If the drunk uncle at the reception wasn’t memorable enough, these unique honeymoon destinations are sure to create some fond memories. Something unique is the truly memorable way to celebrate such an amazing and unique occasion of marriage. Many couples will find that they want to spend a little more, or go a little further for their honeymoon because it generally is a once in a lifetime event and truly worthy of something extra and different.
Below are some of the most unique destinations in the world that couples choose to celebrate their special occasions create lifelong memories.
Antarctica Honeymoon
While you won’t need the bikini for this honeymoon, a trip to Antarctica with you loved one will be a truly unforgettable and unique experience. Only available in the Southern hemisphere summer between the end of October and the start of March, you will need to do it as part of an organised package on board a ship departing from South America as there are no flights or accommodation options that you can organise yourself. December and January are the most popular times.
It is a couple of days each way on the ship then you should expect to spend about a week around Antartica taking in the sights. For the trip down, ensure you ask for a couples suite and don’t forget the sea sickness tablets if you are prone to sickness – the seas to the south of Argentina and Chile across the Strait of Magellan are known to be pretty rough at times. The cruise ships can offer top class facilities with jaccuzzi’s, spas and gyms if you are happy to pay for it. The cheapest cruises will cost about $4000USD and go up from there for comfort and extra duration.
Once you get to Antarctica, you are able to go off the ship and enjoy the abundant wildlife and picturesque views the white continent has to offer. You can see penguins like the amazing emperor penguin, seals and whales however don’t expect to see any polar bears – you will have to go north if you want to see those. For activities off the cruise boat, companies offer trekking, overnight camps on the ice and kayaking.
There’s plenty of time for romance with your loved one staying in one of the most remote destinations on the planet.
Safari Honeymoon
If you and your partner are animal lovers, this could be the trip for you. Safari trips are available at many African nations with some of the most popular listed below. Also listed the best times to go – outside these times will minimise the animals seen and exposure to rainy periods and flooding.
- South Africa – Kruger National Park (April to October)
- Zambia – South Luangwa National Park (June to October)
- Tanzania – Serengeti National Park (June to October)
- Kenya – Masai Mara (June – October)
- Botswana – Moremi Game reserve (June to October)
Throughout these parks, you can watch see the Big Five (Black and White Rhino’s, African bush elephant, Leopard, Lion and Rhinoceros) with the best time to see them in the migration periods – generally June to October. Also available are a selection of wilderbeasts, Hyenas, cheetahs, wild dogs and numerous Bird species.
Accommodation options are endless from either higher end or budget lodging accommodation to camping out in the wilderness listening to the nearby animals by night. If permanent lodging is not your style, some companies offer tented camps that move with the migration of the animals offering premium viewing in less frequented locations. The most adventurous option is to get a private guide and move throughout the wildlife areas sleeping amongst them by night. Don’t expect to come out of a Safari with a whole lot of extra spending money – the safari accommodation is particularly expensive but truly unique and memorable.
Track down the illusive Northern Lights
One of the harder experiences to forecast is the viewing of the Northern lights however the best time to try and see them is during the months of October to March. Locations around the Arctic Circle offer the best chance of seeing them which is around 66-68 degrees latitude. The ability to see them depends on solar flare activity (which is on an 11 year cycle), viewing location and time of year however the following areas are known to see the Northern lights which increase your chances of seeing them.
Finland – Kakslauttanen: For one of the best ways to enjoy the spectacle, consider a stay at the Kakslauttanen Artic Resort. Offering glass igloo accommodation where you can stay in the warmth of a climate controlled environment, you will at least be comfortable while trying to get a glimpse of the lights.
Sweden – Jukkasjarvi: The ice hotel at Jukkasjavi offers a range of accommodation including ice hotel “cold rooms” or more standard accommodation. At 68 degrees north, they offer an excellent viewing location for the lights. You can also involve yourself in the local Sauna tradition each night for pure relaxation.
Iceland – Reykjavik: One of the more accessible viewing locations, Reykjavik is the capital of Iceland and at about 64 degrees north offers a good opportunity for viewing. If you don’t see any other lights, you can always check out their volcanos, geysers and blue lagoon spa.
Alaska – Fairbanks: If you base yourself out of Fairbanks in Alaska then get away from the city lights, you stand a good chance.
If none of these locations work for you, you can also see them from areas of Northern Canada, Scotland, Denmark, Greenland and Russia.
Underwater Honeymoon
If you are a genuine marine life lover, there are a selection of hotels that offer underwater accommodation and underwater restaurant experiences. Whilst you may not want to spend every night underwater, it could be a great idea to work into a honeymoon package for a night or tow. We’ve listed some options below.
Underwater hotels / restaurants (non acquarium):
- Manta Resort, Tanania – Located on Pemba Island, this resort is truly unique with accommodation options that let you sleep below the waterline of the Indian ocean while heading upstairs to enjoy your private start gazing experience. They have honeymoon packages available which let you stay at their main resort then add on a night or 2 in the Underwater Rooms.
- Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, Maldives – Enjoy world class food and beverage while being submerged 5 metres below the Indian Ocean
- Sea at Anantara Kihavah Villas, Malidves – Tropical Fish, sharks, rays and turtles will provide the scenery while you sample the culinary delights. Sea also acts as an underwater wine cellar for those who enjoy a wine.
Underwater aquarium accommodation: The following offer rooms where you can be surrounded by the underwater wildlife of a tropical aquarium. While not as natural as the options above, they truly offer a unique accommodation / restaurant experience.
Resort World Sentosa, Singapore – The hotel offers a variety of themed rooms to suite any couple, however their ocean suites offer you the views of the aquarium wildlife at its best.- Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai – Looking directly into the Ambassador Lagoon, these rooms offer views of the 65000 marine inhabitants living in the lagoon.
Underground Honeymoon
If you’re not sure about sleeping with the fishes, maybe an underground hotel is more your style. Below a selection of underground hotels from around the world.
- The Cave Motel Room, Grand Canyon Caverns, USA: Located 220 feet below ground level, it offers a truly unique, quiet and isolated experience. Measuring 200 feet by 400 feet with a 70 foot ceiling, hopefully it will help overcome any feelings of Claustrophobia that you may get from being that far underground. They also offer other accommodation not so far underground.
The Cave Suite, Imerovigli, Santorini Greece: This suite has been built underground into the volcanic rock but it certainly is not what you would expect from a cave suite!! Perched on a cliff looking out over the ocean, this cave suite has an outdoor area and plunge pool so it really is a luxury cave with a view. Here is a honeymoon guide for Santorini featuring a list of other great Santorini ideas and information.- The Hobbit Unit, Woodlyn Park, New Zealand: Offering a selection of unique accommodation options, the Woodlyn Park motels are worth considering if you are off to New Zealand for you Honeymoon. They have build accommodation options on site to stay on a Ship, Plane or Train or live like a hobbit underground. Located near the Waitomo cave glow worms and other adventure activities like white water rafting, abseiling and caving, it will be sure to create fond memories.
I hope these have inspired you to do something a little different for your honeymoon – or combine one or more of these unique honeymoon destinations with a chilled out session on a tropical island.