Seven Honeymoon Destinations that Combine Adventure and Rela | California Wedding Day
Seven Honeymoon Destinations that Combine Adventure and Relaxation
We’ve gathered seven destinations that are close to nature and filled with romance, from far flung beach destinations to desert getaways
January 4, 2023
Photo courtesy of ORIGINS BY MANTIS
COSTA RICA Origins by Mantis (originslodge.com) is a dream destination for couples who desire serenity, nature and adventure without sacrificing five-star luxury. The boutique lodge is nestled in Costa Rica’s northern rain forest on 111 acres of jungle overlooking the lush Upala Valley. The verdant grounds feature the intimate Laka-Tii Spa; an open-air yoga pavilion; six private luxury lodges featuring fire-heated plunge pools, handcrafted canopy beds and open-air bathrooms; as well as a stunning three-bedroom tree house, Villa Vertigo.
Foodies will delight in the fare at El Salto, located in the residential-style main lodge, which is also home to a peaceful infinity pool and 180-degree views of the valley and Lake Nicaragua. Michelin-starred chef Jean-Luc L’Hourre curates the menu daily, bringing his haute French take on laid-back Latin cuisine while using ingredients sourced from the estate’s extensive organic garden. Adventure seekers and nature lovers can partake in a wide range of experiences, such as a rain forest hike to the Oro Waterfall (keep your eyes open for sloths), horseback riding, farm tours, medicinal plant tours, lagoon fishing, birdwatching, nocturnal walks— all within the vast property.
Photo courtesy of ORIGINS BY MANTIS
Conservation and sustainability are the anchors of Origins. Consequently, no chemical pesticides are used (pack mosquito repellent!), the resort is nearly free of plastic, and the kitchen composts its food waste—and these are just a few of its green practices. The tranquil vibe of Mother Nature lends itself beautifully to the lodge’s wellness practices. You can make your honeymoon even more memorable by designing a custom retreat that includes luxurious spa treatments and healing experiences, such as guided yoga and meditation practice, sound baths and breathwork sessions. There are also off-site experiences to consider, such as a visit to a butterfly sanctuary or rafting in nearby Tenorio Volcano National Park. Intimate weddings are an option at Origins as well, with ceremonies taking place in the main lodge or the yoga shambala, and receptions featuring a one-of-a-kind dinner created by chef L’Hourre.
Photo courtesy of Velas Resorts
CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO If you’re craving that international vibe, but want to keep the flight short and sweet, there’s no better place than Cabo San Lucas. Rated the No. 1 all-inclusive resort in Mexico by Tripadvisor’s 2022 Travelers’ Choice Awards, the Grand Velas Los Cabos (@grandvelascabos) is the ideal oasis for honeymooners, where they will find the luxury of choice and warm hospitality. The AAA Five Diamond resort reimagines the all-inclusive experience, providing guests with amazing restaurants (one with a two-Michelin-star chef at the helm), a luxurious 35,000-square-foot spa and first-class accommodations, such as the Grand Class Suite, with its own private plunge pool. For honeymooners, there is no shortage of activities to indulge in—from couples massages and love rituals to the Wine Lovers’ Experience and an option to charter the property’s very own 55-foot Bella yacht to cruise the azure waters of the Pacific Ocean.
Photo courtesy of TERRANEA RESORT
PALOS VERDES, CALIFORNIA Stay close to home but feel like you are a million miles away at Terranea Resort (@terranearesort) in Palos Verdes. Perched atop dramatic cliffs overlooking a protected marine preserve and kelp forest, the resort feels like an oceanfront sanctuary. With beautiful Mediterranean architecture and admirable environmental practices, this sprawling 102-acre property offers guests more than 75 acres of the natural Southern California landscape to explore. Naturalist-led trail walks, as well as activities such as seaside yoga and painting, give guests an opportunity to learn about local flora and fauna. The hotel itself is well equipped for any weekend getaway, with four pools, a spa and salon, a nine-hole golf course, eight dining options, enticing courtyards, outdoor fireplaces and telescopes, bars, a fitness studio and a well-curated boutique. With accommodations that include stylish casitas and villas, guest rooms and suites, you can choose to embrace the lively ambiance of the resort or opt for more privacy.
