We have a tough job at Turquoise Holidays deciding on which parts of our beautiful planet to explore and then recommend to our family of jet setters. Each and every one of our holidaymakers are looking for something different. For our honeymooners, we wanted to think about destinations which you might have never considered before. Your honeymoon should be a spectacular trip which you should remember for years to come, so why not go against the grain and explore somewhere different? Here are some of our favourite off the beaten track destinations…
Cambodia
Cambodia is a real Southeast Asian winner. This is a country which has had a turbulent past and come out the other side embracing tourism. Stay in Siem Reap longer than a day. The famous temple town offers much more than the imposing majesty of the ancient Angkor city. Take your time here and have fun ziplining through the jungle, taking a romantic balloon flight over the temples and exploring neighbouring villages. Tie in a stay at the fabulous Shinta Mani Wild for an exclusive jungle retreat and then end your stay travelling south for an island experience.
Sailing in the BVIs
Why spend your honeymoon week on one perfect Caribbean island when you can see 11?! Spend an incredible 8 nights of your honeymoon island hopping around the picturesque British Virgin Islands, on board the beautiful Dream Yacht Charter. Your comfort is the crew’s priority, so indulge in local delicacies and the fresh catch of the day. Highlights include snorkelling in the gin clear waters, taking in the atmosphere of BVI beach bars and visiting the original ‘Treasure Island’.
West coast Australia
The Sydney to Cairns path is often at the top of many visitors wish list when visiting the land of Down Under. For an Australian dream with a difference, we recommend visiting the other side for cosmopolitan Perth, picture-perfect beaches and the numerous wineries of Margaret River. Expand your Australian horizons further and explore the Kimberley region, great for those looking to experience the one-of-a-kind Australian wildlife and otherworldly landscapes.
Reunion
Off the east coast of Madagascar lies the well-known island of Mauritius, one of our more popular beach destinations at Turquoise. But take a short flight from Mauritius to Reunion and you’ll discover an island that really packs a punch for those looking for a sense of adventure! Trekking, cycling, canyoning and white-water rafting are all huge draws for this stunning volcanic island. If you’re an active couple looking for a really unique honeymoon destination, then this is the place for you!
Laos
This gem of a country lies in the middle of its 3 famous neighbours, Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia. Laos has an appeal all of its own. The charming people, the unspoilt traditions and the untouched countryside feels like a romantic step back in time. Visit gorgeous Luang Prabang for markets, alms giving to the monks and cooking classes, or visit the Kuang Si Waterfalls or the Four Thousand Islands region of the Mekong. You can add a trip to Laos onto any Southeast Asian itinerary. Why not mix the stunning natural landscapes and relaxed outlook of Laos with a trip down to one of the quiet Cambodian islands or one of the outgoing Thai resorts?
California
Napa might be better known, but we recommend travelling to the other wine country of Sonoma for a more authentic feel to your wine tasting experience in California. Family owned wine makers produce exceptional wine with delicious organic ingredients. Stay at the beautiful boutique Farmhouse Inn for their Michelin star restaurant, canoeing down the Russian River and three-times-a-week wine tasting sessions with their winery partner programme.
Fiji
You might want to reconsider the draw of the Maldives and the ever-popular Bora Bora, if pure white beaches and overwater villas are the priority for your honeymoon. Fiji is a charming, warm, cultured and blissful desert island destination. We love Matangi Private Island located on Fiji’s incredible Horseshoe Bay, highly regarded as one of the ‘1,000 places to see before you die’. The gorgeous rustic treehouses add to the romance. Twin a stay here with an overwater experience at Likuliku Lagoon Resort.
New Zealand
Those jaw dropping landscapes will stay with you for life. New Zealand has something for everyone. Thrill seekers can bungee jump or skydive in Queenstown, wine lovers can indulge in the fabulous region of Marlborough, surfers can play in an abundance of peninsulas and hikers can challenge themselves to some of the most scenic walks in the world. For romance with a difference, stay at the totally isolated Minaret Station in New Zealand’s southern alps. From here you can arrange a private scenic Heli charter, or dine on a gourmet meal surrounded by mountain wilderness.
Java
Home to the largest Buddhist monument in the world, Borobudur, Java is an exciting addition to an island-hopping itinerary around Indonesia. Visit Mount Bromo at Sunrise, explore stunning countryside at your leisure, or (for the inner David Attenborough in you) fly to southern Borneo. From here you can have a really privileged experience visiting the Camp Leaky Orangutan rehabilitation centre. Java offers so much natural beauty and if you’re flying all the way to Bali or Lombok, it provides a wonderful path less trodden.
