Finding the perfect balance between what the bride and groom want on a honeymoon can be tricky. It’s often the case that one wants adventure and some great activities to fill the schedule, while the other is more interested in the nearest pool/beach/spa for a bit of respite after hectic wedding planning; I won’t say which is which. Maybe you’re in the middle and you want to relax for a few days before getting into some decent exploration. So, here are my top five favourite his and hers honeymoons which balance activities with relaxation.
Bahia, Brazil
Bahia is a top surfing Mecca, perfect for hitting the waves if you’re looking for a different kind of workout while you’re away. You can arrange horse trekking through rainforests or even a bit of Capoeira on the beach as well.
For low key days there’s plenty of white sand to go around, and the pavilion by your palm-thatched chalet is perfect for a deep tissue massage.
Bahia Beach, Brazil
Aeolian Islands, Sicily
This Sicilian collection make for a great island hopping mix of action and rest. Hike up the volcano on Stromboli at night for a mind-blowing spectacle that’s well worth the effort. Then on the ‘green island’ Salina, take your Vespa (who does the driving is the biggest question) and weave around the hills to find your perfect alcove to enjoy a glass of Malvasia wine by the shore. My pick is to head for the beautiful bay of Rinella. With its black sands and pink, white and blue houses, it’s a colourful backdrop for that sundowner.
Taormina, Aeolian Islands, Sicily
Lake Malawi, Malawi
Honeymoons in Malawi cover it all. After an unforgettable water safari off the Zambezi, Likoma Island and the hand-built beach resort Kaya Mawa are bliss. You can enjoy your meals anywhere under the stars for a spectacular evening (the romance levels are about as high as you can get here), and during the day the lake is yours to sail, fish or dive in.
Lake Malawi
Nicaragua
One of my favourite adventure playgrounds, Nicaragua has it all. Perfectly twinning stunning beaches with lush tropical jungle and flaming volcanoes. This is the perfect place for honeymooners to find that balance between much needed shoreside calm and a plethora of activities to keep any busy newly-wed entertained.
I’d suggest combining the colonial charm of Managua with a trip up (and down) the Masaya volcano as you learn to volcano surf (truly something to be seen rather than believed). But a must is to top Nicaragua off at Morgan’s Rock where you’ll be lapping up crystal Pacific waters.
Volcano Surfing in Nicaragua
Borneo
No other honeymoon destination teams wildlife, luxury and pure island bliss better than Borneo. Start your unforgettable experience on Gaya Island. Here the only difficult task will be deciding between the gorgeous Bunga Raya Resort or sleeping in villas over water in Gayana Eco Resort.
Gayana Eco Resort, Borneo
Next, a short flight onto mainland to immerse yourself in the wildlife of the Sepilok. Re-live your wildest David Attenborough dreams spotting wild orang-utans from every hanging angle.
Guest post by Tom Marchant of Black Tomato
Images from Black Tomato
