. They are not exclusive to guests, though, as Health Club members also have access to them. The Shangri-La has steep rates, but most guests claim the hefty price tag is worth it, particularly when staying in rooms with harbor views. The historic Solar Do Castelo is different than any other hotel in Lisbon. The rooms are quaint (if not luxurious), and the breakfast buffet offers a ton of options for hungry guests. But the real reason couples stay at this hotel is the location; not only is it convenient to numerous sights and neighborhoods in the city, but it is the only hotel within the walls of the medieval village surrounding St. George's Castle. It's quiet, and rich in history -- the hotel has preserved a large part of the architecture, as well as adding a small museum of artifacts off of the lobby. And a real highlight is the outdoor terrace, where peacocks congregate. Stylish Hotel St. Cecilia, with just 14 rooms, is a boutique hotel in the truest sense of the word. It features a sexy lounge (complete with patio seating), spacious grounds, and uber chic rooms that meld with Austin's eclectic vibe via distinct decorative touches and amenities. The centerpiece is an historic Victorian home fronting spacious, sylvan grounds and harboring four of the hotel’s beautiful suites. The long, narrow pool offers a classy place to beat the Austin heat. Plus, it's located in one of Austin's coolest neighborhoods, close to downtown shopping, historic sites, and entertainment. This luxury boutique hotel stands out for its incredible views -- guests can take in the nearby Colosseum from the rooftop restaurant and lounge, as well as from their rooms (these view rooms cost a bit more). The 16 rooms themselves are quite spacious for European standards and have modern decor, flat-screen TVs and dim lighting (that's almost too sexy to be practical). The rooftop restaurant, Aroma, offers fine dining and spectacular views -- and serves a free American-style buffet breakfast daily. All in all, it's a great option for luxury and romance. The 40-room Ballynahinch Castle Hotel is a less formal, more accessible alternative to the more famous Ashford Castle to the east. It has a riverfront location amid the wild, unspoiled beauty of Connemara and decor that's alternately homey and elegant. It's more of a manor house than a castle, but the main structure dates to the 18th century and both the building and the estate are steeped in history. The 450-acre grounds offer a range of activities, including beautiful hikes, woodcock shooting, and fishing. Both restaurants serve terrific gourmet cuisine using fish, game, and mushrooms from the surrounding region. Evergreen Lodge is a 22-acre cabin resort surrounded by Stanislaus National Forest, about one mile from Yosemite National Park’s western border. The 90 cabins come in different sizes -- some perfect for newlyweds, others great for a large family -- and are rustic, cozy, and comfortable with large private decks. Techies beware: There are no phones or TVs in the cabins, and the Wi-Fi service in the recreation halls is less than reliable. It's a great spot for nature lovers, though, who want to be disconnected from the world for a bit and enjoy the serenity of the surrounding pine trees instead. Guests looking for something active to do will find it, too -- there's some equipment for rent on-site, such as mountain bikes and snowshoes, plus fly fishing, bocce ball, rafting, horseback riding, a nice outdoor pool, and two recreational halls filled with games, books, and arts & crafts materials. Carpe Diem Guesthouse & Spa is a relaxing escape from the party scene of Provincetown -- but still close by for guests who feel like getting out and joining the fun. The rooms are all named for writers and decorated differently -- all are stylish and charming. Perks such as a delicious free German breakfast, free wine and cheese hour, and the full-service Namaste Spa are also draws.
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