The perfect honeymoon should give you as much happiness as your big day; it’s your first chance to really enjoy each other’s company as Mr and Mrs and reflect on the happy memories of your wedding.
For some couples, there’s no better way to do so than lying side by side on a golden beach in a sun-soaked paradise. But for an increasing number – the more active of the species, perhaps – it’s all about sharing the adrenaline rushes that come with new experiences and physical challenges. Here’s our pick of the very best activemoons:
- Luxury Skiing in Vail, USA
Although we’re lucky in Britain to have so many amazing ski resorts just a short flight away, honeymoons call for something extra special and, at just over ten hours away, Vail in Colorado definitely ticks the ‘special’ box.
Its biggest and most popular ski resort is Vail and it’s perfect for active honeymooners thanks to the luxury accommodation on offer, the top-quality snow and the access to both on and off-piste ski paths.
Spend your days showing off your just married status with his and hers ski jackets or snow boots (a quirky wedding gift to add to your list), and then when you’re done with the mountain, head into the village for a romantic dinner. Ludwig’s restaurant has a great menu and is perfect for loved-up couples. Colorado has much more to offer than skiing so consider extending your stay and indulging in more adrenaline; hot air ballooning, hang gliding, kayaking, horse riding and dog sledding should all be on your list!
Top Tip: make sure you research the airlines luggage allowances if you are going to bring your own skis. Here’s a useful table showing the most common airlines guidelines and any hidden charges for carrying ski equipment
7 nights at The Vail Cascade Resort & Spa start at £1191pp with Crystal Ski.
- Scuba diving in Bali, Indonesia
Bali, on the Indian Ocean, has long been a favourite destination, with honeymooners looking for some rest and relaxation, however many of its sun-kissed islands are also perfect for newlyweds who are after some adventure and excitement.
Diving should be first on your to-do list if you’re heading to Bali’s white sand beaches, with popular dive sites including Nusa Penida, where you can swim alongside manta rays in-season; Menjangan National Marine Park, where you can view the most unique marine life; Gili Mimpang, where you can spot pygmee seahorses; and Tumbalen where you’ll find the famous coral-covered wreck of The USS Liberty. Dive schools can be found at most resorts and dive locations will differ at each.
When you’re not below the waves, get your kicks on-land; try climbing through some of Bali’s stunning waterfalls with a day of canyoning, take a quad-bike tour through rice fields and local villages, or try a romantic horseback ride along the beach at sunset.
Top Tip: If you’ve not yet completed your PADI open water qualification, try and find a UK centre to do the classroom parts of the course before you leave. That way, you won’t have to spend two days of your honeymoon indoors while you’re there.
7 nights at the Spa Village Resort Tembok start at £1408pp with Kuoni.
- Wild Safari in Kenya, Africa
A safari in Kenya is a once in a lifetime experience and what better time to experience the adventure than on your honeymoon? The Masai Mara National Park covers over 1,000 square miles and is undoubtedly one of the world’s greatest reserves. The area offers a great concentration of wild game and you can mix walking safaris with night drives to see a variety of wonderful animals. Tick off Africa’s big five and spot other amazing animals such as crocodile and hippopotami.
For optimum wildlife spotting, why not combine the safari with a trip to the wonderful island of Madagascar, where you have a chance to see lemurs, boas and chameleons, as well as snorkelling and relaxing on the deserted beaches on the islands?
Top Tip: One of the best times to go is July or October when you can see one of the most impressive natural events; over 1.5 million animals from wildebeest to zebra, buffalo, gazelle and more migrate, all followed by predators such as lions and hyena.
Natural World Safaris offer a 16 day Kenya and Madagascar Honeymoon safari from £3,695 per person sharing, excluding international flights.
- Active pursuits in Kos, Greece
An active honeymoon doesn’t mean you have to be on your feet 24/7, so how about choosing a honeymoon in a resort that specialises in active pursuits which you can dip in and out of? Mark Warner’s Helona Hotel combines a perfect mix of activity and luxury. Enjoy some gentle tennis games with your new partner, take bikes over the nearby mountains or take out boats and windsurfs as you like. If you want to learn something new or improve skills, there’s windsurfing and sailing with private tuition and accredited courses available.
After an activity filled day, the lavish health spa at the Helona offers plenty to spoil yourself with a choice of four treatment rooms to choose from. The spa also has a steam room, a sauna, Jacuzzis, a variety of beauty treatments, a heated indoor swimming pool and a gym. The hotel houses 21 swimming pools, with private plunge pools for suites and villas. The rooms are well equipped and spread out, so you can enjoy a peaceful stay without feeling smothered by fellow guests.
Top Tip: The Helona sits on a private beach away from the busier tourist areas of Kos, so it’s easy to enjoy some romantic time away from the masses of holidaymakers. A short bus ride or a 10 Euro taxi journey takes you to Kardamena, which has plenty of restaurants, bars and nightclubs for an evening out.
7 nights at the Helona Hotel start at £1405pp with Mark Warner.
Image courtesy of serre_chevalier
