Honeymoons with a heart
So Christmas is over...wasn't it romantic? Well as January is the busiest wedding planning month of the year, I guess for quite a few of you it probably was!
And if you're thinking about weddings you're probably also dreaming about honeymoons, in which case responsibletravel.com can help you out. After all, a honeymoon is a great excuse to put all those New Year's responsible travel resolutions into action!
Make your honeymoon count
Your honeymoon could be that once in a lifetime holiday opportunity to go to the ends of the earth, take a really long break and make sure when you get to your destination that your holiday is really investing in the local economy and people rather than just another all-inclusive honeymoon package.
These packages all too often provide scant opportunity to experience the local culture and interact with the local community while the residents themselves see little economic benefit, or worse, have been sidelined to make way for a resort draining precious resources, damaging the environment and giving nothing in return.
How to find honeymoon heaven
Choose a honeymoon where you get the chance to stay in locally-owned accommodation, enjoy organic and locally-produced food (cutting down on food miles) and where you can be sure the owners are making every effort to minimize their environmental impact, using renewable energy, conserving water, and recycling and re-using wherever possible.
Those in the developing world are increasingly dependent on tourism as a major source of income and if you use your honeymoon weeks wisely you could be basking not just in the sun but in the knowledge that your holiday has helped to protect a National Park from encroaching development or saved a species from extinction because the value of travellers who want to see it alive is worth more than the income from those who would rather shoot it!
Check out the How this holiday makes a difference sections at the end of each responsibletravel.com trip to find out how they are contributing to social development and conservation efforts within the community, providing a sustainable source of income and a reason for the local people to conserve their natural environment and protect their native wildlife.
To fly or not to fly
The dramatic increase in air travel in recent years has come for the most part from the growing market in short European breaks, made possible by cheap flights, so if you are going to fly, why not take this one long break to a long-haul destination and make it really count. Take a look at responsibletravel.com co-founder, Justin Francis' view in his article: To fly or not to fly. And while you’re at it, remember to offset the carbon emissions from your flight. It isn’t a magic wand by any stretch of the imagination but it all helps.
If you're keen to stay closer to home, your honeymoon could be a good excuse to explore Europe better and find that special place that you will be able to visit just by hopping on the train whenever you feel like reliving those happy memories. See our selection of lower carbon travel holidays.
And if you plan to spend your weeks chilling out in an eco-lodge after the stresses and strains of the big day, don’t forget to check for ‘greenwashing’ with our 10 ways to tell if your eco lodge is really eco - then you really can relax with a clear conscience!
See more tips to make your honeymoon halo shine.
So, where to go and when to go? We take you on a whistle-stop tour of a selection of the great honeymoons responsibletravel.com has on offer to suit all budgets…
Summer honeymoons
May to September is the traditional wedding season, coinciding as it does with the hottest weather in the UK and Europe - and we know from recent summers that it can be pretty hot these days! This might be an excuse to cut down on the carbon and holiday closer to home…
Croatia
Vis Island Holidays in Croatia
What could be more romantic than a secret island? Ok, it’s not secret anymore but for nearly 50 years, the Island of Vis was off-limits to foreigners. It is only now, after years of isolation and economic neglect, that the island’s fortunes are gradually being reversed and its two main towns – Vis and Komiza – are experiencing a veritable renaissance.
This 7-day holiday exploring the amazing landscape shaped through the centuries by nature, history and human folly includes accommodation in Komiza, Vis Town or Milna Bay and three days of private, informal touring.
For honeymooners, Louise and Richard Abslom, this was a 4 star holiday: “There were many memorable moments of our honeymoon in Croatia. One of the first memories was the stunning view from our hotel in Dubrovnik.
Crystal clear blue sea with the medieval walled city as a backdrop. We fell in love with this beautiful historical city and walking around the medieval walls at sunset was a definite highlight.” Read their full review
From £625 - £965 (7 days) excluding international travel
See more Croatia holidays
Greece
Luxury Greek Island Accommodation
A 7-acre private and gated country estate on the shores of the Ionian island of Ithaca perfect for a Greek Island honeymoon. Perched on a hillside and with spectacular sea views, this organic olive oil producing estate includes four houses, each with its own fragrant gardened terraces and swimming pool.
Michele Brenton gave this holiday 5 stars: “…the trip across the water from Kefallonia to Ithaca in a Greek Fishing Boat was breathtaking … with the moonlight tracing a silver path on the glassy sea for us to follow as we gazed about us in absolute amazement at the peaceful starry sky and the mountainous coastline.”
