Some travel experiences are big almost life changing moments some are small flashes that were brief but sparked so much joy in your heart that you’ll remember them forever. These experiences are different for everyone but I thought I’d tell you about some of the my travel moments that have sparked joy for me and that I would recommend incorporating into a honeymoon.
1. Go on Safari
The best thing I’ve ever done! I’ve actually done it twice in South Africa and in Kenya, both are actually very different so do your research into what you actually want for the big ‘moon.
2. Go to Wine Tasting and Stay in a Vineyard
I love wine tasting and staying in a wine region at a luxury hotel that is also a vineyard is the perfect honeymoon experience. I stayed in the Napa Valley for mine but I highly recommend the South African wine lands, Mendoza in Argentina, Chianti in Tuscany and the Yarra Valley in Melbourne.
3. Stay in an Overwater villa in The Maldives or Bora Bora
Nothing says romance like a secluded over water villa for two! Of course the Maldives is well known for being THE place for over water villas but also consider Bora Bora (where I stayed on honeymoon) for some of the world’s most beautiful scenery.
4. Visit the Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast is the most beautiful place on earth… just trust me it is… that being said go there on honeymoon, you will not be disappointed.
5. Chase Waterfalls in Iceland
Fancy love in a cold climate? Take a dip in thermal springs and chase spectacular waterfalls in Iceland.
Don’t miss the luxury experience at the Blue Lagoon either.
6. Stay at Giraffe Manor
Eat breakfast and afternoon tea with giraffes… plus grab a cheeky kiss at Giraffe Manor in Kenya.
7. Have Dinner in the Eiffel Tower
Have dinner in the most romantic city in the world, in the most iconic building. It has a Michelin star too!
8. Watch the Sunset in Santorini
Was this island actually built for honeymoons and romance? It’s certainly one of the most stunning places I’ve ever been! Take in one of the world’s most famous sunsets, though you may want to do it from a hotel as the public view points get very crowded.
9. Ride a Horse through the Atacama Desert and then Go Star-Gazing
One of my all time pinch-myself moments was riding a horse through the dunes of the Atacama desert. That night we went star-gazing too and I’ve never seen so many stars in my life!
10. Go on a Road Trip
Plan in advance to avoid arguments but there’s nothing quite like hitting the open road together and stopping off along the way as you find beautiful and romantic spots! Mr S and I drove the Pacific Coast Highway in California for our but I also recommend Chapman’s Peak in South Africa and the Great Ocean Road in Australia.
11. Eat Sushi in Tokyo
If you’re a sushi lover like me, the visit to the home of sushi is the perfect choice for a honeymoon – eat in Michelin star restaurants or try the Tsukiji Market for an authentic slice of life.
12. Have lunch at Altitude
Snowy views are oh so romantic and Le Panoramic in Courchevel and ice Q in Solden are two of the most beautiful restaurants I’ve ever been to. Perfect honeymoon fodder.
13. Stay on a Private Island
Perhaps the ultimate in luxury is your own private paradise shared with just a handful of others. Choose Mnemba Island in Zanzibar or Petit St Vincent in the Caribbean.
14. Fly in a Seaplane over Sydney
This is actually how Mr S proposed to me! A great way to see the famous monuments of the Australian city. You can also visit the gorgeous Jonah’s on Whale Beach for a meal or an overnight stay.
15. Go Island Hopping in your own Boat
See the Greek island, the great rocks of Thailand or take a visit to Capri in your own private boat! Alternatively, lots of hotels offer sunset cruises sometimes shared with other guests which is a more cost effective way to enjoy a boat trip together.
16. Stay in St Lucia in a hotel room with only three walls
Jade Mountain is one of the most beautiful and unique hotels that I’ve ever stayed in. The three walls, infinity pool and view of the pitons make this hotel one of the world’s most romantic.
17. Enjoy Fine Dining in New York
I love the dining scene in London but the number of incredible restaurants in New York is simply overwhelming! I recommend Le Bernadin or Per Se for an incredible three Michelin star meal and Beauty and Essex, Tao and Catch for a more fun and lively night out.
18. Have an Out of Africa Picnic Experience
Fine dining isn’t everything a simple picnic in a secluded spot with an incredible view of the Maasai Mara was one of my favourite pinch me moments.
19. Stay in a Ryokan in Hakone, Japan
Experience what it’s like to stay in a traditional Japanese hotel in a luxury ryokan with your own private onsen, the chance to wear a yukata and a private kaiseki dinner in your room served by your butler.
