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Honeymoon Destinations for Movie Enthusiasts

Angela Wood

Senior Contributor

When you think about the ultimate honeymoon destinations for film lovers, the usual suspects spring to mind - New York, London, Paris and Los Angeles. However, many of your favourite movies are filmed in not-so-obvious locations. So, if you bonded over Star Wars, The Sound of Music or even Lord of the Rings, our list will point you to the best places to visit after you tie the knot and where you can stay nearby.

LAKE COMO, ITALY

Glamorous Lake Como surrounded by verdant mountains lies an hour north of Milan in the Lombardy region of Italy. It’s renowned for pastel-coloured lakeside villages, botanic gardens, hiking trails and fine dining. The list of movies filmed around Lake Como is endless, although the James Bond 2006 blockbuster Casino Royale and Oceans 12 are perhaps two of the most memorable. For Star Wars fans, parts of the planet Naboo from Star Wars Episode II – Attack of the Clones were filmed by Lake Como and Villa del Balbienello near Lenno is the location where Padmé and Anakin married. It’s possible to charter a boat to the villa where you can enjoy a romantic stroll through the delightful 18th-century residence and Renaissance gardens and recreate the moment when they stand on the terrace at sunset.

Where to Stay

Hotel Villa d’Este

One of the finest 5-star hotels in Italy located in Cernobbio with easy access to Como, Bellagio, Tremezzo and Varenna by road and boat.

Mandarin Oriental – Lago di Como

Contemporary luxury hotel located on the eastern shores of the lake between Torno and the seven hamlets of Blevio.

Villa del Balbienello, Lake Como

Credit: Leoks

BALI, INDONESIA

Bali is the perfect honeymoon destination with ornate temples and one of the island’s most revered archaeological sites – Goa Gajah, otherwise known as Elephant Cave. It was also the filming location for the final third of Eat, Pray, Love. The scenes in which Julia Roberts and Javier Bardem’s characters fall in love are filmed around Ubud and Padang-Padang beach on the southern tip of Bali. You can recreate your own romantic scenes walking through emerald rice terraces, venturing to the sacred monkey forest and visiting Pura Taman Saraswati – a stone temple dedicated to the Hindu Goddess of Wisdom and Art.

Where to Stay

Maya Ubud Resort and Spa

Luxury resort in a peaceful location near Goa Gajah, Agung Rai Museum of Art and Pura Taman Saraswati.

Furama Villas & Spa – Ubud

5-star resort and spa in a tranquil location close to rice fields, shops and restaurants just outside Ubud.

Padang-Padang Beach

Credit: Tatiana Popova

NEW ZEALAND

As Gandalf the Grey once said, “All we have to decide is what do with the time that is given to us”. This is certainly true of New Zealand where the movies were filmed. It’s hard to know where to begin your adventure, but if you know your LOTR movies, you’ll probably start in Matamata on the North Island. Verdant farmland has been transformed into the fictional village of Hobbiton and today remains as a permanent attraction for visiting fans, complete with houses carved into the earth. You can also explore Kaitoke Regional Park in Wellington which became Rivendell in the films with the help of a little CGI. If you plan to head across the Cook Straits for a spot of wine tasting or adrenaline sports on South Island, make a detour to Nelson. It is in this pretty city nestled on Tasman Bay you’ll find Jens Hansen, the jeweller who crafted the rings for the movies. You can even purchase one for yourself or your loved one in 9 or 18-carat gold from the very man who created the original.

Where to Stay

James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor – Wellington, North Island

Wellington Botanic Gardens, Space Place at Carter Observatory and the ferry port to South Island are all within walking distance.

Cordis Hotel & Resort – Auckland

A short walk from galleries, museums and nightlife of Auckland, perfect if you want to be in the heart of the city and take a day trip to Matamata.

The Marlborough Lodge – Blenheim, South Island

A great location for exploring New Zealand wine country, Nelson and Abel Tasman National Park.

Hobbit house in Hobbiton

Credit: Svetlana Orusova

SALZBURG, AUSTRIA

It’s hard to believe that The Sound of Music was released over 50 years ago in 1965, but still remains one of the most popular musicals of all time. Many of the breath-taking outdoor scenes from the movie were filmed in and around Salzburg in Austria, so if you’re a fan of musicals and planning the perfect honeymoon, this city could become one of your favourite places. Whether you wish to twirl your skirts on the hillsides, recite the lyrics to Do Re Mi around Pegasus Fountain in Mirabell Gardens or recreate lakeside terrace scenes at Schloss Leopoldskron, you can do it all here.

Where to Stay

Hotel Sacher Salzburg

A 5-star hotel offering a unique mix of old-world charm and modern comforts close to River Salzach and Mirabell Gardens.

Hotel Goldener Hirsch, a Luxury Collection Hotel

A central city hotel perfectly placed for you to explore Mozart's birthplace in Altstadt (the Old Town), Residenzplatz and Hohensalzburg Fortress.

Salzburg Skyline

Credit: Rastislav Sedlak SK

KAUAI, HAWAIIAN ISLANDS

Any Hawaiian Island is great for honeymooners, but awe-inspiring Kauai is as lush and green as they come. The island was the main filming location for the Jurassic Park and Jurassic World movies, along with neighbouring Oahu. Known as the Garden Isle, there’s much to see and do on Kauai, from hiking and kayaking to surfing and helicopter rides over stunning Manawaiopuna Falls. To capture the true essence of your movie adventure, visit Allerton Gardens tropical estate, Hanapepe Valley or hike to Waikapala’e caves – just watch out for the Triceratops!

Where to Stay

Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa

Beautiful beachfront resort perfect for your Jurassic Park themed adventure, just 12 minutes from Allerton Gardens and 20 minutes from Hanapepe Lookout.

Ko’a Kea Hotel & Resort at Poipu Beach

Kauai's award-winning beachfront resort with swimming pool is located close to Manawaiopuna Falls (also known as Jurassic Park Falls), golf courses and golden beaches.

Couple in Kauai

Credit: Maridav

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