The 5 Most Unusual Honeymoon Destinations Worldwide
When you’ve had the best day of your life and you think it couldn’t get any better, there’s the honeymoon. It’s the cherry on top of your brand new life together. Whether you’re leaving for your honeymoon right after your wedding or years later, it’s going to be the trip of a lifetime. To get you inspired and the honeymoon planning going, we’ve selected 5 of the most romantic destinations worldwide. There’s a city for every type of traveller, whether you prefer sipping on a cocktail in a luxury resort in paradise to discovering small medieval towns in Europe. As always, we include the best travel tips for each destination.
1. Santa Barbara, USA
Are you planning on celebrating your love in the US? Santa Barbara is one to add to the list. Whether you’re just passing through for a few days or spending your entire honeymoon here, it has plenty to offer for an unforgettable stay. There’s a reason they call it The American Riviera, as this city has all the ingredients to make your honeymoon relaxed and full of adventure at the same time.
If you’re in need of winding down after the hectic wedding planning, find your rest in your hotel, a spa resort, or on one of the beaches. After you’ve renewed your energy, there’s a whole range of attractions waiting for you. From horse back riding on the beach to hiking in the Channel Island National Park, this city is your oyster when it comes to activities, and all just as romantic. Do you want to stay in the city centre to explore the cultural side? Make sure to visit State Street, where you’ll find exciting action, such as museums, farmer’s markets, and more tourist attractions.
The cuisine of Santa Barbara is an activity on its own, with dozens of restaurants that make their fine dining a true experience. It’s not just the food that you get to try in an interesting way, Santa Barbara is full of wine tastings and breweries that welcome you with open arms, ready to tell you the ins and outs of their beverages.
2. Rovinj, Croatia
Exploring idyllic places in Europe? Rovinj in Croatia is right up your alley. This Mediterranean town is exactly what you expect from the look of it; extraordinary medieval architecture, a rich history, and tasty food. Rovinj is located on the coast, which includes multiple beaches and fishing areas. Just when you think the surroundings couldn’t get more romantic, you get amazed by the colourful forests.
With museums, castles, and manicured gardens, there’s plenty to do to deep dive into Croatia’s culture. Can’t resist the glittering blue waters? Take a boat trip for the day and bring a bottle of champagne on board to cheers to your fairytale honeymoon.
Your stay in Rovinj can be completely tailored to your wishes, from luxury resorts to picturesque farmhouse hotels. What makes this destination even better, is the opportunity to discover other towns in the area, such as Opatija and Plitvice. Plitvice Lakes National Park is definitely one that shouldn’t be skipped, as it includes clear watered lakes joined by elegant waterfalls that lead to a breathtaking canyon.
3. Turtle Island, Fiji
Do you want to experience an extravagant exotic honeymoon? Turtle Island in Fiji is one of those divine places. Voted in the top five honeymoon resorts in Fiji, this secluded island is the dream of every couple looking to cover themselves in romantic luxury.
The resorts on this island offer everything you can imagine and more. Newlyweds can arrange this place to their wishes, ranging from comfortable honeymoon suites to private spa resorts. From the white sand beaches with crystal clear waters you get to admire the unforgettable landscape sunsets every night. Floating dinner, cocktails in hammocks, and breakfast at the pool; have every meal in the most romantic setting.
We know it’s perfectly fine to sip on a cocktail in one of the lounge chairs on the beach for your whole trip, but if you want to get active for a couple of hours, there’s plenty to do. From kayaking and scuba diving in the sea to hiking and chasing waterfalls on the land, even the most energetic people won’t get bored. But there’s more, this island offers multiple opportunities to get to know Fiji’s culture. Watch the descendants of the ancient Beqa Warriors perform a fire ritual, or participate in a traditional kava ceremony. This honeymoon feels like a true dream, which will make you wonder if it truly happened when you return home.
4. Buenos Aires, Argentina
Ready to live and breathe the vibrant Argentinian culture? Buenos Aires is the ideal city for fiery newlyweds. From dancing the tango in the streets to watching a rowdy football game, everything in this capital is done with passion.
The habitants take their food and beverages seriously, with many different specialities to be proud of. Make sure to try the local food, such as the tasty empanadas and bide de chorizo. The best neighbourhoods to go to for these dishes are Palermo and Recoleta. While sipping on a glass of Argentinian wine, learn a few words of the local language from the bartender. Finish off with a flan for dessert and you’ll be ready to continue the night practising your tango moves. Next to dinner, Argentinians know how to prepare a good coffee. You’ll find them in every cafe in the city.
Wandering around the colourful streets in La Boca will never get boring, with powerful street art at every corner. Night time in the city is just as lively as day time, as the parillas (steakhouses) stay open until the late hours. Afterwards, you can dance the night away in one of the many bars.
Do you want to get away for the day? The town of Colonia, Uruguay is just a ferry ride away and worth visiting. This UNESCO listed city is perfect if you want to surround yourself in a more peaceful environment for a while. The ancient streets and old buildings are not just charming, but tell many stories with a history that goes back to the 1600s.
5. Cape Town, South Africa
Did you find the wedding preparation a dream rather than a stressful time? If you’re a planner at heart, your ideal destination is Cape Town. This is a place where you’ll need to plan out your trip to make the best out of it. When you do it right, this place more than worth it. The variety in nature, as well as the culture and attractions that Cape Town has to offer, are incomparable. You can relax in a luxury resort one day and be on your way to adventure on the next.
A honeymoon is not complete without the bright white beaches, and Cape Town does not dissapoint. This city makes it easy to walk out of the comfortable bed in your hotel room straight to the sea for an early morning dive under the magical sunrise. If you’d like to mix it up, try Boulder’s Beach in Simon’s Town, where you get to meet the famous fluffy penguins.
Once you’re ready to go on a new adventure, the iconic Table Mountain is always a good idea to start with. Are you afraid of heights? There’s also plenty to explore on ground level. Right below the Table Mountain you find the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, which is home to hundreds of magnificent flowers and plants. Next to nature, Cape Town’s culture is never dull, with many sight seeings around the city. The inside activities, such as the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, are just as rich and vibrant as the outside ones, like the street art tours through Mother City. Once you’re wandering around the streets of Cape Town, make sure to try out the tasteful cuisine. Whether it’s in one of the many cafes or the food markets, such as Oranjezicht Market or V&A Food Market, you’ll experience a food explosion either way.
So, which honeymoon type are you; the luxury lover, the medieval explorer, or the activity seeker? Whatever you are, there is a perfect destination waiting to welcome you newlyweds.
Have you received a Flightgift as a wedding gift and are you ready to travel the world with your partner? Redeem it here to book your honeymoon to paradise.