Honeymoons in Cornwall and Devon
Honeymoons in the South West
From boutique boltholes tucked away in the country to sumptuous retreats overlooking the sea, the long-haul honeymoon suddenly has some serious competition.
From boutique boltholes tucked away in the country to sumptuous retreats overlooking the ocean, the long-haul honeymoon suddenly has some serious competition. Wed savours the pleasures of a honeymoon at home...
For literary lovers...
JANE AUSTEN'S HOME
If, like me, you're more than a little partial to the brilliance of Miss Austen, then merely stepping inside the house she called her home will be enough to inspire heady romantic reveries. The central position on an elegant Georgian street in Bath, which could be straight from the pages of one of Austen's novels, will be a beautiful bonus. And then there are the gorgeous interiors - all crisp white loftiness, huge windows and glamorous chandeliers - blending the historic character of the Georgian building with the style and luxe comforts of the present.
Antique furnishings hug an elegant fireplace, the adjoining bedroom offers unfeasible comfort, and fabulous touches - from Cowshed products and fragrant candles to the complete collection of Jane Austen's novels sitting on an characterful bureau - are sprinkled here and there.
Live out your sweetest Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy fantasies wandering the fresh-from-a-period-drama streets of Bath, spending loved-up moments taking in the sights and returning to this very special love nest. And a visit to the city wouldn't be complete without a dip in the thermal waters at Thermae Bath Spa. 
Bath Boutique Stays, Bath
www.bathboutiquestays.co.uk
For moorland roaming...
THE THREE CROWNS
What better way to celebrate becoming Mr and Mrs than by escaping to the heart of rural Devon where a world of wild, romantic seclusion eagerly awaits? With 368 square miles of captivating countryside, the glorious realm of Dartmoor National Park makes a truly spellbinding honeymoon destination.
Dotted with quaint villages, prepare to be charmed by Chagford, where some sweet downtime can be enjoyed at one of its most celebrated inns, The Three Crowns.
The five-star hotel and restaurant boasts a bevy of awards and amenities that set it strikingly apart and into the starry echelons of first-rate accommodation. Having undergone an extensive refurbishment, the 13th century manor house has been transformed into a plush country bolthole for those wishing to taste a little luxe alongside Devon's outdoor life.
Retaining its original character with features such as solid granite walls, inglenook fireplaces and wooden beams, The Three Crowns combines classic and contemporary style to ensure relaxed and stunning surrounds. 
For an unfeasibly romantic experience, the Godolphin Suite is home to a luxury seven-foot bed and sitting room that offers panoramas of the surrounding countryside. Relish decadent dining in the restaurant and snuggle up next to the fire with a nightcap as day drifts into night. With all whimsies attentively catered to, you'll commence married life in supremely spoiled style. 
The Three Crowns, Chagford
www.threecrowns-chagford.co.uk
For luxe privacy...
HIDING PLACES, LOWER BARNS
Nestled amidst idyllic countryside a stone's throw from the soft, lilting beauty and quaint fishing villages of Cornwall's south coast, Lower Barns has 'heavenly honeymoon' written all over it. 
The Hiding Places, 'Nook' and 'Cranny' are the jewels in the crown of this beautiful bolthole. Set apart in their own private gardens, the gorgeous retreats ooze character, romance and never-want-to-leave charm.
Step inside the private climes of the walled garden and enter a sanctuary styled with a riot of colour, an eclectic mix of textures and furnishings, and a bucket load of personality. A chandelier overlooks a divine slipper bathtub, while a four-poster bed looks out onto your secret garden.
For a memorable evening, wander from the charm of your Hiding Place across the garden to the magic of The Shack. Tuck into a delicious meal amidst snug textures, candlelight and a crackling log fire. Then slip into the hot tub for a spot of stargazing against the inky blanket of night.
While away your honeymoon by savouring holistic therapies and massage treatments available on-site, lazing on beaches cloaked in golden sand and mooching around the nearby fishing villages - that's if you can bear to drag yourself away from your heavenly hiding place.
Lower Barns, St Ewe
KYMAURAH
Seeking that far-away-from-it-all feeling? Located in a remote spot on the edge of west Cornwall, Kymaurah has it in blissful abundance. The huddle of luxury cottages teeters on the cusp of the Atlantic Ocean, where lush farmland slips into the wooded climes of Lamorna Valley and the sandy cove beyond. This beguiling stretch of landscape - which has famously inspired so many writers and artists - makes an extraordinary backdrop for a honeymoon.