Photo courtesy of Sunriver Resort
BEND, OREGON Unfolding across 3,300 forested acres, just moments from Bend, Oregon, Sunriver Resort (@sunriverresort) is the Pacific Northwest’s treasured location for honeymooners seeking post-wedding bliss. An all-season wilderness retreat (with 300 days of sunshine each year), Sunriver Resort is a place of storied traditions, drawing couples in to experience the holy trinity of relaxation, rejuvenation and adventure.
Cozy rooms offer all the comforts of home with a dash of opulence. Sage Springs Club & Spa provides access to fitness classes, massage therapy, facials and more, while the indoor-outdoor pool invites you to unwind with a private cabana and a libation poolside. Adventurous couples can enjoy rafting, horseback riding, snowshoeing and golf at four award-winning golf courses, all on the sprawling property; skiing and snowboarding are just a short drive away at Mount Bachelor. Sunriver Resort is committed to sustainability, the preservation of nature and an independent, local mindset—and it’s dog-friendly, so you can bring your furry friend along!
Photos courtesy of Skamania Lodge
COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE, WASHINGTON Nestled in the picturesque Columbia River Gorge in Washington lies a hidden gem waiting to be explored. Skamania Lodge (@skamanialodge), which opened its doors in 1993, represents the quintessential honeymoon experience, offering newlyweds an escape from the city to a breathtaking landscape, where they can create memorable moments together to treasure forever. During daylight hours, couples can lean on nature to help recharge and reconnect, whether through an active outdoor excursion—hiking, windsurfing, kiteboarding, golf—instructor-led yoga, meditation, forest bathing, or with a glass of wine and a good book. After a day of adventuring, couples can enjoy a relaxing massage at the Waterleaf Spa before indulging in a gourmet, locally sourced meal at the Cascade Dining Room or River Rock Lounge.
Photos courtesy of Enchantment Resort
SEDONA, ARIZONA The canyon is calling—and Enchantment Resort (@enchantment_resort) in Sedona, Arizona, is ready to welcome you to honeymoon bliss. Surrounded by acres of pristine wilderness in the heart of Boynton Canyon, Enchantment offers couples an unmatched opportunity to connect to nature. According to the resort, “Whether you prefer to relax poolside, explore the hiking and biking trails, nurture your creative side with an art experience or spend time on our tennis and pickleball courts, adventure surrounds you.”
Enchantment has just launched its “Many Moons” package, which is designed to encourage a deeper connection to those we love—perfect for newly married couples. It includes daily breakfast, credit for the Spa Suites at Boynton Canyon and a private excursion (hiking the Red Rocks, hiking under the stars or mountain biking are among the plentiful options). For the ultimate honeymoon indulgence, couples can book a pool suite, complete with a private plunge pool or spa pool with stunning views.
Photo courtesy of SEABROOK
SEABROOK, WASHINGTON Winter, spring, summer or fall, the idyllic town of Seabrook, located on the Washington coast, delivers romance and nature in a small-town setting. A Pacific Northwest rendition of Gilmore Girls’ Stars Hollow or the renowned Seaside, Florida, Seabrook was founded by Casey Roloff, who developed the town with a focus on new urban design and an intention to create connectivity and community.
The town offers an escape to tranquility and never-ending views of the Pacific Ocean from its perch atop a bluff. Rent one of the many cozy cottages, which are beautifully appointed and feel like you’ve moved into a home away from home. Plus, all the homes feature porches for watching the sunset and the neighbors pass by. Best of all, the community is quite walkable, whether out to dinner, the spa, shopping or, of course, the main attraction, the beach. Summer brings town events such as wine tastings, a concert series, Founders Day and more. And yes, weddings are also a dream come true at The Belfry at Seabrook (@belfryatseabrook), a beautiful blank slate awaiting your personal touch.
