Honeymoon hot spots

Once the wedding is over and the last guest has left, most couples look forward to their honeymoon — a week or two of unwinding, relaxing and spending quality time together in an exotic spot somewhere around the world.

Honeymoons come in all shapes and sizes — a beach vacation, a safari, a ski trip — and are based more on the couple’s joint personality than on tradition.Here are five of the world’s hottest honeymoon destinations.

#5: Grand Hotel Florence

Location: Florence, Italy

What’s cool: The stained-glass ceiling in the hotel bar sets an Old World romantic mood.

If it’s romance you’re looking for, a trip to Florence guarantees starry eyes, hearty meals, amazing art and much more. Like a room with a view? Housed in a former 18th-century palace overlooking the Arno River, the rooms at the Grand Hotel are decorated with frescoes and marble and oozing with Florentine culture. The hotel is ideally situated near the picture-worthy Duomo cathedral, the splendid Uffizi Gallery and the shops at Ponte Vecchio. This need not be the only stop on a Mediterranean adventure — many honeymooners choose to travel on to other Italian hot spots, such as Rome, Venice and the Amalfi coast.

# 4: Caneel Bay

Location: St. John, US Virgin Islands

What’s cool: Inquire about their complete wedding planning service and get married at the hotel.

Located on the 5,000-acre Virgin Islands National Park, the Caneel Bay resort is surrounded by seven beaches and offers a wide range of pampering and activities — a visit to Honeymoon Beach is a must for all lovebirds. Some rooms have ocean views and a patio that opens right onto the beach, while the resort’s most extravagant lodging option is a private cottage. Daytime activities include relaxing on the beach or participating in the resort’s many activities, which include scuba diving, kayaking and yoga-for-two classes. The food is top-notch and the Beach Terrace offers the highly-praised grand buffet on Monday nights overlooking Caneel Beach.

#3: Bora Bora Lagoon Resort

Location: Bora Bora, French Polynesia

What’s cool: Guests can either relax on the beach or participate in some exciting activities, including safari tours and shark feedings on the water. Nestled on an island in the lagoon of Bora Bora, this resort invites newlyweds to revel in post-wedding privacy in a bungalow perched above the lagoon on high stilts. The Canoe Breakfast brings the morning nosh to new levels as breakfast and fresh flowers are loaded into a canoe and delivered to your room. While the resort offers many evening entertainment options and group activities, honeymooners can escape the crowds with a private barbecue for two on a secluded island.

#2: Hyatt Regency Aruba Beach Resort & Casino

Location: Palm Beach, Aruba

What’s cool: A variety of culinary experiences to please every palate — from sushi to tapas to the popular ‘Fajitas and Ritas’ special featuring Mexican food and margaritas. Some honeymooners are looking for an action-packed vacation while others just want to soak in the rays and relax. For those who fall in the latter group, Aruba is an ideal destination with its near-perfect weather and beautiful beaches. Only 20 miles long and 6 miles wide, this small space is packed with enough beaches, restaurants, nightclubs and casinos to delight even the most finicky members of the just-married set. The focus is on serenity by day, when couples can enjoy the island’s fine beaches, pool complexes and spas, and on action at night, when the island’s clubs and casinos come alive.

#1: Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

Location: The Big Island, Hawaii

What’s cool: First-floor rooms have a private outdoor shower.

Say “aloha” to romance at this Four Seasons resort, where you can spend your days lounging by the adults-only Palm Grove pool or exploring the natural King’s Pond pool before heading off to the luxurious spa for a relaxing couple’s massage. The Ultimate Honeymoon Package

offers a rental car for your stay, a romantic private dinner on the beach and breakfast

daily. Guests can indulge their senses during the day and unwind at sunset with a mai tai at the Beach Tree Bar before heading to the second-floor Makai Terrace for an intimate first-class dinner overlooking the ocean. — Discovery Travel Channel