Oh Darling, Let’s Be Adventurers: 5 Honeymoon Ideas for Intrepid Travelers

For many, a honeymoon summons fantasies of tropical beaches, overwater bungalows, swaying palm trees, and pure nothingness, lovely images indeed, but a bit — dare we say — tame for adventurous travelers looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. With the right mindset, the undiscovered frontier of Northern Kenya, icy fjords of Chile, and remote corners of Swedish Lapland can be utterly romantic in their own ways. 

A room at Saruni Rhino. Photo courtesy of Saruni.

GO RHINO TREKKING IN KENYA

Where: Saruni Rhino
When: Year-round.
What's to love: Head to the undiscovered frontier of Northern Kenya for the first rhino tracking experience in East Africa. The untouched wilderness of Sera Community Conservancy has a new collection of luxury lodging and is the first sanctuary dedicated to conserving the endangered black rhino. Accompanied by expert Saruni guides, you and your mate can experience the thrill of seeking out majestic black beauties by foot. Visits are paired with a stay at Saruni Samburu, a celebrated elephant sanctuary just north of the Samburu National Reserve.
Rates: From $750 per person per night. Make a reservation.

The Aqua Mekong river cruise. Photo courtesy of Aqua Expeditions.

CRUISE THROUGH CAMBODIA AND VIETNAM

Where: Aqua Mekong Expedition Cruise
When: August through November.
What's to love: Travel the Mekong and Tonle Sap Rivers on a luxury river cruise that comes with all the trappings of a five-star hotel — plenty of personal space, air conditioning, wireless internet, and luxury linens. The boat has an outdoor pool, a spa utilizing traditional healing techniques, and a private screening room. Experienced river guides lead guests on excursions into the jungle and local villages by foot, kayak, and all-terrain bikes.
Rates: From $8,995 per person. Make a reservation.

A charming cabin deep in the woods of Swedish Lapland. Photo courtesy of Pure Lapland.

VIEW THE NORTHERN LIGHTS IN SWEDEN

Where: Loggers Lodge
When: August through early April.
What's to love: A private, all-inclusive red timber cabin located deep in the woods of Swedish Lapland — aside from staff, the closest neighbors are three miles away. Meals are prepared by a chef and include traditional food made with local produce. Because there is zero light pollution, this is an excellent spot for Aurora Borealis sightings and stargazing. Other activities include snowshoeing, Nordic ski touring, and ice fishing.
Rates: From $760 per person per night. Make a reservation.

Breathtaking views from Amangiri. Photo courtsy of Aman.

CLIMB MAJESTIC ROCK FORMATIONS IN UTAH

Where: Amangiri
When: May through August.
What's to love: Tucked away in a protected valley, the Utah resort is a quiet retreat with easy access to some of North America's most striking landscapes — the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park, and Monument Valley. Enjoy the healing traditions of the Navajo people, yoga classes, and sauna and steam rooms at the spa. Or get your adrenaline pumping with six on-property via ferratas. Italian for "iron road," the series of fixed cables and ladder runs are used to climb steep mountain routes with a trained Amangiri guide.
Rates: From $1,400 per night. Make a reservation.

The Laguna Azul hike. Photo couresty of Quasar Expeditions.

NAVIGATE FJORDS IN CHILE

Where: Quasar Expeditions Chile Overland Safari & Tour
When: September through April.
What's to love: Bright blue icebergs, soaring mountains, and crisp fresh air make up one of the most spectacular sites in the Southern Hemisphere. See the best of Torres del Paine National Park on a five-day, six-night excursion with overnights at two of the region's nicest hotels, The Singular and Tierra Patagonia. Activities include hiking to glacial caves, trekking, fly fishing, kayaking, and horse riding.
Rates: From $5,150 per person. Make a reservation.

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