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Adrienne Jordan is a freelance writer covering travel, adventure, and lifestyle. Her work has appeared in publications such as National Geographic Traveler, The Washington Post, Outside, Esquire, USA Today, and GQ.
For some couples, sipping cocktails and relaxing by the beach is the ideal definition of a honeymoon. But for others, not so much.
If you're looking for a more stimulating honeymoon experience, there are plenty of adventurous and out-of-the-box opportunities to see the world. From horseback riding at sunset, traversing the jungle to witness waterfalls, and diving luminous cenotes, here are 10 unexpected ways to honeymoon with your partner.
Courtesy of Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, Fiji
Intriguing culture and pristine nature are the key elements of a honeymoon in Fiji. Book your stay in one of the romantic thatched-roof bures at the 17-acre Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort located on the island of Vanua Levu. The luxury resort has beachfront access to the peaceful waters of Savusavu Bay and your oceanfront bure comes with a split-level deck and a hammock to lounge after a day of adventure. One of the experiences not to be missed is the resort’s guided excursion through a tropical rainforest to discover a hidden waterfall.
The Maldives might be the most enviable and picturesque honeymoon destination, with its crystal clear waters and iconic overwater bungalows. For a magnificent trip, book a villa at the eco-conscious resort Gili Lankanfushi. Among the several activities offered to guests, our favorite is the "Dining for the Senses" series, which invites you and your spouse to dine blindfolded in a secret location on the island. Use the rest of your senses to indulge in a flavorful meal. It is sure to be an unforgettable experience!
Starting a new chapter with your partner means trying something new in a beautiful setting. At Sandals Resorts, green fees are included so why not tee up together and engage in a thrilling game of golf? At Sandals Grande St. Lucian, you can sign up to play at the all-new Greg Norman-designed Sandals St. Lucia Golf & Country Club at Cap Estate. The 18-hole course has elevation changes and impressive landscaping, while the 9-hole Sandals Golf Club at Sandals Regency La Toc is replete with stately white cedar, almond, and bamboo trees set against a lush backdrop. Never played before? No worries, Sandals offers complimentary PGA-certified golf clinics for guests.
Created by three motorcycle enthusiasts, the Retro Tour is an unconventional and unique way to see the City of Love. While donning striped, retro helmets and goggles, you and your partner will have a guide zoom you around the streets of Paris inside an original Soviet M72 sidecar. While slowing down at iconic landmarks like Concorde, Champs Elysées, the Eiffel Tower, and the Arc de Triomphe, you can have your guide take a few romantic pictures of you and your partner inside the sidecar smiling around these coveted sights.
If a rainforest adventure is calling your name, consider honeymooning at Nayara Springs in Costa Rica. The luxury property sits in Arenal Volcano National Park and boasts private villas complete with their own plunge pools, gardens, and private hosts. After a day spent relaxing at the resort's spa, join other guests for an after-dark frog scouting tour on the grounds. You'll find red-eyed tree frogs and blue-jean frogs in the ponds—and you'll most likely spot sloths and monkeys on the resort's trails during the day!
Courtesy of S Hotel Jamaica
Couples can head to Montego Bay, Jamaica for a honeymoon filled with sun, sand, and great food. The adults-only S Hotel Jamaica offers a variety of activities to try out while also retaining a beachfront boutique vibe. If you’re looking for something unexpected in the destination, book a river rafting adventure along the Martha Brae. The 30-foot bamboo raft will take you and your partner down three miles of tranquil nature-based setting with romantic bird calls and marine life drifting around you.
There’s nothing quite like a romantic retreat to the West. Newlyweds can jump on the back of some impressive mares and horseback ride through sweeping views of Los Angeles with Sunset Ranch Hollywood. This singular horse ranch in greater Los Angeles offers a chance to experience photo-worthy stops of the iconic Hollywood Sign during a one-hour trail ride through Griffith Park. Couples can also choose the two-hour option, where you can arrive at the top of the park and soak in 360-degree views of Los Angeles. However, if you really want to dial up the romance, opt for the horseback evening tour, a two-hour guided evening tour to the peak of Mount Hollywood, where you can learn about the Los Angeles basin, and also see the oceanic and mountainous sights of the San Fernando and San Gabriel Valleys.
John Crux Photography / Getty Images
Crystal clear water? White sand beaches? Tons of adventure? Yes please! Head to the classic honeymoon destination of Cancun, Mexico, and book a romantic stay at the Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun All Inclusive Spa Resort. Your all-inclusive Oceanfront King Suite means that you can order room service in bed all day or venture out for a candlelit dinner on the beach. A great way to bond as a new couple is to get PADI certified to scuba dive and allow a whole other world to open up. Book your dive through KOOX Diving located only minutes away from the resort and have a thrilling experience exploring the cenotes in Tulum. These freshwater pools are found in underground caverns and surrounded by rocks, stalagmites, stalactites, and tree branches to create a surreal background for your dives.
Courtesy of Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort
Boasting year-round great weather, Aruba is an excellent Caribbean retreat for nature enthusiasts. Book your honeymoon stay in one of the oceanfront suites at the Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort and relax in a chic cabana at Renaissance Island. For a day trip, head out on the Natural Pool & Indian Cave Jeep Safari and stop at the Natural Pool in Arikok National Park, a stunning place to swim surrounded by volcanic rock landscapes. Other stops on the tour include Dos Playa beach, Indian Caves, and the Fontein Garden.
Philip Moreira / EyeEm / Getty Images
Some of the prettiest water in the world surrounds Turks & Caicos. For a luxury retreat, book an oceanfront villa with Beach Enclave on Grace Bay Beach. The villas come with an acre of space for privacy, butler services, daily continental breakfasts, and private dinners or beach bonfires on request. For the ultimate romantic experience in the destination, book a private boat charter with GetMyBoat for either a half or full-day tour. The gregarious Captain Mat from the family-owned Caicos Catalyst charter can take couples to snorkel some of the popular reefs of Grace Bay, including Fort George Reef, the third largest reef in the Caribbean.
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