Action in the Azores
Think of them as being like the Aran Islands, but with pineapples. For a clean, green escape with mountains to hike and volcanic craters to peer into, whales to watch and mountain bikes to spin, there's loads to see and do here.
Bathe in waterfalls, swim with dolphins and take tiny plane rides to even tinier, more remote islands, for a truly action-packed honeymoon. Oh come on, you hardly want to spend a fortnight in bed when you’ve been living together for the past three years now do you?
With Ryanair starting a weekly flight from Stansted in June, it's easier to get to than ever, too. Stay in the Pousada de Angra do Heroismo, Sao Sabastiao, on Terceira, a 16th century fortress with dramatic cliff top views in a Unesco World Heritage centre village, from €78 per night in June.
pousadas.pt
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New love in New Zealand
Think yours is the love story of the century? Then you're going to want to celebrate it in suitably dramatic surroundings.
Few places fit the bill as much as Hapuku Lodge, two and a half hours north of Christchurch on New Zealand’s South Island.
Backed by stunning Kaikoura mountains – straight off the Kiwis version of the Alpen box – stay in a massive suite with stunning views, fireplaces, balconies and Japanese soaking tubs for two, or play Tarzan and Jane in a tree house, 10 metres above ground in the canopy of a Manuka grove.
It's the perfect perch from which to gaze at snow capped peaks, rugged Pacific coastline and clear night skies, as well as each other. Prices from NZ$2,195 (€1,403) for two-night packages including marine expedition.
hapukulodge.com
Hit gold in Portugal
Six Senses, a company that specialises in hut-on-stilt type honeymoon resorts in far flung locations, this year opens its first resort in Europe, in Portugal's gorgeous Douro valley. A Unesco World Heritage area, Douro means golden, which tells you all you need to know about the sunshine. But it's also green and amber thanks to the magnificent terraced vineyards that spill down its sides.
Prices are as yet unavailable but one thing you can be sure of is that, being a Six Senses property, there’ll be all sorts of great couples treatments available in the spa.
They're also dab hands at organising weddings, so it might be the place to get it all done in one fell swoop, with flights from €65 one way to Porto from Ryanair in June.
sixsenses.com
Cool in Colombia
What do you think of when you think of Colombia, other than, perhaps, coffee, Shakira and Gloria from Modern Family? Right, well it's time to update your mental images because Colombia is shedding its kidnap and drug busting rep and becoming a hot new honeymoon destination.
If you're happy to help it along, head for the 16th-century colonial town of Cartagena, the country's most popular tourist destination. Stay in the atmospheric boutique LM Hotel on La Mantilla, aptly on a street named for a pair of lovers (just don't ask how they fared – not well). Wander the old walled town, explore the fort, go scuba diving in the bay and enjoy your own little piece of Caribbean cool. Enjoy the rooftop pool and take advantage of the hotel's private yacht service to nearby islands. Suites from €235 a night in June from booking.com.
hotel-lm.com
Lose yourselves in Cambodia
Spend your honeymoon exploring the seventh wonder of the world. Not your beloved, but Angkor Wat in Cambodia, the largest religious monument on the planet. Originally a Hindu then a Buddhist temple complex, it's now one of the most visited sites on UNESCO's heritage list.
The 12th century city was lost for centuries, which is quite amazing given that it’s a whopping 500 acres and within walking distance of the town of Siam Reap. Discover it for yourself with a honeymoon at the Park Hyatt, within walking distance of the Old French Quarter and perfect for enjoying the night markets.
It's also a good base from which to explore the quaint villages, paddy fields and waterways further afield. Forget the One For All vouchers and ask wedding guests to chip in for an upgrade to a suite with its own splash pool. Standard doubles from $224/€196 a night.
siemreap.park. hyatt.com
You, me and Myanmar
What could be more romantic than the road to Mandalay, especially if it ends at a luxury hotel. Make a date with The Hotel @ Tharabar Gate which, despite the modernity of that @, is located in one of the most unique archaeological sites in South East Asia, and the ancient capital of the Burmese Empire, Old Bagan.
The hotel is in an area with more than 4,000 ancient temples and pagodas, and a five minute walk from the spectacular Ananda Temple, The Jewel of Bagan. Rooms are all teak floors and Burmese furniture – and come with their own garden. There's 24-hour butler service, signature spa treatments, hot air balloon rides and sunset boat trips. What could be more romantic?
Plan a winter wedding so you can go between November and February, the most pleasant time to visit. Doubles from €234 a night at booking.com.
tharabargate.com
Castaway in Mozimbique
Head way off the honeymoon trail with a trip to Benguerra in Mozambique. The entire island is a protected marine conservation area offering golden sandy beaches along the coast and forests and lakes in the interior with year round good temperatures. Scuba or snorkel, take a horse riding safari, a dhow cruise, a helicopter sightseeing trip or play Robinson Crusoes on a castaway picnic.
The brand new &Beyond property on Benguerra Island is a magical place to stay to enjoy the island's pristine Indian Ocean beaches and coral reefs, staying in elegant beachside 'casitas', complete with plunge pool, from €517 per person per night.
andbeyond.com
Go for cold in Sweden
Ditch the hot spots altogether and opt for the coolest honeymoon instead, in a hotel so new it's rebuilt every year. Sweden's Icehotel provides a range of igloo-style accommodation and its very own ice church in which to tie the knot.
Transient buildings, eternal love – perfect. It’s situated in Jukkasjarvi, a small village in northern Sweden with 1,100 residents and 1,000 dogs.
So, as long as you're not more of a cat person, it's the perfect place to go to watch the Northern Lights in the sky above as you feel the earth move beneath, tucked in a sleeping bag for two. From SEK14, 020 (€1,500) for the Classic Northern Lights Experience overnight package.
icehotel.com
