From the Amalfi Coast in Italy to the islands of the Maldives, many destinations have a reputation for being newlywed magnets. Finding truly unusual honeymoon destinations is becoming increasingly difficult.
But there are still many beautiful places in the world that are perfect for couples who don’t want to spend their honeymoon with myriads of other just-marrieds. Whether you are looking for a full-on adventure or a relaxing beach break, here are 8 of the most unusual honeymoon destinations.
Bequia, St Vincent and the Grenadines
Compared to the well-trodden likes of Barbados and Jamaica, Bequia is a relatively untapped honeymoon destination. Even though it is the second-largest island in the Grenadines, it is one of the lesser-known places in the Caribbean.
The island’s no-filter needed white sands will delight every beach-loving couple. Some of the best spots on the island are Lower Bay and Princess Margaret Beach. The beach is named after Queen Elisabeth’s sister, who swam in its waters during her own honeymoon.
But make sure to visit the northeast side of the island if you want to see the real stars of Bequia. There, you will find the Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary. Bruce, the veteran diver who runs the place, will be more than happy to introduce you to his cute little friends.
Andaman Islands, India
If you are looking for gorgeous beaches that are not spoiled by honeymoon hordes, the Andaman Islands may be the perfect choice for you. Located between Myanmar and India, this sprawling archipelago is one of the most beautiful secrets of the Indian Ocean.
You can base yourself on Havelock Island, in the secluded Jalakara Hotel. Located in the middle of a rainforest, this tropical boutique has just a few bedrooms.
You can go island hopping, jungle trekking, and scuba diving when you get tired of lounging around. Make sure to visit Neil Island; it takes just an hour to get there by boat.
Palau
Palau is an earthly paradise made up of 200 islands. It is an excellent destination for couples who want a honeymoon with a natural history spin. In 2021, UNESCO granted the prestigious world heritage status to Palau’s Rock Islands Southern Lagoon.
The area is home to over 385 corals, 746 species of fish, 7 species of giant clams, 12 species of manta rays and sharks, and all the endemic birds of the country. Its megafauna makes it one of the greatest and most important habitats of the world.
Thanks to underwater wrecks from World War II as well as impressive reefs, diving has become the main draw to this Pacific archipelago. And, if you want to adventure on foot, there are many historical monuments and waterfalls you can explore in the jungles of Palau.
Camino de Santiago, Spain
Camino de Santiago is a network of ancient pilgrimage routes that lead to Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, where the earthly remains of Saint James lie.
But this pilgrimage is more about the journey than it is about the destination. It is perfect for newlyweds who are incurable adrenaline junkies and adventure lovers.
It takes 30 days to complete the Camino on foot, so you can rest assured it will be an unforgettable honeymoon.
Thanks to scenic landscapes, picturesque towns, accommodating locals, and friendly pilgrims, this ancient pilgrimage has become popular among people from all walks of life, and not just Christians.
Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique
A safari seems like an obvious choice for a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Mozambique’s Gorongosa National Park is a more peaceful alternative to the most popular African Safari destination—the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya.
Over the past 15 years, this stunning game reserve in Mozambique has undergone an incredible transformation. Now, the Gorongosa National Park is home to more than 100,000 large animals, including African buffalo, crocodiles, hippos, elephants, and lions.
If you are looking for one-of-a-kind accommodation, stay at one of Montebelo Gorongosa Lodge & Safari’s luxurious bungalows.
Antarctica
In an age when it is relatively easy to travel anywhere from New Zealand to Alaska, the frozen wilderness of the South Pole remains just beyond our reach. Except for the blue whales, orcas, seals, penguins, and a handful of researchers, you won’t find anyone in Antarctica.
However, between March and November, tourists can access the world’s southernmost continent via expedition cruises. If you want an unusual honeymoon that will help you reconnect and gain real perspective after a whirlwind of wedding planning, Antarctica may be the best place for you.
Bhutan
Before you get on with the rest of your marital life, Bhutan’s remote monasteries and lush landscapes will offer you and your spouse the sweet sanctuary of escapism.
Situated in the eastern Himalayas, the Druk Path Trek is particularly popular. This stretch between the capital Thimphu and Paro in the west is a hiker’s dream.
Since it doesn’t require you to start training long before you tie the knot, it can be a great alternative to the Camino. It has just the right amount of challenges, but it also has an abundance of lakes, rhododendrons, pine forests, and mountain views.
The country has only been open to tourism since the 70s, and foreigners can only book trips through a Bhutanese tour company, so it’s a great choice for those who are interested in honeymoon destinations that are relatively untouched by globalism.
The Atacama Desert, Chile
Located right next to the Pacific Ocean, the Atacama Desert is one of the driest deserts in the world. Even though the area has been inhabited for millennia, the sand dunes of the Atacama Desert feel just as pristine today as they did 10,000 years ago.
From horseback riding tours along the Salado River to high-altitude treks up in the Andes, there are a plethora of activities you can try out in the area. But if you really want to experience the desert like never before, make sure to try sandboarding.
When you are done adventuring for the day, head to the Valley of the Moon. It is one of the best places in the world to watch the sunset.
~ I’m Rebecca, a translator, avid traveler, and a bookworm. My job has given me the amazing opportunity to travel to dozens of countries around the world, and writing on Rough Draft gives me a chance to try to showcase some of them.
