New York State’s recent ruling gives same-sex couples the opportunity to tie the knot. Couples will never have a better excuse to live out their dream getaway. That’s where we come in: Absolute Travel’s signature mix of inspiring and personalized journeys will captivate same-sex honeymooners, while also ensuring they are comfortable and welcomed, no matter where our happy couples’ travels take them.

Just like our honeymooners, no two trips are alike
Every Absolute Travel journey is curated and researched based on the personality and interests of our travelers. No two trips are alike and our ideas of romantic bliss are as different as, well, we are. Whether your ideal getaway involves unwinding with a glass of Malbec and cozy fire for two in Argentina; embarking on a heart-pounding safari while staying in the most fabulous properties imaginable in South Africa; or simply relaxing on a hammock while taking in the Balinese sunset, Absolute Travel wants to help build your version of the ideal once-in-a-lifetime journey for two, ensuring your experience is seamless, authentic, and exceeds your expectations.

Choose from our diverse portfolio of destinations and insider access experiences for a snooze-free honeymoon

We are passionate, experienced and opinionated about travel
Our recommendations are honest and straightforward and the people with whom we connect you across the globe are our friends, not strangers from a guide book. We will provide you with private access and special experiences to color your journey and handpick the properties across the globe where you don’t have to think twice about relaxing and just being yourself.

“Where will we be especially welcomed?”
Although Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Vermont, and Washington DC welcome same-sex marriages, unfortunately this is not the reality everywhere. Luckily, Absolute Travel has been circling the globe for years to find the most welcoming destinations and properties for gay travelers. Our top country picks: Argentina and South Africa have already recognized same-sex marriage and have all the fittings for an idyllic honeymoon. Bali, Thailand, and Brazil are also brilliant honeymoon destinations.

Rodney and Shaun, the delightful owners of Jamala Madikwe Royal Safari Lodge

Our property picks
Brazil: The Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro is a perfect match for honeymooners with its warm staff, sexy rooftop pool, pulsing nightlife and perfect location on Ipanema beach near chic shopping and buzzing cafes. Zank Boutique Hotel in Salvador is another standout, a colonial-style mansion oozing with spectacularly-designed rooms, seaside views and a luxurious spa.

South Africa: South Africa is packed with fabulous properties that make couples look at each other in giddy disbelief. The Jamala Madikwe Royal Safari Lodge falls in that category. Run by charming couple, Shaun and Rodney, honeymooners will feel right at home (a Ralph Lauren-esque safari home at that) while taking in the wildlife hanging out nearby their private plunge pool. Add a few days at the fabulous La Residence in the winelands and Cape Town’s chic Kensington Place and you’re guaranteed a trip of a lifetime.

Thailand: Your honeymoon begins in Bangkok at the all-suite Lebua at State Tower. Share a private moment on your spacious balcony taking in the stunning views of the city before riding the elevator up to the Sky Bar at Sirocco, one of the world’s highest and chicest open air bars. Next, head to the beach and leave the world behind at the Aleenta Phuket - Phang Nga Resort and Spa. This new luxury boutique combines sophisticated style with a fantastic beach location and sprawling sea views. Their private Pool Villas are our top pick for honeymooners—no worries about getting tan lines here!

Exclusive seaside views at Aleenta Phuket - Phang Nga Resort and Spa

Traveling forms an unmatchable bond
From the minute you say “I do” to your return home, Absolute Travel will be working hard to ensure your journey is packed with special moments to cherish for a lifetime together. We are the first to tell you that traveling connects people like nothing else, and we’re certain our deluxe honeymoons will provide you with stories to enrich your lives for years to come.

Just let us know what your dream honeymoon entails; we will handle the rest.

Absolute Travel’s culinary explorer Robyn Mark introduces her new feature: will-travel-for-food

Chorizo, lomo, bondiola, vaca, ojo de bife, chinculin, mollejas, morcilla. And that was just one meal. Empanadas, tamales, dolce de leche, ceviche. The list can go on and on. To say that my recent journey to Argentina was a gastronomical adventure does not do it justice. I milked cows, ate omelets made from eggs straight from the hens house, picked fresh vegetables for my meals, and created my very own wine blend.

