15 Alternative Honeymoon Getaways That You Will Fall In Love With…

After the ‘I do’s’ are all said and the stress of the wedding planning is behind you, it’s time to enjoy some well-deserved R and R as Mr. and Mrs.

Whether sand between your toes is a must or some high-octane adventure is your thing we have gathered together some of the most EPIC honeymoon locations ever!

So dust of your passports and enjoy our collection of faultless honeymoon, mini-moon and anniversary destinations to enjoy from the US to Japan to Tahiti…

For Action & Adventure…

Hoshinoya Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture, Japan

Japan might not be the obvious honeymoon destination but when it comes to variety and adventure tied with relaxation and serenity, it is the perfect place. Whilst Japan is known for its quirky traditions, beautiful temples, castles and cultural values, it is also home to sub-tropical climates, white-sand beaches and relaxing natural hot springs. Enjoy a few days in the futuristic capital of Tokyo soaking up the unique Japanese culture before travelling off the beaten track and into undiscovered territory. Located in the Nagano prefecture, Hoshinoya Karuizawa, a luxury eco-friendly resort bedded in the mountains. Enjoy the surrounding views, including the Shiraito Falls, Karuizawa Wild Bird Sanctuary and Tombo-no-yu baths and the resorts private gardens provide a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere. https://www.japan.travel/en/

Iwaso Ryokan, Miyajima Island, Hiroshima Prefecture

Miyajima Island is an island just off the bustling city of Hiroshima. It is best known for being one of the most beautiful scenic destinations in Japan. Hiroshima boasts a vast amount of Japanese history home to the tragic Atomic Bomb happenings in 1945. Soak up its history before heading over to Miyajima Island and stay in the luxurious Iwaso Ryokan for a true Japanese experience. Encounter the docile population of wild deer and visit the wave-lapped Itsukushima Floating Torii Gate watching the sunset behind it. This shrine is one of the most beautiful and romantic landmarks to visit in Japan. http://visithiroshima.net/

Dunton, Colorado

Colorado is renowned for its outdoor pursuits and there’s plenty of fun to be had in the beautiful San Juan Mountains, such as horseback riding, hiking, fly fishing and stand-up paddle boarding. After a day outdoors, honeymooners can relax at Dunton Hot Springs, a restored 1800’s ghost town with hand-hewn log cabins, fine dining using local produce and soothing hot springs that can be enjoyed year-round. The Mountain Romance package ensures an extra special experience and includes champagne, flowers and chocolate-covered fruit upon arrival, spa treatment and private excursions. www.colorado.com

Yosemite Tuolumne County, California

Surround yourself with towering granite peaks, alpine meadows, vast lakes, wildlife and more in Yosemite’s Tuolumne County for couples who prefer a more active honeymoon. Stay at the secluded McCaffrey House B&B with only cedar and pines for miles and enjoy a one-to-one service from the couple that own the property. From there it’s easy to discover the multitude of activities on your doorstop in Tuolumne spanning the Yosemite Valley floor, Gold Country and High Sierra. Take a hike round Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoia’s or the peaceful Hetch Hetchy reservoir. Step back in time and explore the sleepy towns of Jamestown, Sonora and Groveland or discover the beauty of Pinecrest Lake and Stanislaus National Forest before winding down with a cider at the Indigency Reserve. visittuolumne.com

South Lake Tahoe, California

South Lake Tahoe is a nature-lover’s paradise and a great adventure destination from which to start married life. Located on the shores of South Lake Tahoe, The Lodge at Edgewood is home to 154 luxury rooms and suites – ideal for honeymooners as each boast their own fireplace and private deck or terrace. The year-round lakefront heated pool and hot tub are the perfect place to unwind with views of the mesmerising waters of Lake Tahoe – one of the clearest lakes in the world at 99.7% purity. tahoesouth.com

Huntington Beach, California

Sunsets are spectacular on the patio of Pacific Hideaway, Kimpton Shorebreak’s modern American beach tavern in Huntington Beach. Perfect for cool couples, all guest rooms at the hotel come with matching animal-print bathrobes, and many offer soaking tubs, private patios and breath-taking ocean views. Drink in the views preferably while sipping a handcrafted cocktail, local craft beer or a coastal California wine from the hotel bar. Adventurous couples will want to try sunrise yoga on the beach or a couples’ surfing lesson, while the evening brings opportunities for romantic s’mores on the sands and a multitude of beachside bars and restaurants to sample. www.surfcityusa.com

For Culture Vultures…

The Setouchi Region, Japan

Setouchi offers various unique places perfect for newlyweds first holiday as a couple, from guesthouse stays, soaking up true Japanese culture to luxury hotels with stunning sea-views. For those who want to embrace Japanese art and culture Setouchi is the ideal destination. Home to the Setouchi Art Triennale, taking place every other year, there are plenty of art installations located on many of the islands; Naoshima is particularly famous for its contemporary art. An art-lovers dream, The Benesse Hotel has four separate wings with each room featuring a unique artwork. Guests of the hotel get exclusive after hour access to the Benesse House Museum. Book in early and get a room hosting a spectacular sea-view. https://setouchitrip.com/

Miyagi Prefecture, Japan

Under the radar Miyagi should not go a miss. Miyagi is located just North of Tokyo and has a lot to offer. It is the perfect honeymoon destination for those looking to explore the unique Japanese culture. For couples who like the great outdoors, Matsushima Bay hosts 206 islands of pines and stunning cliff formations. Marvel over these on a cruise around the islands. For nature lovers, Mount Zao is a must, hike up the mountain range for breath-taking views of the emerald green Okama Crate Lake. For food lovers, Miyagi gets top marks, it holds a wide range of some of the best seafood restaurants. Miyagi Prefecture specialises in Gyutan (cow’s tongue), Kamaboko (grilled white fish cake) and Zunda (mashed edamame soy bean). https://visitmiyagi.com/

