When you think of a luxe honeymoon, you probably conjure up images of couples sunning themselves by the French Riviera, relaxing by those stunning overwater villas in island destinations or just shopping on Italian isles and clinking their chutes to a sunset aperitif, soon after. But a honeymoon getaway can be so much more than that. Ask adventure-minded folks who want that adrenalin and thrill on their holiday after their wedding.
The lure is about activities that are exciting such as jungle safaris, off-the-beaten-path hikes and underwater trips, that go on to stay as memories for life. From Kenya and Iceland to Vietnam and Peru, here's where to earmark your adventure-fuelled honeymoon, this year.
New Zealand — Hikes and Bungee Jumps
Go bungee jumping in Queenstown, it's absolutely thrilling. Or opt for glacier hikes and scenic helicopter rides. You can also go kayaking through fjords and stay in romantic lodges surrounded by mountains. Sounds enchanting, alright!
Kenya — Safari Romance Comes to Life
Of course, Kenya is the spot for dramatic landscapes, but it also definitely is the hotbed for those Big Five wildlife safaris. Take a hot air balloon ride over the Maasai Mara, go for bush dinners under the stars and spend a few beach days in Zanzibar, it’s all fun in the wild, unfiltered!
Iceland — Fire, Ice and Northern Lights
Pretty as a postcard, this is where you try glacier hiking and visit ice caves, go snowmobiling and enjoy hot springs and geothermal lagoons. Love being in a car? Take road trips past waterfalls and save a few for Instagram!
Bali — Island Life? Yes Please!
Little compares to the lure of pristine beaches and azure waters, and if you and your partner are beach lovers, chalk this one up right away! Head to Bali, which offers a choice of resorts and a multitude of adventures, from waterfalls to jungle trekking, scuba diving and sunrise hikes up Mount Batur. It sure is an adventure getaway that won’t break the bank.
Bhutan — Mountain Romance
You’ll love a scenic Bhutan honeymoon as it presents a mix of things to do from outdoor hikes to forest bathing, whitewater rafting and other explorations in the Himalayan kingdom. The highlight? A hike to the famous Tiger's Nest Monastery.
Vietnam — Motorbikes and Kayak Rides
As a destination, Vietnam offers adrenalin-pumping thrills with a taste of culture and luxury, to please travel lovers. You can go biking around Ho Chi Minh City, kayak around Ha Long Bay, explore caves in Phong Nha and trek through rice terraces around Sapa.
Sri Lanka — Trails in Tea Country
Earmark Sri Lanka for adventure and some chillout time as you go hiking through the tea country from the Pekoe Trail to Adam's Peak Wilderness. Choose to take up a safari in Yala and even try surfing on the stunning Southern coast. Don’t forget to sign up for guided tea plantation and factory visits at Nuwara Eliya and Ella.
Peru — Welcome to The Jungle
Another hotspot that offers a cultural escape while also bringing on some outdoor adventure, is Peru. Start your trip at Lima, then go exploring in the Amazon jungle. You could also take a hike on the Inca Trail and eventually make your way to the iconic ruins of Machu Picchu.
Jordan — Rugged Outdoor Trails
This is where romance and adventure come to life! Explore the ancient city of Petra, take a jeep ride through Wadi Rum, go camping under the starry sky in the desert or simply suit up and go diving in the Red Sea.
Lapland — Arctic Adventure
You’ve probably seen those cosy stays in an igloo on Google and Instagram feeds and wondered if they could be yours for a few nights! We don’t blame you. A honeymoon here calls for seeing the Northern Lights, sledding, snowmobiling and heading to places like Rovaniemi and Saariselkä which are postcard pretty!