honeymoon

Sure, Paris is the city for lovers and Greece has stunning sunsets that newlyweds can admire in awe together. However, for those looking for a less-trodden holiday for their honeymoon (or second or third or even annual honeymoon, lucky you!), read on for our 6 picks of romantic hot spots around the world:

1. South Island, New Zealand

New Zealand is a great choice for couples seeking romantic and adventurous getaways. With its spectacular mountain landscapes and sparkling clear lakes, the South Island is the perfect destination for a self-drive holiday.

Best time to go:
Spring (September – November) and Autumn (March – May)

Must-dos:
– Take romantic strolls along the lake front of Queenstown.
– Pick an adventure sport or do them all – bungee-jumping, white water rafting, parasailing, canyoning, sky diving; after all, what says I love you more than jumping off a plane with your partner!
– Hop on a cruise to Doubtful Sound, the second largest fjord in Fjordland National Park, and catch bottle nose dolphins and fur seals at play.

2. Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Getting to Bora Bora involves grabbing a flight to Australia or New Zealand, taking another flight to Tahiti then taking a ferry to Bora Bora itself. However, the cumbersome journey just means a quieter and unspoilt destination for you and your spouse to enjoy. Hawaii gets more visitors in 2 weeks than Tahiti does in a year hence even in its busiest months, you will still get to enjoy your own slice of paradise.

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Best time to go:
November and April for great weather while avoiding the high season when prices go up

Must-dos:
– Stay in an overwater bungalow, which offers solitude, unhindered views of the ocean and direct access to the water and watersports.
– Enjoy a private Polynesian meal prepared on the beach of a small islet, called a motu.
– Circle Mt Otemanu, one of two extinct volcanoes at the centre of the island, on a jet-ski.

3. Dubrovnik, Croatia

The Croatian War of Independence in the 90s brought what was then a booming tourist industry to a halt, but tourists are now returning to the country long regarded as one of the most beautiful in Europe. Discover the historic city of Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or sunbathe along the Adriatic coast; Croatia is the perfect mix of old Europe and Mediterranean charm, all the while remaining affordable.

Best time to go:
May to June and September to October.

Must-dos:
– In Dubrovnik, splurge on a room with an amazing view of the calm, blue Adriatic waters.
– Grab lunch at a seaside konoba (or tavern) where you can swim and sun while your main course is being prepared.
– Rent a car and head for the hillside towns in the peninsula of Istria, passing rolling hills and cascading olive groves along the way; the journey itself is remarkable enough to warrant the trip.

4. South Africa

South Africa has something to suit couples of all ages and preferences – safari stays and cultural experiences in Johannesburg, surfing at the beaches in Durban, and wine tours in Cape Town are just some of the activities one can find in this fun-filled destination.

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Best time to go:
Winter (May to October) if your priority is game-viewing, summer (November to March) for beach holidays and September for whale-watching along the Cape

Must-dos:
– Stay overnight at the Kruger National Park and book a Star Bed – an open bed raised high above the ground; to sleep under a canopy of stars, accompanied by the low snores of the elephants below.
– At Cape Point, ride the Flying Dutchman Funicular to the upper lighthouse for breathtaking views of the South Atlantic Ocean.
– Visit the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, which gives a thorough overview of the rise and fall of apartheid, to better understand the country’s tumultuous past.

5. Napa Valley, California

Northern California Wine Country in Napa Valley – a beautiful drive an hour or so north of San Francisco – is the perfect honeymoon destination for gourmets and wine-lovers with its splendid wineries and romantic landscapes. Besides, there is nothing like wine to set the mood for romance!

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Photo credit: Brocken Inaglory (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons

Best time to go:
November – just after the Harvest when there are less visitors yet there are still events and festivals to participate in.

Must-dos:
– Participate in a themed meal service, like Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre, on the Napa Valley Wine Train.
– Some of the small, family-owned wineries give tours only by appointment so decide before arriving on which you intend to visit and make your bookings prior.
– Sign up for a half-day cooking class at the Culinary Institute of America, the world’s premier culinary college.

6. Rocky Mountains, Canada

If beaches are not your thing, maybe crisp mountain air amidst stunning natural wonders will be more up your alley. Base yourself in the quaint town of Banff, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or in a private lodge in Jasper National Park for a more serene experience.

Best time to go:
September – clear blue skies and fewer crowds equal a romantic time for you and your spouse

Must-dos:
– Take a hike, literally, to the Lake Agnes Tea House in Banff National Park. Built in 1901, the hike to this cabin takes you past a waterfall that cascades out of Lake Agnes.
– If staying at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is out of your price range, you can still visit or dine in the hotel which overlooks the dazzling emerald Lake Louise.
– Walk on a glacier at the Columbia Icefield, located between Banff and Jasper National Parks.