A honeymoon for the adventurous couple needs to strike a perfect balance. Enough climbing and riding to appease the adrenaline junkie, but combined with innovative cuisine and cultural escapades to satisfy the better half that enjoys the more cultural side of life. With that criterion in mind, we’ve selected 8 honeymoon destinations that combine all types of adventure in the perfect amount.
Kauai, Hawaii
Consistently overlooked for the more touristy destinations of Hawaii, the island of Kauai represents the beauty of the South Pacific in all of its rugged natural glory. Base your stay at the luxuriously appointedKo’a Kea Resortand try the excellent restaurant and spa. Kayak the 16 miles of postcard producingNapali Coastand hike the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”:Waimea Canyon.
Jackson, Wyoming
Wyoming is as remote as you can get in the states, and Jackson provides the ideal spot for gallivanting couples. Base your stay atFireside Resort(sustainably built modern cabins). TheNational Elk RefugeandGrand Teton National Parkoffer beautiful locations for snowshoeing, hiking, snowmobiling and mountain biking. Jackson also offers a roaring nightlife. Book dinner at theSnake River Grilland order the steak tartare pizza for an elevated twist on Western Cuisine.
Stowe, Vermont
If looking for a picturesque escape, Stowe is the town for you. Book a room at the historicGreen Mountain Inn(be sure to request a room in the main building). Take a stroll along the picturesque main street and head intoShaw’s General Storefor regionally appropriate gear (think boots and sweaters). Take a day trip out to theCabot Annex Storeand stock up on specialty Vermont food items (cheese, maple syrup, beer and smoked meats). Burn off the calories and ski on the spectacularSpruce Peakor book asnowmobileadventure through the Killington Mountains.
Monterrey, California
A city defined by its bay, Monterrey offers multiple adventure opportunities. Base your stay at theSanctuary Beach Resortand enjoy the 19 acres of beachfront property (feel free to explore on foot or the provided gold cart). Monterrey is a short drive away and offers one of the bestaquariumsin the country, kayaking, andlocal shops galore.Take a day trip and drive down Highway 1 through jaw-dropping Big Sur before stopping for a little culture atHearst Castle.End your day on a classy note and book dinner at theMontrio Bistro.
Chengdu, China
Sometimes the location itself is an adventure, and Chengdu is this type of destination. Often referred to as the final frontier of China, this Szechuan Province city offers multiple cultural experiences. Base your stay at the conveniently locatedShangri La Hoteland explore one of China’s most unique cultural treasures at thePanda Research Center.Szechuan cuisine offers a number of edible highlights, but no trip is complete without trying a hot pot restaurant andShu JiuXiangis one of the best. Support an art form that has been perfected over 300 years and catch aSzechuan Opera.
Alacati, Turkey
Discover the old country and globe trot over to the picturesque Alacati, Turkey. Stay in a 150-year-old Greek House turned hotel,BeyEvi Hotel.Wander the historic streets and markets before hiking up toAlancha, a foodie’s paradise that sources its menu from the regional diversity of Turkey. Head to the coast to test your windsurfing ability or make like Indiana Jones and explore the Romans ruins ofEphesus.
New Delhi, India
Few locations are as exotic as India, and New Delhi offers incredible temples, monuments, and colorful neighborhoods. To experience colonial India, base your stay at the palatialImperial Hotel.A tour throughOld Delhiis an urban adventure in every sense of the expression. Though there are numerous beautiful temples in Delhi,Birla Mandiris one of the best. For those who want to venture outside of the city, theTaj Mahalis an inspiring day trip.
Reykjavik, Iceland
If beautiful scenery, an incredible food scene, and high design sounds like the perfect ingredients for a getaway, than Reykjavik needs to be on your potential honeymoon list. Show your appreciation for the details and stay at101 Hotel(high design and heated oak floors). For the best of Icelandic cuisine, book dinner atForetta Barin(think reindeer and seafood). For those who want to leave the urban scene behind, rent a car and drive theRing Road. Expect to see waterfalls, geothermal vents, and the Northern lights.
