A Roundup of Offbeat Honeymoon Ideas from The World's Greatest Honeymoons

• Themes •

• • Eclectic

History

• Celebrity-Owned •

Hotels & Resorts

Part I

Ulusaba Game Reserve Rock Lodges, South Africa

Rock Lodges at Richard Branson's Ulusaba Game Reserve, South Africa

By most definitions, a celebrity is "a widely-recognized or notable person who commands a high degree of public and media attention." Celebrity is nothing new—the word stems from the Latin verb celebritas, which means both "to celebrate" and "to make famous." But the kind of celebrity experienced by some people today was unknown before the birth of worldwide mass media in the 20th century.

The three people and one rock group below have all known—and still know—enormous global celebrity. And yet, for some reason, they have all diverted time, energy, and lots of money into offering hospitality to others. Each has done so in a completely different manner than the others, from Richard Branson's mega-luxury resort Empire to Leslie Caron's small-but-elegant French country inn.

It might be fun to spend your honeymoon or romantic tryst hosted by a celebrity...

Sir Richard Branson: Virgin Limited Edition

Worldwide Locations

National Geographic Adventure, December 2007

One of the world's richest men, Richard Branson is founder of the Virgin Brand, which consists of more than 360 companies. A daring adventurer, he's broken many world records—as, for example, fastest Atlantic Ocean crossing (1986); first hot-air balloon to cross the Atlantic (1987); fastest crossing of the English Channel in an amphibious vehicle (2004); and on and on. Branson is also a humanitarian working to solve global problems and conflicts. Though he's not really an actor, he's nonetheless appeared on many popular television shows (Friends, Baywatch, The Colbert Report, more). He's appeared in films, too, such as Superman Returns and Casino Royale. His books have all been best-sellers. A British citizen, he was knighted by the Queen in 1999 for his services to entreneurship.

As if all that weren't enough, Branson heads a small empire of upscale resorts scattered around the world. Some, like Necker Island, fit into the category of "If you have to ask how much it costs, you can't afford it." Others, while not exactly a bargain, might be do-able...especially for something special, like your honeymoon. Here's the rundown:

Necker Island: This 74-acre private island is one of the most idyllic and exclusive spots in the Caribbean (guests have included Oprah and Princess Diana). Hire the Island exclusively for up to 28 guests or share with others during Celebration weeks. Stay in one of 14 rooms located in the Great House or beautiful Balinese style houses dotted around the Island.

Aerial View, Necker Island

Ulusaba: Branson's private South African game reserve is located in the Sabi Sand Reserve that borders Kruger National Park. Stay in one of the 19 rooms or suites at either Rock Lodge or Safari Lodge and discover the Big 5 during twice daily game drives and safari walks.

The Lodge: This Mountain retreat in Verbier, high in the Swiss Alps, is the perfect year-round escape. It comes complete with nine stunning bedrooms and suites, an indoor pool, indoor/outdoor Jacuzzis, and a friendly, experienced staff (including an activities coordinator, a spa therapist, and a chef trained by Raymond Blanc).

Kasbah Tamadot: Kasbah Tamadot is set at the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains—a mere hour from Marrakech city centre. This magical hotel boasts 24 stunning bedrooms and suites. Ninety percent of the staff are from local Berber villages and add to the feeling of staying in a private home.

Kasbah Tamadot, Night Scene

Sa Terra Rotja: Located on the Son Bunyola Estate, about 35 minutes by car from Palma, Sa Terra Rotja offers beautiful mountain scenery and Mediterranean views. It is accessed by a private lane and definitely intended for those who want to get away from it all. Renting all of Sa Terra Rotja includes accommodation for up to eight guests in four bedrooms, and your own staff of two.

Necker Belle: This magnificent 105-foot catamaran was available for charter beginning in late 2009. With the Caribbean and Mediterranean seas as your playground, this world class super yacht—with its crew of seven; modern, stylish interior; and fabulous service—is a perfect choice for fun and relaxation on the high seas.

More Info: Virgin Limited Edition

Robert Redford: Sundance Resort

Sundance, Utah

Life Magazine, February 6, 1970

In 1969—the same year that Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid took the world by storm, ultimately winning four Oscars—young Robert Redford bought a small ski area on Mount Timpanogos in Utah's beautiful Provo Canyon (about 30 miles south of Park City).

Financial advisors tried to convince Redford to cover much of the acreage with hotels and condominiums; instead, the Sundance Kid turned his land into a base for environmental conservation and artistic experimentation.

