7 unique honeymoon destinations
Quick summary
Many honeymooners head to the dreamy oasis of Bora Bora, rent a luxurious over-the-water bungalow in the Maldives or maybe even head to a five-star resort in Maui where they whale-watch and munch on fresh pineapple and macadamia nuts. There is nothing wrong with any of these options, but what about for those adventurous couples who want to try something completely different and unexpected? Here are seven under-the-radar honeymoon destinations for couples looking for somewhere unique.
Comoros
While most travelers who head to the crystal clear waters of Eastern Africa opt for the Seychelles, Mauritius or even Madagascar, the overlooked island nation of Comoros is a nearly untouched paradise waiting to be explored for the more curious globetrotters. Comoros consists of four islands which can all be accessed by boat or by short flights.
Flights are easily accessible via Kenya Airways or Ethiopian Airlines. Who says Maui is the best place for honeymooners to go whale-watching? Moheli Island is a frequent pitstop for whales on their way to Antarctica during the winter season. Keep in mind, Comoros won't have tourist infrastructure similar to its neighboring countries of Mauritius or even Réunion, but as long as you're up for the adventure, you're bound to have one memorable honeymoon in a place not many people will visit in their lifetime.
Where to stay: Moheli Laka Lodge
Trinidad and Tobago
The Caribbean is a chosen honeymoon destination for many, and why wouldn't it be? Boasting some of the world's nicest beaches with a plethora of nonstop flights from the U.S., it makes for an easy destination to reach. But while many travelers will head to the Bahamas, Jamaica, St. Lucia and the Dominican Republic, just a little further south, seven miles off the coast of Venezuela, lies the music-filled haven of Trinidad and Tobago. The destination is split into two islands: Trinidad being the larger one and Tobago the smaller isle.
The capital of Port of Spain is on the island of Trinidad and offers some of the world's best street food. Enjoy local eats such as aloo pie, souse, doubles and shark. Trinidad and Tobago has been colonized by the Dutch, French, Portuguese, British, and Spanish, to name a few. European, Indian and African influence is apparent throughout the country. Head to one of the pristine beaches on Tobago such as Castarta, and even see a natural glowing pool thanks to bioluminescence.
Where to stay: Magdalena Beach and Golf Resort
Related: Reopening Guide to Trinidad and Tobago for travelers
Azores Islands
Perched in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean lies a Portuguese autonomous region of lush green paradise called the Azores Islands. Lonely Planet respectively calls them the Hawaii of Europe due to their black sand beaches and volcanic landscapes. Enjoy some volcanic wine at UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pico, also known as "the island of wine." Enjoy a hike at Salto de Prego, where you'll be rewarded with a waterfall after a light trek. Take a dip in the natural thermal pool of Terra Nostra after your hike to ease your sore muscles. Similar to Hawaii, it is recommended to rent a car to get around, and, just like Comoros, Azores Islands is a spot where it's possible to do some whale-watching. The best time to see whales is in April or May.
So, why Azores for a honeymoon? It's a relaxing, slow-paced region consisting of nine islands offering delicious wine and food. Even more appealing, LGBTQIA+ couples are welcome to vacation here worry-free, as Portugal has some of the strongest anti-discrimination laws in Europe.
How to get there: United offers direct flights from Newark International Airport (EWR) to Ponta Delgado, Azores (PDL) starting at 48,300 miles + $5.60.
Related: Island hopping in the Azores
Tuvalu
For honeymooners looking for a humbling getaway as well as an educational one, Tuvalu might be a good fit. It has been described as being the least visited country on earth, with less than 2,000 visitors per year. There is only one international airport and there are only two flights per week out of Suva, Fiji (SUV) via Fiji Airways. The best way to get around the island is to rent a motorbike and explore. Don't expect any fancy tour guides or luxury hotels while here. Just kick back, relax and enjoy having essentially a private island with the help of locals when you need it.
