If you’re the type of couple who doesn’t like to follow the crowd, you probably want a honeymoon that’s a bit different than the rest too. While lots of newlyweds jet off to Fiji, the Maldives and Hawaii, there are countless other options to consider. Whether you’re into outdoor adventures or just want to experience a more unique destination, you’re sure to find something that fits the bill among these spots across the globe.
Patagonia, Chile
Remote and breathtakingly beautiful Patagonia, the southernmost region of South America is ideal for adventurous honeymooners. Spread across Argentina and Chile, the latter in particular is home to some of its most famous treasures, which include glacial fjords, craggy peaks and jaw-dropping vistas in Torres del Paine National Park. The area not only offers upscale lodges and resorts that are perfect for newlywed bliss, but a wide range of activities can also be enjoyed, including everything from short treks to challenging hikes, 4X4 tours, horseback riding, cycling and fly fishing.
Fogo Island, Newfoundland
Fogo Island is located off Newfoundland’s northeast coast accessed by ferry from Farewell. It’s hard to get more “off-the-beaten-path” than this, stepping into what feels like a lost time. While you’re unlikely to encounter too many tourists, you’ll be immersed in tranquility with opportunities to spot icebergs in late spring and whales throughout the summer. Enjoy hiking scenic trails that lead to what some say is one of the four corners of the Earth, explore art galleries, wander through the Irish town of Tilting where the locals’ lilts sound as if they’ve just arrived from the Emerald Isle and even discover a Caribbean-like beach with soft white sands and clear turquoise waters.
Kotor, Montenegro
Up until just recently, many were unaware that Montenegro was even a country, having become an independent nation just a little over a decade ago. While the word is getting out thanks to its striking natural beauty, it still offers a unique (and more affordable) honeymoon destination surrounded by stunning landscapes and fairytale-like places. The coastal city of Kotor boasts a UNESCO-protected fortified Old Town that’s enveloped by sunlit-drenched fjords and mountains. Explore the medieval walls hand-in-hand, enjoy walks to all sorts of centuries-old structures, visit fascinating museums and dine on delicious Mediterranean meals.
Tofino, British Columbia, Canada
Tofino sits in a remote location along the west coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, providing an idyllic honeymoon with lots of private, secluded spots to enjoy each other’s company. Take strolls on Chesterman Beach, hikes through the rainforest with 800-year-old cedar trees and soak in the bathwater warm hot springs at Hot Springs Cove. There are some fantastic award-winning restaurants for romantic meals and plenty of upscale resorts to choose from as well.
Rwanda
For couples who love wildlife and are looking for an adventurous honeymoon, consider an exotic African honeymoon in Rwanda. Its forests are home to two-thirds of the remaining mountain gorillas in the world and tracking the animals in this “land of a thousand hills” is the ultimate bucket-list experience. This is the real-life “gorillas in the mist,” a small country in the heart of the continent where undulating hills and mountains are enshrouded in mist every morning. There are 10 groups of gorillas that visitors can witness in Volcanoes National Park through various operators, many of which also offer eco-luxury lodges ideal for honeymooners.
Lord Howe Island
Located between Australia and New Zealand in the Tasman Sea, Lord Howe Island is a two-hour flight off Australia’s coast in New South Wales. One of the best Pacific Island destinations, it guarantees the ultimate in seclusion and spectacular scenery with tourists capped at 400 people at any one time. Practically untouched by humans, you’ll be able to swim, snorkel or dive in the crystal-clear azure lagoon among a vibrant, marine life-filled coral reef. While the island may be remote and uncrowded, you will find some luxurious accommodation options here too.
Colmar, France
While plenty of engaged couples think about honeymooning in Paris, you might want to consider the magical town of Colmar. Located in the Alsace region near Germany, it’s one of the most beautiful small towns in Europe and romantic in every sense of the word. Dating back to the 9th century, it’s often referred to as “Little Venice,” with waterways winding through medieval streets. This is also the capital of wine in the district, with especially exquisite aromas. Discover both German and French influences with local bakeries selling “kugelhopf” and croissants, while restaurants frequently feature items like sauerkraut and foie gras on their menus and architectural styles include everything from French Neo-Baroque to German Gothic.
Antarctica
If you’re looking to go to one of the world’s most remote places, you might want to be greeted by hundreds of penguins with a trip to Antarctica. It doesn’t get more remote or adventurous than this, a destination where icebergs can rise more than 300 feet out of the sea while minke, sperm, humpback and orca whales swim about. There are leopard and fur seals, cormorants and albatross, among the many other creatures you might encounter too. Not to mention the scenery, with the grandeur of mountain ranges and their peaks reflected in icy blue waters coupled with massive sheets of ice, a sight that few humans get to experience. One of the most popular spots for embarking on this unforgettable honeymoon excursion is Punta Arenas, Chile.
Tonga
Tonga is a famously friendly nation with a compelling mix of centuries-old culture, traditions and history. Often called the “True South Pacific,” it’s home to secluded beaches and stunning turquoise waters that offer some of the best diving on the planet. If you’ve always wanted to swim with whales, this is the place to go. Generally available only in August and September, eco-friendly outfitters aim to provide “mutual interactions,” that are positive for both humans and whales. Hearing their songs beneath the water can be life-transforming, a perfect way to complement the life-changing experience of your marriage.
The Azores
The lush, volcanic archipelago known as The Azores enjoys an off-the-beaten-path location in the Atlantic, about 850 miles west of Portugal. Here you’ll discover timeless, tranquil beauty, scenic drives on empty roads fringed with millions of azaleas and hydrangeas, and, a long list of things to do, from some of the world’s best whale watching and spectacular hikes to mouthwatering cuisine. It would be hard to find a more romantic island than the island of flowers. As the name belies flowers can be found everywhere on Flores Island, especially in the spring, along with cascading waterfalls, lagoons, cliffs carved by grottoes, hot springs and volcanic remains.
