Honeymoons are a memorable time in a couple’s love story. What better way is there for a couple to form a deeper bond, and learn about their spouse than when participating in activities they wouldn’t normally do back home. We’ve put together a few honeymoon adventures to fit your client’s vast personalities—whether they’re the animal-loving, tree-hugging, thrill-seeking type or prefer a little pampering, culture, and glamour, these honeymoon escapes are sure to give them a lifetime of unique memories and a social media feed their friends will envy.
The Waterfront Adventure
Sitting on the only natural sand beach in Key West, The Reach, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, is a relaxing option for honeymooners. But, don’t let that fool you, there’s still plenty to do while basking in the Florida sun. The property also offers a few options to spoil guests, ranging from oceanfront massages by Spa al Mare to a beach concierge who caters to your clients’ every whim such as refilling that drink of the day, offering eucalyptus towels, or even some sunglass polishing.
Couples seeking an experience they might not often get to do can opt for a guided backcountry kayak tour through the area’s winding mangrove trails as they keep a lookout for sharks and rays, plus explore the jellyfish garden. There’s also a 90-minute historic island jet ski tour with a local guide that takes guests through 27 miles along Key West, the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico with five stops along the way to give couples a chance to swim at Boca Chica sand bar, and spot marine life and local birds.
The Bed & Breakfast package (starting at $381) is a good option for honeymooners as it includes daily complimentary breakfast at Spencer’s by the Sea; all rooms at the property offer balconies overlooking the ocean.
The Cowboy & Cowgirl Adventure
General manager Sarah Aciego describes Red Reflet Ranch in Ten Sleep, Wyoming as a ranch for the senses. At this luxury resort, couples can relish in 1,400- to 1,850-sq.-ft. private chalets offering views of the red sandstone cliffs of the Chugwater formations, and the contrasting blue-and-white snowcapped peaks of the Bighorn National Forest, she notes. During their stay, honeymooners can strap on their cowboy boots for adventures sure to be memory-makers, including horseback riding, range shooting, fly-fishing, aerial sightseeing, or taking a cooking class.
“Adventure and experiential holidays are the hottest types of holidays,” says Aciego. “In this era of social media, being able to post your experiences seems to trump the average beach honeymoon.”
Additional resort amenities include an indoor riding arena, a pool, tennis, wall climbing, a gym, a hot tub and
steam showers.
“What is more romantic than experiencing a working cattle ranch in a beautiful natural setting with outstanding facilities, superb food, and experienced staff,” she says. “This all-inclusive Western experience will far exceed expectations for honeymooners.” Rates include all activities, lessons, guided hikes, use of ATVs, dirt bikes, mountain bikes, and all meals and beverages. A 3-night stay starts at $2,040 pp dbl.
The Glamorous Adventure
California luxury awaits honeymooners staying at five-diamond The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, which sits atop a 150-ft. bluff along the Pacific coastline. Couples can take a swing at a round of golf, relax at the spa, and even enjoy their own paparazzi experience with a private photo session.
During their honeymoon, active couples can take part in any of the 15 eco-excursions, such as the whale watching adventure ($110 pp) booked through the Eco-Adventure Center; or the surf lesson ($150 pp) that includes transportation to/from the surf spot, a 2-hour private lesson and all equipment including a wet suit and surfboard.
The property’s Suite Memories Experience package, starting at $1,059 per night, is a perfect option for honeymooners as it includes overnight accommodations in a luxurious suite, a personalized welcome amenity, an in-room floral arrangement, and a 45-minute private photography session, with one 5×7 photo from the session and images stored on a digital platform. Definitely recommend the new Studio Ocean Suites, which feature a king platform bed, a dining area, and a large bathroom with rainshower.
The Culture & Surf Adventure
Oahu honeymooners will be immersed in the local culture at Hilton Hawaiian Village, which sits on Waikiki’s widest stretch of beach. Here, lovebirds can take on the Pacific waves with a surf lesson at the resort’s Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon, which is teeming with tropical fish. They can also participate in a lei-making workshop or ukulele lessons. When night falls, the Waikiki Starlight Luau showcases the local heritage of the Pacific Islands with a lei greeting, hula performances, acrobatic fire dancers and traditional Hawaiian dining.
The Rainbow Tower Corner King Room is a spacious option that gives couples spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and Waikiki Beach from floor-to-ceiling corner windows and two lanais where they can sit back and take it all in.
Book your clients on the Bed & Breakfast package ($250 per night), which includes daily breakfast buffet for two. The Plan Your Dream Honeymoon offer allows honeymooners to select a few of their favorite once-in-a-lifetime experiences and put their gift registry to work with a customizable registry that allows friends and family to contribute to room accommodations, dining experiences, and local activities. Rates start at $189 per night.
The Great Outdoors Adventure
This year marks the centennial celebration for the National Parks, so what better time than now to book your clients on an outdoorsy honeymoon featuring one of these stunning locations. Country Walkers’ Montana: Glacier National Park highlights one of the country’s least visited national parks while taking travelers on boat rides across high-altitude lakes, a river raft trip, walks through the meadows and forests, and wildlife viewing for mountain goats, bighorn sheep, elk, moose, eagles and bears.
“Glacier truly has some of the most stunning scenery my husband and I have ever seen; it’s a hiker’s paradise,” says Jamen Yeaton-Masi, director of international product for Country Walkers. “Where else in the United States can you swim with icebergs, walk in hanging valleys of wildflowers, share the trails with Rocky Mountain goats, or immerse yourself in scenery that rivals the European Alps? “Experiencing it on a small-group tour lets us enjoy the best of both worlds, too—stunning walks with top-notch guides and lively fellow travelers, and quiet moments to sneak away and enjoy the landscapes on our own. We loved the romantic National Park lodges. Our all-time favorite was the Many Glacier Hotel nestled in the Swiftcurrent Valley. After a full day of trekking, it was a real treat for us to sit together on its sweeping deck and enjoy a glass of wine—looking out for bears on the surrounding hillsides,” she adds.
This itinerary is sure to add a check on a nature-lover’s bucket list as they take in the massive glaciers, cedar forests, icy waterfalls, green valleys, and an array of wildlife. The company’s website notes that “Glacier is perfect for those hoping to enjoy an awe-inspiring expanse of nature without the crowds.” And really, who wants to deal with crowds during a romantic honeymoon escape? Accommodations for this itinerary include Many Glacier Hotel, Glacier Park Lodge and Lake McDonald Lodge. Rates start at $3,198 pp dbl.
Contact Information
Country Walkers: countrywalkers.com/tours/montana-glacier-national-park
Hilton Hawaiian Village: hiltonhawaiianvillage.com
Red Reflet Ranch: red-reflet-ranch.net
The Reach, a Waldorf Astoria Resort: reachresort.com
The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel: ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/california/laguna-niguel/hotel-overview
Up, Up, And Away
A hot air balloon ride over Letchworth State Park in New York is a memorable way to view the Finger Lakes region, which features awe-inspiring views of the waterfalls, gorges and scenery of the “Grand Canyon of the East.” Rates start at $260 pp. balloonsoverletchworth.com
