Top 5 Unique Honeymoon Destinations for 2012

With the date of your big day set and the band and caterers booked, the next question surely is where to head for that perfect honeymoon destination. Whether you are more into staring doe-eyed at each other on the most idyllic beach, immersing yourself in ebullient local culture or exploring the great outdoors, take a look at my top five honeymoons for 2012; there’s something for everyone.

Cook Islands, The ultimate beach honeymoon

Idyllic scenery meanders on as far as the eye can see and white powdery sands creep out into the azure blue ocean on this South Pacific paradise. As easy as it is to just sit back and indulge in the leisurely lifestyle and serene pace of life here, a quick peek around will expose the vibrancy and diversity of these drops in the ocean. With fascinating tribal culture, thrilling natural sights on land and astounding natural phenomenon in the waters there is plenty to explore. For the ultimate honeymoon hotel, try staying at the Little Polynesian hotel on Rarotonga. Here you’ll find spacious, blissful luxury backing onto your own private lagoons and beach.

Latin America, The outdoorsy honeymoon

For the more active honeymooners amongst you who want a mix of quality one-on-one time amidst stunning landscapes and a splash of Uruguayan beaches thrown in, look no further than an all-encompassing honeymoon, combining the most attractive characteristics of the bottom half of South America. Mix the vibrant nightlife of Buenos Aires, active mountain climbing in Chile, and finish up with some good solid beach time in Uruguay at the hip Punta del Este, the playground for the international jet set. This is the ideal way to maximise your time together and pack in a whole host of sides in Latin America.

Rwanda, The off the beaten track honeymoon

Simply one of the most profound natural history experiences in the world, explore Rwanda’s national parks, extinct volcanoes, swamps and rainforest, in search of the rare Mountain Silverback and his harem of females. Spend your nights in the hottest new eco-lodge around, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge. Situated at the foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes which stretch through Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the lodge offers some of the best scenic views around. Relax in the Africa of days gone by at the stunning shores of Lake Kivu. Forget a morning espresso, this double shot of expedition and chill out is guaranteed to invigorate both your wild sides.

Kerala, The cultural honeymoon

There are few places on earth to match the diversity of culture, religion, landscape and cuisine of this tiny state tacked onto the south western tip of India. Traverse this lush, sylvan land by train or meander along its tranquil backwaters by houseboat, discovering serene riverside villages as you go. In this beguiling land that time seems to have forgotten old European influences mix with vibrant sub-continental cultures, making for an inimitable honeymoon. I would recommend staying at The Bruton Boatyard Hotel, a refurbished Victorian dock located in prime position on the seafront, making it the perfect base to explore the cosmopolitan downtown.

Indonesia, The diverse honeymoon

Indonesia holds some of the more delicious islands in this world, presenting a great many unforgettable experiences as you hop from one to the next. From adventure in Kalimantan, culture in Java and down time in Lombok, the diversity of these islands in unmatched.  Take an elephant safari through the local kampongs, explore ancient monuments and ninth-century Buddhist sanctuaries and sleep in luxurious surroundings at Amanjiwo, nestled deep in Java’s rural heartland.

Article by Travel Expert Tom Marchant of Black Tomato

Images Courtesy of Black Tomato

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