If a traditional newlywed getaway to sun and white-sand beaches isn’t your scene, these alternative honeymoon ideas are a wonderful choice for the adventurous couple.
Top 8 Alternative Honeymoon Ideas for 2022
You’ve seen the honeymoon brochures; white sand and turquoise seas, couples holding hands at sunset. But, if you find romance in adventure and fun in stepping out of your comfort zone, these alternative honeymoon ideas will certainly inspire you.
We spoke to the team Lake District Country Hotels who have suggested some alternative honeymoon ideas that will undoubtedly create memories to last a lifetime for you and your partner.
Alternative Honeymoon Ideas: Great British Countryside
With more people seeing the beauty of staycations than ever over the past year, 2022 is sure to see this popularity remain. So, why not take the opportunity to explore some of the delights the great British countryside has to offer?
Over 90% of the UK is home to farmland and natural spaces such as lakes and forests and one of the most stunning rural areas in England is undoubtedly the Lake District. Our top pick is Cragwood Country House Hotel in Windermere, surrounded by acres of rolling hills, England’s largest lake and a bustling market town.
Alternative Honeymoon Ideas: Ethical Safari in Rwanda
For many of us, the appeal of a warmer climate is just too tempting to resist. But that doesn’t mean we need to be limited to beach holidays. If you’re an adventurous animal lover, why not try out a safari retreat with your partner?
Companies like Volcanoes Safaris offer an ethical alternative and have been established in Uganda, Rwanda, and other African countries. These companies aim to find the balance between generating an economic boost and protecting wildlife. In these countries, you’ll need a gorilla permit to be able to see giant apes in their natural habitat. The money from this contributes, in part, to the conservation of these animals’ habitats, as well as providing vital funds for local communities. This means that a once-in-a-lifetime trip to see some of nature’s most wonderful creatures can help to protect their livelihoods too.
Alternative Honeymoon Ideas: See the Northern Lights
Not interested in a hot-weather honeymoon? Why not go take a gorgeously romantic trip to see the Northern Lights after your winter wedding? The options are endless, whether you want to spend your nights in a cosy log cabin or a glass igloo.
By day, you can go husky sledding, get up close and personal with a real-life Rudolph and relax in a Finnish sauna. By night, you’ll be able to see aurora borealis light up the sky – an activity on many a bucket-list. What’s more romantic than snuggling up with your partner on an icy night in front of nature’s most stunning phenomenon?
Alternative Honeymoon Ideas: Mountain Escape in Greece
Artisti Resort in Greece offers a luxurious and remote escape in the mountains of the Zagori region, with a suite in your own private lush garden, with world-class gastronomy and a beautiful mountain spa.
There’s plenty of activities to suit couples of all interests, from cooking classes and photography workshops to horse riding and canyoning.
Alternative Honeymoon Ideas: Cruise the Canals of Holland
What if instead of a honeymoon suite, you and your new husband board a cute and quirky narrow boat for a week of cruising the famous canals of Holland? Sunny days spent drifting through the lush countryside and enjoying picnics on the canal banks.
Then, moor up for the evening to enjoy romantic, candlelit nights on board your own cosy little home. What better way to escape day-to-day life and enjoy some quality time together?
Alternative Honeymoon Ideas: Deep South Road Trip
For those who love music, a rock’n’roll road trip of the Deep South in the USA is the ideal honeymoon adventure. Start your trip in New Orleans, listening to the world’s best jazz musicians whilst sampling a taste of Creole.
When you’ve had your fill, rent a beautiful vintage car and head north into Tennessee to visit the home of the King himself, Elvis Presley. Finish your trip in Nashville, home to all things country.
Alternative Honeymoon Ideas: Lodge in South Africa
Lepogo Lodges is ideal for couples who want to cross a true adventure off their bucket list. While there, guests can indulge in private spa treatments and delicious food, while also enjoying game drives, bush camping, and water safaris.
This stunning conservation-focussed lodge set in 50,000 hectares above a cliff – the ultimate private and romantic setting, offering breathtaking views of the river below. Choose from a ‘sky bed’ or even sleeping outside under the stars. Then, alongside sunken baths and private pools, yoga lessons and spa treatments, honeymooners can enjoy fine dining on their own private deck alongside unforgettable twice-daily game drives, bush walks, water safaris and even open bush camping by the fire.
Alternative Honeymoon Ideas: Rent a Castle in Ireland
To continue the fairytale after your wedding day is over, you could rent a castle in Ireland for you and your hubby to luxuriate in the first days of married life.
Spend your time walking the grounds, swimming in your private pool, enjoying candlelit meals and sampling the local ales in the village pubs. Castle life is sure to suit you if you love elegance, luxury and solitude. If you really love castles, you could even have your wedding in one!
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