Adventure Honeymoons: How to mix excitement and pleasure

Dion Wick    ash     adventure holidays, adventure honeymoon, adventurous honeymoon, Bali, Brazil, greece, Malawi, water sports, Water Sports Holidays

Some might say an adventurous honeymoon is something of an oxymoron. But we frown upon those who don’t believe in adventure honeymoons, where you can combine high-octane thrills with romance.

An adventurous honeymoon in Bali. Image: Flickr/ shurav

The idea of two weeks lolling beside a pool and doing absolutely nothing may sound like bliss following months of pre-wedding jitters and bridezilla-esque moments.

But before you book that all-inclusive plush pad in Thailand, think again.

Go for a once-in-a-lifetime trip instead with plenty of action — you won’t regret it!

Bali

The land of temples, tropical beaches and terraced rice fields may be under the radar for many a honeymooner, but there’s much more to this Indonesian gem than water sports spa hotels, all-inclusives and 24-hour room service.

If you really want to test yourself, why not head up Mount Agung, Bali’s highest mountain. Be prepared though. This epic volcano, which last erupted in 1963, is no easy feat and should only be attempted by those who are very physically fit. Climbers begin the unrelenting climb around 2am before reaching the summit at sunrise for jaw-dropping views of the archipelago below.

Enveloped in the morning’s fine mist, it’s really quite something. Soothe aching joints and jelly legs with a Balinese massage on your return to sea level, before journeying across the waters to Nusa Lembongan — a small island fringed with dreamy beaches, seafood bbqs and cliffs made for launching off into the azure waters.

Sugar Loaf and Copacabana. Image: Flickr/ over_kind_man

Brazil

It’s easy to get your fill of adventure from Brazil, from the mighty Amazon rainforest to cycling along its undulating coastline. Head west and into the pantanal to the charming town of Bonito.

Whether you want to take the plunge and dive among stalgamites and ‘tites underground, snorkel in freshwater rivers beside rotund fish, or spend a few days spotting caiman and capybara, it’s a veritable adventure playground.

Not forgetting romance, don’t miss a trip to Ihle Grande. Just a short boat ride from the party hub of Rio de Janeiro, this castaway island captures those sunset dinners perfectly.

Beach shacks and restaurants dish up their catch of the day, with crispy rings of calamari and creamy mayonnaise an unequivocal highlight, all washed down with tumblers of caipirinha — Brazil’s national cocktail. And by day, what better way to spend your honeymoon than lolling on Lopes Mendes — deemed one of the country’s most beautiful beaches.

A half-hour walk through jungle reveals the powder-soft white sands of this dreamy crescent, where surfers catch waves and solitary sunbathers top up their tans.

Greece

There’s no need to head long-haul for adventure holidays that have a splash of romance. Greece, with its cool-as-they-come culture, mystical folklore and idyllic islands, is a legendary destination.

Just over three hours from the UK lies the intriguing island of Rhodes — the largest of the Dodecanese islands — fringed with luscious turquoise waters ebbing white-sanded coves.

Leave the bustle of Rhodes City behind and head to Lindos with its traditional white-washed architecture, fine tavernas and mighty acropolis crowning the town below.

Greece, a legendary destination. Image: Flickr/ francesco sgroi

Days can be spent burning buns of steel on a walk up to the acropolis before dunking heads in the cooling waters of St Paul’s Bay. A favourite with snorkellers, it’s brimming with a surprisingly kaleidoscopic collection of marine life.

Alternatively, divers are rewarded with epic walls and immense caverns, home to tuna and seals — although it’s not recommended for beginners.

And why not hire a boat for the day and explore Rhodes’ coves in a little more detail before returning for a melt-in-the-mouth stifado on one of the taverna’s rooftops?

Malawi

Sharing a short-term volunteering placement may not be very glam, but it could be something of a relief after being centre of attention for months on end in the run-up to the big day.

Even just a couple of days can bring you that little sense of satisfaction. Head to Africa’s rising star, Malawi, whose landscapes are awash with volunteering placements, from monitoring rhino in Liwonde National Park, to community projects in its capital Lilongwe.

Test your head for heights on a trek up its crowning peak, Mt Mulanje, while camping in its foothills laced with low cloud. Swap stories beside crackling fires after nightfall, before practising your haggling skills at roadside markets. And don’t miss a trip to Likoma Island, a speck of land in Lake Malawi, home to a luxury resort with private outdoor showers and an infinity pool in the shadow of Mozambique.

For more adventure travel info and guides, check out: Adventure Sports Gear: Penknife or Multitool?/ Top 10 travel apps for iPhone, iPad and smartphones / The Ultimate List of Extreme Sports / Airline weight restrictions: what every traveller needs to know/ The Rise of Gastro Adventuring

About the author

Dion Wick wrote 13 articles on this blog.

I'm a travel journalist by trade, and have spent many years travelling the world researching and writing. I love the spirit of travel and the intricacies of other cultures.

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