Who says you need to stick to tradition when it comes to your honeymoon? Times are changing and so are the top honeymoon trends. After two years of postponed weddings and cancelled honeymoons, 2022 is expected to be a huge year for the wedding and honeymoon industry. We look into the top searches over the past few months and the top honeymoon trends that are set to take over newlyweds-to-be’s wishlists.
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again; weddings are an expensive business. And it’s safe to say a large contributing factor is that first holiday you jet off on as a married couple. But even with all those wedding costs creeping up, you shouldn’t have to forego the honeymoon of your dreams. You may find, however, that what was once the epitome of pure honeymoon bliss has changed as new travel and holiday trends are taking hold.
Over 550,000 weddings are set to take place this year in the UK alone (the most since 1984!) and as the world is starting to open up, and travelling abroad is becoming easier, honeymoons are expected to be bigger, better and more unique than ever.
The Top Honeymoon Trends for 2022
To delve into the top trends set to dominate the rest of the year, we spoke to safari and travel experts Go2Africa who, through analysing Google Trend Data, have revealed the honeymoon trends for 2022.
Bucket List Adventures
The phrase “unique honeymoon” has had a 3,900% uplift in searches since beginning of 2022 – and what better way to start off your married life together than ticking a long-awaited experience off your bucket list?
Another trend indirectly caused by the pandemic, many of us spent a lot of time wishing we could visit our dream destinations or encounter our dream experiences. Now travel restrictions have mostly lifted across the world, couples are looking to jump back into travelling and do the things they have always talked about.
Popular bucket-list experiences include seeing the wonders of the world, witnessing the Big Five on safari or visiting the most romantic cities in the world and the beauty of a bucket-list means it can be tailored completely to the couples’ taste.
Our Top Bucket List Honeymoon Pick
For a true bucket-list adventure, we love the Thanda Island Private Marine Reserve. Located a few miles from mainland Tanzania, Thanda Island is the world’s only exclusive-use private marine reserve and is a remote retreat that accommodates up to ten guests with an infinity pool and two authentic bandas (a luxury take on Tanzanian coastal living).
Come face-to-face with fascinating marine life, participate in programmes that support the community and local environment, taste local produce and ethically sourced seafood and experience historic Zanzibar.
Find out more and book at thandaisland.com.
Honeymoon in Africa
Searches for “honeymoon in Africa” saw a 235.71% uplift in Google searches since the beginning of 2022 and it’s no wonder. This incredibly diverse continent is filled with countries each offering a totally unique experience for visitors, making it the perfect choice for newlywed couples. With most of the continent off-limits for two years due to the pandemic, Africa travel is back in full force for 2022.
From the picturesque tropical beaches of Seychelles to the bespoke safari experiences of Botswana and the natural wonder of Victoria Falls, an African honeymoon offers something for everyone, with the chance to tick off multiple destinations for a beautifully diverse and exciting way to start off married life.
Our Top Africa Honeymoon Pick
One of our top picks is the new Waterside at Royal Malewane, a 10-bedroom luxury safari lodge located in the Greater Kruger National Park. Nestled in a forest of beautiful ornamental fever trees teeming with exotic bird life, Waterside will have six free-standing, extra-spacious luxury suites for up to 20 guests.
Facilities will include a restaurant, bar and main pool overlooking a large dam frequented by wildlife, a one-of-a-kind bush spa with hammam and yoga/meditation room and a gym, and guests will enjoy unrivalled game viewing led by the most qualified guiding team in Africa. Waterside will open on 1 July 2022 and reservations are now open.
Find out more and book at theroyalportfolio.com.
Wellness Escapes
After two years of wedding-related stress for couples with countless cancelled or postponed weddings and honeymoons, it’s no wonder “wellness holiday” has seen a 303.12% uplift in Google searches since the beginning of 2022.
In a recent survey, 52% of couples reported that planning their wedding was an incredibly stressful experience, with 2020 seeing over 260,000 weddings postponed. A relaxing honeymoon to make up for a stressful two years of lockdown is the perfect solution, and wellness honeymoons have mindfulness and relaxation at their forefront, allowing couples to switch off entirely from the real world and embrace a slower pace of life.
Our Top Wellness Honeymoon Pick
One of our top choices is the Spice Island Beach Resort in Grenada, a World Spa Awards 2022 nominee. The hotel’s spa offers rejuvenation for body and soul by harnessing the restorative power of spices, seaweed and citrus zest to revive and revitalise, with a dedicated couple’s massage room, beachfront yoga pavilion for private yoga sessions for two and a secret herb and spice garden.
