YOUR TICKET TO PARADISE
Why not write the script for a new chapter in your own love story by centring a dream honeymoon in the location of a favourite flick?
write a romantic script for the start to marriage by honeymooning at a location from your favourite flicks
Romantic comedy
One tO watch There’s Something About Mary
hit the spOt Miami, Florida
There’s nothing more heartwarming than seeing the geeky high-school nerd get together with the girl of his dreams, and this 90s flick does that storyline well. Cameron Diaz will forever be remembered as Mary in this hilarious romantic comedy, with the vibrant coloured backdrop of Miami Beach brilliantly mirroring the funloving gal she plays. With its white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters and architecture, sun-loving couples will love this locale. Book into one of the city’s famous South Beach hotels such as Fontainebleau and start your honeymoon people watching. Evenings can be spent eating at one of the Lincoln Ave’s eateries, or dance the night away at Miami’s renowned nightclubs. For an extra special date take a private airboat ride in the Everglades and explore the wonders of this unique ecosystem. Enjoy a burger at the fabulous art deco hotel, The Big Pink Restaurant, the meeting spot for Pat and Sully in the movie, and later sip a mojito at the fabulous art deco Cardozo Hotel – the setting of Mary’s famous ‘hair gel’ scene. Visit miami.com
Drama
One tO watch Lost in Translation
HIT THE SPOT Tokyo, Japan
It’s easy to see why so many fell in love with Tokyo when the cult classic Lost In Translation hit the cinema screens. Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson’s characters Bob and Charlotte felt lost and alone in Tokyo, but with your beloved by your side, you’ll feel anything but! Japan’s sprawling capital is a place of wonder, boasting a rare combination of centuries-old charm and futuristic technology. Any visit to this aweinspiring city should include Tokyo’s most famous sights, the Imperial Palace gardens, the Meiji Shrine, the Tsukiji Fish Market and the Mori Tower. Follow in Bob and Charlotte’s footsteps and remind yourself how lucky you are to have found love as you enjoy the fabulous view at the plush Park Hyatt hotel bar. Once
the sun goes down, take a walk through the centre of Shinjuku. Its blazing neon lights are sure to amaze. You can’t visit Japan without taking part in some karaoke, so sing your heart out to your favourite love songs at Karaoke Kan located in Shibuya-ku, famous for its shopping and crowds. Hold onto your husband’s hand tight while walking with the throngs of people at the world’s busiest crossing at Shibuya. After the sun goes down head down to the bustling Tokyo Food Show, a sprawling food hall offering an array of gourmet eats and local tastes. Visit gotokyo.org
Horror
One tO watch Jaws hit the spOt Martha’s vineyard, Massachusetts
You might not want to take a night swim at Martha’s Vineyard, but don’t let the island’s infamous history as the setting for the horror Jaws deter you from visiting this beautiful place. A 45-minute ferry ride from Cape Cod, Massachusetts, Martha’s Vineyard’s pristine white- sand beaches, yachting scene, excellent seafood and picturesque lighthouses and cottages make it one of the United States’ most appealing holiday and honeymoon destinations, as well as a regular getaway spot for celebs, including the Obamas. Pack the champers and strawberries, and surprise your hubby with a trip out on the water on a privately chartered boat or take a leisurely cycle around Chappaquiddick, a historic island behind Edgartown Harbor. Later in the day take a romantic ride on The Flying Horses Carousel, the oldest carousel in America.
Visit marthas-vineyard.com
Adventure
One tO watch Lord of the Rings hit the spOt Milford Sound, Fiordland, New Zealand
Surrounded by mountainous peaks and breathtaking cliffs carved by glaciers during the Ice Ages, Milford Sound has an all-natural appeal. It’s little wonder Sir Peter Jackson chose the untouched wilderness of Milford Sound to film part of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Located around two hours from Te Anau, the drive there alone is an experience. This alpine road has been voted as one of the most scenic in the world. There are plenty of stops and viewing points along the way, so pack a gourmet hamper and enjoy the journey. Visitors can’t travel to Milford Sound without taking in its beauty by the water. Be wowed on either a day or overnight cruise and marvel at the spectacular wildlife, glassy dark waters and towering waterfalls. For the ultimate experience, treat yourselves to a helicopter ride and get a bird’s eye view of the place Rudyard Kipling once described as the eighth wonder of the world. Visit milford-sound.co.nz
Science Fiction
One tO watch Avatar hit the spOt Keahua Arboretum,
Hawaii Now don’t be disappointed, it’s not possible to visit Pandora, but you and your sci- fi buff husband can experience the next best thing to where the giant blue barefoot creatures of Avatar roamed – Keahua Arboretum. It’s here film director James Cameron shot the lush tropical hideaway of the Na’vi. Keahua Arboretum is located on Kauai, Hawaii’s fourth largest
island. Accessible by sea or air, there’s plenty to do on this rugged isle famed for its laidback living and friendly locals. Soak up the sun or take a surf lesson at the Kalapaki Beach, enjoy a dip at the spectacular Wailua Falls, which was the filming locale of the TV show Fantasy Island. Hike the 1087m deep Waimea Canyon – known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, or simply enjoy a sunset walk at the Kilauea Lighthouse.
