Is the standard honeymoon package of lying on a beach gazing into each other’s eyes not your thing? Don’t worry – we’ve collated the top alternative honeymoon destinations around the world for the more adventurous newlyweds. Fancy your own private island to walk around nude or perhaps exploring some ancient ruins is more your thing? Take a look below…
Bran Castle
Nestled in the Carpathian mountains, high in the heart of Transylvania, lies the home of the most chilling tale of the nineteenth century. Officially known as Bran Castle, the site seems to be the place where Bram Stoker based his famous mythical creature, Dracula. If you both hate Twilight but indulge in your vampire obsessions, pack your bags and head to Transylvania.
www.bran-castle.com
Borobudur, Prambanan, and Ratu Boko in Indonesia
Need new ancient ruins to explore after visiting Machu Picchu? Try out Borobudur, Prambanan, and Ratu Boko, the mysterious temples set in Indonesia.
Visitors who base themselves in one of the great selection of hotels in Jogjakarta, Solo or Magelang can easily also enjoy the delights of these historical cities, including Sultan’s palaces, handicraft industries and the other great temples. Floating above the landscape of Central Java like a series of concentric circles that forms a giant mandala, there is Borobudur Temple, the largest Buddhist monument in the world, while Prambanan Temple is said to be the most beautiful Hindu temple in the world. The history of Ratu Boko is unclear, and much of what is understood about the site comes from inscriptions and even folklore. The oldest inscription found on the site is believed to date back to 792AD, naming the site Abhayagiri Wihara. Have a spiritual awakening as newlyweds, and take in the breathtaking sunrise and sunset.
www.borobudurpark.co.id
Iceland Hot Springs Tour
While there are specific tours you can follow, try renting a car and going on your own accord — that way you can end up anywhere you want without the hustle and bustle of tourists. The country is situated on a ‘hot spot’ on the earth, resulting in a lot of geothermal activity, but there are also glaciers dotted all over the country. This mixture of geothermal activity, ice and fire, means that there are numerous hot springs and geysers all over the country. Some of the hot springs are boiling hot but other ones have the perfect temperature to bathe in.
www.guidetoiceland.is/about-iceland/article/the-5-best-hot-springs-in-iceland
Makepeace Island in Australia
This Australian resort is so exclusive, that once the trip is booked, you and your S.O. will be the only guests on the entire island (unless you want to invite 20 other people). According to the FAQ, you set your own dress code AND guess what? This island is heart-shaped — so there’s that. Makepeace Island is a private hideaway a few minutes upstream from cosmopolitan Noosa Heads and is owned by Sir Richard Branson and Virgin Australia co-founder Brett Godfrey. Complete with its own riverboat to transfer guests, the 25 acre heart shaped island has a substantial two-storey open aired Balinese wantilan for relaxing or the gathering of friends and family, 500,000 litre lagoon pool, a full sized tennis court and pavilion, spa facilities, theatre, office facilities and an expansive indoor bar designed for entertaining on a grand scale. Gardens and indoor decor include giant sculptures, teak, granite and stone finishes, volcanic boulder bathtubs, ornamental lighting and antiquities and furniture commissioned and acquired in Bali, Java and elsewhere throughout Indonesia.
www.makepeaceisland.com
Republic of Botswana in Africa
The wild safaris and beautiful Okavango Delta will make your honeymoon adventure a lively one. Botswana is one of the last remaining wild places on earth, home to an incredible array of wildlife and birdlife. This is an unspoilt land of romance and timeless beauty – wide-open spaces; cloudless skies; striking salt pans; diamond-rich desert; fertile flood plains; vast grasslands; and pristine wilderness. With 38 percent of the land devoted to national parks, game reserves and wildlife management areas – for the most part unfenced, allowing animals to roam wild and free – travel through many parts of the country has the feel of moving through an immense natural wonderland.
www.botswanatourism.us
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
Yes, that’s a restaurant under the sea — in the Indian Ocean to be exact. The resort, renowned for its exceptional hospitality and luxury setting, has been recognised as the Indian Ocean’s Leading Hotel 2016 & 2015 and the Maldives’ Leading Water Villa Resort 2016 by the World Travel Awards. Soak up the lush tropical surroundings and unwind to nature’s acoustics with mesmerising cocktails, or take in a beautiful Maldivian sunset with a cruise on the Indian Ocean. A dining destination awaits gourmands with 12 award-winning restaurants and bars including the world’s first undersea restaurant and the Maldives’ first celebrity Chinese restaurant. Conrad Maldives was named the Indian Ocean’s Leading Culinary Resort 2015 by the World Travel Awards and is a multi-award winner at the World Luxury Restaurant Awards 2016.
www.conradmaldivesrangali.com
