Our Honeymoon: Luxury Temples by Day, Private Islands by Night

When we started planning our honeymoon, the Maldives and Bali topped everyone's suggestions. But we wanted something less predictable — somewhere we'd actually explore, not just lie on a sunbed for two weeks. A friend who'd worked in Cambodia said, "Go there. You'll get five-star for the price of three-star, and you'll actually have stories to tell." She was absolutely right.

We flew into Siem Reap and checked into the Shinta Mani Angkor, a boutique hotel designed by Bill Bensley. Our room was stunning — outdoor bathtub, private garden, and a welcome bottle of Champagne. The whole hotel felt like a secret garden. And the price? $180/night. In Bali or Thailand, a comparable hotel would be $400 minimum.

Our private temple tour was the highlight of Siem Reap. We hired a guide and a vintage-style tuk-tuk for three days — just the two of us, no group tours, no crowds. Our guide knew exactly when to visit each temple to avoid the masses. We had Angkor Wat's east gallery entirely to ourselves at 6:30 AM, watched sunrise from a quiet corner the guide promised us, and explored Ta Prohm in golden afternoon light with barely another soul around.

The hotel arranged a private dinner in the temple complex area — a table set up in a garden with candles, a personal chef, and Khmer silk decorations. We ate five courses of modern Cambodian cuisine while traditional Apsara musicians played nearby. It cost $120 for both of us. In the Maldives, a comparable private dining experience would be $500+.

After five magical days in Siem Reap, we flew to Sihanoukville and took a speedboat to Koh Rong Sanloem. Our resort — Song Saa's sister property — was a collection of overwater villas on the quiet side of the island. Clear turquoise water, a private beach, an infinity pool that seemed to merge with the ocean, and the kind of peace you dream about on a honeymoon.

We spent five days doing absolutely nothing and everything. Snorkeling in water so clear you could see fish 20 meters away. Couples' massages on the beach. Bioluminescent plankton night swims that made the water glow blue around our bodies. A private sunset cruise where the boat captain opened a bottle of wine as the sky turned pink and purple.

Our last three nights in Phnom Penh were the perfect ending. Rosewood Phnom Penh's sky bar, cocktails overlooking the Mekong, a sunset boat cruise, and a final dinner at Topaz — the best French restaurant in the city. Phnom Penh's energy was the perfect contrast to the islands' tranquility.

Our total honeymoon cost, including flights from Dublin, all hotels, private tours, meals, and activities, was about $5,500 for two weeks. Friends who went to the Maldives for the same duration spent $12,000+. We came home with better stories, better experiences, and money left over for our house deposit.