So you’re planning to tie the knot – or maybe you already have. Either way, you’re probably planning a honeymoon and are overwhelmed with the abundance of destinations on offer.
We all love Paris, the Maldives and Dubai. But these destinations might seem a little cliché to you, or you want to make your first holiday as a married couple extra special. Or maybe you’re just feeling adventurous and want to explore new places together. Keeping that in mind, we took the time to make you a list of honeymoon places that aren’t on everyone’s radar (yet) but are very romantic and wonderful.
Atacama Desert, Chile
Perfect for you if you love nature and sunsets.
San Pedro de Atacama is one of the world’s driest places, but don’t let that put you off! The beautiful landscape of geysers, salt planes, and dunes are a stunning backdrop for honeymoon-ish photos and memories. Valley of the Moon and the Death Valley alone are worth a visit. And of course, the Atacama sunsets are some of the most beautiful in the world. Snuggle up with your S.O. with a pisco sour and marvel at the setting sun from Valley of the Moon. Just make sure to bring some layers with you – it can get quite chilly at night.
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Perfect for you if you love wildlife and snorkeling.
This part of Ecuador is densely populated with various animals and is one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet. From the very bottom of the clear seas to the very tops of the rocks, the 120 islands are beautiful and so much fun to explore. If you’re an expert diver, you’d be amazed at what awaits you beneath the sea level (although we don’t advise kissing underwater!). But even if you’ve never tried snorkeling before, Galapagos is a popular spot for beginners, so here’s your chance to start a new hobby together!
Giraffe Manor, Kenya
Perfect for you if you love the idea of having breakfast with a giraffe.
This is definitely one of our most unconventional recommendations. The Giraffe Manor hosts 12 comfortable rooms and is located in the Nairobi suburbs. But most importantly, it’s surrounded by – you guessed it – real giraffes! The sanctuary takes care of endangered Rothschild giraffes, and you have a chance to spend some time with them too. You can have breakfast with them, feed them, watch them or simply enjoy the giraffe-y vibe within the 12 acres of the property. The giraffes can roam 120 acres of the indigenous forest but they often stop by to say hello! The Virunga National Park is also nearby where you can go on a safari.
Hobbiton, New Zealand
Perfect for you if you’re a LOTR fan.
Have you ever wanted to be on a fantasy film set? Well, the site used in The Hobbit film is opened to all, and is magical! Unfortunately, you can’t roam it on your own – a tour guide is required to discover the actual set. If you love LOTR and the cute hobbits, though, the company is worth it. The films really don’t do justice to the stunning landscapes dotted and striped with snow-capped mountains and emerald streams. New Zealand is one of the most photogenic countries on the planet, and it’s quite small, so it’s easy to explore if you want to. After all – you’re going on an adventure!
Ice Hotel, Sweden
Perfect for you if the Northern Lights are on your bucket list.
Scandinavia is famous for its salmon, the fjords and of course, The Northern Lights. You can go to Finland to stay in an igloo to see them, but the Ice Hotel has all the modern amenities, as well as the Aurora Borealis vistas. Located in a small locality of Jukkasjärvi in Northern Sweden, the Ice Hotel is the world’s first and largest of its kind. It’s rebuilt every year and is the region’s biggest drive of income, so you’d be supporting a local business in addition to having a fabulous time. The hotel has over 100 rooms, a bar and a lot of activities on offer, such as dog sledding, fishing and ice sculping.
Makepeace Island, Australia
Perfect for you if you’re a private person.
That’s right. This heart-shaped island is booked for yourself and your partner alone. You’d be surrounded by nature and nobody else – so if you want the proper quality time with your S.O. with no interruptions, this is the perfect choice for you. We mean tourists, of course – there’d be people to arrange wine tastings, cruises and other activities for you. Enjoy your private island escape and romance each other to your heart’s content – the Makepeace is a heart in itself, it’ll understand!
Sextantio Grotte Civita, Italy
Perfect for you if you’re a romantic with a soft spot for history at heart.
This UNESCO World Heritage site is located in a small Italian village called Matera. It took ten years to turn the stone settlements into boutique suites featuring locally sourced products and bathtubs next to the beds. Everything about Sextantio Grotte Civita is sustainable and traditional, from the seasoned meals to furnishings in the cave dwellings. Have fun exploring (or spelunking!) together – the atmosphere is too romantic for even the most indoors-y couple to not fall in love with the surroundings!
