Once the wedding day is over, the cake has been cut, the drinks have stopped pouring and the guests have all gone home, there’s only one thing left for the newlyweds to do. You guessed it! The honeymoon. For many newly married couples, their honeymoon is a fabulous occasion to enjoy time together, secluded from everyone else and all the stresses of everyday life.
However, many couples who pledge to explore the world together are not excited by the prospect of visiting a cliche honeymoon destination, like Hawaii or the Maldives or the Seychelles. Some couples have a flair for the unusual; they want to experience something unique for their honeymoon, rather than the usual white sandy beaches and rose-petal covered hotel beds. We’ve comprised a list of incredible yet unusual honeymoon destinations for couples who enjoy something a little different.
You’ll be spoilt for choice with this list of the best unique honeymoon destinations. From rain forests and deserts to igloos, hobbits and giraffes, this list of unusual honeymoon holiday ideas includes all the places you will never have thought to visit with your significant other. So, go ahead and check out this collection of the best unusual honeymoon destinations to find a holiday that suits yours and your new husband or wife’s needs.
The Top 10 Unusual Honeymoon Destinations 2023:
Kakslauttanen Igloo West Village, Finland
This unique holiday resort in Finland’s Cusci, Kakslauttanen has expanded from humble beginnings to now having two separate villages consisting of cosy log cabin chalets, glass and snow igloos and restaurants. For a truly unusual honeymoon experience, this is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights.
The West Village started out as a Santa Claus resort but today comprises a marvellous celebration hall, a magical Santa Claus house, a brand new restaurant and fun activities like gold panning, snowmobile expeditions, quad-bike safaris and reindeer and husky sled rides. For a more relaxing honeymoon, spa and massage services are available at the resort, which is also home to the world’s largest smoke sauna, accommodating up to 100 bathers at one time. Despite being on the more expensive end of honeymoon ideas, Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort is among the top luxury and unique honeymoon destinations of the world.
Giraffe Manor, Kenya
The next unusual honeymoon destination on the list is Giraffe Manor in Nairobi. Home to endangered Rothschild giraffes, this sanctuary come hotel is one of the most romantic yet unusual honeymoon holiday ideas for wildlife lovers. Revel in getting up close and personal with these beautiful animals while basking in the comforts of a gorgeous 1930s manor house hotel.
Set in 140 acres of indigenous forest, the manor house and grounds are astonishing. First built in 1932 for Sir David Duncan, the house retains both the design and feel of its former days. Throughout the day, you can relax while watching the butterflies float through the trees. In the evening, lay back in the grand lounge in front of the ornate fireplace while getting lost in a book or a game of chess. You can even help yourself to the impressive selection of spirits, wines and beers that are hiding away in the cabinet.
Giraffe Manor may not have the sparkling pools or kitted-out gyms that most honeymoon couples expect when visiting Nairobi, but the giraffes are far more interesting. Wake from bed to find them grazing outside your window, then savour breakfast as giraffes swoop their heads into the dining room. The hotel’s rooms vary in size, from suites to smaller twin rooms, but each one if furnished to top quality and in keeping with the 1930s design. Think marble fireplaces, rich mahogany desks and vintage accessories. What more could you want from an unusual honeymoon destination?
Null Stern Hotel, Switzerland
Nestled deep in rocky tundra of the Swiss Alps, the Null Stern Hotel in Appenzellerland offers a truly romantic open-air stay, completely eliminating walls and a roof altogether. If minimalism is what you’re looking for in a unique honeymoon destination, then this unusual hotel will bring you to the end of your search, with just a queen-size bed with linens, a pair of nightstands and a lamp. The hotel’s name translates to ‘Zero Stars’ in German – according to the hotel’s co-founder, Daniel Charbonnier, “[they] got rid of the walls, and the only thing left is you and your experience.”