Kymaurah's tantalising trio of cottages - Honey Hedge, The Dovecote and Lamorna View - are designed with romance, indulgence and comfort in mind. The converted barns have the cosy appearance of traditional, granite-clad Cornish cottages. Once inside, you are whisked into a sanctuary of heady comforts and oh-so glamorous touches; think roll-top bathtubs made for two, sumptuous furnishings and sink-into-me beds piled with luxe linens and scattered with rose petals. Each property blends contemporary design with a distinct and decadent character, from the gothic styling of The Dovecote and the elegant Victoriana of Honey Hedge to the sleek Art Deco mood of Lamorna View. For dizzying romance, each property comes with a private hot tub beautifully positioned to embrace the setting; it might be views across gardens abuzz with butterflies or panoramas across the ocean, where the lights of the Lizard lighthouse twinkle on the horizon.
You'll be reluctant to leave this stunning spot - so why not enlist the services of a private catering service, which will deliver dinner straight to your luxury pad? Run by esteemed chef Darren Broom, The Wild Larder is founded upon Darren's passion for utilising the wild vegetables, fruit and herbs he grows and forages from the local landscape and delivering utterly delectable food. A range of scrumptious options is available, from a midnight feast to tuck into as you cosy up before the wood burner to a decadent bespoke dinner designed to evoke memories of special moments in your relationship. Imagine the head-spinning romance of a candlelit walkway leading to a table set for two and savouring the nostalgic flavours of your first date dish, your engagement dinner and wedding breakfast. Round off a starry-eyed evening with a dip in the hot tub overlooking a moonlit ocean. Bliss.
Kymaurah, Lamorna
www.2lamorna.co.uk
For sea-lapped style...
PEDN OLVA
A piece of paradise jutting out into the ocean in St Ives, embracing a view where the blues of sea and sky collide, the Pedn Olva presents ocean-living at its finest. The hotel stakes prime seafront position on granite rocks between Porthminster Beach and the harbour, meaning that it is enviably close to the town's popular hot spots while still affording an exclusive slice of seaside sanctuary.
The vibe is contemporary coastal chic; think sea-inspired shades of crisp whites and cool blues framing ambient dining, drinking and lounging areas, extending from the interiors to the al fresco sun terraces.
The heavenly honeymoon suite not only features a freestanding bath, king-size bed and lounging area, but also offers outstanding oceanic views to the town, Godrevy Lighthouse and St Ives Bay, which sprawls casually across wall-to-wall windows.
Meanwhile, the Lookout Restaurant offers relaxed and decadent dining in an airy, elegant and contemporary setting, either on the terrace presiding over the beach or in the newly decorated restaurant itself. Sample some smooth numbers from their world wine list as the sun sinks into the ocean before retiring to the soundtrack of the sea as the stars twinkle overhead.
Couples honeymooning throughout the summer months can revel in some spectacular sub-tropical scenes. Swim in the nearby ocean or outdoor heated pool and soak up the rays on the sun-spilled terraces while watching seals and dolphins wallowing nearby.
Meanwhile, winter offers an enchanting opportunity to snuggle up for storm watching amidst comfy surrounds in front of a granite open fire armed with your favourite cockle-warming tipple. Either way, it's an escapist's - not to mention newly-wed's - dream.
Pedn Olva Hotel, St Ives
www.pednolva.co.uk
TOP SPOTS FOR ROMANCE
Starry-eyed settings for a heavenly honeymoon in Devon...
COMBE HOUSE
An enchanting Elizabethan country house, pasture roamed by Arabian horses and utterly delectable cuisine - Combe House has all the ingredients of a luxurious and starry-eyed stay.
www.combehousedevon.com
ROSE COTTAGE
Tucked away in a pretty North Devon village, this 18th century thatched cottage blends cosy characterful interiors with modern amenities and romantic touches, from a hot tub to a copper bath for two.
www.rosecottagedevon.co.uk
BORINGDON HALL
Dine out on a little decadence on the edge of Dartmoor. Boringdon Hall's opulent Royal Suite is pure luxury; think plush furnishings, marbled bathrooms and a hot tub complete with dreamy views.
www.boringdonhall.co.uk
words Hannah May and Rebecca Matthews
Copyright Wed magazine 2014
