With the nuptial season slowly but surely creeping upon us, theres a flurry of weddings on the way… and with weddings, of course, come honeymoons. Calling all grooms (and untrusting brides), here is our guide to some of the top honeymoon destination combinations around the world.
Oman & the Maldives
Best to travel during and between the months of January and March, this little combo offers the best in Arabic indulgence in Oman alongside idyllic beach hideaways set in the Maldives. With the bitter winter months a not so distant memory, begin in Oman for some serious pampering and spa action. Set amongst the backdrop of the Mountains of Jebel Akhtar, the suggestion of panoramic views and fresh mountain air leads some visitors to hike up to the peak for a sensational view of the islands. Lounging in private havens with an average temperature of 25 degrees Oman is the perfect destination to acclimatize and begin the wedding de-stress.
Head to the Maldives, by seaplane, for the next stage of your romantic retreat. A slice of barefoot luxury, the Maldives offers honeymooners the ideal location for intimacy and adventure away from prying eyes. Charismatic and luxurious, serene and inspiring, the Maldives is made up of 1190 islands each of which is made up of private beaches and islets interlaced with luxury resorts. All in all the draw of ancient Arabic history in Oman combined with the transcendent beaches of the Maldives makes this combination the perfect honeymoon for couples who fancy a bit of cultural adventure with a chance to top up the tan before heading home.
Namibia & Botswana
Climb giant wind-carved sand dunes and canoe the Selinda Spillway in an action packed honeymoon to Namibia and Botswana. With such a vast and desolate landscape, the Skeleton Coast is best viewed by air. Flying over red lava fields and ghostly shipwrecks Namibia offers the ultimate safari experience, exploring the desolate landscape as well as tracking leopards and cheetahs. Mays dry season offers the best conditions for game viewing and with the weather in mind we recommend the best time to visit is between April and June. This coincides perfectly with Botswanas annual migration of birds, which flock to the Okavango Delta to bask in the warmer weather and feast on the bountiful land. Although if youre not the twitching type its best to take the opportunity to partake in a water safari. Skim past watering holes and view the big five from your own canoe as you travel leisurely along the Selinda Spillway, an incredibly rare and exciting activity.
As one of Africas most thriving and stable nations Botswanas diamond enriched soil includes a variation of parched deserts, salt pans and jade waterways all of which present their own unique adventures. Luxury camps are dotted throughout both Namibia and Botswana and we consider this accommodation as the perfect way to embrace the honeymoon safari experience, theres nothing more romantic than sleeping under the stars in Africas magnificent land.
Malaysia & Borneo
With an average temperature of 30 degrees Celsius and some of the worlds oldest rainforests, Malaysia and Borneo are the ideal honeymoon components for couples looking to come home brown as a berry and cultured up to the eyeballs.
The best thing to do is escape the city lights of Malaysia as soon as you land and head to the Taman Negara National Park to tread the worlds longest canopy walk and generally experience the ultimate Malaysian rainforest experience. Split in two by the South China Sea, Malaysia is home to a cultural mash-up of Malay, Chinese and Indian flavours whilst Borneo houses world-famous Orang-utan sanctuaries. Sandakan, described as the gate way to the interior rainforests of Borneo is well and truly off the beaten track, the perfect place to explore together and immerse yourselves in the jungle experience. Lankayan is also worth a look in. This tiny coral island takes just ten minutes to walk its circumference and is a well-recognised location for diving, where sights will include a huge diversity of aquatic life and sunken ships.
An equal balance of rainforest exploration and beach based relaxation make this combination ideal for couples who enjoy a good chill out but are also prone to a wander in the rainforest.
Indonesia & Lombok
Travel to Indonesia for a fascinating mix of architecture, cuisine and local customs. We would suggest starting in Java, in particular amongst the striking surroundings of the Amanjiwo Valley, the perfect place to begin a romantic honeymoon. Its also worth, if you can face an early morning start, a trip to the Borobudur Temple at sunrise to capture fantastic views of the mountains as the country starts to wake from its slumber.
If all that culture has left you with a craving for something more laid back, head to Lombok for ultimate relaxation and picture perfect beaches. The Medana beaches in particular are said to be the best in Indonesia. An area that is relatively unexplored to this day, Lombok is a treasure trove of ancient cultures and forgotten lands set amongst pristine white sands and the azure waters of the Indian Ocean. Diving and snorkelling amidst the lagoons of the Karimunjawa Archipelago is an activity eagerly suggested by us for those honeymooners keen to take a break from the sun lounger. With average temperatures reaching 31 degrees Celsius from October through to December, this honeymoon blend is the perfect escape from the British winter and a chance to immerse yourselves in a romantic fusion of cultures like no other.
