Splurge on one of these romantic trips, from an adventure in Patagonia to wine tasting in South Africa.
There is no better time than a honeymoon to embark on an extended and luxurious journey. Now more than ever, couples are looking to celebrate their wedding by ticking something monumental off their bucket list. Many elements can elevate a honeymoon experience: special and rare adventures, exceptional luxury, remote destinations, adrenaline-pumping escapades, and exquisite food, wine, and spa treatments.
As a member of iBestTravel’s Travel Advisory Board, I assist couples in planning special honeymoons across the globe, including regions like Africa, Antarctica, Iceland, Patagonia, and the Galapagos Islands. If you’re planning an extravagant luxury honeymoon in 2022 and pondering where to travel, the following luxury honeymoon trips are sure to exceed all your expectations.
Great Migration Safari
Witness the largest migration of mammals on the planet (1.6 million) from Singita Grumeti, a protected reserve spanning 350,000 acres adjacent to Serengeti National Park. Singita leads in conservation efforts and community engagement in Africa while providing top-tier luxury with unparalleled service, cuisine, comfort, and guiding. The five luxury safari properties in this vast wilderness offer something for everyone’s taste, ranging from private villas to rustic-luxury tented camps.
Alaska
Alaska is breathtaking from all angles, especially from the Sheldon Chalet, a unique family-owned luxury property atop a glacier near Mount Denali, North America’s highest peak. Accessible only by helicopter, this is the sole luxury property within the vast 4.7 million acres of Denali National Park. The exquisite dining and service surpass expectations, enabling access to various Alaskan adventures, including snowcaving, snowshoeing, stargazing, sledding, mountaineering, and glacier picnics. Moreover, the Chalet is an exceptional place to witness the northern lights.
Antarctica
Antarctica stands as the ultimate over-the-top honeymoon destination for adventurous couples. While it may not be a conventional choice for romance, exploring the edge of the world with your partner can indeed be exhilarating. The most luxurious way to experience Antarctica is by staying at one of the continent’s few land-based accommodations, such as Whichaway Camp or the newly established Wolf’s Fang. Equipped with heated sleeping pods or tents, these accommodations provide every comfort imaginable, complemented by flowing champagne and fine dining against a stunning winter wonderland backdrop.
The Galapagos Islands
For couples intrigued by science, history, and wildlife, the Galapagos Islands offer a unique opportunity to witness species not found anywhere else, including the red-footed booby and Galapagos land iguana. Enjoy a breathtaking journey aboard a small luxury yacht, like the M/C Elite, featuring private balconies and panoramic windows. I am also excited about the debut of Aqua Mare, a superyacht setting sail for the first time in spring 2022.
Machu Picchu & the Peruvian Amazon
Peru is an ideal honeymoon destination, allowing couples to combine a bucket-list experience at Machu Picchu with a visit to the pristine Amazon Rainforest. At the world-renowned Incan citadel, the ultimate choice in accommodations is Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, the only hotel right at the entrance. In the Amazon, dedicate 4-7 nights to a luxurious river cruise aboard Aqua Expeditions’ newest vessel, Aqua Nera, which navigates the largest river in the world, where couples may encounter pink river dolphins, sloths, anacondas, and a host of endemic bird species.
Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
Encountering endangered mountain gorillas (fewer than 1,000 remain in the wild) in their natural habitat is one of the most magical wildlife experiences available. Witnessing these human-like creatures face-to-face after trekking through pristine forests creates an unforgettable bond with your partner. The luxurious accommodations in Volcanoes National Park, such as the whimsical Singita Kwitonda and the opulent One & Only Gorilla’s Nest, deliver exceptional comfort and experiences. Moreover, gorilla trekking in Rwanda can be combined with a traditional safari in East Africa or serve as an exciting enhancement for couples who’ve previously been on safari.
Water Safari in Botswana
The unique floodplains of Botswana’s Okavango Delta provide activities unavailable in other safari destinations, such as gliding past hippos and elephants in a mokoro (dugout canoe). Mombo Camp exemplifies over-the-top luxury in safari lodges, featuring just eight suites, exclusive access, copper bathtubs, private plunge pools, and a prime location on Chief’s Island, known for some of the best game viewing in Africa.
Cape Town & Cape Winelands
Cape Town and the Cape Winelands offer every romantic element needed for an idyllic getaway. Enjoy playful activities like swimming with penguins at Boulders Beach, or satisfy cultural curiosities by visiting art galleries and the famous Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden. Food and wine enthusiasts will find a paradise sampling world-class restaurants and wineries. A sunset swim at the rooftop pool of the Silo Hotel is a highlight for couples looking to indulge in Cape Town. Delaire Graff embodies sophistication in the Winelands, boasting fantastic restaurants and stunning vineyard views.
Iceland
Iceland, often overlooked as a year-round destination, reveals its remarkable beauty in every season. The endless daylight of summer and the winter’s northern lights viewing are both spectacular. Explore high-octane adventures like ice cave exploration, scuba diving beneath ice, helicopter flights over volcanoes, glacier climbing, and snowmobiling. Furthermore, the Blue Lagoon is a must-visit for first-time travelers, best enjoyed with private access from a luxury suite at The Retreat. Witnessing the northern lights from the geothermal pool at Deplar Farm offers an incredibly romantic experience.
Namibia
When honeymooners seek post-safari relaxation, they often envision tropical beaches; however, I recommend Namibia as an alternative, otherworldly escape. AndBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge boasts contemporary design and is conveniently located near Sossusvlei’s iconic dunes. For seasoned travelers looking for something distinctive, Serra Cafema is the continent’s most remote camp, nestled along the Kunene River, on the border with Angola, offering unique interactions with the remarkable Himba tribe.
Fogo Island, Newfoundland
The striking Fogo Island Inn serves as a sanctuary for art and design lovers, blending serene natural beauty with environmental sustainability on a secluded island off Newfoundland’s coast. Activities ranging from whale watching to community immersion, pottery classes, snowmobiling under starlit skies, and day trips to nearby islands ensure memorable experiences amidst luxurious accommodations.
Chilean Patagonia
The breathtaking landscapes of Patagonia, with its windswept plains, calving glaciers, and intricate fjords, create a perfect honeymoon backdrop. The region is immense, offering countless sights, but The Singular Hotel stands out as a sophisticated luxury property you can’t miss on your Patagonia itinerary. Originally a cold storage plant, the hotel preserves many original industrial features and enjoys an unbeatable location on the outskirts of Chile’s Torres Del Paine National Park.