Seventeen of Spice Island Beach Resort’s 64 luxurious suites have private pools, making them ideal as a sanctuary for honeymooners, and private dinners can be arranged in-suite.
Find out more and book at spiceislandbeachresort.com.
All Inclusive Honeymoon
The phrase “all inclusive honeymoon” has seen a 3,100% uplift in searches since beginning of 2022. Whether you plan your nuptials over a few months or several years, most couples will agree that planning your wedding is an incredibly demanding task.
Honeymoons that allow couples to sit back, relax and not have to worry about making any further arrangements are now exceptionally popular and the perfect antidote to the months of meticulous planning – and probably a bit of stress!
Our Top All Inclusive Honeymoon Pick
We love Mexico’s La Casa de la Playa Riviera Maya in Playa del Carmen, an adults-only, all-inclusive resort comprised of 63 stylish suites, all accented with local artwork and handicrafts. The oceanfront terraces are complete with hammocks, loungers, a private pool and hydromassage tubs carved from volcanic rock.
Additional highlights include four restaurants where dishes reflect local and wider Latin American cuisine, a holistic spa and an elevated infinity pool overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
Find out more and book at preferredhotels.com.
Multi Destination Honeymoon
Seeing a 9,600% uplift in searches since beginning of 2022, “multi destination honeymoons” are set to be the next big thing.
After two years of restricted holidays, couples want to make up for lost time – and what better way to celebrate your wedding than by visiting multiple destinations? A travelling holiday allows couples to visit several countries or cities in a shorter space of time for one spectacular adventure.
Although this may seem daunting, this type of honeymoon can be easily executed by consulting a travel expert who can plan a bespoke holiday to best suit you both.
Our Top Multi Destination Honeymoon Pick
Why not combine a bucket-list destination such as the Victoria Falls with a luxury stay in the Indian Ocean sunshine before finishing off with luxury safari tour spotting the Big Five? Go2Africa’s ‘Honeymoon Vic Falls, Kruger and Seychelles’ holiday is the perfect option.
You’ll begin in the idyllic Tongabezi Lodge on the Zambian banks just a few kilometres from the world-famous Victoria Falls before swapping it all for the lavish Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve in South Africa. Staying in a riverside villa in the heart of Big 5 territory, you’ll enjoy 4×4 game drives and walking safaris led by an expert ranger-and-tracker team. Finally, check in to a chic beachfront cottage overlooking the gin-clear waters of the Indian Ocean on beautiful St Denis Island.
Find out more and book at go2africa.com.
Active Honeymoons
The term “adventure honeymoon” has seen a 9,900% uplift in searches since beginning of 2022, perfect for the couple whose mantra is ‘get up and go’!
Beach holidays make for the perfect backdrop for many activities, such as snorkelling, surfing and kayaking. Then, back on land, think hiking through forests, mountains and ziplining through the rainforest.
Our Top Active Honeymoon Pick
For a luxury but active honeymoon with a difference, consider Wild Frontiers’ Borneo holiday. Enjoy the hospitality of some of Borneo’s finest properties, from jungle hideaways to a coral reef island, and meet with the founder of the Sun Bear Conservation Centre who will give you a private tour and insight into his world.
Then, watch magical fireflies light up the river on a sunset cruise, go in search of the nocturnal animals, trek through the 130-million-year-old rainforest of the Danum Valley and walk the 130-metre-tall canopy walk, admiring the sounds and sights from your private jacuzzi.
Find out more and book at wildfrontierstravel.com.
Pet Friendly Honeymoons
We love that “pet friendly holiday” saw a 417.4% uplift in searches since beginning of 2022! With over 3.2 million households acquiring a pet across the past two years, it’s no wonder that many newlyweds are looking to incorporate their newest member of the family into their honeymoon celebrations.
Pet-friendly holidays have been especially boosted since the beginning of 2022 as travelling abroad has become more possible. Travelling abroad with a pet does require more planning but can be done relatively easily. Remember, if you’re travelling to an EU country, you will need proof of a microchip, rabies vaccination and an animal health certificate or pet passport.
If travelling to a non-EU country then you will require an Export Health Certificate (EHC), which checks that your pet meets the health requirements of the country you are travelling to (an official vet will need to administer this) and an Export Application Form (EXA).
