Ten off-the-beaten-path Honeymoon Destinations

After all the hubbub of a wedding, the honeymoon is the time you and your new spouse can get away from it all and relax. There are no guests lists to deliberate over, no relatives to please and no one to worry about except you and your beloved.

All the excitement of the wedding and the work to get ready for the big day is one reason that so many couples prefer to get off the beaten path for their first couple weeks of life together. Few couples say they want to go to the big city for their honeymoon. Instead, many head for a sunny locale at a luxurious resort – where the biggest decision they have to make is which swimsuit to wear that day.

Here are 10 suggestions for an off-the-beaten-path honeymoon to remember:

Cancun, Mexico

This locale, known for its gorgeous beaches, is one of the most popular honeymoon locations. There are oodles of resorts to choose from, with most major hotel chains represented, as well as a collection of stand-alones. The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriot, Wyndham and Hilton are just a few of them.

So how do you decide where to stay? First, some resorts are for adults only. So if you want to guarantee you aren’t awakened by children splashing in the pool outside your room at 10 a.m., this might be a good choice. Next, check traveler’s lists. The Ritz-Carlton in Cancun made two lists in 2008 for top vacation spots. And if you plan on getting in some golf, then the Excellence Playa Mujeres has a signature golf course designed by the Shark, Greg Norman.

Riviera Maya, Mexico

Only in Riviera Maya can you swim by an archaeological site. Tulum, the remains of an ancient civilization, rests on the shore of the Caribbean Sea. It has more than 60 well-preserved structures on the site. Next to where the temple once stood is a small beach where you can swim and take in the world of the ancient Mayans. There are hotels along this stretch of beach where you can gaze at the past while anticipating your future.

Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Check out hotels in both Montego Bay and Ocho Rios in Jamaica, in the Northern Caribbean for a dream honeymoon. The island of Jamaica has it all – glorious sunsets, beautiful white beaches, green mountains and breathtaking waterfalls – all of which you can enjoy. You have a choice of two locales and your choice of hotels. Again, some hotels are geared to families, which may not be your first choice. Instead, how about the Italian-inspired Sandals Dunn’s River Villaggio Golf Resort and Spa or Sandals Montego Bay? Or for a touch of classic Jamaica, try the Jamaica Inn with its 700-foot private beach and views of the sea from every suite.

Maui, Hawaii

If you want to stay in the United States, go west to Hawaii. This state and its 130 islands is on most “must-see” lists. Maui, one of the bigger islands, is also home to a host of wonderful honeymoon hotels. The Four Seasons Maui Resort is the only hotel in Hawaii to earn the designation of Mobil’s 5-Star Resort. If you want to get even farther away, then check out Hotel Hana Maui and Honua Spa. It’s located on a 4,500-acre ranch and offers some of the best views of the undisturbed island.

St. Lucia

For a touch of French, try St. Lucia – a small, lush island that remains not nearly as well-known or developed as others in the Caribbean. Its accommodations are second to none and it offers a few discreet resorts if that’s what you’re seeking.

Nassau, Bahamas

If you’re interested in diving, snorkeling or just basking under the hot sun, the Bahamas may be the spot for you. It’s close to the United States, making it a quick trip for most honeymooners. It has a couple skyscraper-type resorts – the Reef Atlantis and the Cove Atlantis – but it also has get-away-from-it-all places like Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort and Offshore Island. This offshore island has two white-sand beaches and fabulous dining at nine restaurants.

Paradise Island, Bahamas

This island is home to the One & Only Ocean Club, which was once a private estate. It landed on Condé Nast Traveler’s Gold List in 2009 and Travel+Leisure’s 2009 “T+L 500. Enjoy its romantic gardens inspired by nothing less than Versailles.

Bermuda

Located just 600 miles off the coast of North Carolina, Bermuda is a popular choice for honeymoons – as well as weddings. The island has more golf courses per square mile than any other place in the world.

Walt Disney World

OK. It’s not quite off the beaten path, but some couples dream of a honeymoon in the Magic Kingdom. For the couple that enjoys amusement parks – and fun in the sun – Walt Disney World can be a dream come true. There is even a Disney Honeymoon Registry, where your guests can help contribute to the cost of your Central Florida honeymoon.

Katie Thompsn is a freelance writer who writes about a variety of travel topics including honeymoons.
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Top 10 Romantic Honeymoon Ideas

On your honeymoon, you want the ultimate in romance.  You’ve just been married, which we all hope to do only once, and so you really want to make it count.  Even if you go on a second honeymoon, which many couples do, it still won’t have the magic of that first week or two you and your new husband or wife spend together on your own.  Naturally, you’ll want to get it right.  To help you out, I’ve created a list of the ten most romantic ideas I can think of for your honeymoon.

10.  Snorkelling

If you’ve ever wanted to explore an ocean paradise, your honeymoon is the absolute perfect time.  If you’re headed to an exclusive destination by the shore or on an island, snorkelling is a necessity.  Discovering the vivid sights beneath the water together is certainly romantic.

9.    Wine Tasting

Heading somewhere with vineyards?  Even Thailand has some these days, so I wouldn’t be too surprised if your destination did too.  The scenery will be gorgeous and you’ll be just slightly tipsy, certain to add a romantic edge to your evening.  You’ll also get a fabulous taste of local culture.

8.   Explore an ancient temple together

Plenty of honeymoon destinations have historic landmarks dotting the countryside.  Why not take the opportunity to explore an ancient temple together?  Investigating the remnants of an ancient civilization is surprisingly romantic and offers great photo opportunities for the honeymoon album.

7.   Canal Ride

Gliding down a canal, exploring parts of a city other tourists never manage, is quite a romantic experience, particularly if you can acquire a private boat with just the two of you and the personal sailing the boat.  Any city which has a canal system would do.

6.   Twilight Walks Along the Beach

Sure, it’s a stereotype, but stereotypes exist for a reason.  Walking down a warm, sandy beach as the sun sets is still one of the most romantic things a newly married couple can do together.  If your honeymoon destination is the beach, consider this.  You might even end up walking along the shore more than once.

5.   Take dance lessons together

Dancing is always romantic, so why not take the plunge together and spend one evening learning a whole new style?  You’ll be able to whip it out and impress all of your friends at future parties in addition to having a very romantic evening on your honeymoon.

4.   Picnic on a Private Inlet

If you’re lucky enough to be honeymooning on a small island, it’s very possible that there are private inlets for you to have a quiet picnic together.  This is offered on some of the Tahitian islands as well as other places.  Delicious food alone together in an island paradise sounds wonderfully romantic to me.

3.  Cocktails on the Beach

Sitting virtually alone on the beach with your favourite drinks in hand, particularly at sunset – this is almost the ultimate in romance.  Just one reason why it’s best to go to a resort dedicated to avoiding overcrowding.

2.  Swimming in Your Private Pool

The most exclusive honeymoon destinations, particularly luxury resorts, often have a small private pool for their highest paying guests.  If you’re willing to spend quite a bit on your honeymoon, this is an incredibly romantic way to spend your days and evenings.  If you don’t have a pool, spend that time in your hot tub or private bath instead.

1.  Private Candelit Dinner

My number one in romance is a private candlelit dinner with your new spouse.  Catered exactly to your specifications by your own private chef, you can then be left totally alone to enjoy your romantic meal in peace.  Feeding each other all of your favourite foods in flickering soft light?  This is just unbelievably romantic, and absolutely perfect for your honeymoon.  Best of all, the basic idea is not focused on a location.  Just the candles, delicious food, and one another provide all the romance you need.

Meghan Burton is a professional copywriter, writing on behalf of Turquoise Holidays.
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