4 Epic Exotic Honeymoons & Romantic Journeys for Couples who Crave More - Tanzania, Guatemala, Belize, India, California
Looking for a honeymoon or romantic journey for your clients that goes beyond the predictable? In this piece, we share four extraordinary journeys crafted by our expert DMCs - each one designed to blend romance with adventure, and intimacy with indulgence.
What’s in this Article
India with Anecdotes DMC - The ultimate newlywed retreat with slow, soulful wellness that begins in Kerala’s backwaters and finishes with a flourish in Rishikesh and the Himalayas - think Ayurvedic therapies, yoga stillness and houseboat sunsets.
Guatemala & Belize with Viaventure DMC - Colonial charm, volcano vistas, rainforest ruins and reefside bliss combine for a honeymoon that’s culture-rich, nature-first and oh-so romantic.
Tanzania with Adventure International - The ultimate bonding journey, this is pure summit-to-safari drama from the top of Kilimanjaro to Serengeti plunge pools and the white sands of Zanzibar.
California with California Journeys - Wild romance on the Golden State’s cinematic coastlines and among its vineyards and forests, with experiences from Yosemite’s starlight through sea-otter kayaking to Big Sur sunsets.
A Honeymoon is never just a trip…
It’s the beginning of a story, the moment that sets the rhythm for what’s to come, and a chance to create memories that will always define this most exceptional of times.
And while the classics have their place, here we’ve gathered four epic ideas for romance travellers looking for something that transcends the ordinary; exotic honeymoons and romantic journeys handpicked by our expert DMCs that blend adventure and intimacy, luxury and romance.
From the soulful backwaters of Kerala to Guatemala’s volcano-framed lakes and the sacred caves of Belize; and from summit-to-safari adventures in Tanzania to California’s cinematic coast, each one is a rare, stylish and one-of-a-kind first chapter - the kind that others will envy and your guests will treasure forever.
We begin in India, where soulful stillness and restorative rhythms set the perfect stage for love…
Wellness & Soulful Serenity in India with Anecdotes
If ever there was a place made for slowing down and connecting, it’s India - from the languid backwaters of the south to the soulful stillness of the Himalayas in the north, this is a land where wellness, sensory richness and deep spirituality shape every moment.
For couples seeking a honeymoon that restores as much as it inspires, it’s the ultimate sanctuary - and Anecdotes DMC are our go-to for dreamy, storied journeys that blend wellness, culture and nature in perfect balance.
Top Romantic Experiences
The gentle rhythm of Kerala’s backwaters
In magical Kerala, couples can drift along palm-lined lagoons in private houseboats, lulled by the soft splash of oars as they pass fishermen, spice gardens and temples whose music carries on the breeze. Back on land, visits to Munnar’s tea plantations and the wildlife reserves of Thekkady bring a little adventure for a beautiful balance before surrendering to Ayurvedic therapies and restorative rituals.
Spiritual connection on the banks of the Ganges
In Rishikesh, the birthplace of yoga, the days are soulful and spiritual - think sunrise meditations overlooking the Ganges, holistic treatments at world-class spas and sunset ceremonies that set the river alight with flickering lamps. This is a place where body, mind and spirit come into alignment, creating a shared serenity that feels indulgent (in all the right ways) and oh-so intimate.
Stillness in the Himalayas
In the mystic setting of the Himalayan foothills, days are about reflection and renewal, spent in mindful walks through forested slopes, open-air yoga beneath snow-capped peaks and gazing at mighty horizons that put everything into perfect perspective.
Where to stay…
In Kerala, Kumarakom Lake Resort is the epitome of barefoot luxury, while Coconut Lagoon by CGH Earth offers secluded heritage calm reached only by boat. For the ultimate idyllic hideaway? Neeleshwar Hermitage blends sea breezes, sunrise yoga and dinners under the stars.
In the North, the iconic Ananda in the Himalayas remains India’s most celebrated wellness retreat with good reason, while Six Senses Vana is another oasis of mindfulness, offering multi-day wellness immersions in a stunning mountain setting of silence, scenery and serenity
Volcanoes, Rainforests and Reefside Romance in Guatemala and Belize
From Guatemala’s smoking volcanos and jungle-shrouded temples to Belize’s cave cathedrals and coral gardens, this Central American pairing is an intoxicating blend of wild adventure, deep culture and intimate experiences - and a most idyllic way to begin the first chapter of married life, rekindle a relationship or just celebrate your romance.
Few know the rhythm of these two lands better than Viaventure DMC, whose immersive journeys move from mist and jungle to sun and sea with the most seamless grace. Their itineraries balance discovery and depth - making sure every day brings something extraordinary to share.
Top Romantic Experiences
Volcanic heights and highland views
In Antigua, where pastel facades and cobbled lanes glow beneath the gaze of three volcanoes, a private helicopter flight lifts guests above Guatemala’s volcanic chain to trace the peaks of Agua, Fuego and Acatenango. After landing on Acatenango’s summit for a champagne breakfast with views of Fuego’s live eruptions, the descent is just as thrilling - a mountain bike ride through stunning cloud forest trails.
Lakeside stillness and Mayan Blessing for New Beginnings
Kayaks glide over mirror-still waters at Lake Atitlan as the morning mists rise to reveal distant volcanic peaks. In San Juan La Laguna, couples can weave, dye and paint alongside Maya craftspeople at an artisan cooperative before sharing a shaman-led private fire ceremony - a beautiful, symbolic blessing for new beginnings.