Read the full review.
From €3600 - €4500 per house per week.
See more Greece honeymoons
More summer honeymoon ideas
France - Cycling in the Loire
Self-Guided cycling amidst the beautiful scenery, chateaux and vineyards of the Loire valley.
Italy - Italian Riviera B&B
This cosy B&B offers accommodation in a 17th Century house with stunning views over the sea.
Scotland - Loch Ness bed and breakfast
This luxurious 4 star Bed and Breakfast is set amidst the wild beauty and quiet of the south side of Loch Ness.
Wales - Snowdonia Bed and Breakfast accommodation
Get back to nature in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park surrounded by wild and beautiful mountain scenery.
England - Shropshire self catering accommodation
Escape the rest of the world in this eco-cabin in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Winter honeymoons
If you're super organised and are planning to take your honeymoon this time next year, here are a few tempting New Year destinations for you. If you’re looking for sun and are going long-haul to get it, remember you will find cheaper tickets by booking well in advance – and don’t forget your carbon offsets too!
The Caribbean
January is the perfect time of year to visit the Caribbean and this Tobago Beach Accommodation is an idyllic honeymoon destination. This beautiful eco resort superbly located overlooking the Bay of Castara, has stunning views of the Caribbean and mountains. The six quality accommodations are set right above the beach in lush tropical gardens. Backed by the deep green of the oldest protected rainforest in the Western Hemisphere and framed by mango trees and bamboo this eco lodge is a tropical paradise enabling guests to relax and live in the landscape around them.
Flights are direct from London, Amsterdam and Frankfurt and Washington. From £75 - £175 per room per night.
Gudrun Freese honeymooned here and reviewed this holiday last month:
“We had a wonderful honeymoon …we were able to really relax and have an authentic experience. The best bit was staying in this accommodation - ...we interacted with local people and we were in self-catering accommodation, so we didn't feel locked into buying expensive restaurant and hotel food. I felt that the local people there benefited from our holiday and the whole thing just felt right.” Read the full review.
See more Caribbean holidays
More winter honeymoon ideas
The Maldives - Maldives luxury resort
Nature and luxury blend harmoniously on the privately-owned uninhabited virgin island of Dhonakulhi.
Winter Wonderland - Luxury Alpine Chalet in Switzerland
No busy streets. No traffic. No hotels. Just absolute peace amid a pristine environment, surrounded by nothing but the breathtaking beauty of the scenery.
Spring honeymoons
Spring is a great time to visit Central America, particularly around April/May on the cusp of the rainy season when most days are still warm but not too humid.
Costa Rica
Honeymoon in Costa Rica
We honeymooned in Costa Rica in April 2005 and it was the perfect romantic destination.
Our accommodation, Lapa Rios, was conserving huge swathes of the Osa Peninsula while local people were employed and trained as chefs, waiting staff, managers and guides.
Moises, our guide, told us he had moved to Miami as there was nothing for him on the Osa Peninsula but that this place had given him a reason to return and was providing work and training for the whole community.
The people are so knowledgeable and so proud of their country and its wildlife. You only have to so much as glance at a bird for someone to be there instantly at your side, thumbing rapidly through 'National Birds of Costa Rica' to tell you exactly which bird you have spotted. I had never really thought of myself as a ‘twitcher’ and yet I found myself in the baking sun at 6 in the morning peering through binoculars at a tiny but beautiful bird in the middle of a forest about a mile away - don't knock it until you've tried it!
Over 27% of the country is designated as a National Park, biological reserve, wildlife refuge or other protected area. The standard of accommodation is extremely high and the hotels selected for this holiday have been hand-picked for their suitability for honeymoons. Lapa Rios is an award-winning ecolodge with fourteen spacious bungalows open to spectacular ocean views, allowing sea breezes to waft in day and night.
From £3000 (13 days) including flights from the UK, internal flights, private transfers throughout and all accommodation, full board at Lapa Rios and breakfast at Flor Blanca and Grano de Oro. This trip can also be booked without flights.
See more Central America honeymoons
More spring honeymoon ideas
South Africa - Garden Route Holiday
200 km of coastal plains and mountains with a mild climate and a wide range of bird and animal life.
The Seychelles - Honeymoon in the Seychelles
Four secluded villas nestled amongst riotous greenery overlooking the sea.
Autumn honeymoons
India
September to November is the ideal time to visit Rajasthan, India. The rains stop in August making it fresh and bright and temperatures are in the mid 20s.
