Calling all newlyweds or brides and grooms-to-be! Are you planning a destination honeymoon but not sure where to start? This month, our guest blogger, Mollie Krengel of Wild Bum, is sharing some of her favorite off-the-beaten-path honeymoon destinations that you’ll definitely want to consider!
Image by Tippy Jordan Photography
Guest Blogger: Mollie Krengel of Wild Bum
For Mollie Krengel, living with more meaning is not only a passion, she has made it her life’s work. Applying her degree in Human Biology, certificate in Positive Psychology and lifelong practice of dance, Krengel founded a grassroots and growing community called Wild Hive in 2015. A collection of mini adventures that unite communities and bring play back into people’s lives. Wild Hive evolved into bi-annual women’s adventures, combining the magic of travel, dance and oftentimes meaningful volunteer work abroad.
Never more energized than when she travels, Krengel believes in the physiological, physical and mental benefits of travel. Krengel has a deep yearning to encourage everyone to experience its life-changing ways.
Understanding that there was likely a community who, like her, geeks out over travel research, she sought to create a beautiful platform that brings passionate travelers together and, thus, Wild Bum was born. Now, through Wild Bum, Krengel shares her enthusiasm for travel, while creating a community to help people sell their hard-earned travel research and help those who find travel planning completely overwhelming. Wild Bum has become a global community of Guide Architects + travel-aspirers, founded on adventure, and living with more meaning.
Wild Bum’s Top Off-the-Beaten-Path Honeymoon Destinations
If you’re anything like me, you love obscure, aesthetically pleasing travel experiences. Travel is in my DNA and there is nothing I am more passionate about than adventuring around this gorgeous planet, especially with my boo. So, if you currently have your eyes and ears peeled for off-the-beaten-path honeymoon destinations and are up for a little adventure – keep on reading!
MEXICO
Verana, Yelapa
This place is SO special. I cannot wait to get back here one day. It’s an easy flight into Puerto Vallarta, then the adventure begins. You’ll take a taxi to a small marina in Boca, where you’ll hop on a boat provided by Verana to reach this small boutique handmade hotel. Eight houses in total exist on this cliffside property. Expect a bit of a climb, but it is so worth it. Every turn you take at this hotel offers so much beauty. Each of the eight houses are unique. And, they have the most amazing food and spa services. If you get antsy, you can also book excursions and it’s an easy hike to the beach or nearby waterfall. Such a dreamy spot!
La Valise, Tulum
Sticking with the Mexico vibe – I love this gem of a hotel. You’ll quickly realize that I have a thing for boutique hotels, where every detail is thought out. I am not one for large resorts or all-inclusive experiences. Get me immersed in culture and out on the town, as well as hotels where they know your name – in my experience, this typically means excellent customer service, which can make all the difference, especially on your honeymoon! Yet, La Valise is the perfect home base to explore Tulum – eat the amazing food, dip in the cenotes, rent a scooter, book a spa day. Highly recommend.
BELIZE
Ok, I have so many recommendations for this amazing country. But, I am going to throw out my top three that would make perfect honeymoon destinations. Any Belize trip, in my opinion, should begin in San Ignacio. It’s lush, tropical and has so many incredible ruins to explore, in addition to waterfall hopping, ziplining and adventure galore. Then you book a domestic flight on Tropic Air to reach the island of Ambergris Caye for some much needed beach time.
Gaia Riverlodge, San Ignacio
This is my top pick for this area of Belize. Adults only. Farm to table food. Love love love this location. They arrange all of your adventures!
Matachica, Ambergris Caye
Gaia Riverlodge’s sister property, Matachica, is also an adult-only resort located on Ambergris Caye.
Victoria House, Ambergris Caye
Another notable option on Ambergis Caye is this beautiful, classic and charming property.
Copal Tree Lodge, Punta Gorda
Can’t help it – if you’re looking to add one more spot on your Belize adventure, at the southern tip of this country you will find Copal Tree Lodge. Another Tropic Air flight away and so stunning. We spent several days here on our last Belize trip and loved every second.
NICARAGUA
Verdad, San Juan Del Sur
I had planned a Wild Hive women’s retreat to this lovely beloved small resort near the surfer town of San Juan Del Sur. Unfortunately, we did not make it there (long story), however, I would highly recommend this as one of the top off-the-beaten-path honeymoon destinations for an adventurous couple who wants to try surfing and exploring this vibe-y Nica town. I cannot wait to get here personally.
PANAMA
American Trade Hotel, Casco Viejo
Start your Panama adventure here. Gorgeous hotel in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Casco Viejo. I love this colorful town. You can check the Panama Canal off your bucket list and sip on amazing Geisha coffee from the Boquete region (love this region – coffee farms, hiking, waterfalls, oh my!).
Sansara, Cambutal
Then head to the beach for a little surf + yoga at this wellness-inspired retreat destination.
PORTUGAL
Torel Avantgarde, Porto
We visited Porto for a five day adventure last spring and it was magical. The food is incredible. This hotel is a gem. We walked and explored our way through town. Hire a private sunset sail, and a wine tour in the Douro Valley, better yet – spend a few nights there, it is extremely special. Porto would make an amazing honeymoon getaway.
Images provided by Wild Bum
STATESIDE
This could be a very long list, but if you’re looking for a quick domestic honeymoon – here are my top Stateside recommendations:
Rancho Valencia Resort + Spa, Rancho Santa Fe, California
Two Bunch Palms, Desert Hot Springs, California
Castle Hot Springs, Morristown, Arizona
Blackberry Farm, Walland, Tennessee
Farmhouse Inn, Forestville, California
Amangiri, Utah
Ten Thousand Waves, Santa Fe, New Mexico
Image by Tippy Jordan Photography
Companies That Book Everything
And, finally, if you want to leave the planning to the pros, I do recommend the following three companies who will book your entire honeymoon for you. Yes, you pay a premium, but this ensures you have seamless (well, as seamless as travel can be!) experiences, the best private guides and a honeymoon you will never forget! When we worked with these companies we had the experiences of a lifetime! Highly recommend.
Remote Lands – we worked with them for our Asia trip
Extraordinary Journeys – we used this amazing company for our Kenya trip
Knowmad Adventures – this Minneapolis based company are pros at South America
Image by Tippy Jordan Photography
You can see that I could go on and on…and on! I know I am leaving so many favorites out of this list, yet, I will stop here! Please know that there is nothing I love to chat about more so do not hesitate to get in touch if you’d like to discuss further. I’d be thrilled to help you brainstorm for your perfect off-the-beaten-path honeymoon. There are so many awe inspiring, romantic destinations just waiting to be explored! From Cambodia, Thailand, to one of our personal favorites, safari in Kenya – LIFE. CHANGING. The world is your [honeymoon] oyster!
-Mollie,
Wild Bum
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