But, this open-air, minimalist hotel doesn’t forfeit all luxury, so you can still enjoy a touch of class and sophistication thanks to the on-site butler. Living in a cabin not far from the hotel, the butler ensures timely meals, including breakfast in bed – just like any ordinary hotel. Yet, this honeymoon experience is anything but ordinary – enjoy your room service with panoramic views of the mountains and the stars at night.
Meghalaya, India
India’s undiscovered gem – the lush hills of Meghalaya certainly make for an unusual honeymoon destination. Located in the far, far north-east of India, the state of Meghalaya is one of the Seven Sisters – the seven states of India, sandwiched between Bangladesh, Bhutan and Burma. This is a truly intriguing corner of India, and one which is visited by very few tourists. While you will have difficulty finding an all-inclusive honeymoon package tour there, you won’t have a shortage of incredible things to see and do during your stay.
Much of this unique honeymoon destination is covered in lush green forests, abundant with orchids and all kinds of other colourful plants and flowers. Jaw-droppingly beautiful waterfalls are a common feature of the state, many situated along the outskirts of the capital, Shillong, or around Cherrapunjee. Venture further into the wet tropical forests of Meghalaya’s Khasi Hills to find the twisted, moss-covered roots of the Indian rubber tree which form mesmerising ‘living bridges’. The constant high levels of rainfall causes the waterways to swell, leading to the decay of your usual wooden bridges, causing locals to be stranded. As an ingenious method of solving this problem, the indigenous Khasi people have creating a solution by directing the roots of rubber trees so that they entwine and grow into sturdy bridges. Some of these twisted webs are nearly 200 years old and up to 30m in length.
Hobbiton, New Zealand
Hobbiton is the best unusual honeymoon destination for anyone who is a fan of The Lord of the Rings. Hobbiton is the actual movie set used in The Hobbit movie and is THE place to experience the real Middle Earth. Construction of the site began in March 1999 and filming for the movie commenced in December of the same year. The set was then rebuilt in 2011 for The Hobbit films (An Unexpected Journey, The Desolation of Smaug and There and Back Again). Today, the set has become a permanent attraction, complete with the iconic hobbit holes, flourishing gardens, double-arched bridge, Mill, the famous Party Tree and even The Green Dragon Inn.
Matamata, which is home to the movie set, is a small agricultural town in the centre of the Waikato region, snugly situated at the base of the Kaimai mountain ranges. Owned by the Alexanders, who moved to the 1250 acre property in 1978, still farm it as a traditional New Zealand sheep and beef farm. You can take a private tour across the whole of Hobbiton or you can experience a truly magical Evening Banquet Tour that takes you through the Shire at dusk and is finished off with a delicious dinner that shouldn’t be missed. So, go ahead and add Hobbiton to your list of unique honeymoon destinations.
Nihiwatu, Indonesia
Located on the fascinating Sumba island, surrounded by luscious greenery as far as the eye can see, this sustainable retreat offers a unique bonding experience for you and your loved one. This island resort seamlessly blends rugged luxury with a sense of wild living. It is a true haven for the adventurer, the culturalist, the eco-lover or even the yogie, with an endless selection of experiences and activities to try. Go surfing in the dazzling blue Indian ocean, go trekking amidst the waterfalls, teach local children English or try your hand at traditional Ikat weaving. No matter what you and your brand new other half enjoy, you are sure to find something at this unusual honeymoon destination.
As well as the unique options for activities, this island retreat is also home to 28 individually designed villas with private pools. After a long day of fun-filled experiences, you can sink into the crisp white bed linens of the huge signature canopy beds and marvel at the sweeping panoramic views of the Indian ocean. On an evening, visit one of the many restaurants at the resort, with each menu being crafted to recall local flavours and combine a range of tastes, using fresh produce from their on-site organic garden.
Havana, Cuba
Although not the first place that comes to mind when you hear honeymoon, Havana takes romance to whole new heights. Offering an old Hollywood movie feel, with vintage cars, country music and coloured buildings, Havana is certainly one of the most unique places for a honeymoon. Perhaps it is the undeniable salsa energy that bounces about the place and emanates through the locals. This is the ideal unusual honeymoon destination for couples who are open-minded and ready to embrace anything.
