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Will Harry and Meghan Find a Royal Honeymoon in Asia?

After Meghan and Harry tie the knot, they'll be looking for a place to get away from it all, and Asia has some answers.

WRITTEN BY
Editor, Travelogues

PUBLISHED ON
December 14, 2017

LOCATION
Maldives, Indonesia, India, Oman

The couple’s affinity for Africa is well documented, but Harry and Meghan may want to opt for Asia after they take their royal nuptials.

From the beaches of the Maldives to a colonial castle retreat in India, if Harry and Meghan are looking for a regal honeymoon in Asia, they’ll find the princely accommodations below more than adequate.

Cheval Blanc Randheli, Maldives

ABOVE: Lunch at Cheval Blanc Randheli.

Perhaps following in his brother’s footsteps, Harry may want to take his new bride to the Maldives. In 2014, William and Kate Middleton took a five-star luxury journey to the Cheval Blanc Randheli – leaving the young Prince George at home for a change – ahead of a three-week royal tour of Australia.

It’s difficult to be top of the pile in the Maldives, but the Cheval Blanc Randheli features unmatched luxury. Forty minutes north of Malé by seaplane, the Cheval Blanc Randheli is an exotic oasis on the Noonu Atoll: unspoiled, green tropical islands protected from the waves by a coral reef.

Of the resort’s varied accommodations, the most opulent is the owner’s villa, but for a more romantic, smaller setting, the couple may want to settle on a private island villa. With a choice of one or two bedroom villas, the island villas feature infinity pools, palms, wildlife, and an outdoor bathroom with its own salon de bain.

ABOVE: Beachside spa at Cheval Blanc Randheli.

If they wish to emerge from their private villa, the dining at The White – which serves  brasserie-style cuisine around the clock – features a menu both authentic and varied, and there are half a dozen other dining and drinking venues on the menu.

ABOVE: Coral protects the Noonu Atoll from waves.

If the royals are in the mood for an active holiday, there is diving in the Maldivian sea, yachting around the islands, and the resort’s team of “Alchemists” who can create tailor-made activities for the couple. But, if they’re more in the mood for a cool down, then they’ll want to hop on a dhoni for Spa island for range of treatments and massages.

Amanjiwo, Borobudur

ABOVE: Amanjiwo from above.

Eschewing Bali for something a little more cultural, the couple may take a shine to Borobudur. A much younger Prince Charles visited Borobudur in 1989, and Princess Mette-Marit of Norway visited in 2012. The best accommodations around those parts are most certainly found at Amanjiwo.

ABOVE: Borobudur is one of the most impressive spiritual sites in Indonesia.

An Aman property, the Amanjiwo overlooks Borobudur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which features six platforms of 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues. This incredible Javanese sight has been drawing travelers for centuries. Surrounded by some of the finest hiking in Java, the Menoreh Hills include a walk to Selogriyo, an 8th century Hindu Temple.

As to the accommodations, if the newlyweds are looking for a bit more space, they may go with the Dalem Jiwo Suite, but the Borobudur Pool Suite is just as luxurious.

ABOVE: Dalem Jiwo Suite pool

The Restaurant at Amanjiwo includes views over the rice fields to Borobudur and the volcano-fringed horizon. With locally sourced ingredients and a range of Javanese and Indonesian specialties, Aman’s signature mix of modern and traditional is featured heavily in the Malam Menu. If they want something a little more romantic, private picnics are arranged at any time in the rice terraces. The Spa at Amanjiwo features what is termed the Mandi Lulur, described by Aman as a full body indulgence of Javanese royalty.

Oberoi Wildflower Hall, Shimala

Harry and Meghan may be looking for an exotic location with a little taste of luxury back home; if that’s the case, then it’s the colonial charm at the Kitchner Suite at Oberoi Wildflower Hall they’ll be wanting. Found 8,000 feet above sea level, Wildflower Hall could be the royal holiday in the clouds they couple need: isolated, rustic, and undeniably luxurious.

ABOVE: Oberoi Wildflower Hall in the Himalayas.

Not far from the resort is the Viceregal Lodge, a late 19th century residence of sprawling Scottish Baronial architecture, and an ideal example of the mix of West and East in Shimala. The Lord Kitchener suite features a wall-to-wall window that frames the rugged cedar forests on the Himalayas. Named after the inimitable Herbert Kitchener, the suite evokes colonial grandeur over a distinctly Indian delight.

ABOVE: The Lord Kitchner Suite at Oberoi Wildflower Hall.

As for what Harry and Meghan might get up to in this Himalayan heaven, the resort features picnics from master chefs in the cedar forest, isolated getaways at the 1863 Viceroy’s bungalow, and breakfast on the Wild Strawberry Hill.

ABOVE: The colonial architecture of Oberoi Wildflower Hall.

If the newlyweds are still hungry, they can pop down to The Restaurant or Lutyens or head on over to the war memorabilia adorned halls of The Cavalry Bar, dedicated to the British regiments that served in India.

Nihi Sumba, Sumba

Consistently rated as one of the finest hotels in the world, Nihi Sumba, or Nihiwatu, is the ideal combination of beach, isolation, and charm – and the surfing ain’t bad either. Considered the world’s foremost surfing resort, this paradise in Indonesia is awash with beach holiday activities that would keep the couple occupied for weeks.

ABOVE: Packed with activities of every sort, Nihi Sumba is one of the most luxurious and secluded beach destinations in Indonesia.

After the surfing there is fishing, safaris, horseback riding, adventures into Sumba culture, and even a chocolate factory. The experiences at Nihi Sumba are many, and the accommodations are unique.

With nearly a dozen room types to choose from Meghan and Harry can pick a jungle hideaway with the Wamoro or the sea facing Haweri, or perhaps even the private Lantoro – all luxury options at Sumba’s most impressive resort.

ABOVE: Nihi Sumba is best known for its surfing.

When they get hungry, the newlyweds can walk down to the Ombak, a restaurant and bar serving authentic Sumba cuisine as diners watch the waves break. The most romantic seat in the house is The Nest, cantilevered over the ocean for a unique dining experience.

Six Senses Zighy Bay, Oman

ABOVE: Escape to the Hidden Jewel of Oman – Six Senses Zighy Bay

When discussing decadent holiday getaways, many might be surprised to see Oman on the list, but Harry won’t; he’s been there. He’s tried the sword dancing, visited the Sultan Qaboos Gran Mosque in Muscat, and played polo, saying that he longed to return.

Well, if he wants to return for a honeymoon, he’ll be looking at Zighy Bay and the Six Senses Zighy Bay.  Located on the northern Musandam Peninsula, Zighy Bay is a dramatically beautiful indigenous resort and private marina surrounded by mountains and beach.

The Six Senses brand is for those who care about sustainability and wellness – a place to relax with an easy conscience. But, that doesn’t mean Six Senses Zighy Bay is boring; far from it. There’s paragliding, rock climbing, diving, snorkeling, hiking, and visitors can even hop in a Sabatyn 4×4 for an adventure to Wadi Al Bih.

Perhaps the most fitting room for the couple would be the spacious Retreat, located at either end of beautiful Zighy Bay, which would provide some much-needed privacy; after all, their wedding isn’t until spring and people are already speculating about where they’ll spend their honeymoon.