The honeymoon experience is one we dream about for decades and subtly discuss with our partners way before a proposal has come along. Once you’ve done the ‘I Dos’, it’s vital to have some much-needed rest and relaxation before heading back into the thick of everyday choas. If you’re film obsessors too, why not combine some of the best watching environments with exactly where you shake off the post-wedding blues?
Films are so often set in some of the world’s best. From the whitest sands to the liveliest cultures ready to welcome all in. Here are some of the best gay honeymoon destinations from film locations.
Bali, Indonesia
Thanks to its unique landscape and rich culture, Bali has been a favourite film location for decades. If the blockbuster ‘Eat Pray Love’ was a first date to the movies, why not go exactly where it was filmed? Like Liz herself, head to Bali in search of self-discovery as you embark on the next adventure that is married life. This movie was filmed over a wealth of locations. In Ubud, the traditional rice paddies and arts and crafts scene make it a lush setting for showcasing authentic Balinese ways of life. Known for its surfing spots, Padang-Padang Beach was another location for the filming of the ‘Eat Pray Love’ movie. Alongside excellent surfing spots for novices to experts, the dramatic cliffline here makes for a great setting for a natural escape. Why not learn to surf yourselves? With the helping hand of a local guide, consider learning a new hobby as newlyweds, before taking on the vibrancy of Ubud at night.
Countless other films have used the paradise of Bali as a backdrop. Once the honeymoon is booked, why not watch as many televised stories as you can to feel like you’re ready for Balinese culture?
Bahamas, The Caribbean
The Caribbean is no unknown entity for film enthusiasts, with the likes of ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ being unsurprisingly executed there. The Exuma Cay Islands are used to represent tropical islands in the film, and these are also a paradise for a honeymoon stay. With a postcard-perfect tropical climate all year round, think warm temperatures and little rainfall in the peak summer months. Home to some of the world’s most pristine white-sand beaches delve into snorkeling experiences here and even swim with candyfloss pink pigs that take residents in the clear seas!
There are plenty of gay-friendly Caribbean resorts for the perfect paradise-feeling honeymoon. The capital, Nassau, has become more and more progressive in LGBTQQIAAP travel over time, with vibrant beach cultures, lively nights, and rich history. Head to The Daiquiri Shack on Cable Beach for delicious daiquiris in relaxed, Insta’ Insta-worthy settings. Made from a wide selection of locally grown fruit, these have to be there with some of the best cocktails you’ll have ever experienced. The Bahamas is a haven of luxury resorts for the most unforgettable honeymoon stay. Research to ensure you’re getting the best experience for you both as newlyweds.
Salzburg, Austria
‘The Sound of Music’ obsessors, prepare to be impressed! The city of Salzburg is vastly used in the 1965 blockbuster film starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer. Head to the Mirabell Palace and Gardens to be right where ‘Do-Re-Mi’ was sung and prepare to be mesmerized by the clean architecture and intricate royal sculpturing outside. The idyllic gardens are infamously perfect in their cut and shapes and the spots of blooming colour are the sprinkles on top for the most perfect array of nature intertwined with human talent. The square of Residenzplatz was used for the market scenes throughout the movie and this oozes traditional European quintessential charm in the real world, as well as in the film itself. For city lovers who indulge in musical filmmaking, Salzburg is guaranteed to bring the glowing moving nostalgia right back to both of you.
Lake Como, Italy
A filming location for the 2002 installment of Star Wars and an overwhelming vacation haven, Italy’s Lake Como will provide the most lustrous honeymoon experience for you to never forget. Head to the lake itself and embrace the natural wonder and beauty of the azure waters. Embrace paddleboarding or more intense watersports to fulfill your adrenaline rush daily and bake in the glorious Italian sunshine. Sip limoncello in the evenings, partnered with the world’s best pizza and pasta dishes.
For the most luxury honeymoon packages in Italy, consider a tour booking. Just the pair of lovers and a local expert to ensure you’re seeing all the best quintessence of one of the world’s most loved countries. Lake Como lies just an hour’s train journey from the bustling metropolis of Milan. This is a city with a lively gay scene and key historical significance in the form of astounding architecture.
Kauai, Hawaii
For Jurassic Park worshippers, Kauai in Hawaii is a no-brainer for the honeymoon of dreams. Head to the infamous Manawaipuna Falls (Jurassic Falls) to witness the clearest cascading waterfalls, sunlit by the tropical climate. Head to the island’s museum to see the wealth of art significance across the region and its people, as well as the ‘Grove Farm Homestead Museum’ to get a glimpse into the start of Hawaiian culture and life. After all, it would be good to know all the history to tell fellow Jurassic lovers, on your return.
Summary
Create the most authentic honeymoon experience for you and your partner, with the help of filming locations. Is a film important to you both? Or just a favourite film that holds good memories? Let nostalgia flow through as you embark on a honeymoon in some of the world’s best and most adventurous locations.
QUEERGURU’s Lifestyle Editor PETER MINKOFF is a gay health and lifestyle writer at QUEER VOICES magazine.
Besides writing, he worked as a freelance fashion stylist in Europe and Australia. A true craft beer and soy latte
aficionado, he loves spending his days at the beach and visiting second-hand stores on a daily basis.
Follow Peter on TWITTER for more tips.