One thing is for sure, Havana is the coolest honeymoon destination on this list. With a surprisingly impressive art culture that will surely one day challenge the cultural elites of Paris and New York; cool cafes and bohemian bars that experiment with new cocktails and modern takes on classic Cuban cuisine; and an exhaustive history, with museums stuffed with intricate treasures. You can visit Havana’s Old Town, one of the historical highlights of Latin America, where the city first took root in 1519. It is a true architectural masterpiece where beautifully preserved squares and pristine palaces sit alongside a gritty community that is still recovering from the economic chaos of the 1990s.
Zermatt, Switzerland
While Switzerland is a popular honeymoon destination, very few people consider Zermatt, which is one of the most unique honeymoon places in the world. Zermatt is the perfect unusual honeymoon destination for any couple that would opt for a snow-capped mountain over a sandy beach. Despite being a little chillier than many honeymoon holidays, this destination doesn’t skimp on the romance, managing to create a thrillingly romantic getaway with aspects like skiing and hot chocolate date on the slopes.
Usually, when people think of Zermatt, the first thing that comes to mind is The Matterhorn. This impressive mountain is a Swiss icon that dramatically looms over the village of Zermatt, first drawing visitors here in the 1860s. The village itself maintains a very traditional community feel, being car-free and packed with old-fashioned wooden chalets and narrow alleyways. If you visit during the winter months, you can enjoy a spot of skiing or snowboarding. But don’t worry if you want to get away during the warmer months when it is the ideal time for hiking, with an endless list of excellent hiking trails.
Scottish Highlands, Scotland
Full of legends, myths and mysteries, the Scottish Highlands is definitely worth considering as a unique honeymoon destination, especially now staycations are becoming increasingly popular. If you’re a couple that enjoys an adventure, then you won’t regret a romantic escape in the North of Scotland. Think mind-blowing landscapes, delicious food and a friendly welcoming. The natural landscape is just begging to be explored, while the region’s tumultuous history has left some of the most astonishing castles in the world.
There is plenty to see and do in this vast Scottish wilderness – whether you’re visiting for adventure, intrigue or relaxation. Looking to explore the dramatic mountains, see the depths of the lochs, soak up the impressive stretches of coastline or stroll through the historic towns and villages – the Scottish Highlands really does have it all. You can witness dolphins playing off the Moray Coast, walk in the shadow of Britain’s highest peak, Ben Nevis, or chill out in a quaint cottage in the stylish town of Spey Valley. This will be a truly unforgettable honeymoon experience.
Nosy Be, Madagascar
Nosy Be is the place to go for a secluded honeymoon full of Madagascar’s trademark beaches. Located just 5 miles off the coast of the main island, Nosy Be is a volcanic island spanning over 120 square miles. Think white sandy beaches along with luxury restaurants and big resorts. Essentially, it is the quintessential tropical island paradise. Although it does come with the standard fairly expensive cost of a luxury island retreat, it is the best beach in the country and makes for an incredible honeymoon getaway.
Nosy Be isn’t just a beach though – there are plenty of fun activities and experiences to get involved in. It is a paradise for water-based activities, with a sunny climate all year round. Diving is the most popular, along with swimming, snorkelling, sailing and fishing. You can easily find an operator willing to take you to the surrounding islands with their stunning beaches and great diving opportunities. Even when you’ve has enough of the ocean, you can head to the unexplored hinterland, including the fabulous Parc National Lokobe with its ylang-yland and vanilla plantations, crater lakes and gushing waterfalls. Despite being the most expensive destination in the whole of Madagascar, the island of Nosy Be appeals to those who like its lack of major development and laid-back, mora mora (slowly, slowly) lifestyle, perfect for a unique honeymoon getaway with your loved one.
As a keen traveller, you might also be interested in some of our other destination articles:
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