1. Volunteer Honeymoons 

Photo by Farsai C. on Unsplash

Whether it’s monitoring coral reef health with the Oceanic Society, learning about sustainable farming by working on an organic farm, or helping build homes in impoverished villages, volunteering will bring you and your new spouse closer together as you help give something back to communities. The experience is sure to leave its mark, not only in your memories, but in the hearts and minds of those you have benefitted.

More information: For marine-related volunteer programmes, check out the website of the Oceanic Society; to help build homes, visit the Habitat for Humanity site or if you’re into organic farming, the WOOF organises programmes all over the world.

2. ECO-TOURISM HONEYMOONS

Photo by Chole Mjini Tanzania

Go green on your trip by purposely choosing destinations with facilities which do not disturb the earth’s balanced ecosystem and where you can rediscover the joys of nature. Eco-tourism is huge (and not only for newlyweds) due to the increased awareness of the damage travel can inflict on the very reason for which we jet around the world: to discover the beauty and joy of new places.

More information: minimise your carbon footprint by choosing one of the hotels awarded the Green Hotelier Award like the Landgut Stober in Germany, the Chole Mjini in Tanzania or the El Albergue Ollantaytambo in Peru.

3. THE INTIMATE CRUISE

Photo by Crystal

If you love the sea, but cannot bear the thought of spending a week in an enclosed space with hundreds (if not thousands) of revellers gorging on long buffet tables or knocking back their fifth Pina Colada on the cruise-ship deck, a smaller, more intimate boat trip might be just for you. Several operators specialise in providing their clientele with a secluded, luxury experience which is more of a treat, than an all-you-can-eat.

More information: Most small-ship sailing takes place in the Mediterranean or the Caribbean, at different times of year, and many of the itineraries are similar, which makes your choice more about the ship itself. If you’re looking for understated elegance, take a look at the Crystal Esprit. You could also try a luxury riverboat up the Danube or the Nile.

4. GOURMET HONEYMOONS

Photo by Kyle Head on Unsplash

It’s difficult not to be a foodie in this day and age, with the bombardment of Instagram images showing exquisite pastries, mouth-watering savoury snacks and dishes to tempt and seduce. And, if your current obsession is epicurean in nature, why not plan your honeymoon around the twin pleasures of food and drink? Experience Kaiseki in Japan – a traditional multi-course dinner of small dishes designed around seasonal flavours – or stay in a boutique hotel in France nestled in rolling vineyards.

More information: In Japan, stay in a traditional inn, like the Hiiraguya Ryokan in Kyoto: breakfast and dinner are served Kaiseki style with the later meal actually served inside your room. And, if you fancy cooking as well as eating, check out Gourmet on Tour for tours and destinations.

5. TRAVEL BY LUXURY TRAIN

Orient Express Bar, photo by Belmond

The romance of the Orient Express – in fiction and in reality – is hard to beat. And, it can be yours, albeit for a rather princely sum. Travel from London to Paris and Venice on the train, or further afield, to Istanbul, and get a feel and taste of old-fashioned luxury. If you’re looking for something even more exotic, book yourselves an opulent journey in India, and drink in the sight of the love-monument par excellence, the Taj Mahal.

More information: The Orient Express departs at various times of the year. For times and dates visit Belmond. In India, several operators provide the luxury train experience, but one of the best known are the Maharaja’s Express or the Deccan Odyssey.