Honeymoon in New Orleans

The slow pace and steamy temperatures of New Orleans inevitably elicit romance. Historic Spanish-style architecture, Juliet balconies spilling over with colorful flowers and a heavy Creole influence make the Big Easy one of the country's most exotic destinations. 

Spend your days exploring the painted Victorian mansions in the Garden District, the ornate aboveground mausoleums in Lafayette Cemetery and the eclectic boutique and antique shops along Magazine Street. Watch the sun set over the mighty Mississippi at Woldenberg Park; then take a stroll along Jackson Square before retreating to Lilette, a charming French bistro in the Garden District. Each bite of chef John Harris' celebrated dishes (our pick: white-truffle parmigiano toast with wild mushrooms, marrow and veal glacé) pops with flavour. 

New Orleans is known for its nightlife, so plan to make multiple stops as you make the scene. Swing by The Bombay Club for a cuddle-in-close experience; hit the music bars on locals' favorite Frenchman's Street; take a seat at the piano at dark-and-dirty Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop & Bar; or savor a late-night Sazerac at the revolving Carousel Bar in the historic Hotel Monteleone, one of the city's best stops for an intimate tete-a-tete. 

Honeymoon-worthy hotels:
Lafitte Guest House For those who like to be in the thick of things, a stay at this 1849 French-style manor house is a must. Spacious rooms filled with antiques, marble fireplaces and balconies overlooking Bourbon Street make it a honeymooner favorite. Need an excuse to cuddle closer? Room 21 is reportedly haunted. From NZD$265.

Loft 523 Accommodations at New Orleans' newest boutique hotel are surprisingly modern. Located just a block from the French Quarter, this minimalist property (once a dry-goods warehouse) comprises 18 studio-loft apartments with 12-foot ceilings and Agape "Spoon" tubs. From NZD$221.