The idea of a honeymoon originated in the early 19th century. It’s believed to refer to the period immediately after a wedding when the time between the newlywed couple is the sweetest. The notion behind a holiday immediately after the wedding has perhaps changed over the years since many couples holiday together before the big day. However, the emphasis is still on making the honeymoon a time to remember, creating long-lasting memories.
Photo by: alicjakoll/Adobe Stock
In a different period when finances were quite different to what they are today, and travelling abroad was a luxury, honeymoon locations were often less grand. As travelling options have improved, locations such as the French Riviera and Italy were some of the go-to romantic destinations for newlyweds. Now, if your budget allows, there’s no place on earth that you can’t reach. Whatever your main outcome is of your honeymoon, whether it’s taking a once in a lifetime trip, or just spending time alone with your loved one, distance not a factor, we cover the best honeymoon locations for you to consider below.
Mexico. Photo by: BlueOrange Studio/Adobe Stock
Hit the beach
There are numerous options if you want to spend your honeymoon relaxing on golden shores lined with turquoise waters. Many also provide lots of water activities such as kayaking, surfing, diving, or jet-skiing.
Hawaii is made of 6 main islands, each with a unique identity. Here you’ll find a range of luxury boutiques and some picture-perfect moments whilst hiking volcanoes.
Head to Mexico where the crushed coral sand will provide a place to relax after exploring ancient ruins. You can cool off in the water with time spent snorkelling or scuba diving.
Greece is another typical beach-centric honeymoon location. Its breath-taking views, ancient ruins, varied resorts, and traditional tavernas make it easy to see why. The climate makes it a year-round destination, but the height of summer can be an unbearable heat.
Much like Greece, Cyprus also has stunning scenery and a rich history to uncover should you wish. It has a warm Mediterranean climate; days are sunny and warm throughout spring and autumn boosting your mood for whatever activity you fancy. Incredible sightseeing opportunities and cuisine await. As Cyprus is the home of Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love, maybe she’ll bless newlyweds with good fortune.
Paris. Photo by: Kiko Jimenez/Adobe Stock
Romantic cities
New York has been the setting for countless romantic films and it’s captured many hearts. Las Vegas and Florida are also popular destinations, hosting some of the most iconic landscapes. Vegas is hot throughout the year but travelling in October or November will provide some respite. America can be notoriously busy and expensive however, so make sure you do your research before setting anything in stone.
Venice and Paris are typically romantic destinations. Take a relaxing gondola ride along the canals in Venice before hitting the streets for a Venetian food tour. Visit the fabulous museums and typical tourist hotspots for photos to capture this one-time-only holiday.
A trip to Paris can be difficult if your timing is wrong. Key events like Fashion Week can mean that hotels are booked up well in advance. Hotels in Paris aren’t very budget-friendly so be prepared to pay for the privilege. The Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Champs Élysées must all be experienced. You’ll find lots of delightful cafes lining the streets for fresh Parisian pastries and more.
Finland. Photo by: jamenpercy/Adobe Stock
Winter wonderlands
Previously, we’ve covered some of the best locations you can stay in to see the Northern Lights. These also make great honeymoon destinations; share the experience of this natural phenomenon together. The Northern Lights season run from roughly the third week in August to the third week in April. The Kakslauttanen Glass Igloos in Finland allow you to fall asleep under the stars together, while snuggling up.
Alternatively, there’s the Ice Hotel in Sweden; the first hotel of its kind completely made from ice that’s open year-round. Staying a night in one of their cold rooms is bound to be something you remember for a very long time!
Rothschild giraffes. Photo by: Thomas Jepson-Lay/Adobe Stock
For animal lovers
Dine with a herd of Rothschild giraffe at Giraffe Manor in Nairobi. This boutique hotel comes with 12 acres of land that is frequented by giraffe who are more than happy to stick their head through your window for food. Enjoy a massage while you’re there or pop out to feed baby elephants.
Australia has two different zoos that have lodges built on-site to allow an up close and personal stay with safari animals. The Jamala Wildlife Lodge is located in Canberra, and there’s a Zoofari Lodge at the Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo. Enjoy a meal together while spotting some magnificent creatures outside. Spend a night or two at one of these and then the rest of Australia is yours to explore.
Spitbank Fort. Photo by: Graham Prentice/Adobe Stock
Not far from home
If you’re not looking to venture far, but still want a memorable trip away, there are lots of eccentric accommodation options in the UK that you probably weren’t aware of.
Located in West Sussex, four Pullman’s railway carriages have been converted into accommodation. Spend a night in a carriage like those on the Orient Express. The station house at Petworth Station has also been converted and decorated in old colonial style furnishings.
Slightly off the coast of Portsmouth is Spitbank Fort. The privately-owned naval defence-turned-boutique hotel is ideal for a secluded getaway. With only eight luxury bedroom suites available, you’re far from the tourist crowd. Be prepared to pay for the luxury though, as a 24-hour fort adventure costs from £579 (for the night!).
Matera. Photo by: Nuthawut/Adobe Stock
Memorably quirky
Consider Sextantio Grotte Civita in Matera, Italy. It took 10 years to convert these old cave dwellings into fully functional bedrooms for travellers. You get all the benefits of a trip to Italy (the wine, pony trekking, hiking, cookery lessons etc) plus a stay in these incredible rooms, rich in history. Rustic and minimalism are keywords here- don’t expect a stay with a wide flat-screen TV! The incredible surrounding views and scenery should provide enough to keep you occupied.
Spend a night in a fairy-tale- almost. In Nelson, New Zealand, a large boot has been constructed, and you can spend the night! This fully-equipped standalone cottage is perfectly located for exploring the Abel Tasman National Park and comes complete with open fireplace and balcony. It’s located next to the Jester House Café, which has a stunning outdoor dining area and giant chess set.
Take a step back in time and enjoy a retro stay in an airstream caravan near Manses in France. Belrepayre Airstream Park has 11 vintage Airstreams that can be hired. The site is owned by a couple who are ex-circus performers and have a true passion for all things retro. They’ve lovingly restored each caravan with unique styles and personalities, aiming for “trailer flash” as opposed to “trailer trash”. Retro dress is fully encouraged!
Alnwick Castle. Photo by: bnoragitt/Adobe Stock
Literary lovers
Hobbiton in New Zealand is a must for those who enjoy J RR Tolkien. It’s the only full in-tact film set in New Zealand so you’re in for an authentic experience. Once a family farm, it’s now riddled with 37 hobbit holes. It was first assembled after being hand-picked by Peter Jackson for the original trilogy as it was the closest to his perception of the Shire. It was used once again for An Unexpected Journey. Although you can’t stay here, you can stay nearby. There are lots of farm stays available in the rural area of Matamata and also budget-friendly motels.
Stay in Northumberland and visit Alnwick Castle, used as a filming location for the likes of Harry Potter and Downton Abbey. Enter the dragon’s lair, learn to fly a broomstick, and dress up in Medieval costume. If you want to stay in a castle, Langley Castle is located just under 1.5 hours away in Langley-on-Tyne. There are 9 guest rooms inside the castle itself, with a further 18 in the grounds. You’ll be close to the Northumberland Dark Skies Park; a perfect spot for a night of stargazing.
Plan your trip to one of the best honeymoon destinations
Where are you thinking of heading for your honeymoon? Or where did you go? Let us know in the comments below. What unique or quirky attractions would you recommend for this once-in-a-lifetime trip?
Get a quote for car hire on your honeymoon today.
Written by Jessica Juby.
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