For the pairs that have just said ‘I Do', there's nothing better than heading on honeymoon. But the list of destinations to pick from can be nothing less than overwhelming. Where to even start? While there are a plethora of romantic resorts across the world ready to provide you with five-star luxury, there are also so many beautiful natural wonders to explore that don't need five-star status to provide such unforgettable surroundings. Whether you're already expert mountain climbers or just lovers of all things outdoors and adventure, a mountain setting is the perfect retreat for blissful seclusion within adventurous landscapes.
Celebrate your love in the heart of nature, guaranteed to be the perfect way to return home rejuvenated and ready to begin married life. Here are five top pick destinations for mountain climbing honeymoons.
Torres del Paine
In the Chilean region of Patagonia, the Torres del Paine National Park offers many challenging terrains. As well as vast mountain ascents, take on iconic glacial walks and lakeside meanders. Standing over nine thousand feet, the highest peak of Cerro Paine Grande is a formidable climb for on-foot experts. The steep uphill trek is made up of a mix of rock ice and snow-covered landscapes, making it very technical. For something slightly easier but still as exhilarating, head to what are known as the 'Horns of Paine', Los Cuernos. With distinctive granite black tops and lighter-coloured sedimentary bases, this group of striking peaks provides the perfect challenge for an alpine romantic retreat within classic cooler temperatures. Though summer conditions can still be unpredictable, these are still the most popular months for tourists to visit the park. Milder weather and longer daylight hours make for ample climbing time together.
The park is home to luxury lodges nestled deep within the peak landscapes. Offering floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the astonishing Paine Massif, lodges provide the perfect cosy affair for restful nights in after the active days out. Many are home to private hot tubs and swimming facilities, making for warmer ways to stay outside as long as possible, even as the stars litter the night skies.
Everest
On the border between Nepal and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, the Everest peak of the Himalayas is the highest mountain in the world. Reaching over twenty-nine thousand feet above sea level, a honeymoon here is truly one of the most unique ways to celebrate love together. As it's a highly challenging excursion, pre-planned Everest base camp trips are the best way to ensure you're gaining the greatest routes up to the highest altitudes, as well as the safest way possible. Heading to the base camp also takes away the pressure of definitely climbing the peak itself, but instead going through equally sublime landscapes, quaint villages, and to the base of the incredible mountainscape. Typically taking twelve to fourteen days to provide the best chances of acclimatisation for the both of you, honeymooning here will be the most unworldly way to spend some time just forgetting the world back home. Stay in cozy tea houses along the route, visit monasteries, and even have a special monk blessing for the most unbelievable way to start life as newlyweds.
The Dolomites
If you're a pair of Italy lovers but want the honeymoon to be a bit different from classic Italian vacationing, the UNESCO-protected site of the North Italian Dolomites mountain landscapes provides a charming mix of diverse lands and quintessential Italian charm. Stay in indulgent mountainside hotels, many including world-class spa facilities and gourmet restaurants for Italian culture to meet infamous alpine fine dining. Unwind on an evening with couples' spa treatments and outdoor hot tubs so you can keep warm and overlook the panoramic landscape views.
Start a day at sunrise to see the spectacle blend of descending orange hues into the fresh whites of the mountain tops. Climb the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo Peak, which is moderate yet still provides the most pristine views from the summit. The perfect spot for wedding reminiscence together. Nestled in the valley of the region is what's renowned as the ‘Pearl of the Dolomites'. The Lago di Braies Lake is a must-see for a leisurely walk, or rowboat rental for a movie-like experience overwater. Take a scenic cable car journey up one of the peaks for a simple and relaxing way to take the weight off your feet and spend some tranquil time together in a private pod, perfect to capture!
Kilimanjaro
Free-standing-wise, it doesn't get any higher than Mount Kilimanjaro, towering over nineteen thousand feet above sea level. There are several routes possible to take to reach the summit, from the classic ‘Whiskey Route' which takes around a week to complete. There is a range of campsites scattered up the mountainside and many offer special touches like candlelit dinners for just the two of you and larger tents for you to embrace more space on honeymoon evenings. Pamper yourselves after to celebrate the accomplishment, with a stay at a luxury resort or lodge retreat near to the base. The incredible climb up Kilimanjaro is the most monumental way to start a lifetime of love and accomplishments to come, together.
Mount Etna
On the East coast of Italian-owned Sicily, Mount Etna provides an idyllic combination of an active escapade in loved Italian landscapes. Typically taking just a day, the hike up Europe's most active volcano is home to such beauty as lava flows and craters, before getting the sublime panoramic views at the summit. For the most unforgettable ascend, take a trek over the lower slopes of the mountainside at sunset. The blend of orange hue into the volcanic tones provides the most romantic background for going down ‘memory lane' of reaching marriage together. Why not pack a traditional Sicilian picnic to enjoy on the way up, before ending the evening at a classic Italian fine-dining spot and enjoy the wealth of other things a a honeymoon in Sicily has to offer?
Summary
Start married life in the most active way. Monumental mountainscapes across the world are here to be explored on foot. Paired with stays in luxury accommodations post-climb, you're guaranteed to return home as rejuvenated Mr and Mrs.
