Aug 22, 2018 BY AWE365 Team
Some might say adventurous honeymoons are something of an oxymoron. But we frown upon those who don’t believe, as the best adventure honeymoon can be the perfect mix of excitement, luxury and romance.
Taking it easy isn’t every couples idea of romance. As the world of adventure sport expands, so increasing numbers of newlyweds are marking the start of their marriage more exciting.
Fancy a Himalayan hike instead of a Portsmouth picnic? Sea kayaking rather than sunbathing? A trailhead lodge in New Zealand rather than a Travelodge in Newcastle?
The idea of two weeks lolling beside a pool and doing absolutely nothing may sound like bliss. Particularly following months of pre-wedding jitters and bridezilla-esque moments. But before you book that all-inclusive, plush pad in Thailand, Caribbean, Maldives or Seychelles think again.
Could you do more with this once in a lifetime opportunity? Would the money be better spent on an adventure we can tell the grandkids about? Yes a typical honeymoon would be memorable, but an adventure honeymoon would be unforgettable.
Now the best adventure honeymoon will entirely depend on you and your wife or husband to be. You should choose activities that you can do together, so trying something new that you can learn in tandem is a great option. Alternatively, if you already share a passion for a particular sport or activity then focus on that.
Below are a few ideas of what could be the best adventure honeymoon for you. They combine excitement, luxury and romance into a trip you’ll never forget.
The land of temples, tropical beaches and terraced rice fields is on the radar for many a honeymooner. But there’s much more to this Indonesian gem than spa hotels, all-inclusives and infinity pools.
The eye-catching mountains, beaches and jungles of this Hindu island have so much to offer daring honeymooners. Hire a jeep to explore the green and unspoilt interior of Bali. Its relative small (95 x 69 miles) meaning you can get round pretty fast.
Try white water rafting on the foaming, river-fed gorges below Gunung Agung. There are also a half dozen crater lakes to explore and Balinese stupa-style beach temples to visit.
Once you’ve been on the water, you’ll want to get in it. More biodiverse than the Red Sea and the Caribbean combined, the Coral Triangle is adjacent to Bali’s north coast. Off Puri Jati and Lovina you’ll be plunging into 3000 species of fish and 600 species of coral.
After a day of exertion, you can settle down for a luxurious spa treatment at Amankila. Once named ‘Best Hotel in the World’ by Conde Naste Traveller magazine. It is a romantic way to round off the day.
If you really want to test yourself, why not head up Gunung Agung Bali’s highest mountain. This volcano, which last erupted in 1963, is no easy feat and requires good fitness.
Hikers begin the climb around 2am. You reach the summit at sunrise for jaw-dropping views of the archipelago below. Enveloped in the morning’s fine mist, it’s really quite something.
Soothe aching joints and jelly legs with a Balinese massage on your return to sea level. Next journey across the waters to Nusa Lembongan. It’s a small island fringed with dreamy beaches, seafood bbqs and cliffs made for launching off into the azure waters.
Safaris are a popular choice for honeymoons. Stay in a luxurious camp, spot the big five whilst being guided in a comfortable vehicle. This is perfect from many a newly wed, but for the best adventure honeymoon you need to add some excitement.
Tanzania is quite possibly the best safari destination on the planet. Luxurious safaris in Tanzania combine the likes of Ngorongoro Crater with the Serengeti and a visit to Zanzibar. But Tanzania is also one of the most adventurous destinations in Africa.
For a start it is home to Africa’s highest point – Mount Kilimanjaro – which makes a great trek. As a shorter, less busy and slightly easier alternative Mount Meru is well recommended. Here you are likely to see some of the big 5 on foot. So all trekkers have an armed ranger with them adding to the feeling of adventure.
On the coast on Tanzania there is great sailing and good scuba diving. You can also go kitesurfing or windsurfing on Zanzibar adding excitement to the relaxing beach portion of your honeymoon.
Couples who have been on a trekking honeymoon say that the experience brings them close together. You spend a lot of time in each others company and you help and support one another along the way.
Combining trekking and hiking with travelling around New Zealand can turn a great experience into the best adventure honeymoon. Lets face it, New Zealand is a long way from Europe. So play the honeymoon card and take extra holiday to explore this gem.