Our Top Pet Friendly Honeymoon Pick
Where better to visit on your honeymoon than the city of love? Stroll along the Seine with your furry friend as you enjoy decadent French food at streetside cafes and marvel at beautiful architecture. We love The Grand Hotel du Palais Royal who have a special room service menu for both dogs and cats as well as comfy dog beds, mineral water and fresh baked miniature dog pastries.
The gorgeous five-star hotel is just a two-minute walk from the Musée du Louvre in a beautiful 18th-century building, with luxe rooms, a spa and Champagne afternoon teas on offer.
Find out more and book at grandhoteldupalaisroyal.com.
The Minimoon
This mini-break-honeymoon-hybrid has been topping the travel trends for a number of years now. And the trend shows no signs of disappearing. For many couples, it just isn’t logistically or financially feasible to rush off on a two-week honeymoon straight after the wedding.
In these cases, a short break, either in the UK or a short-haul flight away, will keep the travel bug at bay and provide a welcome escape after the wedding rush. The microhoneymoon could even be a couple of nights staying at your venue, or a night at a fancy hotel and spa – a bit of R&R to celebrate your first night as a married couple. Then you have the option to re-coop, save and plan for a dream honeymoon later on.
You may be feeling the pressure to cut back on your carbon footprint, or just fancy exploring more of what the UK has to offer. A cosy cottage in the Cotswolds, a modern villa with sprawling beach vistas on the coast or a hidden hideaway in the picturesque peak district, there are plenty of romantic spots to explore in the UK.
Our Top Minimoon Pick
If you’re both ‘foodies’ then treat yourself to dinner in a Michelin-starred restaurant at the Lords of the Manor Hotel in the pretty surroundings of the Cotswolds. Their ‘Pure Indulgence’ offer includes one-night accommodation, a Champagne afternoon tea on arrival, full English breakfast, tasting menu and a bottle of Champagne and homemade chocolates in your bedroom – perfect to toast your first night as newlyweds.
The restaurant has previously featured in The Sunday Times Top 100 Food List so make sure you’re hungry when you get there! You’re also a stone’s throw from tourist favourite Blenheim Palace or the popular village of Bourton-on-the-Water. Build up your appetite with a bit of sight-seeing and enjoy a traditional cream tea in town, then finish the day off with a delicious dinner in the restaurant and a full Cotswold breakfast the following morning.
Find out more and book at lordsofthemanor.com.
Eco-Conscious Honeymoons
Eco-friendly honeymoons or eco-moons are continuing to grow in popularity as more and more couples are prioritising sustainability. Just as we’re seeing sustainable weddings becoming increasingly popular, newlyweds are opting for ways to be less wasteful and more environmentally conscious when it comes to their honeymoon, too.
The best way to be more eco-friendly is to cut your air miles all together, but a UK-based staycation may not be everyone’s cup of tea. A number of luxury resorts and hotels around the world are now operating with a sustainability focus. This lean towards eco-tourism – where hotels champion zero or low waste and eco initiatives – means you can still get your taste of the honeymoon highlife (without the guilty conscience).
Our Top Eco Conscious Honeymoon Pick
We love the idea of a romantic rail journey to the French Riviera, avoiding flying altogether for a more eco-friendly way to travel. Over two glorious and romantic weeks you’ll train hop through France, starting from London St Pancras to Paris before zooming down south to Marseille and Cassis, all colourful port towns, a laid-back seaside ambience and great beaches.
Then, enjoy fine-dining at luxurious hotels, wine tasting in local vineyards, walking in national forests and exploring rugged coves, hilltop towns and narrow cobbled streets before making your way back to Paris on the train.
Find out more and book at byway.travel.
The Career Break: Extended Honeymoons Trend
With the reign of the influencer in full force, and the world constantly turning to Instagram for holiday inspiration, we’re seeing more and more couples trade in a life of commuting and board rooms for backpacks and beaches, particularly after the pandemic delayed many couples’ travel plans for two years.
Taking inspiration from the travel bloggers, young couples are ditching their day jobs to document their travel stories, meaning there’s more of a pull towards taking an extended honeymoon.
In recent years, we’ve also seen a shift in attitudes to work and careers, particularly among millennials. With more and more people working freelance and companies promoting flexi or remote working, it may not even be necessary to quit your job altogether in order to embark on an extended honeymoon – and some may even be able to fund their honeymoons while they’re away.
If you’re considering an extended period away, Bali is a great choice and a fantastic gateway to several other Asian countries. It also has an incredible digital nomad community with long term villa rentals available in Canggu, a hub for remote workers. Websites like bali-home-immo.com and balilongtermrentals.com are a good place to start.
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