20. Have Cocktails in the Middle of the Sea
Have your drinks in total privacy in the Kawayan bar at Amanpulo in The Philippines.
21. Drink Bellinis in Venice
Some say it’s Paris, some says it’s Rome but I think Venice is the most beautiful and romantic place in the world. Sip on a bellini whilst you watch the gondolas glide up and down the canal.
22. Watch the Tango or Dance it Yourself in Buenos Aires
It takes two to tango so where better to enjoy a honeymoon tango show than in the city where it was invented.
23. Cruise the Fjords in Norway
Taking in the scenery and the freshest of fresh air on a Fjord Cruise.
24. Go (Super luxury) Glamping!
Much more luxurious than it sounds… I’ve stayed in some incredible tented accommodation including Sasaab in Kenya, Four Seasons Golden Triangle and Longitude 131 in Ayers Rock.
25. Swim with a View of the Atlas Mountains
It’s no wonder Sir Richard Branson fell in love with beautiful Kasbah Tamadot in the Atlas mountains and chose to add it to his property portfolio.
26. Cruise Lake Como
Lake Como is a place that you will simply fall in love with, a boat trip on the lake would make an unforgettable honeymoon experience.
27. Enjoy the Serenity in Cornwall
There’s no place like home, and as much as I enjoy exploring foreign climes… the cliffs of Cornwall can be every bit a beautiful as the ragged rocks of California.
I recommend enjoying for them from a cliff top hot tub at the Scarlet Hotel.
28. Drink Champagne in Champagne
Experience the romance of drinking the world’s most luxurious drink, right at the source.
29. Island Hop in Thailand
Experience some of the world’s most luxurious hotels, best hospitality and cuisine in Thailand and take the chance to island hop in the Andaman Sea.
Make the super luxury hotel, Trisara your base.
30. Take a Walk Around the Canals of Amsterdam
It may not always make those world’s most romantic cities list, but personally I find the city of Amsterdam breathtaking. I could spend all day exploring the network of canals and popping into quirky cafes.
31. Drinks on High in Hong Kong
A vast network of tall buildings, you won’t struggle to find a bar at high altitude in Hong Kong. Ozone at the Ritz Carlton is on the 118th floor and one of the highest bars in world. I would also personally recommend the ultra chic Cafe Grey at the Upper House Hotel.
32. Stay on an English Farm
Going back to nature but with luxury accommodation … there’s a few places in the UK where you can enjoy all the fun of the farm but still wear a nice dress and stilettos. I recommend Soho Farmhouse or The Pig Hotels for the perfect mini moon staycation.
33. Fly First Class
I don’t think anything could spark more joy than the idea of a long haul flight spent in total comfort and luxury. With soft bedding, good quality food, champagne and most importantly, plenty of space!
34. Stay in a Tree House in Forest
Not for the faint of heart but an amazing experience for honeymooners if you’re happy to endure a creep crawly or two! I’ve stayed at Silky Oaks in the Daintree Rainforest in Australia and Tsala Treetop Lodge in Plettenberg Bay in South Africa.
35. Get a Balinese Couples Massage
No one quite does spa treatments like the Balinese! Opt for a double room and experience the wonders on a Balinese massage in tandem.
Stay at Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay, The Bulgari or Alila Villas Uluwatu in South Bali and The Viceroy in Ubud.
36. Have Dinner in the Eiffel Tower in Las Vegas
It sounds mad but I enjoyed having dinner in the ‘fake’ Eiffel Tower at the Paris hotel in Las Vegas almost as much as the real Eiffel Tower! Make sure to get a seat with a fountain view.
37. Visit the Trevi Fountain
But go at sunrise… you might hate the early morning wake up call but you’ll avoid the crowds.
38. Dine in the World’s Best Restaurants
I always consult the World’s 50 Best Restaurants when making bookings and I’ve managed to tick a fair few of my list.
Highlights have been El Celler de Can Roca (twice ranked best in the world), The French Laundry, Test Kitchen, Steirereck, Alain Ducasse Au Plaza Athenee and Le Bernadin.
39. Stay in the Blue Mountains in Australia
Staying at Wolgan Valley in the Blue Mountains in Australia was one of my greatest travel experiences. I even got to see kangeroos bounding around everywhere!
40. View Icebergs in Patagonia
Visit the end of the world and see real icebergs in Chilean Patagonia whilst staying in comfort at Awasi Patagonia.
These are my top 40 honeymoon experiences. What travel experiences have sparked joy for you? Did you have them on honeymoon?
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