We all dream about the 2-week long honeymoons we'll have when we get married - making multiple stops along the way; watching sunsets on a beach; the joy of being far away from the ones who can interrupt our communion with our spouses… Then we wake up and realize that work and all the other hassles in life may only afford us 3 days, at the most. Who says you can't enjoy 3 amazing honeymoon days?
Step 1: Make your 3-day honeymoon a technology-free one. Turn off all phones and laptops and everything that connects you to the outside world. The people you think you need to be in touch with know that you’re on your honeymoon and whatever information they have for you can wait till the fourth day. Trust me. I would even go so far as conveniently forgetting all those devices at home.
Step 2: Location is awfully important. Now, I must tell you that when I was younger, I always talked about going to one of these places that people would hear about and be so sure that I had a lot of fun. I mean, think about it, a honeymoon in 3-stop honeymoon in Seychelles, Dubai and Egypt? Of course, I would have enjoyed myself, and spent a lot of money. Right? Not always.
Why spend one of your three days trying to get to your honeymoon? My mum told me about her uncle who spent his honeymoon in her parents' house! No one knew where they went, but you can be sure he didn't regret it.
The House on the Beach: You probably know someone who knows someone who owns a house along the beach off the Island. Ask if you can rent it for a few days. Feel free to bring in the things that would make it a more memorable stay.
The Hotel in the Middle of Nowhere: The popular hotels are not always the best for your romantic getaway. You may think that a hotel in an underdeveloped area would not be a good choice. You should not judge a book by its cover! You may surprised by the potential that lies within the walls of that hotel in the middle of nowhere.
The Nigerian Resort: Many tourist attractions in Nigeria have been developed into full blown resorts with spas and swimming pools. It’s exciting to know that you can potentially wrap up your honeymoon and tourism trip into one. Here are some destinations you may want to look into:
- Grand Hotel and Resort, Asaba, Delta State
- Zenabab Half Moon Resort, Ilesha, Osun State
- La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, Lekki, Lagos State
- Ibeno Natural sand Beach, Ibeno, Akwa Ibom State
- Ikogosi Warm and Cold Springs, Ikogosi, Ekiti State
- Whispering Palms, Badagry, Lagos State
- Obudu Mountain Resort, Obudu, Cross River State
- Oguta Lake Holiday Complex, Owerri, Imo State
- Kamp Ikare Resort, Lagos State
You have to believe in the excitement that your honeymoon holds. You won't enjoy it if you don't plan to. Your 3 days would seem like ten if you make plans to focus all your attention and energy on your spouse. Put some brain energy into the honeymoon plans. Go beyond the expected 'roses in the bath water'. Get your spouse a honeymoon gift; it could be a souvenir from the place he or she would have really loved to go. Surprises like that let your spouse know that want this to be something special, and it's not just another part of the marriage ceremony agenda, like the bouquet toss.
I should warn you that you would be wishing a fourth day to miraculously be available as the third day comes to an end. The good news is that a honeymoon is not a once-in-a-lifetime experience. God help me, I may end up having a honeymoon every year of my married life, at this rate. There are just too many opportunities I would not like to miss out on. I'm sure you wouldn't either.
It's not about how long, but how well. Enjoy your honeymoon!
By Ayomide Fawole