On a whistle-stop-tour be sure to take in the stunningly beautiful west coast of the South Island, all the way down to the alluring Milford Sound. In the North Island the Bay of Islands has beautiful beaches, the Coromandel is stunning and the central mountains are full of adventure.
As for hiking and trekking you are spoilt for choice. New Zealand has everything from easy day walks to long distance multi-day hikes. For a good idea of what is available check out our guide to the best treks in New Zealand.
For possibly the best adventure honeymoon try the Tui trail on the South Island. It involves low elevation hikes on Routeburn Track, cycling the Hawea-Wanaka riverside trail, a jet boat ride up the Wilken River and a sea kayaking sesh on Milford Sound. Not many couples complain of boredom after that.
As a couple are you into skiing or snowboarding? Then your honeymoon is a chance to indulge in a far more luxurious option than your usual ski trips. Book a luxury ski chalet in one of the top resorts and enjoy a level of service way beyond expectations. Indulge in fine wines, Michelin starred food and luxurious spa facilities.
As an alternative combine skiing and snowboarding with a road trip. The US rockies make a great option for this and can be combined with trips to LA, San Francisco, Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon. If you are both skiers or snowboarders this is probably the best adventure honeymoon for you!
It’s easy to get your fill of adventure from Brazil. From the mighty Amazon rainforest to cycling along its undulating coastline. Head west and into the pantanal to the charming town of Bonito.
Perhaps you want to take the plunge and dive among stalagmites and ‘tites underground? Alternatively, snorkel in freshwater rivers beside rotund fish. Or spend a few days spotting caiman and capybara. Bonito is a veritable adventure playground.
Not forgetting romance, don’t miss a trip to Ilha Grande. Just a short boat ride from the party hub of Rio de Janeiro, this castaway island captures those sunset dinners perfectly.
Beach shacks and restaurants dish up their catch of the day. Crispy rings of fresh calamari and creamy mayonnaise are an unequivocal highlight, all washed down with tumblers of Caipirinha – Brazil’s national cocktail.
And the best adventure honeymoon can be topped off lolling on Lopes Mendes, known as one of the Brazil’s most beautiful beaches. A half-hour walk through jungle reveals the powder-soft white sands of this dreamy crescent, where surfers catch waves and solitary sunbathers top up their tans.
Sharing a short-term volunteering placement may not be very glam, but the feeling of giving something back as a couple is incredible. Being a part of a team could also be something of a relief, after being centre of attention during the run-up to the big day.
Even just a couple of days volunteering can bring you a sense of satisfaction. Head to Malawi, whose landscapes are awash with volunteering placements. You could monitor rhino in Liwonde National Park, or help on community projects in its capital Lilongwe.
Whilst away trek Mt Mulanje, while camping in its foothills laced with low cloud. Swap stories beside crackling fires after nightfall, before practising your haggling skills at roadside markets.
And don’t miss a trip to Likoma Island, a speck of land in Lake Malawi close to the border with Mozambique. Home to a luxury resort with private outdoor showers and an infinity pool. It will add the element of romance to your time in Malawi.
There’s no need to head long-haul for the best adventure honeymoon. Greece, with its cool-as-they-come culture, mystical mythology and idyllic islands, is a very romantic destination.
Just over three hours from the UK lies the intriguing island of Rhodes. The largest of the Dodecanese islands it’s fringed with luscious turquoise waters ebbing white-sanded coves.
Leave the bustle of Rhodes City behind and head to Lindos. Its traditional whitewashed architecture, fine tavernas and mighty acropolis crowning the town below.
Days can be spent burning buns of steel on a walk up to the acropolis before dunking heads in the cooling waters of St Paul’s Bay. A favourite with snorkelers, due to it’s colourful collection of marine life.
Alternatively, divers are rewarded with epic walls and immense caverns, home to tuna and seals. Although it’s more for experienced divers and not recommended for beginners.
If you like to kite or windsurf you will not be disappointed. The beach at Theologos receives the steady Meltemi winds. Making it perfect for those who want to hit the water.
And why not hire a boat for the day and explore Rhodes’ coves in a little more detail. Or even learn to sail, or just charter a yacht with a skipper. All can be done before returning for a melt-in-the-mouth stifado in a romantic taverna rooftop.
Be sure to check out our adventure travel discounts as you could save a fortune on your next trip – even if it’s your honeymoon!
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