From adventure-packed trips to serene beach hideaways, newlyweds have the world at their feet. From Classic honeymoon destinations such the islands of the Indian Ocean and the Caribbean will always be popular, or opt for somewhere more unusual;
Azores
This delectable archipelago comes with a personal recommendation; my sister spent her three week honeymoon here last year and absolutely loved it! One of Europe’s best kept secrets, the diverse landscape is made up of lush rolling hills, volcanic craters harbouring serene lakes, deserted white sand beaches and laidback towns. The multitude of islands that make up the Azores offers something for every type of honeymooner; go scuba diving on Terceira, climb Montanha do Pico and mooch around the laidback city of Ponta Delgada with its markets, museums and cultural landmarks.
Queenstown, New Zealand
The perfect spot for an active adrenalin packed honeymoon; Queenstown’s vast lakes and spectacular mountain scenery offer just about every adventure sport known to man. Whether you opt for mountain biking, bungee jumps, parasailing, hiking, luge, kayaking, golf, fishing or skiing, one thing’s for sure – you’ll never be bored! And next month William and Kate give the vibrant ton the royal seal of approval as part of their three week tour of Australia and New Zealand. Make like the royal couple and jump onboard the thrilling Shotover Jet which skims over the local shallow pools at a heady 85kph.
Con Dao, Vietnam
Whilst the rest of the world heads to Bali, the Maldives and Mauritius for their honeymoon, why not consider Vietnam’s best kept secret – the pristine Con Dao Islands. These sixteen islands are mouth-wateringly beautiful where the focus is very much on eco travel thanks to the vast Con Dao National Park which covers much of the landscape. Hike the dense primary jungle and spot black squirrels and crab-eating macaques. Explore the mangroves, meadows and coral reefs which provide an important habitat to the endangered green turtle, hawksbill turtle and dugong (relative of the manatee).
Greek Islands
With over 6,000 beautiful islands to choose from, Greece is the perfect honeymoon spot. Whether you want to explore fascinating archaeological sites, earn your PADI or hide away on deserted beaches, there’s an island for all tastes. If you want to explore one of the 7 ancient wonders, head to Rhodes which is home to the Colossus of Rhodes. If you want hike fragrant hills studded with endemic flora and fauna, head to Kefalonia in the Ionian Islands. And if you’re looking for a breathtaking beach, look no further than Elafonissi Beach in Crete, voted one of the best beaches in the world last year!
Maldives
Thanks to the William and Kate effect, the idyllic islands of the Maldives will always be one of the most popular honeymoon destinations, whether or not you have the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s budget or not! Surrounded by the Indian Ocean, these islands offer a real get-away-from-it-all with snorkelling, scuba diving and island hopping the order of the day. Opt for a private water bungalow for complete seclusion where watching the spectacular sunset is a must.
