Honeymoon Destinations for the Couple That Loves Adventure

honeymoons for adventurers

One major thing we’ve noticed about GWS readers (and something we absolutely ADORE) is how adventurous you all are! We’re constantly seeing dreamy destination weddings + elopements that not only have our hearts going pitter-patter, but one’s that give us major wanderlust. Our list of places to travel is ever-expanding, and we’ve got a feeling that many of you have a similar list…

Well, for those that are looking for an equal dose of fun + adventure when it comes to the honeymoon (or an anniversary trip/romantic getaway — we’re all for traveling whenever possible!), we’ve teamed up with our friends at Tablet Hotels to create a list of must-see locations that speak to all you bold + adventure-seeking couples! Are you and your SO seeking a tropical destination, an up-and-coming location in the wilderness, a safari getaway, or spa relaxation in the mountainside? Whatever you’re looking for, we’ve got quite the collection for you to pick from. Let the wanderlust begin!

{top photo by Irene Fiedler  from this couple’s Moroccan anniversary session 

Iceland ION Hotel

ION Luxury Adventure Hotel in Iceland

Destination #1: ION Adventure Hotel, Iceland.The landscapes of Iceland are already otherworldly, and when coupled with this green hotel — made from reclaimed + renewable materials (and heated geothermically!) — ION should definitely top the charts of every adventurous couple’s bucket list! Less than an hour outside of Reykjavik, on the edge of Þingvellir National Park, in a landscape of lichen and long-dormant lava fields, we aren’t exaggerating when we say this place is seriously COOL. A major highlight here? The Northern Lights Bar, which offers guests a sweeping view of the landscape + starry night sky. And, as the name suggests, it’s an ideal spot to view the northern lights; the time period for this is from October to March (the best month changes each year).

Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort Thailand

Destination #2: Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort, Thailand. At the intersection of the Sop Ruak and the Mekong Rivers is the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet. Located on a lush wooded ridge, with views of all three countries, is the enchanting oasis of Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort. One of our favorite parts? The Thai Elephant Conservation Center is nearby and offers guests a taste of the most antiquated mode of transport: elephant, oxcart, and a long-tail boat ride.

Galápagos Safari Camp brings the tented luxury camps familiar across southern Africa to the Americas

Destination #3: Galapagos Safari Camp, Ecuador. Galápagos Safari Camp brings the tented luxury camps familiar across southern Africa to Ecuador! Here, tortoises take the place of giant cats and guests are immersed in a variety of different landscapes. We’re pretty sure that tent pictured above sells itself, but to add to it, balconies with hammocks are everywhere, and they’re ideal for basking in the camp’s hillside view. Express your inner Darwin on land, at sea, on surrounding islands or even underwater, on an excursion with one of the camp’s scuba guides. It’s a low-key sort of safari, compared to the African variety, but if you’re at all interested in the natural world, the Galápagos are one of the planet’s greatest wonders.

Dunton Hot Springs is a small property with only 13 rooms

Destination #4: Dunton Hot Springs, Colorado. Along the banks of the Dolores River, in a remote part of southwestern Colorado, is an authentic ghost town, and an abandoned century-old gold prospectors’ camp. Each shack has been renovated to create the truly unique hotel of Dunton Hot Springs (also featured in our Top 26 Coolest Places to Get Married). “Rough it” in the log cabins, and then receive a spa treatment, take a dip in the thermal baths, and enjoy a fine, organic dinner. Oh and those hot springs? There’s a bath house holding a communal pool, and a second spring hidden within a teepee! Yes, please!!

Playa Viva Hotel on protected land a half hour outside of Zihuatanejo

Destination #5: Playa Viva Hotel, Mexico. With a mere 12 casitas, this hotel is about as far as it gets from mass tourism – and on protected land a half hour outside of Zihuatanejo, has a long, long way to go before it could be considered developed, much less overdeveloped. The accommodations are perhaps more reminiscent of something you’d expect to find in Bali, as these thatched-roof villas are open to the air, their walls absent in order to maximize the sea views. It’s all very low-tech, and it’s no surprise that Playa Viva is about as green as they come, its low-impact approach perfectly suited to the hotel’s low-key charms. This means morning yoga, spa services and meditation classes, as well as a wide variety of outdoor explorations, on land and on the water.

Tierra Atacama Hotel & Resort in Chile

Destination #6: Tierra Atacama Hotel & Spa, Chile. Step into the surreal, lava-sculpted, salt-glazed landscapes of northern Chile at the Tierra Atacama Hotel & Spa. The hotel itself is a visually striking environment; outfitted with glass and adobe structures, the lodge almost blends into the brush covered plateau. With views of the volcano-dotted Atacama Desert, guests are invited to spend the day exploring the salt pans or steaming geysers. Other activities we love? Watching the sun set or stargazing from the cozy chairs around a crackling fire, and sampling fine Chilean wines!

Saffire Freycinet in Australia

Destination #7: Saffire Freycinet, Tasmania. Tasmania is nicknamed as the “natural state,” and for good reason — nearly 40% of the state is composed of national parks + reserves. The picturesque location of Tasmania’s Coles Bay is home to the completely green and brand-new luxury resort, Saffire Freycinet. The way the evening sunlight dances across the Hazard Mountains is the first thing of note… But there is so much more! The sky is essentially the limit, from sailing and kayaking, quad-bike tours and hiking, to a day on the private Schouten Island inhabited by sea birds, seals, and penguins. There’s really no place like it anywhere else.

Essque Zalu Zanzibar

Destination #8: Essque Zalu Zanzibar, Tanzania. Imagine a gentle stretch of coastline, dotted with mythic-looking homes, turquoise blue waters for days, and weather that makes you want to lay in the sun for hours… If you want to infuse a little relaxation into your adventurous honeymoon, the hotel Essque Zalu Zanzibar is located on what are considered to be the finest beaches in the world. Live music, hookah, and al fresco Arabian cuisine are a daily staple here. For the couple that loves all things tropical + a delicious handcrafted cocktail — this may be the place for you.

Le Palais Paysan one of Morocco’s most impeccably modern riad hotels

Destination #9: Le Palais Paysan, Morocco. Situated just south of Marrakech at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, this so-called “peasant palace” is anything but stingy with its comforts. Sweeping vistas open up in every direction, making Le Palais Paysan a pastoral retreat less than an hour from the heart of the city – we also shared this gorgeous wedding at this hotel!

Alila Jabal Akhdar in Oman

Destination #10: Alila Jabal Akhdar, Oman. In Sanskrit ‘alila’ means “surprise,” and it’s definitely a surprise you’ll find in this remote corner of the Middle East — Oman’s Al Hajar mountain range, to be exact. The hotel of Alila Jabal Akhdar requires a bit of effort to get to, but for most, that’s exactly the appeal. It’s a secluded and self-contained oasis, with a spectacular spa and an infinity pool that looks over the stark + mystifying landscape.

So, where in the world would you go? We’re pretty keen on each one of these destinations! Let us know which one you fancy + where else would be a good place to adventure to in the comments below!

Happy adventuring, everyone!

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