Dairy farm 101

Food aside, Argentina is a wonderful destination from New York for a number of reasons. For one, flying on a direct overnight flight allows you to travel without losing any days, and if you sleep the way I do on a plane, you get a full nights rest and still feel right on schedule. Plus being that its the opposite season, making the trip during the thick of our winter doldrums is the very beginning of their autumn – the perfect respite of temperatures in the mid-70s, sunny days, and cool, crisp nights.

Another Wild Wild West

After meeting with the owners of El Colibri Estancia during their visit to Absolute Travel’s office I couldn’t wait to step foot on the property. My days were filled with bike rides at sunset through perfectly manicured polo fields, learning how to shear sheep using just a pair of scissors, and horseback riding through the 300 acres of farmland.

And the food! Our waiter laughed when my cousin and I ordered “one of everything,” at each meal, ensuring we could taste each dish. From fresh steak tartar, to a simple medley of garden fresh vegetables, everything we were served was innovative, simple, designed beautifully, and hit every taste bud. Rabbit ratatouille garnished with roasted red peppers and rosemary was a highlight, and ending each meal with fresh berries and homemade whipped cream was the perfect subtly sweet finish.

The Barber Shop at El Colibri Estancia

From Cordoba I traveled to Mendoza, where I toured different wineries, sampled olive oil that was cold pressed just feet away, and learned why a glass of Malbec in the afternoon (or several) truly makes you feel like you’re on vacation. For anyone going to this region, the trip will not be complete without an evening at Francis Mallman’s infamous restaurant, 1884. Tucked away at the end of a rather gritty nondescript road, once you arrive you immediately feel like you’ve discovered a hidden wonder. The façade of white brick crumbling walls led to a long entrance covered in vines and flowers. After passing through the tall glass and steel doors I immediately noticed the large chapa (cast-iron griddle), a clay outdoor oven and a parilla (barbecue grate) over hot coals and pieces of meat in all shapes and sizes being sprinkled with salt and pepper. Surprisingly, I went vegetarian that last night after almost a weeks’ worth of meat, and I was still blown away. Each simple dish embraced the idea of cooking with simplicity, using the best ingredients possible. Mallman utilizes every aspect of the fire from the flames to the hot ashes, so even my piece of grilled squash with toasted pinenuts and shaved parmesan was cooked to perfection.

Perfection at Francis Mallman’s restaurant, 1884

Next I traveled through the Northwest regions of Salta and Cafayate, driving through stunning mountainous roads and stopping along the way to marvel at the views. I learned the Torrontés grape produces a crisp clean white wine also known as “the liar” for its sweet smell but dry taste. And I relaxed at the beautiful House of Jasmines Hotel where I couldn’t stop taking pictures, hoping to replicate the décor in my own home.

House of Jasmines, Salta

The trip wouldn’t have been complete without a few days in Buenos Aires, filled with shopping, more food, and a couple of perfect nights at the Park Hyatt and Four Seasons. After just twelve days away I felt rejuvenated, relaxed, and very very full.

-Robyn

They say Africa changes you forever. I had no idea who they were, nor did I know just how dead on they were, that is, until I experienced it for myself. After years of listening to my parents’ stories of their incredible visits to Kenya, and seeing movies like “Out of Africa”, “The Ghost and The Darkness”, and “I Dreamed of Africa”, there was no question as to where I wanted to spend my honeymoon after my husband, Scott and I got married. Thankfully, Scott is always game for whatever adventure I happen to dream up.

I thought to myself, “If every day is this good, I’m never leaving.”

The moment our tiny plane touched down in central Kenya’s Laikipia Plateau, I knew our experience would exceed every single one of my lofty expectations. After landing at the airstrip, which was no more than a dirt road, we were greeted by the warmest smile I’ve ever seen belonging to our Samburu guide, Solomon. The transfer to Loisaba Lodge was more akin to an actual game drive, first passing a herd of elephants and later veering off the road to get a better view of a pair of mating lions! Being my first time on safari and the closest I’d ever been to a massive feline (who I was convinced saw me as a welcome meal!), I began to question Solomon’s sanity as he continued to inch closer and closer to the mating couple. He assured me that the last thing on that lion’s mind was jumping into our open vehicle, but my heart beat uncontrollably nonetheless! I thought to myself, “If every day is this good, I’m never leaving.” Every day was better than the last.

