The Magic of a Surprise Honeymoon
But when it’s also a surprise? The magic multiplies.
Chrissie and Pete put their trust in me to craft their once in a lifetime adventure — without knowing a single thing about where they were going. And oh, what a journey it turned out to be!
The Dream Brief: When we first sat down to talk about their dream trip, I quickly realised these two were the ultimate mix of social butterflies and thrill-seekers. They loved great food, meeting people, soaking up new cultures — but also wanted moments of calm: a cocktail by the pool, toes in the sand, the kind of peace that only comes from being far, far away from home. They craved adventure too — the kind that pushes you out of your comfort zone and reminds you what it means to feel alive. Their only requests? A multi-centre trip, plenty of excursions, and a sense of immersion in every stop. Armed with a list of countries they’d already explored, I set out to create something unforgettable — a honeymoon that captured their spirit and gave them the perfect start to married life.
The Big Reveal: After crafting a few itineraries and narrowing down the choices, one destination stood out above all: Thailand — the Land of Smiles. Not one, not two, but three incredible regions, each adding its own layer of magic to their story. On departure day, Chrissie and Pete arrived at Heathrow with butterflies in their stomachs, still completely in the dark about where they were heading. I couldn’t resist sharing the excitement (and neither could my followers who kept asking when the big reveal would take place! — so, with my own butterflies, I hopped on the Elizabeth Line and met them there at Heathrow for the big reveal! Armed with a personalised scratch-off boarding pass, a mystery essentials gift bag, and a poem unveiling their journey, the moment was pure emotion. The looks on their faces — the joy, the disbelief, the relief — were everything. I’d done it!
🌆 The Spark of Bangkok Their story began in Bangkok, a city that hums with life from dawn to dusk. Neon lights reflected off shimmering skyscrapers, the scent of sizzling street food filled the air, and tuk-tuks whirled through the chaos like fireworks on wheels. Bangkok was more than a first stop — it was a sensory explosion of culture and energy, setting the tone for the adventure ahead. A temple tour, dinner at the legendary Cabbages & Condoms, insect tasting on Khao San Road, and even tattoos — it was the perfect start to their epic honeymoon chapter.
🌿 Chiang Mai’s Wild Heart From the city’s dazzle, they journeyed north to Chiang Mai — a land of misty mountains, ancient temples, and wild adventure. Here, they trekked through lush jungle trails, met gentle elephants face to face, and swapped calm rivers for rushing rapids on a white-water rafting thrill ride. Every day brought something new: nature, culture, and heart-pounding excitement in equal measure. An evening at a Thai boxing match sealed the deal... they loved it so much, they booked another one at their next stop!
🌴 Koh Samui: Paradise Found After so much adventure, it was time to unwind in island paradise. Enter Koh Samui - six glorious nights of soft sand between their toes, sunsets that set the sky ablaze, and evenings lit by mesmerizing fire shows. And just when they thought they’d seen it all, a snorkelling trip took them to a few cheeky pigs on the beach — the perfect quirky twist to their island escape.
Why This Journey Stands Out What I love about this honeymoon is how beautifully it blended everything: the cultural heartbeat of Thailand, the thrill of adventure, and the soul-soothing calm of island life. It was a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and romance — a true reflection of Chrissie and Pete as a couple.
For anyone dreaming of a trip that’s unique, unforgettable, and filled with wow moments, Thailand is pure magic. 🌺
To Chrissie and Pete — thank you for trusting me to design the start of your forever. Your sense of adventure and open hearts made this journey one I’ll never forget. ❤️
If you’re ready to add a little mystery to your own travels — whether it’s a honeymoon, milestone trip, or “just because” getaway — let’s create something unforgettable together.
✨ A surprise destination. Endless memories. Zero stress. You just pack your bags… I’ll handle the rest. 📍 Follow the full reveal on Instagram: @jaylowe_travelcounsellor