Abbay Lovell

Expert Tips: Top 5 Honeymoon Destinations for 2022

This week on the blog, I had the wonderful opportunity to sit down with Travel Planner extraordinaire, Abbay Lovell, and talk all things HONEYMOONS. You might recognize Abbay from our recent blog post where we gushed over her monumental New Zealand Elopement - if you haven’t had a chance to behold those breathtaking photos for yourself yet, take a peak here. Abbay is no stranger to adventure and makes it her full-time job to help others plan the trip of their dreams. Today she has opened her heart and given us the key to the honeymoon of a lifetime. We invite you to find a cozy spot, a cup of tea, and join this chat with Abbay as she guides us through the journey to our own wanderlust. Allez Venez!

Abbay standing in front of a bungalow in New Zealand.

Photo taken in the beautiful, New Zealand

Expert Tips from Abbay Lovell of Abbay’s Escapes

The age-old question, “Where should we go on our honeymoon?” is one of my favorites. Between all of the noise and reviews on the internet, how will you ever decide? Reading though hundreds of reviews is no fun. I get it. I love to help people just like you!

Travel is my world and honeymoons are my favorite! Today I’m sharing some of my favorite destinations for honeymooners to help you get your juices flowing. From the breathtaking over-the-water huts of Tahiti to fly fishing in Montana, read on for my favorite most over-the-top and romantic destinations for honeymoons. 

Tahiti

Does it get more romantic than an overwater bungalow thoughtfully hovering over a too-blue-to-be-real lagoon? Hardly. Here are more reasons I love Tahiti for honeymooners:

Here you can choose your pace - island hop OR fly and flop.

For active honeymooners, I recommend beginning with adventurous land-based activities on Moorea (go hiking or ride around in ATVs looking for the best vantage point) followed by a stay on Bora Bora in an overwater bungalow. In Bora Bora, you can relax as much as you like (sipping cocktails in your hammock) or take advantage of its amazing water-based activities like jet skis, snorkel trips, manta ray excursions or kite surfing lessons

For honeymooners looking to mostly chill after their nuptials, they may wish to stay on Bora Bora only and pair two different luxury properties. Or for something even more unique, I recommend a private island resort like La Taha’a. An added bonus is it’s only a 7 hour flight from SFO or LAX.

Secret option C: Include a multi-night yacht charter with a private crew that will help you find the best spots for snorkeling and moor in the best places for happy hour cocktails.

Pro tip: Not all resorts on Bora Bora have equal views of iconic Mount Otemanu. If you’re a sucker for views, you’ll want to find a property with views or splash out for a room category with killer views.

New Zealand

Whether you are into world class wine, remote beaches, hiking on glaciers or experiencing Kiwi hospitality at 5-star luxury lodges, NZ has something for every honeymooner.

NZ may feel far away, but once you get there it’s easy to see and cover a lot of ground in a country jam-packed with diverse landscapes and experiences. Especially since the country is expected to open for Americans in July 2022!

A few of my favorite experiences for honeymooners:

  • Stay in a luxury treehouse nestled between the sea and the mountains in Kaikoura. While you’re there, be sure to swim with the resident dusky dolphins.

  • Stay a few nights in the Bay of Islands, home to some of NZ’s most beautiful beaches. While you’re there, drink in seaside landscapes along the way before settling in with a gourmet picnic on a secluded beach, a hamper of locally sourced treats while enjoying a glass of champagne!

  • Spend a night or two near Blenheim in the Marlborough region and enjoy cycling around the wineries, home to NZ’s world-class sauvignon blanc.

Pro tip: Cut down on driving time by taking helicopters or scenic flights - a total splurge but worth it!

Greece

Greece is for lovers. It’s also for travelers who might like 

  • history

  • wine experiences

  • cooking classes

  • gorgeous hotels and sailing!

There are multiple islands to suit your budget and tastes. I’m loving the itinerary I recently designed with 2 nights in Athens, 4 nights in Naxos and 4 nights in Santorini. These honeymooners will take a guided tour of Athens that begins at the Acropolis; enjoy a Naxian Cooking experience in a traditional Greek gathering atmosphere, where they’ll pick ingredients from the host's organic farm, take a guided tour of family wineries in Santorini, and hike amongst Santorni’s best caldera views. Then top off the trip with a sunset catamaran cruise that ends with hot springs and a mud bath - divine!

