Sure Maui and the Maldives may be hot with lovebirds, but for a cosier (i.e. sexier) honeymoon consider somewhere with ice cold weather
Honeymoons are synonymous with pristine white sand beaches, tropical cocktails and overwater bungalows. That’s unfortunate because some of the best post-nuptial getaways in the world are served ice cold.
“Cold weather honeymoons are more romantic than typical tropical locations,” opined Hannah Trondle, one of a growing number of honeymooners who are choosing Alaska over Maui or the Maldives. “We’ve previously taken tropical trips to Hawaii, Mexico… and I can confidently say no moment on any of those trips was more romantic than sailing through Glacier Bay early in the morning with our freshly delivered breakfast and the feeling that we were the only people in the world.”
Why be sticky with sweat when you could be cosying up in front of a crackling fire or snuggling under fur throws? From Alaska to New Zealand, here are a few of the best, and must luxurious, cold-weather destinations that make for an unexpectedly steamy honeymoon.
Greenland
Trade a beach bungalow for an arctic bungalow at Ilimanaq Lodge in western Greenland. Perched atop the cliffs of Disko Bay, where bobbing icebergs and families of breaching whales comprise the view, the minimalist lodging is a leader in eco-luxury so couples will feel good about their stay in this fragile part of the world that’s a part of Unesco’s world heritage list. There are only about 50 inhabitants in the immediate area so expect utter solitude in between unique excursions. There’s tundra hikes, a sail to the Tasiusaq Fjord system that involves off-roading to two glaciers and an ice sheet.
From US$850.
Alaska
It’s difficult to narrow down a singular spot on “The Last Frontier” that’s honeymoon-worthy. For the rugged rendezvous, there’s Chena Hot Springs which allures for its namesake geothermal, mineral waters in Fairbanks. For couples looking to pair calorie burning activity with pampering, Alyeska Resort features the state’s largest ski area and the state’s only Nordic Spa. Their signature Twilight Soak hydrotherapy session is perfect for couples and from September to April, the Aurora Borealis dances. Sheldon Chalet in Denali National Park will allure couples who prioritise luxury above all else.
Rates start at US$32,000 per night with a three night minimum for an exceptionally personalised honeymoon that newlyweds would expect from an overwater bungalow just in an exclusive private chalet that’s only accessible via helicopter.
Antarctica
Though you won’t be able to physically spend the night on the White Continent, an Antarctic Cruise allows you to step foot on its glaciers and peaks that dramatically rise from the Southern Ocean. While many Antarctica cruises can add up to two weeks duration, Viking Cruises offers a 13-day itinerary that’s ideal for a post-wedding extravaganza. The round-trip sailing from Ushuaia provides ample time to cuddle up with your new partner as you prepare for the experience of a lifetime. Days are scheduled around excursions like kayaking through cerulean-frosted icebergs, visiting penguin colonies, and zipping into inlets via zodiac for a better view of seals and animated ice formations; yet, still leaves plenty of time for curling up in the Explorers’ Lounge with your favourite cocktail or dipping in the heated pools at the spa or the aft of the ship.
From US$11,995.
New Zealand
The adventurous couple may want to fly south during New Zealand’s winter to the shores of Lake Wakatipu, just 45 minutes outside Queenstown, where the Relais & Chateaux property of Blanket Bay awaits. The landscape here is all-encompassing, with the Humboldt Mountains providing cinematic backdrops from the floor-to-ceiling windows of the standalone chalets, outfitted with stone fireplaces and reclaimed timber. Heli-skiing is one of the popular activities here, with a concierge able to arrange a private helicopter pick-up directly from the property for a seamless transfer to the top of the Southern Alps’ where runs are an average of 750 vertical metres. After experiencing their share of thrills, there’s the wine and arts trail for exploring Otago’s world famous Pinot Noir.
From US$1,731.
This story was first published on Robb Report USA