Happy Hour

One of my fondest memories of the Laikipia Plateau was spending a night in Loisaba’s starbed, plopped miles away from the main lodge in the heart of the wilderness overlooking a watering hole. A short staircase is the only “barrier” separating you from the African wildlife. There’s nothing quite like spending a night under the stars in a plush bed heated with warm water bottles, while listening to the howls of a hyena and the rustle of mysterious nocturnal creatures scurrying just below. I slept about an hour that night… the stream of shooting stars and thrill of not knowing what sounds I would hear next made sleep such an afterthought!

There’s nothing quite like spending a night under the African skies

Next stop, the famed Masai Mara, where the great migration welcomed us in full swing. Animal lovers beware: this is the real deal and not for the faint of heart. I actually had to take a personal moment after witnessing a young wildebeest make its way across the croc-filled Mara River unscathed; that is, until a female lion seized the opportunity for a mid-morning snack. Such is life (and death) in the wilds of the East African bush. All aspects of being in the bush – sights, sounds, smells even – conjure an authentic sense of adventure that I’d imagine can only be appreciated by those who have had the honor of being a part of that world, even for just a few days.

Zebra crossing the Mara River

Not only is the wildlife so captivating, but the scenic beauty of the African landscapes had us in awe! Very early one morning, we set out for Little Governor’s Camp, the site from which we were to launch high above the treetops in a hot air balloon. A sense of calm fell over me as we floated over the Mara plains bathed in the red, yellow and orange hue of a brilliant African sunrise. It dawned on me that I couldn’t remember the last time I felt so serene, so unrushed, so at peace.

Photographed at sunrise from our hot air balloon ride

One of Africa’s many charms is its ability to slow things down. As a New Yorker, it seems that we’re constantly being pressured to adopt new ways of doing things quicker, more efficiently. GO GO GO! Africa is a welcome respite from this way of thinking. It almost feels as though time stands still there. And at that moment I finally understood what they meant. Among other things, Africa gives you the wherewithal to open your eyes, slow down and take it all in, from navigating the picturesque surroundings on seriously bumpy “roads,” to getting to know the people you meet along the way. It seems to put everything in perspective and serves as a reminder of what is important. Though my sudden revelation is a total cliché, I remember feeling like I’d just unearthed some sort of secret formula.

One of Africa's many charms... the ability to slow things down.

On our flight back to the States, I realized that I had to find a way to turn my passion for travel into a career. I wanted to give others the opportunity to experience the world in unimaginable ways, to make their dreams a reality. By the time we landed in New York, my anxiety about leaving my years in fashion behind to start anew became so very real, but that calm fell on me once again when I imagined a life of immersing myself in a world of exploration and discovery, and giving that joy to others. So I took the plunge. The rest, as they say, is history.

-Noël

Absolute Traveler Zachary Aarons talks food, art and fashion in the all-too-often overlooked metropolis of Sao Paulo, Brazil.

São Paulo Skyline

For most of us, Brazil evokes images of sizzling beaches, the uber-chic city of Rio de Janeiro, and the natural wonders of the Pantanal and the Amazon. But when my wife and I started planning for our next vacation back in November we were intrigued by the megalopolis of São Paulo, the commercial center of Brazil.

The minute we arrived, we were greeted by the city’s buzzing energy. What could be perceived by some as overwhelmingly urban, was to us, exciting. After getting accustomed to the insane traffic that nine million cars provides, we were in our groove and our jaunt in this brash cosmopolitan hub began…

First stop: Fasano Hotel in the beautiful Jardim neighborhood. The staff couldn’t have been nicer and our room couldn’t have been more spectacular, complete with a view of the gardens and the skyline. After getting situated, we strolled over to one of the most hyped about restaurants in town, Dalva e Dito, Brazilian superstar chef and irreverent bad boy Alex Atala’s latest project. The restaurant pulled a chic crowd and the food exceeded our lofty expectations. We particularly liked how our view of the kitchen prep and the breadbasket complete with an assortment of hot chili sauce as dips.