Pro tip: If Mykonos is too much of a party vibe for you, consider an island like Naxos which might feel like more authentic Greece.

Mexico

This destination might make you think of college spring break, but I promise Mexico is more than Cancun. Mexico is a super diverse country between arid regions, coral reefs, high snowy peaks, jungles, and ancient ruins. All can be tailored depending on you and your honey's style, budget, and wishes.

My favorite new hidden retreat in Riviera Mayarit is One&Only Mandarina where you can stay in an alluring tree house nestled above the Pacific ocean.

If you’re keen to explore and dine off-property in world-class restaurants, I recommend Cabo where it’s easy to rent a car or explore by taxi. You’ll be spoiled for choice with hotels here.

Near Cancun, I recommend getting outside the hotel corridor and finding the perfect boutique hotel. My favorite white sandy beaches are in Maroma about 35 minutes south of Cancun airport.

Pro-tip: Mexico is hands-down the best option for champagne tastes on a beer budget. If you don’t book an all-inclusive property, be sure to factor in the cost of activities and dining into your budget.

Montana

This destination is perfect for couples who enjoy unspoiled nature and wilderness recreation but also like to do it in luxury! Also, no passport required.

Join your significant other in the saddle, in the raft, or fly fishing in its rivers and experience a variety of activities tailor-made for honeymooners.

I highly recommend its luxury ranches, and there are some that are even adult-only. Honeymooners can hide away in their cozy cabins or jam-pack their schedules with outdoorsy activities (many of which are included in a ranch stay).

Pro-tip: Pair with a trip to a national park like Yellowstone or Glacier National Park. 


While each of these destinations are fabulous in their own right, the best destination for YOU depends on your tastes and your style! This is where Abbay comes in. As part of her Discover More process, she will ask all the questions to help curate the best destination and itinerary for you and your honey. Do you want adventure, R&R, OR maybe both!? Chill vibes or party vibes? Do you want to stay at your resort or get out and explore? Modern or traditional? Are long flights OK? What do you and your partner like to do in your free time? 

Abbay LOVES finding the perfect match for you. And the best news? With her insider access and in-depth knowledge of the most spectacular places in the world, you can expect a trip full of the “wow” moments and off-the-beaten-path destination options without having to lift a finger.

If you’d like to learn more about how it works, feel free to get in touch with Abbay here, fill out the trip inquiry form here, or just drop an email to abbay@abbays-escapes.com. You can also download a copy of Abbay’s latest eBook full of detailed information on where to travel by month to ignite your wanderlust! Get the eBook in your inbox. She can’t wait to hear from you! 

Bustle Bride: Abbay Lovell

It’s not every day that you hear a love story with such reverie that it ignites every romantic narrative you have so vividly pictured in your mind since the dawn of your adolescent awakening. The kind of incandescent tale that couldn’t actually be real. Abbay and Christopher’s story is one that should be accompanied by its own grand piano score - simply stunning. 

The best trips, like best love affairs, never really end.
— Pico Iyer

Abbay met Christopher in a New Zealand-based neighborhood bistro, Gerome, for their first date. The conversation was warm and effervescent. Unsure if it was the red wine or his British accent, Abbay felt flushed in the best way. Christopher’s kind demeanor immediately captured her attention as they so-easily swapped travel tales.

Abbay and Christopher in their bridal looks standing in a field in front of beautiful mountains in New Zealand.

Before finding herself in this cinematic bistro with the company of a beautiful English gentleman in New Zealand, it was actually a European holiday that first sparked Abbay’s wanderlust. What started out as a spirited Girl’s Trip to Europe ended in Abbay coming back to America eager to find that feeling of liberation again. Not long after her return, Abbay’s accounting firm proposed the opportunity of a lifetime. She was offered a 4-6 month secondment abroad and couldn’t help but jump at the opportunity. Having just gone through a breakup, love was not on her radar. She was looking to experience a new country, a chance to learn and grow. Little did she know, this short term commitment would be an exploration that would change her life.

Abbay and Christopher's wedding bands in white flowers.

Abbay felt herself falling for Christopher after their second date - immediate SPARKS.

