It makes sense that you should follow the best day of your life with the best holiday of your life. I’m a firm believer that one of the ways to make a honeymoon truly memorable is to spruce it up with a good old boost of adrenalin. From getting up close with lions in South Africa to scaling ice walls in Iceland, these adventure honeymoon experiences are guaranteed to unite you and your new partner more firmly than the largest diamond ring or most beautifully poetic vows…
Sri Lanka
Island gem of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka offers the beach down-time that all honeymooners are after, with a little added spice thrown in.
Ella Rock, Sri Lanka
It’s in the south east that the real adventure starts, with a tent safari that will see you living amongst the highest density of leopard in the world. Beside these spotted beauties, expect elephants, water buffalo, abundant birdlife, swarms of butterflies, fishing cats, crocodiles and more.
You and your partner may even meet the rare sloth bear as you park up for some sunset wildlife viewing. Then, dinner under the stars might top this off as the most romantic adventure honeymoon yet.
Argentina and Chile
Patagonia — the vast South American land of rugged landscapes and whistling winds. Head here to experience a true adventure honeymoon in the wilderness that will see you trekking across the icy ridges of the region’s glaciers and exploring the hidden depths of its cavernous caves. You can even saddle up and take to the alien landscapes on horseback.
Torres del Paine, Patagonia
The best bit? By night you get to cosy up with a glass of Argentinian wine in one of the world’s most luxurious and exclusive lodges, surrounded by the granite cliffs of the majestic Torres del Paines.
Iceland
Whilst not your typical honeymoon beach retreat (apparently the Nordic Sea can be a little nippy), I can’t get enough of Iceland’s crisp and mesmerising vistas.
From exploring glacial wonderlands of spectacular waterfalls and magical ice walls, to swimming in electric blue lagoons and geothermal springs, there’s no question that Iceland promises a unique honeymoon experience.
Northern Lights, Thingvellir, Iceland
Oh, I nearly forgot to mention the ultimate romance clincher. The bucket-list-worthy experience of watching the Aurora Borealis as its beautiful light dances across the Icelandic landscape.
South Africa
With its stunning scenery, whitest of white beaches and world class wine, there’s no doubt that South Africa has all the components to make a magical adventure honeymoon. What makes it so supreme is that you can be whisked from the artsy hub of Cape Town straight into the depths of the African bush.
Table Mountain, South Africa
Spend your days getting up close and personal with some of the biggest beasts on earth; lions, leopards, rhino, buffalo and elephants. Then spend your nights sleeping beneath the stars in luxury safari accommodation that will leave you, well, never wanting to leave.
New Zealand
There’s no end to the wealth of thrilling activities New Zealand can offer a couple of adrenalin-junkie honeymooners.
The first port of call would have to be the Bay of Islands, a myriad of 144 islands scattered in the Pacific. Explore from the skies in a fixed wing aircraft, or from the waves with a private cruise that will stop to let you swim with dolphins, dive, fish, or snorkel the ocean depths.
Urupukapuka Island, New Zealand
Queenstown, self-proclaimed adventure capital of the world, will be the real highlight when it comes to this adventure honeymoon. Stay at a stunning alpine style hideaway on the banks of Lake Wakatipu. Here you can try jet boating or fly fishing before enjoying a glass of champagne on a glacier. I think a toast to the adventures to come might be in order?
Guest post by Tom Marchant of Black Tomato
Images from Flickr…
Ella Rock, Sri Lanka: By yeowatzup (CC BY 2.0 License)
Torres del Paine, Patagonia: By Bill Hertha (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 License)
Northern Lights, Thingvellir, Iceland: By Arnar Valdimarsson (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 License)
Table Mountain, South Africa: By Vitorcius (CC BY-ND 2.0 License)
Urupukapuka Island, New Zealand: By portengaround (CC BY-SA 2.0 License)
