Romantic honeymoon, travel, staycation and minimoon ideas for couples in East Anglia

Greece is the word... Claire Ridley spent the summer in Santorini and Athens

Santorini is often referred to as the supermodel of the Greek islands and I can see why. Surrounded by the inviting Aegean Sea, it's reached by direct flights from the UK or a short 45-minute flight from Athens Airport. It can also be accessed by boat from Piraeus Port for island-hopping honeymooners wanting to escape to the sun. On arrival, Europe's most glamorous getaway greets visitors with unbeatable views and the famous white-washed landscape dotted with the instantly recognisable blue domes on the many chapels and churches that are perched on the steep Caldera cliffs.

In love with the lakes

A myriad of delights lie in wait in The Lake District for UK honeymooners...The four-star Belsfield Hotel, located mere moments from the charming town centre in Bowness-on-Windermere, exudes class, sophistication and historical splendour. From its enviable spot on the banks of Lake Windermere, there can surely be nowhere better to enjoy the rest, relaxation and beauty of the area cocooned in sheer luxury. Whether you're looking for an active honeymoon break filled with hiking and outdoor adventure; or a peaceful, romantic escape, the hotel offers the perfect base. County Wedding Magazines' deputy managing editor, Kelly Andrews, paid a visit to find out more.

The ultimate destination: Dubrovnik

Editor Olivia Gibson was excited to be travelling again and shares her experience of Dubrovnik.

After what felt like an eternity of not being able to travel due to restrictions, I was so excited to visit the Dubrovnik President Valamar Collection Hotel – especially after seeing images of the stunning property online. For the first time in three years, I packed my bags and headed to the airport!

Dubrovnik is a wonderful place to visit, evident even from thousands of feet up in the air. The crystal-clear waters, beautiful beaches and picturesque landscapes create the perfect backdrop for honeymoons – no wonder it's known as the Pearl of the Adriatic. After a short flight, we touched down and the real adventure began!

With love from Madrid

County Wedding Magazines editor, Claire Ridley, spent Easter in Spain's vibrant capital city. "From the moment I arrived in Madrid, a two-and-a-half hour flight from London, I was greeted by a myriad of narrow streets and large squares filled with landmarks to fill my Insta feed at every turn, from the iconic Royal Palace of Madrid and Plaza Mayor to the eclectic mix of boutiques, tapas restaurants and bars. This extended bank holiday is a great time to visit when the weather has warmed up (average temperature 67 degrees) but the heat of the summer hasn't yet descended on the city.

Sweet Escapes - some of the UK’s best boltholes

Looking for a post-wedding trip away? Look no further than the UK. Not only do you cut down on travel time, air miles, airport chaos and reduce the risk of cancellations; but the UK truly is blessed with picture-perfect beaches, stunning landscapes, Michelin-starred restaurants and quirky accommodation - you can even take your pet to boot! From Scotland to Cumbria, Yorkshire to Cornwall, the breadth of the UK is brimming with post-wedding getaway inspiration - enjoy!

Caribbean vibes - a trip to the must-visit tropical islands

As the St. Lucians say, "No pressure, no problem!" So many tropical islands provide luxury, but only St. Lucia offers this alongside the feeling of joy and laughter courtesy of the amazing people. Such a friendly country, I was so warmly welcomed – and laughed a lot! This is the ultimate location to unwind after planning your big day. If you don't know much about St. Lucia, it's an eastern Caribbean Island with a pair of dramatically tapered mountains, known as the Pitons. These volcanic mounds are a spectacular landmark of the island, lush and green and ready for the adventurer in you to explore. St. Lucia's tropical climate makes it a prime spot for year-round sunshine and warm weather. Prepare for short downpours as those surrounding rainforests bursting with colour need watering.

Sri Lanka was the destination of dreams for Louise #Travel goals

There were countless reasons why Sri Lanka was my number one bucket list destination – with the tropical island pipping New Zealand, the Maldives and Vietnam to the top spot – but the one that stood out to me is the fact it is a Buddhist country, with a culture based on peace and family. While the unstable social climate was garnering news coverage at the time of my trip, there is not one point during my stay that I felt any unrest. From the second the tropical heat hit me as I arrived, to the moment I stepped back on the plane with a heavy heart upon my departure, I felt totally secure.

Escape to the forest

Sarah Gallivan discovers the great outdoors at Nottinghamshire's Sherwood Hideaway: Experience a luxury escape in the heart of Sherwood Forest at The Sherwood Hideaway at Thorseby. Surrounded by woodland, this selection of luxury lodges and log cabins is an oasis of calm. I stayed with my husband, our two children and dog and it was the perfect opportunity to reconnect after leaving the hustle and bustle of daily life behind us – upon arrival I felt instantly relaxed. Choose to explore and enjoy the range of activities on offer or simply kick back and relax, the choice is yours.

A romantic escape to Mauritius

Travel editor Melissa Barker reveals why Mauritius is the perfect honeymoon destination after being stuck in the UK for what feels like a lifetime, I'm sure that I'm not alone in saying that I'd forgotten how exciting travelling could be. I was apprehensive about flying again, but the moment I stepped off the plane in tropical Mauritius and the heat hit me, I felt at ease. Whether you're after rest and relaxation to recover from the stress of wedding planning or an action-packed adventure, Beachcomber has a resort to suit. With eight properties in Mauritius, each offering something different, the team can tailor-make your holiday across a range of price points. I was lucky enough to visit four of the luxurious hotels during my stay and it was certainly a trip to remember! For those of you who don't know much about Mauritius, it's located in the Indian Ocean and is brimming with culture and Instagram-worthy snaps at every turn. Roughly an 11-hour flight from the UK with Air Mauritius, it's famous for its picturesque beaches, breathtaking lagoons and crystal-clear reefs. The spoken language is English and Mauritian Creole, so you won't need to worry about translations, and it's the only known habitat for the now-extinct dodo bird.

Gourmet lovers' paradise in the Algarve

With 3,000 hours of sunshine and just a three-hour flight from the UK, the Algarve is unique in that it offers a truly delightful year round destination. Situated in Quinta do Lago and nestled within the privacy and security of the Ria Formosa nature reserve, a scenic swirl of seawater lagoons, sandy islands, salt marshlands and diverse bird life, lies Four Seasons Fairways – the ideal spot to escape a deux. Think warmth, sun and sumptuous Mediterranean food.

Back to nature bolthole

Editor Claire was invited to Monkey Island Estate, a sanctuary set on a private island on the River Thames offering laid-back luxury.

A careful renovation has preserved features while adding in contemporary comforts in both the white-bricked Pavilion and Temple buildings that make up this Berkshire-based YTL Hotels property. It's accessed via a footbridge (after checking in at the Boat House on the mainland) and is home to luxury accommodation in a choice of 40 stylish bedrooms and The Wedgewood Suite commanding prime position in the original Temple building with wrap-around views.