After lunch we hit the Rua Oscar Freire, São Paulo’s most famous shopping street, and we tore it up! Shoes and bikinis are all the rage in Brazil and they didn’t disappoint.  We stopped at the flagship Melissa Shoes (loved the crazy graffiti exterior) followed by visits to Havainas, Slama Bikini, local designer Isabela Capeto’s sample sale, and Schutz, where my wife found a nice pair of heels.

After perusing the fashions on Oscar Freire we drove to the bohemian neighborhood of Vila Madalena.  This neighborhood was filled with galleries, restaurants, bars, and boutiques.  We stopped at the boutique Ronaldo Fraga, and then checked out the beautiful galleries Galeria Millan and the art powerhouse Fortes Vilaca. Each gallery showcased excellent work by Brazilian artists.  To top off our day we grabbed a drink at the chic Bar Astor. Astor was decorated like a Keith McNally restaurant, with white subway tiles and young men and women sipping Caipiroskas.  We indulged, and a waitress came over to muddle fruit and make a delicious Caipiroska right in front of us.

It was time for dinner. We traveled to Kosushi, one of the best sushi restaurants in the whole city.  São Paulo is actually home to the largest Japanese population anywhere outside of Japan, and the Japanese have called the city home for over 100 years.  Kosushi was both chic and zen. We filled up on succulent sardines and other small dishes before heading back to the Fasano to catch up on some much needed sleep!

The following morning, my parents joined us and it was off to the races.  We got in the car and drove to eat lunch at one of the city’s fanciest shopping malls, Cidade Jardim, located on the other side of the river in Morumbi.  Native Paulistas frequently shop in malls, and the crowd at Due Cuochi Cucina was very elegant.  The restaurant is located in a beautiful garden on the roof of the mall, with a view of the river.  The food is Northern Italian, with some Brazilian influence.

After lunch, we went gallery hopping including Mendes Wood, Luisa Strina, and Marillia Razuk. For dinner, we went to D.O.M., Alex Atala’s flagship restaurant, arguably the most famous in São Paulo.

The following day we headed to the Parque do Ibirapuera, the city’s central park.  It was a Saturday and the park was packed.  2010 marked the 29th São Paulo Bienal, a bi-annual art exhibition held in a large pavilion in the park.  It is the second oldest biennial in the world, and is very well respected.  The 2010 biennial had a political theme, relating to the fact that art and politics are always inseparable.  The curators chose work from artists worldwide, including Simon Fujiwara, Jonas Mekas, and Ai Weiwei, in addition to Brazilian artists like Efrain Almeida and Flavio de Carvalho.

The Bienal was not the only thing going on in the park that day; we also saw a wonderful Ernesto Neto exhibition at the Museu de Arte Moderna (MAM) and checked out the Oscar Niemeyer designed concert hall, Auditorio Ibirapuera.  We even got to hear a local high school play a samba style version of Madonna’s Holiday.  For lunch that day we went to Kaa, a gigantic mostly outdoor restaurant with a huge green wall and excellent salads.

That evening, we decided to check out the famous Hotel Unique for a drink.  We got there right around sunset and the view from the rooftop pool was spectacular. The scene at the hotel’s Skye Bar was fashionable, and the Caipirinhas were tasty.  After, we went to Arturito for another inspired Brazilian meal.

On our final day we decided to check out the old downtown, a neighborhood filled with history, culture, and architecture.  On our way we went to the São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP), a modernist designed building by Lina Bo Bardi perched atop a large hill.  The museum has an expansive permanent collection, and is not overcrowded.  We then traveled around the old downtown, and visited sites like the municipal market, the old train station, and the Pinacoteca Do Estado, which was a prime example of a good modern renovation to an old structure. 

For lunch, we headed to Mani, arguably the most inventive culinary destination in the city.  Mani has dishes like deconstructed Feijoada, taking a contemporary riff on traditional Brazilian dishes.  We then went to Paralela, an alternative exhibition coinciding with, but not related to, the biennial.  This exhibition had only young Brazilian artists with many good works housed in what looked like an old airplane hangar.  That evening it was unfortunately time to bid goodbye to the city.  We went for an early dinner at Figuera, where we ate steak next to the branches of an 80-year-old fig tree that grows throughout the restaurant.  A very special trip.