Honeymoons in Cornwall and Devon

Honeymoon in Isles of Scilly

Escape to the Isles of Scilly

Dreaming of a romantic honeymoon in an island paradise? You got it. And it's just a short flight from Land's End.

Dreaming of a romantic honeymoon in an island paradise? You got it. And it's just a short flight from Land's End...

The first time I went to the Isles of Scilly I was ten-years-old. I vividly remember that first, words-fail-me wonderful moment when the thick clouds we had been immersed in for the duration of the helicopter journey (a whole 20 minutes) cleared to reveal the islands: an enchanting archipelago - just 28 miles off Land's End - sprinkled on the endless Atlantic.



That same feeling came back with a heady rush as I approached the islands some 24 years later; this time, however, my husband and I were blessed with a perfect summer's day. The flight in an eight-seater Skybus from Land's End was a wonderful, memorable - and oh-so romantic - start to our Scilly experience. Soaring into clear blue skies, we took in sublime views across Sennen and Land's End, over the Tall Ships lighthouse, and onwards into the blue, where the scattering of islands loomed with promise on the horizon.



On touching down on St Mary's, we were whisked to the harbour, and soon found ourselves on a speedboat bound for Tresco, taking in the glittering sea, the deserted hills of Samson and rugged beauty of Bryher as we sped across the white-tipped waters.



Arriving at Tresco, the air of tranquillity was almost tangible. I felt the tonic of this extraordinary place had already done its work as I took my first steps onto Scilly's 'Garden Island'. Any hint of tension melted away as we wound our path past glades of flowers, swathes of powdery sandy beaches and tiny clusters of civilisation: the little harbour, the inn, the school where a handful of local children played in the sunshine, and finally, to the Sea Garden cottages.



This huddle of dwellings comprises the zenith in luxury island living. Teetering on the east of the island, the development comprises one, two and four bedroom self-catering cottages, some with balconies that hang over the sea and others with sub-tropical gardens that snake close to the shore.





We made ourselves at home in our one-bedroom cottage. A quintessential romantic retreat, the ground floor comprises a crisp and contemporary living space, sprinkled with splashes of mellow seaside colour, opening onto a garden abloom with flowers. Upstairs, there's a luxe bathroom, snug bedroom and balcony framing views across the gardens, the sea and the sandy shores of St Martins beyond. It is a dreamy spot to watch the sunrise, savouring the luminous beauty of the sun rising over the islands, and wile away languid evenings, watching dusk give way to star-speckled nights. If you can drag yourself away, an indoor pool, Jacuzzi, gym and tennis court is available for residents close by.


 
Our time on Tresco slipped by like the most extraordinary dream: hazy, lazy strolls across deserted beaches; riding bikes from the shores of the south to the cliffscape of the north, exploring the Abbey Garden, where the heady fragrances and otherworldly colours hung heavily in the sun-baked afternoon air; and a series of utterly delicious meals at The New Inn and Ruin Beach Cafe.



It is, my husband and I decided, the most wonderful place for a honeymoon. Beyond the remoteness that makes it so wildly romantic, there's plenty to satisfy the most active or chilled out couple. A haven for water sports, adventurous souls might hit the water for a spot of sailing, fishing or diving; or stay on dry land and enjoy a round of golf, a game of tennis and a tour of the island by bike. Then there are all those surrounding islands to explore: perhaps cross the water for dinner at the chic Hell Bay Hotel on Bryher and why not venture out to the remote isles to spot seals, seabirds and maybe even the famed Scilly puffins? Or simply kick back and savour the tranquillity of Tresco - relish its away-from-it-all charm as you discover this island paradise together. It doesn't get more romantic than that.



TRESCO'S TOP SPOTS

ABBEY GARDEN
An extraordinary collection of 20,000 exotic plants from 80 countries - ranging from Brazil to South Africa - flourish amidst the ruins of an ancient abbey in Tresco's enchanting Abbey Garden. Wandering its lush, sweetly-scented paths, you'll come across towering palms, clusters of succulents and an eye-popping carnival of flowers, as well as a beautiful sculptures, mosaics and a collection of shipwrecked figureheads in the Valhalla Museum.



THE NEW INN
The hub of island life, this traditional pub serves a sumptuous selection of award-winning dishes packed with Scilly produce - think crab claws, Tresco beef and Bryher lobster - alongside local ales and fine wines. Often filled with locals and visitors seeking good food and stirring sounds courtesy of the inn's live music programme, it is a friendly place to unwind with a must-come-back charm.



THE SPA
It might seem impossible to feel more relaxed - but a visit to Tresco's spa promises to take you somewhere sublime. A lengthy list of treatments, including the likes of a Marine Algae body wrap, Crystal Healing facial and a range of beauty treatments, are available using luxury, organic products from ila. Round off the heavenly experience with a visit to the pool, Jacuzzi and steam rooms.





RUIN BEACH CAF�
Perched on the sands of Old Grimsby Beach, the Ruin Beach Cafe is a few footsteps from the Sea Garden cottages. Formerly an old boat shed, the vaulted ceilings, vibrant interiors and shell mosaics of this relaxed, modern eatery come with soul-stirring views across the sandy shore and islands beyond. Tuck into a contemporary Mediterranean-inspired menu and wood-fired pizzas amidst the ruins on the terrace, where the twitter of birds and murmur of the tide completes an exceptional - and unfeasibly picturesque - dining experience.





Wed flew to the Isles of Scilly by Skybus. Flights are available from Land's End, Newquay and Exeter www.islesofscilly-travel.co.uk
www.tresco.co.uk

words Rebecca Matthews

Copyright Wed magazine 2014