Where Will Pippa Middleton Honeymoon? A Few Predictions

On May 20, the Duchess of Cambridge’s sister, Pippa Middleton, will marry financier James Matthews. Although Middleton lacks title or aristocratic status (technically she’s “royal adjacent”), the wedding will certainly be one of the U.K.’s social events of the year. After all, Prince George will serve as page boy and Princess Charlotte as bridesmaid at her nuptials. And as with any much-scrutinized wedding, there comes the inevitable question: “But where will they honeymoon?” Here, a few predications:

ScotlandUpon the death of her soon-to-be father-in-law, Middleton will inherit the title Lady Glen Affric. The U.K. gossip tabloids have already speculated that she will honeymoon in Scotland, but where’s the fun in that? Yes, the Highlands are some of the most beautiful landscapes on earth, and her fiancé’s home, Glen Affric, among the most of the most beautiful, but the heiress apparent to this estate is going to have until death do her part to drink in its scenic vistas. She should enjoy all that Scotland has to offer—but after her honeymoon.

MustiqueThe Middletons historically take holiday on this Caribbean island every January in time for the Blues Festival. It’s a lush, private option, for sure, and one with a very strong British connection ever since Princess Margaret made a home there, but this one might hit a little too close for Pippa—she likely associates the island with family memories as opposed to romantic ones.

MozambiqueAs opposed to the social goings-on and peering eyes that Middleton might encounter on an island like Mustique, we suggest heading somewhere much more pristine—Mozambique is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches and myriad private islands on which to enjoy crystal waters in utter seclusion. The Azura Quilalea retreat, for instance, offers world-class snorkeling, mangrove kayaking, and decadent Indian Ocean luxury far from prying eyes.

South AfricaTaking a cue from her sister and brother-in-law, Middleton might be well-served to experience the thrills of an African safari, and there’s no better place to spot the “Big Five” than on a private game reserve. If she wanted to switch things up, she would best avoid Kenya, where the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge became engaged in 2010 and where the Queen learned she would ascend to the throne in 1952. She should stake her own claim at another decadent lodge, like the Zulu Camp at Shambala Private Game Reserve in South Africa.

St. KittsAnother Caribbean option, but without the touristy crowds of other British favorites like Barbados or Jamaica. It’s a smaller island with a slower pace of life, but it definitely doesn’t fall short on luxury—the newlyweds could be among the first to stay at the new Park Hyatt on Christophe Harbour’s Banana Bay, the brand’s first Caribbean location.

SicilyTaormina is trending, and Sicily provides ample Italian charm without the hullabaloo of the mainland’s big cities like Florence, Venice, or Rome. The Verdura Resort, a Rocco Forte hotel, is a prime candidate for honeymooning: There’s a world-class spa, a luxury boat the couple can reserve for some sunbathing or stargazing, a private beach, and some nearby hikes to beautiful ancient ruins—a great way for them to unwind and feel “away” without actually having to leave Europe.

South of FranceLavender, rosé, beaches, joie de vivre . . . it’s the perfect time of year to do the South of France circuit, and a road trip from St.-Tropez up through Nice and Cannes and ending with an extravagant round of craps at the casino in Monaco could be a fabulous jaunt for the newlyweds. Plus, Middleton’s soon-to-be brother-in-law Spencer Matthews is a former cast member of TV sensation Made in Chelsea, which recently filmed a spin-off season in the South of France, so perhaps he could provide her with some insider tips.