Visit kauai.com/attractions/keahuaarboretum
Thriller
One tO watch Skyfall hit the spOt Glencoe, Scotland
James Bond might not know the meaning of the word ‘holiday’, but he sure gets to visit some exciting and exotic places. In Skyfall, the 23rd film following Britain’s most famous spy, 007 takes us to Glencoe where most of the film’s action takes place. Thankfully you won’t have to worry about bombs, shootouts and falling into frozen lakes, all you’ll have to do is take time to enjoy the rugged untamed beauty for which the country is renowned. Voted the most romantic glen in Scotland, there’s plenty here to keep you as busy or relaxed as you please. If it’s winter, enjoy a spot of skiing at the Glencoe Mountain Resort or in summer take the scenic road to the beautiful Glen Etive where the River Etive is a popular swimming and picnic spot. Just down the road you can pay a visit to Dalness Lodge, 007’s ‘safe house’ and childhood home in the movie, and once the property of James Bond’s creator, Ian Fleming. There are also day trips aplenty. See if you can solve one of the greatest mysteries of the deep and spot the famous monster at Loch Ness, or head to the nearby coast and enjoy a stroll on the silver sands of Morar.
Visit glencoescotland.com
Animation
One tO watch Finding Nemo hit the spOt Great Barrier Reef,
Australia You’ll easily find Nemo when you visit the amazing waters of the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, Australia. Swimming among the kaleidoscope-coloured coral you’ll spot hundreds of the cute little clown fish which captured our hearts in this wonderful animation. Surrounding this natural wonder of the world are the famous Whitsunday Islands. Offering tropical weather all year round – a balmy 27 to 30 degrees in summer and averaging 23 to 26 degrees in winter – pristine white-sand beaches, five-star resorts and plenty of deserted islands, this cluster of islands is a newlyweds’ dream. Book into one of the adults-only resorts at Hayman or Brampton Island, and enjoy champagne at sunset, starlit dinners and long lie-ins. But don’t forget to book a day out at the reef to look for your fishy friend who brought the two of you here!
Visit cairns-greatbarrierreef.org.au
Historical
One tO watch The Last Emperor hit the spOt Beijing, China
It was the first feature film the Chinese government allowed to be shot within the Forbidden City, and 16 years on from the making of The
Last Emperor, this palace is now one China’s greatest tourist meccas. The Forbidden City was the home of 24 Chinese emperors and government for 500 years. The final emperor, Puyi, abdicated in 1912 and it’s his story that was told in the Academy Award -winning biopic. If this flick is what led you to the ancient capital, it’s here you must start. Bring a pair of comfortable shoes as most of Beijing’s major sites, aside from the Great Wall, are located within walking distance. Enjoy a drink with your beloved at the rooftop bar of the boutique Emperor Hotel before setting off to hire a rowboat to enjoy the Shichahai Lakes. For a spot of retail therapy and the chance to see an amazing hutong (a traditional narrow alleyway which once dominated the city), visit Nanluoguxiang, which has kilometres of galleries, cafes and shops selling knick-knacks. For a meal to remember, head to the Legation Quarter near Tiananmen Square. The beautiful buildings which were built in 1903 were once the location of the US Embassy. Having been restored they now house a range of high-end restaurants.
Visit ebeijing.gov.cn
Science fiction
One tO watch Planet of the Apes (1968 version)
hit the spOt Malibu, California
Back in 1968, locals would walk to Point Dume to catch a glimpse of the life-sized replica of the Statue of Liberty, buried in the golden sands of Point Dume – a massive prop that was to be used in the final scene of the epic science fiction film Planet of the Apes. Over the years hundreds of movies and TV programmes have been shot at this beach located around 30km from Malibu. Famous for its steep cliffs, rocky coves and golden sands, it’s also the perfect location for a memorable date. For honeymooners, set out in the afternoon and enjoy the expansive views. After watching the sun go down, snuggle up under a blanket and listen to the waves crash against the sand or hold hands with your man and share your dreams during a romantic walk. Malibu is the perfect place for a chilled-out getaway, but if you’re keen to venture out, LA, Santa Monica and Venice are all within driving distance.
Visit visitcalifornia.org
Musical
One tO watch Mamma Mia hit the spOt Skopelos, Greece
Skopelos was famed for its azure waters, narrow cobbled streets and Mediterranean pine forests, and is now loved for being where Mamma Mia was filmed. Once you arrive on this island gem, you’ll see why it is the ideal locale for another scene in your love story. Its main town, Skopelos, is considered to be one of the prettiest harbourside towns in Greece. Its huge cliffs provide a natural amphitheatre from which beautiful white-washed houses and ancient Byzantine churches look down. Days on the island can be spent enjoying a cool drink and local delicacies at the tavernas and cafés overlooking the harbour, or exploring the pristine, sun-drenched beaches of the island. At night enjoy the music and dance along the waterfront with a dreamy ride in a horse-drawn carriage, or pack a picnic hamper and appreciate the sunsets. Gaze out in peace and quiet over the endless blue of the Aegean Sea and enjoy this magical setting.
Visit skopelos.net