A visit to Tuvalu might change your perspective on single-use plastics, carbon emissions and other everyday factors that contribute to climate change. It would be counterproductive to head here and not offset the carbon emissions from your flight. Sadly, the country will be completely submerged underwater within the next 100 years thanks to climate change and rising tides. In the meantime, head over there and enjoy some of the clearest waters this entire world has to offer before it's no longer an option.
Where to stay: Funafuti Lagoon Hotel
Antarctica
While most people associate honeymoons with warm climates, tropical beaches and paradise, what about those travelers who want to tackle a huge bucket-list adventure together to celebrate the beginning of their forever together? In that case, Antarctica certainly makes for a memorable honeymoon trip. Antarctica is extremely expensive to travel to, and what better time to splurge than right after tying the knot?
The easiest and most efficient way to get there is via a cruise departing from Ushuaia, Argentina, which takes 24 hours to cross over the Drake passage before finally landing on the 7th continent. There are several cruise options, but for those who don't want to take the long boat trek, flying is now an option as well. Flights depart from Punta Arenas, Chile, and take about 2 hours. Passengers who fly will still stay on a cruise once arriving in Antarctica, they just have the luxury of skipping the 24-hour boat ride to get there. Some say the cruise through the Drake Passage is part of the experience, so it all depends on what type of traveler you are. Either way, if you think sharing your honeymoon with penguins, sea lions and humpback whales sounds like a good plan, then Antarctica might have you and your partner's names written all over it.
Related: How to get to Antarctica: the pros and cons of flying vs. cruising
Cape Verde
Though popular amongst European travelers, American tourists have yet to catch on to the volcanic island nation of Cape Verde, located just 385 miles off the Northwest African coast. Offering some of the best beaches in the region, Cape Verde, officially known as The Republic of Cabo Verde, is a perfect place for relaxing on a lounge chair on one of its many sandy beaches or it can be an adrenaline junkie's scuba diving dream due to it being home to over 60 species of sharks. From Santiago Island, the largest island in Cape Verde, take a ferry or a short flight to Fogo, an island boasting the largest volcano not only in Cape Verde but in all of West Africa. A day tour to Fogo can be booked through Viator if you and your lovebird want to get a proper hike in. After hiking, you might be a little sore and need a soothing bath. Look no further than Pedra de Lume, a salty body of water said to be saltier than the Dead Sea, where visitors can float for a relaxing day in the sun.
So, why Cape Verde for a honeymoon? This country offers tropical climates all year round and has relaxing beaches, but won't leave you bored due to its endless adventurous activities. It also has a long history of wine production. If you're looking for something romantic without breaking the bank, Cape Verde is an affordable destination.
Where to stay: Riu Cabo Verde (Adults-Only and All-Inclusive)
Related: Icelanders want to make the Azores and Cape Verde the Next Big Thing in Travel
Bhutan
Have you and your partner ever discussed what a world would be like if we measured each other's wealth in happiness instead of finances? Well, lucky for the both of you, Bhutan exists and does exactly that, measuring wealth by Gross National Happiness instead of Gross Domestic Product. Ironically, visiting comes with a hefty $250 per person per day tourist fee, however, it's better to come with a partner than alone: traveling solo here adds an additional $40 a day to the tourist fee. If you have the funds to spare and want to enjoy your honeymoon somewhere that many travelers only dream of visiting, Bhutan is a great choice.
Head to Paro Valley to hike the most famous landmark in the country, Tiger's Nest Monastery. Enjoy some of the many culturally rich and aesthetically pleasing Buddhist temples. Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the temple of fertility, seems only appropriate to visit while on honeymoon if you and your partner are hoping to have children someday. Who else can say they went to a temple of fertility on their honeymoon?
The biggest pro to a honeymoon in Bhutan? Enjoying a totally serene place that likely none of your friends and/or family can say they've visited. The biggest con? The price tag. Between the daily tourist fee and the governmental requirement to have a pre-planned pre-paid trip via a tour guide prior to arrival, Bhutan can be a little bit tricky to travel to, but absolutely worth it if you have the means.
Where to stay: Taj Tashi in Thimphu, Bhutan