The Tamesis
Costa Rica is a lush country with more than half of its land covered in forests, making it a very desolate country. Honeymooners can explore it all: lush tropical rainforests, high-altitude ecosystems and diverse marine habitats. For those seeking adventure, there are adrenaline-pumping activities such as white water rafting, scuba diving and zip lining. If you need to refresh after your wedding, the country is world-famous for its yoga retreats and health spas. Costa Rica has a warm climate all year round, making it the best time for couples to travel.
Where to stay: Eco-adventurers can find the perfect romantic retreat at Nayara Tented Camp, a luxury resort adjacent to Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano National Park. The tent is surrounded by guarumo trees, home to bright-feathered toucans and howler monkeys. Each accommodation’s private plunge pool is fed by volcanic water. Take a yoga class in their open-air studio, then go on a hiking adventure in the rainforest.
Benguela Island, Mozambique
Photo: Courtesy of Kizawa
If you’re looking for a low-key spot outside of the Seychelles, honeymooning couples should head to Mozambique’s Benguela Island in the Indian Ocean. This peaceful place epitomizes the word “pristine,” with beaches of powdery white sand, coral reefs teeming with colorful fish, and tropical-hued sunsets worthy of being seen on postcards.
Where to stay: Benguela Island has two five-star resorts. The first is Kizawa, which blends African modernist architecture with an adventurer’s sensibility. Upon arrival, guests are given a soft Moke key and free to roam the property’s 700-plus acres (a wise tip: always keep a resort map handy). The food is fresh, local and seafood-focused – many dishes are caught by the island’s local fishermen – and the service is impeccable. Even better: a portion of the proceeds from each stay is donated to the Bazaruto Scientific Research Centre, Africa’s first permanent marine observatory. There’s also the tranquil andBeyond, nestled in native forest and home to more than 150 species of birds. The beach stretches for miles with no other buildings in sight. (One of the best snorkeling spots in the world is right off the coast.) Despite its vast location, there are only 13 accommodation structures, but it feels wonderfully intimate.
Douro Valley, Portugal
Photo: Courtesy of Six Senses