For 5 Star Luxury…

Le Taha’a Island Resort and Spa – The Islands of Tahiti

The Islands of Tahiti scream serenity, perfect for newlyweds to relax, unwind and just enjoy each other’s company surrounded by crystal blue waters. Private island Le Taha’a is the ultimate hideaway destination in Tahiti. The private islet overlooks the shores of Taha’a on one side and Bora Bora island on the other. It is home to 58 suites and villas each constructed using traditional Polynesian architecture and décor built out over the blue lagoon. The resorts spa is nestled in a beautiful exotic garden featuring bamboo trees with massages, facials, body scrubs and wraps all on offer. This resort is also perfect for thrill-seeking newlyweds. Mark the occasion with a deep-sea dive exploring all that the tropical underwater world has to offer. You can swim with manta rays, sharks, hike around exploring the island or head out for a romantic canoe with no one else around. https://tahititourisme.uk/en-gb/

Dana Point, California

Situated between Los Angeles and California, Dana Point is California’s coolest, coastal gem. Home to beautiful beaches, fine dining and whale watching opportunities aplenty, Dana Point is the number one choice for a relaxing honeymoon where peace and tranquillity is virtually guaranteed. There are four premium hotels to choose from, one of which is the AAA five-diamond Monarch Beach Resort, offering sophisticated luxury at its finest. Honeymooners can make it an experience to remember by staying in one of the penthouse suites, indulging in a spa treatment or sipping on champagne in front of ocean views. visitdanapoint.com

Santa Barbara, California

Romance is at the heart of what makes Santa Barbara tick. The quintessential American Riviera’s signature red-tile roofs, white-washed buildings and lush gardens—nestled between a dramatic mountain range and the sparkling sea – ensure newlyweds will easily settle into the groove of coastal California. The recently-reopened San Ysidro Ranch is the perfect honeymoon hideaway fit for an A-lister. Nestled in the Montecito foothills of Southern California’s wine country, celebrities have been flocking to the ranch for over a century for its blend of natural beauty, romantic heritage and classic luxury. Fill the days with fine wines, leisurely dinners and plenty of relaxation.

www.santabarbaraca.com

San Diego, California

Home to world-class attractions, outdoor recreation and delicious, Mexican-influenced cuisine, San Diego is a city that has it all. The Lodge at Torrey Pines is a beautiful five-star property located within San Diego’s Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. Honeymooners that stay at The Lodge get the best of both worlds – a secluded property surrounded by a wealth of nature but a short drive away from San Diego city centre and its many restaurants, bars, theatres and shops. Guests can head on a guided hike through the natural reserve, enjoy a decadent lunch at the hotel’s signature restaurant, A.R. Valentien or unwind with a spa treatment. Newlyweds can try the Couples Massage, which takes place in a romantic candlelit room and finishes with a taste of the hotel’s signature Hawaiian sea salt dark chocolate. www.sandiego.org

Joining the John Lewis Wedding List bandwagon is just not an option here. Choosing elopement means you forfeit some of the added value elements of getting married. Sure, your family may want to treat you when you back – but don’t bank on that new Nexpresso machine as it might not happen!

1. Choose the perfect location

As well as being a dreamy destination with wonderful views and amazing Instagram credentials your venue needs to deliver on a whole host of practicalities.

That gorgeous, Mamma Mia. Style beach town where you spent all your childhood summers just won’t work if it only has one hotel that can’t accommodate all your guests.

2. Get your ‘Save The Dates’ out early

This is one of the most important destination wedding tips. It’s important to give your nearest and dearest have plenty of time to calculate if they can afford the cost of travelling to your ceremony and reception and give them a flavour of what’s to come.

3. Think Local, Save Big

Embrace the local scenery, food and foliage and slash your budget significantly. Using local blooms, booze and food options can really save the pennies and will make your big day much more authentic.

4. Offer your guests options

Do your research and offer your guests a range of price options when it comes to accommodation. Sticking everyone in one reasonably priced hotel is not the best move – guests like different types of accommodation from villas and apartments to luxury hotels; let them make the decision of where to stay and what to spend

5. Hire a planner

Although only about 20% of UK couples normally appoint a planner its an essential role for a destination wedding. Using someone with local connections who can negotiate, organise and make decisions on your behalf – without any language barrier issues is an absolute must.

6. Visit in advance

Ideally, you’d see your venue once before booking and again three to four months before the wedding to finalise details. If a second trip’s not possible, arrive at least five days early to make those last minute decisions and ideally have a hair and make-up trial!

7. Pick your suppliers in person

In advance of your first site visit, set up meetings with the better-known florists and rental companies in your destination. But also ask for referrals from your venue and planner on the ground; you might uncover local talent you didn’t know about.

8. Stuff that suitcase

If you are not shipping items ahead of the big day, booking an extra (couple) of cases on to your trip is a great idea. You can stuff these will all your personal touches from guest books to linen and just about everything in between.

9. DO NOT CHECK YOUR DRESS IN!

Keep it as cabin baggage so it is with you all the time, even if that means getting it steamed at destination.

10. Choose the right dress

Think about the theme, the backdrop and most of all the likely weather on your big day. Being trussed up in super-sweaty fabric or drowning in underskirts has the potential to spoil a wedding in the sun – and don’t get too sunburnt beforehand!