Honeymoon in Rajasthan
Rajasthan is a territory of tremendous texture, vibrant colours and wondrous landscapes. Traces of kingdoms and warriors stand as testament to a feudal land of majestic palaces and proud people, history lives on amongst its rocky outcrops and romance flourishes in the shade of the Taj Mahal.
Camels, rickshaws and the ever present sacred cows jostle for space in the bustling market as chai wallahs sing out above the din, selling their sweet cardamom tea. To experience Rajasthan is to have a love affair with life.
Phillipa Nuttall said: “Thank you for helping us to have the most amazing honeymoon, it really was a trip of a lifetime.
Not only were we in a beautiful, interesting country, but we were looked after wonderfully by everyone involved in our trip - the whole thing went like clockwork and made us feel very special.”
Read the full review
From £1550 (11 days) excluding flights, minimum group size 2 people. Price depends on the exact details of the booking and time of year. Flights can be arranged from the UK.
See more India honeymoons.
More autumn honeymoon ideas
Morocco - Kasbah du Toubkal in the Atlas Mountains
Only 40 miles from Marrakech but the peace and quiet and seclusion are so complete the city seems a million miles away.
Making tracks... - Moorish Spain to Marrakech
From the carriage windows watch the changing landscapes; from whitewashed villages to minarets and medinas.
Something a little different…
Of course you might like to take the opportunity of a long break to really make a difference. A volunteering holiday can be a highly rewarding and life changing experience and if it is something you are both passionate about, why not? To help you find the right volunteering experience with the right company, we've put together a fantastic range around the world from leading responsible companies committed to supporting local communities & the environment. See our volunteering holidays.
Honeymoon Vouchers
If you haven’t already got a gift list, we can provide honeymoon holiday vouchers for your family and friends to give to you as wedding presents to contribute towards the balance of your honeymoon when you book any of the trips in this section
See full details of this offer
Wedding destinations
And remember, you don’t have to wait for the honeymoon to visit these fabulous destinations, you can get married there too! From Jamaica to Thailand to The Seychelles, see our special wedding section for holidays that include the wedding ceremony.
Ethical Weddings
If you want to find out more about planning an ethical or green wedding, why not check out Ethical Weddings - or sign up for the newsletter for all the latest tips and gossip on ethical weddings.
But most of all, have a wonderful honeymoon - and don't forget to tell us all about it when you get back!
And if you're thinking about weddings you're probably also dreaming about honeymoons, in which case responsibletravel.com can help you out. After all, a honeymoon is a great excuse to put all those New Year's responsible travel resolutions into action! Make your honeymoon count
Your honeymoon could be that once in a lifetime holiday opportunity to go to the ends of the earth, take a really long break and make sure when you get to your destination that your holiday is really investing in the local economy and people rather than just another all-inclusive honeymoon package.
These packages all too often provide scant opportunity to experience the local culture and interact with the local community while the residents themselves see little economic benefit, or worse, have been sidelined to make way for a resort draining precious resources, damaging the environment and giving nothing in return.
How to find honeymoon heaven
Choose a honeymoon where you get the chance to stay in locally-owned accommodation, enjoy organic and locally-produced food (cutting down on food miles) and where you can be sure the owners are making every effort to minimize their environmental impact, using renewable energy, conserving water, and recycling and re-using wherever possible.
Those in the developing world are increasingly dependent on tourism as a major source of income and if you use your honeymoon weeks wisely you could be basking not just in the sun but in the knowledge that your holiday has helped to protect a National Park from encroaching development or saved a species from extinction because the value of travellers who want to see it alive is worth more than the income from those who would rather shoot it!
Check out the How this holiday makes a difference sections at the end of each responsibletravel.com trip to find out how they are contributing to social development and conservation efforts within the community, providing a sustainable source of income and a reason for the local people to conserve their natural environment and protect their native wildlife.
To fly or not to fly
The dramatic increase in air travel in recent years has come for the most part from the growing market in short European breaks, made possible by cheap flights, so if you are going to fly, why not take this one long break to a long-haul destination and make it really count. Take a look at responsibletravel.com co-founder, Justin Francis' view in his article: To fly or not to fly. And while you’re at it, remember to offset the carbon emissions from your flight. It isn’t a magic wand by any stretch of the imagination but it all helps.
If you're keen to stay closer to home, your honeymoon could be a good excuse to explore Europe better and find that special place that you will be able to visit just by hopping on the train whenever you feel like reliving those happy memories. See our selection of lower carbon travel holidays.