I half-jokingly wrote in my journal that I was convinced we were in love and maybe I would marry him.
— Abbay

While it was a little out of ‘the normal’ for Abbay to write something like this. She realized that Christopher made her feel safe. Abbay fell into this incredible state of vulnerability with Christopher. This level of vulnerability felt like a long shot knowing that Christopher was from England and her roots were in America. With only a temporary assignment in New Zealand holding them together geographically, this chance at love was a beautiful risk that the couple was willing to take. They spent months learning each other and enjoying the simple things. It became clear to Abbay that this connection was special and worth the outward commitment. Abbay extended her stay in New Zealand and fell in love with Christopher.

Abbay in her wedding gown walking through a beautiful scenic sidewalk.

Abbay didn’t have the chance to do any research before she visited Bustle for her initial bridal appointment. She had only been engaged for a week before flying to Birmingham from New Zealand for work. Abbay knew that if she wanted her Mom and Sister to help her pick out a gown, she needed to fit in an appointment while in Birmingham. There was something about going in totally open minded that gave Abbay a fresh sense of freedom. She tried on several different styles, but felt something special after trying on a stunning Anne Barge gown. Abbay was almost sure this dress was THE one. After taking the evening to collect her thoughts, she knew that it was meant-to-be. Everyone experiences emotions differently when trying on their dream dress for the first time. It’s important that we don’t pressure ourselves to feel immediate theatrics because we all experience life in different ways and that is what makes us beautiful. Abbay gave herself time to allow her feelings to settle before making the decision that was right for her and we LOVE that.

I loved everything about my gown, but if I had to choose one aspect I love the most, it would be the long-sleeve lace top that can be worn over the gown. It completely glams up the gown in a really timeless way.
— Abbay

Like all love stories (even the most enchanting ones) not everything can go as planned. The last few years have brought a new set of challenges for every pair planning matrimony. Abbay and Christopher had to cancel their big-white-wedding in England and after several failed attempts to reschedule they decided to reimagine their wedding day.

After all, we met in New Zealand and spending time outside is our favorite thing to do together. So, why not take advantage of New Zealand’s mountains as a crazy, beautiful backdrop for our special day?
— Abbay

The morning of their elopement, Abbay and Christopher spent precious time together in their romantic mountain lodge, talking and gazing into the lake.

The couple shared intimate vows in front of their lodge followed by a scenic drive to the mountains. Passing sheep and an endearing flock of ducklings on the way, they finally arrived to their spot. This place would make even the most cynical person believe in love. And just as she dreamed weeks prior, Abbay got her special moment with the crazy, beautiful mountains as the backdrop. 

Abbay and Christopher exchanging vows outside in New Zealand.
Abbay approaching Christopher to share their "first look."
I loved our first look - We both cried. It was a really lovely ‘I’ve-been-waiting-for-this-moment-forever’ type of feeling that came over both of us.
— Abbay
Abbay and Christopher sharing an emotional first look.

While Abbay and Christopher had each other on this significant day, they also found unexpected friends in their vendors. Eloping comes with a beautiful effortlessness that allows room for laughs and candid moments without the fear of others’ expectations. The pair hit it off so well with their photographer, that they invited Charlotte and her husband to a private dinner that evening. The beauty in this love story is in the unexpected details. How fate and a sequence of particular circumstances brought Abbay and Christopher to this moment. Falling into a life of love is truly done one little adventure at a time.

Abbay and Christopher sharing their first kiss as husband and wife.
As tough as it is to plan a wedding these days, I love the freedom that the pandemic has given us to rewrite the rules when it comes to weddings and events. There really are no rules anymore, and there is so much less expectation around what a wedding ‘should’ look like.
— Abbay
Abbay and Christopher in a scenic field in front of mountains in New Zealand.

Abbay, originally from Alabama, started a travel business and loves helping couples plan their dream honeymoon. You can glean from her knowledge in this precious blog post or visit her website to learn more about her phenomenal services. Your dream honeymoon is only a few steps away.

Abbay and Christopher in a scenic field in front of mountains in New Zealand.
Abbay and Christopher in a scenic field in front of mountains in New Zealand.
Abbay in her Bustle wedding gown.

Accommodation: Matakauri Lodge


Photographer: Charlotte Kiri Photography


Celebrant: Liz Maluschnig at Chosen for Beautiful Weddings


Flowers: Crimson Wedding Flowers


Hair and makeup: Charm Beauty


Dress: Bustle Gowns

Travel Planner: Abbay's Escapes