Each New Year brings with it a whole raft of new destinations and travel possibilities. The classic honeymoon destinations will always have that certain unfaltering appeal for honeymooners, but being that little bit more adventurous with your choices and travelling to places few others have chosen will make for a truly unique honeymoon experience. Take a look at my top five alternative honeymoon destinations to give the classics a run for their money.
Mexico — Isla Mujeres vs. The Riviera Maya
Mexico has long since been a popular destination for honeymooners. Why not try Isla Mujeres, a little island of true western Caribbean calibre? Situated 50km north of the beautiful beaches of the Riviera Maya, the longest coral reef in the world connects these two Caribbean destinations, making for some excellent snorkelling and diving opportunities.
Isla Mujeres, Mexico
I would recommend staying at the beautiful Villa Rolandi. It lies between the turquoise Caribbean Sea and the Lagoon Makax, making the surrounding views incredible.
Réunion Island vs. Mauritius
The clear waters and palm-fringed beaches of Mauritius have long since drawn honeymooners to this little Indian Ocean bliss. Just 200km south west though lies the volcanic French Island of Réunion, which makes for an unparalleled alternative honeymoon for the more adventurous amongst you.
Reunion Island, Indian Ocean
Réunion is home to one of the world’s most active volcanoes, the Piton de la Fournaise. It has erupted more than 170 times since the mid-17th century. I would recommend taking a hike up this formidable volcano for an intrepid honeymoon highlight you won’t forget in a hurry.
Philippines vs. Thailand
Thailand is an old hand when it comes to honeymoons — it’s a tried and tested classic. But the beautiful archipelago of the Philippines lends itself well to an alternative honeymoon.
I would recommend Palawan, a little known region. Here you can hang out with the charming locals at bustling markets, meet ancient rainforest tribes in the depth of the jungle, and experience its weird and wonderful wildlife.
Palawan, Philippines
Make El Nido your bolt hole. One of the Philippines’ many luxurious eco-resorts, it’s set between dense forest and the tranquil waters of a secluded lagoon.
Namibia vs. South Africa
South Africa is an undeniably classic honeymoon destination. But for a more alternative honeymoon option, Namibia offers far more than first meets the eye, from the ghostly shipwrecks of the Skeleton Coast to the roaring giant red dunes of the Namib desert.
Namib Desert, Namibia
For a bit of adventure I would recommend surfing the sand dunes or hiking through the beautiful lunar landscapes. Either will leave you suitably ready for a good night’s sleep under the huge African skies.
Australia — West Coast vs. East Coast, Queensland
Bathed in sunshine for 300 days of the year, it’s not surprising that Queensland has become a bit of a honeymoon beach Mecca. However, I would recommend exploring the less crowded West Coast of this sun-scorched continent.
Coral Reef Scuba Diving
With thousands of metres of pristine coastline, the West Coast is great for honeymooners looking for a bit of seclusion away from the crowds. The area is abundant in marine life, boasting some of the country’s most impressive coral reefs — a scuba diver’s dream. For a dive with a difference, head over to the Albrolhos Islands and explore some of the shipwrecks scattered across seabed.
Guest post by Tom Marchant of Black Tomato
Images from Black Tomato