And if you plan to spend your weeks chilling out in an eco-lodge after the stresses and strains of the big day, don’t forget to check for ‘greenwashing’ with our 10 ways to tell if your eco lodge is really eco - then you really can relax with a clear conscience!
See more tips to make your honeymoon halo shine.
So, where to go and when to go? We take you on a whistle-stop tour of a selection of the great honeymoons responsibletravel.com has on offer to suit all budgets…
Summer honeymoons May to September is the traditional wedding season, coinciding as it does with the hottest weather in the UK and Europe - and we know from recent summers that it can be pretty hot these days! This might be an excuse to cut down on the carbon and holiday closer to home…
Croatia
Vis Island Holidays in Croatia
What could be more romantic than a secret island? Ok, it’s not secret anymore but for nearly 50 years, the Island of Vis was off-limits to foreigners. It is only now, after years of isolation and economic neglect, that the island’s fortunes are gradually being reversed and its two main towns – Vis and Komiza – are experiencing a veritable renaissance.
This 7-day holiday exploring the amazing landscape shaped through the centuries by nature, history and human folly includes accommodation in Komiza, Vis Town or Milna Bay and three days of private, informal touring.
For honeymooners, Louise and Richard Abslom, this was a 4 star holiday: “There were many memorable moments of our honeymoon in Croatia. One of the first memories was the stunning view from our hotel in Dubrovnik.
Crystal clear blue sea with the medieval walled city as a backdrop. We fell in love with this beautiful historical city and walking around the medieval walls at sunset was a definite highlight.” Read their full review
From £625 - £965 (7 days) excluding international travel
See more Croatia holidays
Greece
Luxury Greek Island Accommodation
A 7-acre private and gated country estate on the shores of the Ionian island of Ithaca perfect for a Greek Island honeymoon. Perched on a hillside and with spectacular sea views, this organic olive oil producing estate includes four houses, each with its own fragrant gardened terraces and swimming pool. Michele Brenton gave this holiday 5 stars: “…the trip across the water from Kefallonia to Ithaca in a Greek Fishing Boat was breathtaking … with the moonlight tracing a silver path on the glassy sea for us to follow as we gazed about us in absolute amazement at the peaceful starry sky and the mountainous coastline.”
Read the full review.
From €3600 - €4500 per house per week.
See more Greece honeymoons
More summer honeymoon ideas
France - Cycling in the Loire
Self-Guided cycling amidst the beautiful scenery, chateaux and vineyards of the Loire valley.
Italy - Italian Riviera B&B
This cosy B&B offers accommodation in a 17th Century house with stunning views over the sea.
Scotland - Loch Ness bed and breakfast
This luxurious 4 star Bed and Breakfast is set amidst the wild beauty and quiet of the south side of Loch Ness.
Wales - Snowdonia Bed and Breakfast accommodation
Get back to nature in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park surrounded by wild and beautiful mountain scenery.
England - Shropshire self catering accommodation
Escape the rest of the world in this eco-cabin in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Winter honeymoons If you're super organised and are planning to take your honeymoon this time next year, here are a few tempting New Year destinations for you. If you’re looking for sun and are going long-haul to get it, remember you will find cheaper tickets by booking well in advance – and don’t forget your carbon offsets too!
The Caribbean
January is the perfect time of year to visit the Caribbean and this Tobago Beach Accommodation is an idyllic honeymoon destination. This beautiful eco resort superbly located overlooking the Bay of Castara, has stunning views of the Caribbean and mountains. The six quality accommodations are set right above the beach in lush tropical gardens. Backed by the deep green of the oldest protected rainforest in the Western Hemisphere and framed by mango trees and bamboo this eco lodge is a tropical paradise enabling guests to relax and live in the landscape around them. Flights are direct from London, Amsterdam and Frankfurt and Washington. From £75 - £175 per room per night.
Gudrun Freese honeymooned here and reviewed this holiday last month:
“We had a wonderful honeymoon …we were able to really relax and have an authentic experience. The best bit was staying in this accommodation - ...we interacted with local people and we were in self-catering accommodation, so we didn't feel locked into buying expensive restaurant and hotel food. I felt that the local people there benefited from our holiday and the whole thing just felt right.” Read the full review.
See more Caribbean holidays
More winter honeymoon ideas
The Maldives - Maldives luxury resort
Nature and luxury blend harmoniously on the privately-owned uninhabited virgin island of Dhonakulhi.
Winter Wonderland - Luxury Alpine Chalet in Switzerland
No busy streets. No traffic. No hotels. Just absolute peace amid a pristine environment, surrounded by nothing but the breathtaking beauty of the scenery.
