A honeymoon is a once in a lifetime affair that helps the newlyweds bond and sets the tone for the rest of their lives together. Though romantic milieus still top the honeymoon charts, most couples now are opting for adventurous venues as the thrills and chills brings them closer. The term ‘adventure’ has seen a metamorphosis in recent times. It does not solely indicate trekking across rugged mountains or sweating it out in hostile terrains; the definition has widened to include desert safaris, sea voyages, rain forest exploration and the likes under its canopy. Roughing it out in luxury has become a paradoxical part of being daring. It is little wonder then that adventure destinations are the latest ‘it’ thing among honeymooners, especially the bride as it gives her the perfect opportunity to play either the damsel in distress or a wonder woman to the rescue as the couple goes traipsing across jungles, mountains and islands.
The lover’s leap
What: Bungee jumping
Where: UK
The UK bungee jump club was established in 1992 and has made lovers happy ever since. Gift yourself an experience with jump sites you can choose from such as London, Manchester, Brighton and Sheffield with the most renowned one being Bray at Berkshire. Take the plunge once again with your sweetheart, this time literally, as you countdown and jump down a seeming abyss, the sheer thrill of it making your hearts race as one. Dangling from a cord 165ft below the platform, mentally renew your vows to be with each other through thick and thin. When you get back up, you get 2 bottles of champagne to celebrate your victory over the forces of Nature.
How to get there: The UK’s highest bungee jump takes place in two locations Bray Lake, not far from the Royal Town of Windsor and at Tatton Park near Knutsford, Cheshire on the outskirts of Manchester.
Best time to visit: UK’s highest bungee jump event is scheduled on 13th and 14th October
Honey, I see a tiger!
What: Forest exploration
Where: Belize
If you are nature lovers, you cannot ask for more adventure than what jungle resorts offer you. The Kanantik reef and jungle resort of Central America promises a tryst with the wild with palapa topped cabanas and a stunning vista of natural beauty. A private beach at your disposal with 300 acres of forest quenches your eagerness for exploring the unknown. Choose from different adventures and plan your day; amidst the wild jungle animals, snorkelling with baby turtles or just lying in the hammock by the sea. This Mexican place is picture perfect with its vibrant colours and jungle noises that sensual adventurers are sure to appreciate.
How to get there: Cruise liners get to Belize from Guatemala or Mexico. Flight services are available from United States and El Salvador too.
Best time to visit: December to April
Going the Titanic way
What: Cruise liners
Where: Oceans the world over
Wake up to a spectacular morning with a loved one as you look out over the bright blue ocean right outside. For water babes, romantic cruises are the best honeymoon spots. Pick from many liners like Paul Gauguin cruise, Princess Cruise, Royal Caribbean or you can just opt for a package online. If you are clueless about the cruise liners, choose from various destinations like France, The English channel, Indian Ocean and more. The smell of fresh sea air and the beauty of sunset across the horizon are sure to inspire everyone. With all imaginable luxuries like swimming pool, 5 star hotels, 24 hour service and more it is as romantic as in the movies.
Places covered: Paul Gaugin Cruise – Sails year round in French Polynesia; Princess Cruises cover over 15 regions and all continents with more than 6 ships. Ongoing cruise days end in December; Royal Caribbean cruise explores the El Yunque rainforest in Puerto Rico, Christoffel National Park in Curaçao, and the Mayan Ruins in Cozumel to name a few of Caribbean’s hot spots. Cruises start in January.
Love is in the air
What: Desert safari
Where: Namibia
Love is literally in the air as you get to ride the hot air balloon across the exotic amber desert. A lesser known Grand Canyon, Namibia offers unusually adventurous expeditions such as picnic on the mountains, riding an all terrain quad bike in the desert and safari rides. With sand dunes that tower more than 1200 feet, take a guided tour on a jeep or ride a camel across the red sea of sand. As the temperature drops at night, sleep under the stars or play spot the constellation with the help of the hotel’s ever ready astronomers. With some of the mountain caves holding 3000 year old paintings, there is an endless list for you to go waka waka in Africa.
How to get there: For those travelling by air, it is usually cheaper to get a flight through Johannesburg and Cape Town than fly direct to Windhoek
Best time to visit: April and May
Past Perfect
What: Historical tour
Where: Yucatan Peninsula
If as a child history and geography is what thrilled you, the Yucatan Peninsula has plenty of it. If not in the form of museums, tombs and caves, the inland of Coba has plenty of places to see and learn from. Trek through the smaller hills and climb up the stone steps as the wind weaves patterns through your hair. The aquamarine glow of clear water ponds add to the beauty of the scene. You get to choose from joining a crowd as part of the package or getting a guide to go as a couple. When the day is done, you can get back to one of the many palapa styled villas to get a tan on the hammock or an exquisite dinner filled with local delicacies.
How to get there: Flights from Mexico are frequent to the Yucatan regions. Some of the airports there are Cancún, Cozumel, and Mérida. The major airport in Chiapas is in Tuxtla Gutiérrez and in Tabasco, Villahermosa
Best time to visit: Months of September, February and March when rainfall is minimal and temperatures warm.