Coral kingdoms and castaway calm
On Ambergris Caye couples can snorkel protected reefs where turtles swim lazily between the coral, then rise above it all on a private helicopter flight over the Great Blue Hole for a rare glimpse of the reef’s perfect circle framed by cobalt waters. Back on land, spa treatments with sea views, beachside dinners and sunset catamaran sails make for the perfect honeymoon ending.
Top Romantic Stays
As well as the luxury glamping experience at Uaxactun, highlights here include:
Casa Palopo at Lake Atitlan, a serene Relais & Châteaux lakeside haven.
Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel at Peten, where glass-fronted suites float above jungle lagoons.
Blancaneaux Lodge, Francis Ford Coppola’s jungle masterpiece, with its waterfall villas and starlit dining.
Cayo Espanto, Belize’s ultra-luxury private-island escape with just seven villas, each one with its own dedicated houseman and pier.
Tanzania with Adventure International: A Summit and a Safari
Everything feels epic in Tanzania - this land of lions on golden plains, elephants beneath baobabs and the mighty summit of Kilimanjaro is the ultimate stage for couples whose idea of romance is shared adventure.
And for those seeking a honeymoon or romantic journey that’s equal parts emotional resonance and physical exhilaration, there’s no better partner than our most intrepid DMC, Adventure International, whose romance itineraries are a rare mix of challenge, intimacy and utter luxury - the perfect choice for couples who want to come closer both in spirit and experience.
Top Romantic Experiences
Shared triumph on the slopes of Kilimanjaro
Let’s begin with Tanzania’s quintessential bonding challenge: summiting Mount Kilimanjaro. This adventure is one where every step is shared, every sunrise and sunset earned together and when the peak is reached? The sense of achievement is unforgettable.
And because this is Adventure International, it’s no standard Kili climb - it’s one imbued with luxury; think cosy VIP tents with cots and Maasai blankets and a private gourmet chef, known as the “Flying Chef”, serving up fine dining at altitude.
Serengeti splendour and the call of the wild
The adventure shifts gears with a journey into the Serengeti where lions pad through tall grasses, herds sweep across the plains and limitless skies fade slowly through gold to black. Here, couples can toast their climb from a private deck or plunge pool as the Great Migration rolls past below - a once-in-a-lifetime recuperation in the ultimate natural setting.
Island luxury on the Swahili Coast
Finally, the trip heads to Zanzibar, where the scent of cloves hangs in the air, the sands are powder-white and time slows to the rhythm of the beach. Here days drift between butler-served breakfasts, dhow sails at sunset and the gentle lapping of the Indian Ocean as the island’s myriad influences create a heady setting for romance - all spice markets and sea breezes; intimate villas and barefoot beach dinners beneath the stars.
Top Romantic Stays
On the edge of Arusha National Park, Siringit Villa is a luxury retreat whose six elegant suites and pool offer the perfect pre or post-climb pause.
At Lemala Kuria Hills Lodge in the Serengeti, couples are in for an unparalleled treat, with glass-fronted tented suites opening onto sweeping savannah views and private plunge pools offering front-row seats to the Great Migration.
And for the ultimate finale, Zanzibar’s &Beyond Mnemba Island Lodge - a private island hideaway just off the northeast coast - offers barefoot luxury at its most exclusive, with just a handful of thatched bandas among the whispering casuarina trees, each one open to the breathtaking beauty of its setting. Add in exceptional food and service and the best snorkelling and dive spots around, and you’ve got a honeymoon idyll your couples won’t want to leave…
Wild Romance on the Golden State Coast, with California Journeys
As a romantic destination, California is full of surprises.
After all, these are landscapes made for cinematic love stories - Pacific cliffs and redwood forests, desert skies and rolling vineyards, and a wild side that’s sun-warmed, sea-kissed and full of perfect potential.
With their insider expertise and flair for crafting tailor-made travel, California Journeys’ itineraries reveal the Golden State at its most authentic - think road-trip rhythms with five-star polish that are the perfect choice for newlyweds and romance seekers seeking the thrill of discovery and the intimacy of connection Stateside.
Top Romantic Experiences
Wilderness and wonder in Yosemite
At California Journeys’ private safari-style camp on the edge of Yosemite National Park, mornings start with mist rising through the pines and days are spent hiking custom-designed trails led by expert guides. As dusk falls, campfires flicker and gourmet dinners are served as the stars emerge in impossible numbers.
Sea life and serenity on the coast
At Monterey Bay, couples glide across calm waters on a private kayaking excursion through Elkhorn Slough, spotting sea otters, harbour seals and dolphins along the way. The pace is gentle, the atmosphere intimate and the landscape pure magic..
Vineyards, valleys and endless horizons
In Napa Valley, romance flows as easily as the wine. Couples cycle between sun-drenched vineyards, pause for tastings at family-run estates and linger over farm-to-table lunches amid the vines. Every turn brings another view worth toasting, and every evening another reason to stay just a little longer.
Top Romantic Stays
As well as California Journeys’ exclusive, VIP safari-style camp just outside Yosemite National Park, top stays include:
In Napa, Stanly Ranch, an Auberge Resort blends wellness-driven luxury with vineyard views, firelit terraces and exceptional service for the perfect balance of indulgence and intimacy.
Along the coast, highlights include desert hideaways like Campbell House, lodges nestled among sequoias and vineyard valley escapes such as Bernardus Lodge & Spa, where Carmel’s wine country comes alive with farm-to-table dining, an award-winning spa and suites that open onto lavender gardens and verdant hillsides.
For honeymooners ready to begin their story somewhere epic, these journeys are just the beginning!
If you’d like to learn more, our DMCs are here to turn inspiration into reality - get in touch for an introduction today.