Spring honeymoons Spring is a great time to visit Central America, particularly around April/May on the cusp of the rainy season when most days are still warm but not too humid.
Costa Rica
Honeymoon in Costa Rica
We honeymooned in Costa Rica in April 2005 and it was the perfect romantic destination. Our accommodation, Lapa Rios, was conserving huge swathes of the Osa Peninsula while local people were employed and trained as chefs, waiting staff, managers and guides.
Moises, our guide, told us he had moved to Miami as there was nothing for him on the Osa Peninsula but that this place had given him a reason to return and was providing work and training for the whole community.
The people are so knowledgeable and so proud of their country and its wildlife. You only have to so much as glance at a bird for someone to be there instantly at your side, thumbing rapidly through 'National Birds of Costa Rica' to tell you exactly which bird you have spotted. I had never really thought of myself as a ‘twitcher’ and yet I found myself in the baking sun at 6 in the morning peering through binoculars at a tiny but beautiful bird in the middle of a forest about a mile away - don't knock it until you've tried it!
Over 27% of the country is designated as a National Park, biological reserve, wildlife refuge or other protected area. The standard of accommodation is extremely high and the hotels selected for this holiday have been hand-picked for their suitability for honeymoons. Lapa Rios is an award-winning ecolodge with fourteen spacious bungalows open to spectacular ocean views, allowing sea breezes to waft in day and night.
From £3000 (13 days) including flights from the UK, internal flights, private transfers throughout and all accommodation, full board at Lapa Rios and breakfast at Flor Blanca and Grano de Oro. This trip can also be booked without flights.
See more Central America honeymoons
More spring honeymoon ideas
South Africa - Garden Route Holiday
200 km of coastal plains and mountains with a mild climate and a wide range of bird and animal life.
The Seychelles - Honeymoon in the Seychelles
Four secluded villas nestled amongst riotous greenery overlooking the sea.
Autumn honeymoons India
September to November is the ideal time to visit Rajasthan, India. The rains stop in August making it fresh and bright and temperatures are in the mid 20s.
Honeymoon in Rajasthan
Rajasthan is a territory of tremendous texture, vibrant colours and wondrous landscapes. Traces of kingdoms and warriors stand as testament to a feudal land of majestic palaces and proud people, history lives on amongst its rocky outcrops and romance flourishes in the shade of the Taj Mahal.
Camels, rickshaws and the ever present sacred cows jostle for space in the bustling market as chai wallahs sing out above the din, selling their sweet cardamom tea. To experience Rajasthan is to have a love affair with life.
Phillipa Nuttall said: “Thank you for helping us to have the most amazing honeymoon, it really was a trip of a lifetime.
Not only were we in a beautiful, interesting country, but we were looked after wonderfully by everyone involved in our trip - the whole thing went like clockwork and made us feel very special.”
Read the full review
From £1550 (11 days) excluding flights, minimum group size 2 people. Price depends on the exact details of the booking and time of year. Flights can be arranged from the UK.
See more India honeymoons.
More autumn honeymoon ideas
Morocco - Kasbah du Toubkal in the Atlas Mountains
Only 40 miles from Marrakech but the peace and quiet and seclusion are so complete the city seems a million miles away.
Making tracks... - Moorish Spain to Marrakech
From the carriage windows watch the changing landscapes; from whitewashed villages to minarets and medinas.
Something a little different…
Of course you might like to take the opportunity of a long break to really make a difference. A volunteering holiday can be a highly rewarding and life changing experience and if it is something you are both passionate about, why not? To help you find the right volunteering experience with the right company, we've put together a fantastic range around the world from leading responsible companies committed to supporting local communities & the environment. See our volunteering holidays.
Honeymoon Vouchers
If you haven’t already got a gift list, we can provide honeymoon holiday vouchers for your family and friends to give to you as wedding presents to contribute towards the balance of your honeymoon when you book any of the trips in this section
See full details of this offer
Wedding destinations
And remember, you don’t have to wait for the honeymoon to visit these fabulous destinations, you can get married there too! From Jamaica to Thailand to The Seychelles, see our special wedding section for holidays that include the wedding ceremony.
Ethical Weddings
If you want to find out more about planning an ethical or green wedding, why not check out Ethical Weddings - or sign up for the newsletter for all the latest tips and gossip on ethical weddings.
But most of all, have a wonderful honeymoon - and don't forget to tell us all about it when you get back!