David and I have been together for 11 years this year

In May

We have been through so much together

It is hard to fathom that 11 years ago from now

We had never met

Ours was a true love story

Fast paced from the start

Different to anything either of us had experienced before

It made everything that had gone before seem less

I wish we had met much earlier in our lives

And I wish I could say that I would not change a thing about our relationship

But there is much I would change if I could

So very much

From our rocky road to parenting

How Esther and William came into the world

How Tilda left

How David has mostly known a broken me

A lesser me than the one he fell in love with

I have some big regrets

Things that will always hurt and can never be changed

And I have some little regrets

Like not ever having a honeymoon

By the time David and I are in a position

To holiday alone together

I will be well beyond my prime

Far into my fifties

Not really what you imagine when planning the honeymoon of your dreams

After we got married

We went to stay with my parents in Spain

Esther and William were 15 months

And I was pregnant with Matilda

It was very much a ‘familymoon’

Recently I have been dreaming of a proper honeymoon

I think it would do David and I so much good

To have a real retreat

With true rest and relaxation

And time to connect as a couple

But I realise that it really is a dream

So wonder if we should begin to make plans for another family holiday

Somewhere hot

Surrounded by sea

Somewhere once in a lifetime

To take the children

When they are a little older

And just be

Rest, relax, play

Connect as a family

Celebrate our little family unit

All we have achieved and overcome

To be honest David would hate this idea

And the resorts I dream of

But he might do it as a one off

Perhaps when I turn 5

Esther and William would be 16

Bea 12

And Edie nearly 9

Can you imagine?

Humour me

Just try

Here are some of the destinations

I have been dreaming of

Sri Lanka
I think our family, in 8 – 10 years time would love love an adventure through multi-cultural and multi-ethnic Sri Lanka. Noel Rodrigo’s Leopard Safari is a mobile tented camping experience on the edge of the Yala National Park which promises sighting of Sloth Bears as well as Leopards. The ten day trip finishes with a home from home stay at boutique and quirky family owned Why House close to World Heritage listed Galle Fort, a tuk tuk ride away from pretty as a postcard and safe Dalawella Beach which enjoys its own coral reef. A ten night adventure costs from £9298 per family of four with private vehicle and English speaking chauffeur/guide.

Borneo
This is on my must visit list, a place I long to go. To explore the rainforests, climb the mountains, roam the caves, swim with the turtles and meet the monkeys. A place I have always wanted to go and would love my children to see.

Turquoise Holidays recommends the family friendly Shangri La Tanjung which enthrals children with its mini waterpark as well as its beach and pools. Acclimatise here before heading into the jungle for a two night adventure at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehab Centre and a wildlife spotting boat trip down the Kinabatangan River to Borneo Nature Lodge. End your journey at Bunga Raya Resort on Gaya Island, set on one of Asia’s most beautiful bays and surrounded by unspoilt rainforest.

The Maldives
I really can imagine us escaping here. Spending our days playing in the Indian Ocean. Snorkelling, kayaking, paddle boarding, sailing and windsurfing. I can imagine reading books, playing games, listening to the ocean and really talking.

I can imagine the girls and I dressing for dinner and enjoying food under Matilda Mae skies. I can imagine us all lying on a deck staring at the sky, star gazing and talking about Tilda.

I think if we timed it right, it could be incredibly special. The trip of a lifetime.

Mauritius
I have even chosen where to stay! A thatched bungalow in a coconut grove right by the Indian Ocean. I think we would be very happy here. Enjoying good food and each other’s company. Soaking up the sun, sand, sea and salty air. Sounds like heaven to me right now.

I always thought this kind of holiday

Would be well beyond our reach

But browsing Destination 2

I have found that not to be the case

We could make our one off

R&R family trip of a lifetime come true

Would you?

If you are soon to be married

And are dreaming of an exotic honeymoon

This Destination 2 competition could be for you

This is a collaborative post