10 Adventurous Honeymoon Destinations

1. Temple hopping in Cambodia

Take off to Southeast Asia to enjoy two weeks of trekking around the jaw-dropping ancient temples around Siem Reap. Including the Angkor Wat complex, followed by a few days relaxing by the crystal clear waters of Koh Rong Samloem. Cambodia often gets overlooked due to the popularity of its neighbors Thailand and Vietnam, but it is a country that truly should not be missed! With stunning white sand beaches in the south, delicious food and no shortage of temples to explore, Cambodia is a personal favorite of mine. Hop on a tuk tuk and take off to the local markets to shop and sample local fare. Lounge by the pool at one of the many luxury accommodation options after taking in a sunrise over Angkor Wat. We recommend staying at Amansara or the Anantara Angkor Resort and Spa.

2. Transcontinental train adventure with Belmond

Train travel is making a comeback in a big way thanks to Belmond! With many of the same top-notch amenities as luxury hotels, book a cabin aboard one of their luxurious rail options. Prepare to be transported back in time to the golden age of travel. Options include the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient Express across Europe, The Hiram Bingham to Machu Picchu in Peru, the Eastern and Oriental Express from Singapore to Malaysia and the Royal Scotsman in Scotland (among others) — all curated with a meticulous attention to detail with opulent cabins, world-renowned chefs, a team of stewards anxiously anticipating your every need and endless amounts of champagne! All aboard!

3. Big game safari in Africa

There is something so magical about Africa. From the wildlife to the natural beauty of the continent — this is a destination that will truly change your life. Head to South Africa to experience all that Kruger has to offer (also pairs well with a wine tour of Stellenbosch or Franschhoek) or to Tanzania to survey the Serengeti (then hop over to Zanzibar for some relaxation). Or anywhere in between (Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, Rwanda, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe also have their own unique safari offerings), you will enjoy an experience unlike any other. Accommodation offerings range from luxury tents to traditional five-star hotels. You can personalize your experience with cultural interactions and adventure activities like zip-lining or helicopter tours of Victoria Falls. Just make sure to have your camera ready to snap pictures of the Big Five, and we’ll take care of the rest!

4. Cruise the Nile in Egypt

Imagine relaxing on deck as you meander down the Nile, passing feluccas and ancient temples along the way. Explore the lands that the pharaohs once ruled, and marvel at the ancient engineering of their great temples and pyramids. With multiple luxury options from AmaWaterways, Lindblad Expeditions and Avalon Waterways, you will not have to sacrifice style and comfort to make this trek. Begin your journey with a few nights in Cairo at the Four Seasons Nile Plaza to explore the Great Pyramids and the incredible Egyptian Museum of Cairo. End the cruise in Luxor or Aswan, then head to the resort town of Sharm El-Sheik for a few nights on the Red Sea.

5. Dance the night away in colorful Cartagena

Head south to explore the colorful colonial architecture and vivid nightlife of Cartagena de Indias! With historic sites dating back hundreds of years, the historic city center was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. There is endless shopping within the labyrinthine Mercado Bazurto. There is also plenty to see during the day before dancing the night away to live salsa music all over town! The rich ethnic background of the city offers an exciting culinary landscape with influences of African, indigenous and European cuisine. Feet sore from all of that dancing? Head to one of the five island complexes (with over twenty beaches) located just a short distance from the city center for some R&R. There are plenty of accommodation options ranging from the Casa San Agustin, located in a restored 17th-century building, to the modern Sofitel Baru Casablanca Beach Resort.

6. Soak in the views of Mt Fuji in Japan

Skip the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, and head south to the relaxing mountain town of Hakone. Featuring incredible views of the iconic Mount Fuji, breathe in the refreshing mountain air and relax in one of the many natural hot springs (onsen) that the region is famous for. We recommend reserving a room at the modern Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort & Spa or the Hotel Indigo Hakone Gora to take advantage of all that the area has to offer. Following a few days of R&R, head south to the historic city of Kyoto to explore its beautiful gardens, palaces and shrines. If you’re lucky, you might even spot an actual geisha on the streets of the Gion district!

7. Trekking in Patagonia

For those couples seeking hiking and outdoor activities galore, look no further than Patagonia! With glaciers, mountains and immense stretches of grasslands, there is no end to the natural beauty of this region. Hike in Torres del Paine National Park and marvel at the wonders of Monte Fitz Roy and Perito Moreno Glacier. Book accommodations at Tierra Patagonia Adventure and Spa Hotel to immerse yourself in the wilderness without sacrificing the luxury. This also makes a great destination for foodies, as the hearty cuisine is secondary only to the natural beauty of the region! Take advantage of the wild game and seafood that the region is known for, and wash it down with a glass of Malbec (the wine regions of Argentina and Chile should also not be missed!).

8. Sail Halong Bay in Vietnam

For this destination, we return to the Southeast Asian region to visit one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Sail along the emerald green waters and take in the incredible limestone karsts from the decks of a luxurious junk boat. “Ha Long” meaning “descending dragon”, and legend has it that a family of dragons spat jewels into the bay that turned into these islands and islets, to help the ancient Vietnamese defend against an aggressor trying to invade the region from the sea. Local fishermen even believe to this day that there is a real dragon that lives beneath the emerald waves! Following your cruise, remain in the north to enjoy the history of Hanoi. Venture to the colorful coastal town of Hoi An for their famous lantern festivals. Travel to the south to enjoy a private beach resort on Phu Quoc.

9. Cozy up under the northern lights in Iceland

There is no where quite like the Nordic island nation of Iceland, with its otherworldly landscape of volcanoes, geysers, hot springs and lava fields. The northern lights are best viewed during the winter months from September to April. When the nights are dark and long, providing the best viewing conditions. Begin your trip in Reykjavik, but get out of town to experience all that Iceland has to offer! Rent a car and complete a full loop around the island with your loved one, stopping along the way to enjoy whale watching, snowmobiling, ice caving, glacier hiking (and so many more options!) for a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.

10. Hot-air balloons over Cappadocia, Turkey

Our final adventure destination takes us to central Turkey for fairytale scenery, cave dwellings and hundreds of hot air balloons! Begin your day of adventure with a sunrise hot air balloon ride over beautiful Cappadocia. Spend the day wandering the ancient streets and markets shopping for rugs and trinkets, then end the day with an exhilarating sunset ATV tour. There are miles of hiking trails through valleys and viewpoints, with ancient archaeological sites to explore along the way. After a few nights at one of the region’s famous cave hotels (we recommend the Argos in Cappadocia), head back to Istanbul to explore the bridge between Europe and Asia or head to the southwest coast to embark on a Mediterranean sailing adventure!