Four alternative honeymoon destinations

Honeymooning today can be a tricky business. With so many offers, a plethora of tour operators vying for your custom and an endless choice of potential destinations, one of the main problems when organising your honeymoon is actually deciding where to go.

With so many established honeymoon destinations, places such as Venice, Cape Town or Las Vegas, sometimes it can be interesting and very rewarding to look a little farther a field to less renowned locales for your honeymoon ideas. Exploring a less stereotypical region for your honeymoon may at first seem like a rather intimidating or inconvenient step, but if what you are looking for from your experience is unrivalled intimacy, calm and respite then choosing a more unusual place to celebrate your new nuptials could be exactly what you are looking for.

India- India is one of the most incredibly diverse and naturally beautiful countries in the world. Although a disparity of wealth still exists particularly in many rural areas the Indian people are amongst the friendliest, welcoming and learned that you will encounter. Imagine navigating the bustling streets of Old Delhi, bartering in the colourful and aromatic market place before moving on to the Ranthambore Game Reserve to observe that majestic symbol of India, the tiger, in its natural environment. Of course a trip to India would not be complete without venturing to Agra to observe the architectural wonder of the Taj Mahal, a tribute of Emperor Shah Jahan to his beloved wife who died during child birth. For the ultimate twin centre holiday you could combine your time in India with a trip to the exotic Maldives, the perfect Indian Ocean retreat.

Laos- South East Asia is of course not anonymous when it comes to international tourism, or for that matter honeymooners. However, moving away from the more established resorts that are a feature of Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia the Democratic Republic of Laos is one of this regions more inexplicable and overlooked destinations. Laos perhaps more so than any other area in this corner of the world has retained a sense of true heritage and mystery, much more undeveloped than neighbours Thailand and Vietnam Laotians however seem to express a sense of perpetual contentment with their station and appear largely uncaring when it comes to commercial and industrial evolution. Although Laos may not therefore boast the infrastructure of other countries in Asia for a remote and tranquil atmosphere coupled with stunning natural scenery it is a true hidden gem.

Mozambique- A land that was until as recently as 1992 embroiled in a bloody civil, today though Mozambique is a peaceful and progressive nation that has a bright future ahead of it. Trapped in a conflict not of their design or their desire the people of Mozambique are incredibly warm and friendly and will make your stay a joy. The real jewels in the crown of Mozambique are the beautiful islands that are scattered just off its coastline. The incredible Bazaruto and Quirimbas archipelagos are amazing places to honeymoon isolated and serene they offer the perfect combination of luxury and privacy. Increasingly renowned as a snorkelling destination the coastline off Mozambique boasts some of the most beautiful corals in East Africa so for anyone visiting the region a dip in the warm Indian Ocean is a must. Famous resorts such as Marlin Lodge, Vamizi Island, Medjumbe Private Island and Azura assert Mozmabique’s coast as a haven for luxury honeymoons

Grenada- Perhaps one of the lesser regarded Caribbean islands Grenada is in fact a perfect alternative honeymoon retreat. The smallest independent nation in the Western Hemisphere, Grenadian residents are more like a huge family and have a strong and proud sense of community. The islands lush tropical interior over the years asserted it as a prime location for growing spices, hence it’s nickname of ‘The Spice Island’; even today Grenada boasts more spice plants per mile sq than anywhere else on earth. The capital of St George’s is a laidback and very picturesque city, perhaps the prettiest in the Caribbean. On the south-west coast you can find one of the most famous beaches in the world, Grand Anse, renowned for its pristine sands and swaying palms and along this stretch of coastline the shore is punctuated with several established luxury resorts and boutique hotels. Lying south of the hurricane belt, Grenada misses most of the tropical storms that affect other areas of Caribbean so significantly, rendering it a year round island.