Today this base is known worldwide as the Sundance Resort. But there's much more going on here throughout the year, including fantastic skiing and boarding, mountain biking, hiking, year-round fly fishing, and horseback riding. Daily workshops are given in the Art Shack—jewelry making, pottery, watercolor or oil painting, printmaking, photography. Nature programs offer field trips with naturalists, guided hikes, snowshoe tours, and more. An excellent spa facility offers a range of treatments (the Sundance Stone Massage, described as a "journey," will melt away your post-wedding tension).

Guests at the Sundance Resort have a variety of accommodation options, from studios with gas fireplaces and Queen beds to 4-bedroom mountain homes loaded with amenities. Lodges, cabins, and homes are discreetly tucked away throughout the Resort, where they nestle beneath trees, edge up to cliffs, overlook the slopes. As for cuisine, the Tree Room is a AAA Four-Diamond restaurant, serving seasonal mountain offerings. Sundance is and has long been Green throughout.

More Info: Sundance Resort

Bono & The Edge: The Clarence

Dublin, Ireland

Time Magazine, April 27, 1987

The Clarence is located in Dublin's Temple Bar District, an area equivalent to the Left Bank in Paris or New York's Soho. Built in 1852, the hotel underwent a nearly two-year, top-to-bottom restoration in the mid 1990s. The result? The building's excellent bones and regal character have been fully revealed. The Clarence—furnished with simplicity and elegance, allied with an acclaimed restaurant that features Irish produce and seasonal ingredients, and graced with one of the city's most historic and best-loved watering holes—has been transformed into a casually-elegant 21st century showpiece.

The force behind the hotel's rejuvenation were two members of the iconic rock group U2—Bono and The Edge. Together they assembled a group of Irish investors and bought the hotel in 1992 to transform what had been a two-star, 70-bedroom hotel into today's five-star, 48-room boutique lodging.

And speaking of lodging, each room and suite has been individually designed, so that no two are alike. Each room reflects the hotel's five signature colors, based on ecclesiastical robes: crimson, royal blue, amethyst, gold, and chocolate. Shake-style furniture, the finest Egyptian cotton lniens, and big white porcelain bathrooms with oak cabinets round out the distinctive look.

For those who can afford it, the luxurious two-level Penthouse suite offers panoramic rooftop terrace views of the Liffey River and the cityscape backed by the not-distant Dublin Mountains. Features include a grand piano, a spiral staircase between floors, an outdoor hot tub, two master bedrooms, a fully-equipped kitchen, and amenities to spare.

More Info: The Clarence

Leslie Caron: Auberge la Lucarne

Villeneuve-sur-Yonne, Burgundy, France

Life Magazine, June 30, 1961

French actress Leslie Caron was catapulted to fame at the age of twenty when she co-starred with Gene Kelly in 1951's MGM musical, An American in Paris,. The film won six Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Caron went on to star in other significant films, including Gigi; the winner of ten Academy Awards, the movie is considered the last great MGM musical. Still active as an actress, she has appeared in recent years in The Last of the Blonde Bombshells (2000) with Dame Judi Dench; Le Divorce (2003) with Kate Hudson and Naomi Watts; and in 2007 she won a Primetime Emmy Award for a 2006 guest appearance on Law and Order: Special Victims Unit.

Caron now owns a charming French country inn in Villeneuve-sur-Yonne. Located about 90 miles south of Paris on the peaceful River Yonne, the city was founded in 1163 by Louis VII—a partially intact 12th century wall still exists. Villeneuve is known for its magnificent half-timbered houses, the Renaissance/Gothic Church of Notre Dame, its 13th and 16th century gateways (Porte de Sens and Porte de Joigny), and an awesomely beautiful Gothic bridge crossing the river.

Auberge La Lucarne aux Chouettes—The Owls Nest in English—is situated right on the water in 17th century boat warehouses that were cleverly combined during remodeling. It contains one two-room suite and three rooms, all decorated by Caron to suit her own taste with four-poster antique beds, antique oil paintings (or her own work), hand-painted tiles. About 100 yards from the Auberge is The Residence, a three-bedroom house owned by Caron with a fireplace, fully-equipped kitchen, and laundry facilities, which can be rented by the week or month.

The Inn contains a fine restaurant with a menu that has a Burgundian starting point and then moves beyond. Some recent entries: the Chef's own Duck foie gras in aspic with spice bread, Warm Quail rolled in Sesame seeds and Yakitori on a bed of lettuce, Rabbit Terrine served with puree of prunes, Local Guinea Fowl flavoured with Truffles, Filet of Duck dressed with candied lemon slithers, and Steaming dark Chocolate soufflé with Pistachio sauce.

More Info: Auberge La Lucarne

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All written material ©WGH ~ Photos: Sundance Resorts; The Clarence Hotel