Hidden Honeymoon Gems
Many newlyweds dream of escaping on a romantic getaway with their true love. While the honeymoon hotspots are popular for a reason, some couples seek something more unique. From off-the-grid locations to underrated villages, these are 20 unusual honeymoon destinations that are secretly romantic.
1. The Isle Of Skye, Scotland
The Isle of Skye is a land veiled in mist and myth, surrounded by rugged sea cliffs and a backdrop of snowcapped mountains. The Scottish island is a hiking couple’s paradise with many trails offering breathtaking views, sometimes all to yourself. Rich in folklore, the isle is a fairytale with castles, historical sites, and the enchanting Fairy Pools. Cuddle up in a cozy cottage or celebrate in luxury in a castle hotel.
2. Waiheke Island, New Zealand
If you newlyweds are also in love with good wine, secluded beaches, and charming art galleries, Waiheke Island is for you. The art scene is as vibrant as the stunning landscape and the beaches are plentiful, offering you private dips in the ocean. Reminisce while you sip wine at the many vineyards that occupy the hills. Spend your nights in a private beachfront villa or camping under the stars.
3. Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
If you’re looking for an escape from reality together, this picturesque city will make you feel like characters from an old storybook. Mostar is deeply rooted in culture and history with ancient architecture, cobblestone streets, and their iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge). Visit the tranquil rivers and natural pools with cascading waterfalls and dine at the many restaurants serving traditional cuisine.
4. The Cook Islands
Nothing screams honeymoon destination more than a tropical island and the Cook Islands is just that but a lesser-known paradise. The hidden lagoons are romantic escapes perfect for snorkeling, diving, or kayaking. Get a couples massage from a traditional Polynesian masseuse, and soak in the sunshine and the laid-back atmosphere as you share the warm and peaceful island life together.
5. Salzkammergut, Austria
The Salzkammergut region will take you deep inside secluded nature and quaint villages, making it a destination for quality time together. As an alpine oasis, you’ll embark on a journey with incredible hiking, cave exploring, and bathing in turquoise lakes. Engulfed by jaw-dropping views, you’ll be living in heaven for the whole trip. You can stay in a mountain hut or a charming bed and breakfast in a historic town.
6. Newfoundland, Canada
Sweep your sweetie away to the eastern tip of Canada for a honeymoon in a maritime gem. You’ll be rewarded with the peaceful sounds of wildlife and rolling waves as you explore the quiet rugged coastline. Steeped in folk culture, fishing villages, and quirky lighthouses, Newfoundland offers you a charming and friendly atmosphere.
7. Eje Cafetero, Colombia
Columbia’s Coffee Triangle is a must for a pair of coffee lovers who want to dive deep into the heart of java. The region’s rolling hills are drenched in plantations that offer world-class tours and accommodations with stunning views of the traditional coffee farms. Relax together at one of the thermal springs after you take a thrilling paragliding venture overlooking the plantations.
Triángulo del Café Travel on Wikimedia
8. Namibia, Africa
Namibia is ideal if you’re seeking an otherworldly honeymoon experience. Its landscape offers you a playground for road trips, jungle safaris, kayaking, and skydiving, perfect for a thrill-seeking couple. Spark up the romance with a swim in a hidden swimming hole or star gaze from your remote campsite.
9. Pyeongchang, South Korea
Pyeongchang is a honeymoon destination for a couple seeking both ranquility and thrills. As host of the 2018 Winter Olympics, Pyeongchang is truly a winter wonderland offering world-class skiing and snowboarding. In the summer, the slopes remain open for hiking and mountain biking and high-altitude farms produce the freshest food. If that’s not enough, stunning Buddhist temples decorate the landscape.
Korea.net / Korean Culture and Information Service on Wikimedia
10. Seychelles
Seychelles is the ultimate island hopping destination for honeymooners who want more than a fly-and-flop vacation. Although you can sunbathe as much as you want on the stunning beaches, the islands of Mahe and Praslin are worth exploring for their secluded coves, hidden bays, and lush forests.
11. Muramures, Romania
Muramures is full of forests to get delightfully lost together in. It truly is a wooded paradise as the region is famous for its preserved wooden architecture, including UNESCO World Heritage Site churches. If you both enjoy nature and culture, Muramures is the perfect blend off the beaten path. Local craftspeople carve beautiful wooden art so you can take a piece of this wonderful place home with you.
12. Cambodia
Cambodia offers honeymooners a balance of bliss and vibrant sightseeing. Sip coconuts from your hammock after a day of exploring the ancient sites of temples and ruins. Embrace the nightlife together dancing until sunrise and indulge in the delicious cuisine.
13. Atacama Desert, Chile
You’ll feel like the only two people in the world exploring the vast landscape of the Atacama Desert. Soak up the mineral water in the hot springs and walk across the moon-like terrain visiting ancient ruins. Book a suite at a beautiful desert hotel for a romantic stay in the middle of nowhere.
Luca Galuzzi (Lucag) on Wikimedia
14. Ischia, Italy
If you want to experience a quintessential Italian honeymoon without the crowds, Ischia is your hidden gem. Capri and the Amalfi Coast get all the hype but Ischia can offer you everything they can and more. Enjoy hand-held walks along the pristine coastline, taste wines from the vineyards, eat the best food of your life, and take a romantic bath in the hot springs.
15. Tasmania, Australia
Tasmania might not be the first honeymoon spot you think of when you consider Australia for your romantic getaway but it should be. The island is for wilderness explorers who love rugged untouched nature and remote white sand beaches. Get to know your new spouse extremely well by embarking on a road trip across the island, sleeping in an RV, and spending nights in the most secluded spots under a blanket of stars.
16. Sapa, Vietnam
Sapa is for honeymooners who want to immerse themselves in culture and nature. The town is far from the city bustle surrounded by rich green mountains, terraced fields, and dense forests. The area embraces tradition with local tribes still present in the community.
17. Kerala, India
Kerala is an underrated honeymoon destination that offers newlyweds a diverse trip filled with spirituality, relaxation, and jungle wildlife. A cruise on a traditional houseboat is a must and a trek through the lush landscape is an incredible adventure. Take in the rural life along the palm-lined banks and spend quality time together in the serene atmosphere.
Augustus Binu/ facebook on Wikimedia
18. Lapland, Finland
Lapland is for the winter-loving couple who want to turn up the heat in the snow. A honeymoon in Lapland is a once-in-a-lifetime experience full of frozen adventures like ice floating, dog sledding, and ice climbing. The Northern Lights will dance in front of your eyes every night before you snuggle each other to sleep by the fire.
19. Oman
The romance in Oman is fueled by desert camping, gorgeous Islamic architecture, and breathtaking beaches. It’s an ocean haven for divers and sailors and is renowned for its underwater wonderland and whale watching. Oman offers a diverse setting with mountainscapes, vast deserts, tropical coastlines, and cultural villages.
20. Antiparos, Greece
It’s no secret that Greece is the ultimate honeymoon destination which means many newlyweds flock there every year. Antiparos is a lesser-known island for couples seeking a Mediterranean holiday without the tourists. You’ll have everything you dreamed of for a Greek getaway with ancient architecture, ocean views, sunny beaches, and fresh food.
