Want to romance like the stars for your honeymoon? Recreate your favorite movie scenes by seeking out a destination where some of the greatest silver screen romances took place.
Morocco: “Casablanca” (1942)
A sentimental movie about love, longing, heartbreak, and sacrifice, “Casablanca” imbues Morocco with an old-world 1940s glamour. Contemporary travelers would be better served to visit Marrakech rather than Casablanca for Moroccan culture and history, though. Honeymooners can check into your own private riad at the Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech just outside the city, complete with a private pool and outdoor Jacuzzi within your walled courtyard. A traditional Moroccan hammam ritual at the resort’s world-class spa is in order — the sensual exfoliating treatment is thought to cleanse both body and mind. Foodie couples can take a cooking class with the chef and learn how to make the couscous extra fluffy in a traditional Moroccan tagine. More adventurous couples can book a bespoke sidecar tour with Marrakech Insiders if you don’t mind getting a little dusty.
Beverly Hills: “Pretty Woman” (1990)
Pretend you’re Julia Roberts for a day with the “Pretty Woman For A Day” package at the Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel. Stay in a specialty suite as dazzling as the one Richard Gere booked for a week in indulge in a behind-the-scenes tour of some of Rodeo Drive’s most acclaimed fashion houses with a personal stylist, who’ll ensure you get the VIP treatment right off the bat. Relax with a couples massage and romantic dinner for two in your suite and conclude the evening with a leisurely bath. Feel free to sing loudly in the tub, re-enacting the famous bubble bath scene from the film. The Four Seasons bath butler will even customize your bath with your favorite aromatherapy oils. Enjoy dinner the next evening at The Blvd in your chic new outfit, indulging in signature dishes like cedar-smoked lamb ribs or a cheeseburger with aged white cheddar.
Tokyo: “Lost In Translation” (2003)
Director Sofia Coppola won an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay for her romantic comedy script, and “Lost In Translation” was nominated for three other Academy Awards too. Most of the movie takes place within the Park Hyatt Tokyo, which Coppola has described as “one of her favorite places in the world.” Get drinks at New York Grill like Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson’s characters do on more than one occasion. There are more than 20 types of Japanese whiskey available, including the rare Ichiro Malt. Try the signature L.I.T. cocktail, named for the movie, featuring a blend of Kikuizumi Daiginjo sake along with Sakura Liqueur and finished with peach and cranberry juices. Book the dark and moody presidential suite furnished in hardwood, leather, and marble to relish the Tokyo skyline from your waterfall shower and private sauna.
England: “The Holiday” (2006)
Replicate Cameron Diaz’s house swap with Kate Winslet with an English countryside cottage getaway at The Lygon Arms in the Cotswolds. The historic family-run coaching inn dates to the 1300s and King Charles stayed in the Charles I Suite the night before battle in the English Civil War in 1649.
Simply strolling or biking through the countryside is a favorite way to take in the rolling hills, and the lavender fields are a must-visit during summer months. Step into a fairytale at Sudeley Castle or enjoy 50 acres of beautiful botanical gardens at Batsford Arboretum. You can even take a drive to nearby Cornwell Manor near Chipping Norton, where Diaz and Jude Law’s characters visit for a cozy lunch in the movie.
Hawaii: “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” (2008)
Book the North Shore honeymoon package at Turtle Bay Resort, the location of this beloved romantic comedy, and arrive on Oahu to a fragrant lei greeting, champagne, and chocolate covered strawberries. There’s no actual Oprah Suite, like hotel concierge Mila Kunis upgraded Jason Segel to, but you’ll recognize the recently renovated beach cottages with 15-foot ceilings and spa-like marble bathrooms are an apt substitute. You’ll have the utmost privacy here to reenact Kristen Bell and Russell Brand’s over-the-top displays of affection on the private lanai, tree hammock, or grassy area under a coconut palm. The beaches at Kawela Bay and Mokuleia are both featured in the film, along with the banyan tree grove and Laie Point, where Segel dives from the cliff into the ocean. With nearly 1,300 acres, there’s plenty to explore at Turtle Bay if you’re looking for a more active honeymoon too.
For more travel tips and romantic destinations, check out our travel section.
Amber Gibson spends 340 nights a year in hotels searching for the latest and greatest in the travel industry. Her writing and photographs have appeared in print, online, and on the radio for outlets including Four Seasons Magazine, NPR, Saveur, Departures, Rhapsody, Hemispheres, American Way, Private Air, Wine Folly, Plate, Chicago Magazine, Tasting Table, and Serious Eats. She graduated as valedictorian from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism and received a fellowship to attend the 2017 Wine Writers Symposium at Meadowood Napa Valley. Champagne, dark chocolate, and gelato are her biggest weaknesses. She also admires and supports CAASE in Chicago. Follow her adventures on Instagram and Twitter.
