Honeymoons are all about pristine white sand beaches, tropical cocktails and overwater bungalows. It's a shame, because some of the world's best post-wedding getaways are served ice cold.
“Cold-weather honeymoons are more romantic than typical tropical locations,” said Hannah Trondle, one of a growing number of newlyweds who choose Alaska over Maui or the Maldives. “We've taken tropical trips to Hawaii, Mexico before…and I can say with certainty that no moment on any of those trips was more romantic than sailing across Glacier Bay early in the morning with our little one -freshly delivered lunch and the feeling that we were the only ones. the people of the world. »
Why be sticky with sweat when you could cozy up in front of a crackling fire or snuggle up under furry throws? From Alaska to New Zealand, here are some of the best and must-visit luxury cold-weather destinations that make it surprisingly scorching. honeymoon.
Swap a beach bungalow for an arctic bungalow at Ilimanaq Lodge in western Greenland. Perched atop the cliffs of Disko Bay, where views are dominated by floating icebergs and families of breaching whales, this minimalist accommodation is a leader in eco-luxury to keep couples feeling great during their stay in this fragile part of the world which is part of the UNESCO world heritage. World Heritage List. There are only about 50 locals in the immediate area, so expect complete solitude between unique excursions. There are tundra hikes, sailing to the Tasiusaq Fjord system which involves off-roading to two glaciers and an ice cap.
From $850.
Alaska
It's hard to find a singular location on “The Last Frontier” that's honeymoon-worthy. For the difficult meeting, there is Chena Hot Springs which attracts fans for its homonymous geothermal mineral waters in Fairbanks. For couples looking to combine calorie-burning activity with relaxation Alyeska Resort features the state's largest ski area and the state's only Nordic spa. Their Twilight Soak hydrotherapy session is perfect for couples and from September to April the Northern Lights dance. Sheldon Cottage in Denali National Park will appeal to couples who value luxury above all else.
Rates start at $32,000 per night with a three-night minimum for the exceptionally personalized honeymoon that newlyweds expect from an overwater bungalow located in an exclusive private chalet accessible only by helicopter.
Although you won't be able to physically spend the night on the White Continent, a cruise to Antarctica will allow you to experience the glaciers and peaks that rise dramatically from the Southern Ocean. While many Antarctica cruises can last up to two weeks, Viking cruises offers a 13 day itinerary it's ideal for a post-wedding extravaganza. The round-trip journey from Ushuaia gives you plenty of time to snuggle up with your new partner while preparing for the experience of a lifetime. Days are scheduled around excursions like kayaking through frosty cerulean icebergs, visiting penguin colonies, and sailing the coves by zodiac for better views of seals and bustling ice formations; but that still leaves plenty of time to relax in the Explorers Lounge with your favorite cocktail or take a dip in the heated pools at the spa or aft of the ship.
Starting at $11,995.
New Zealand
The adventurous couple may want to jet south during the New Zealand winter to the shores of Lake Wakatipu, just 45 minutes from Queenstown, where the Blanket Bay Relais & Châteaux property waits. The scenery here is all-encompassing, with the Humboldt Mountains providing cinematic backdrops from the floor-to-ceiling windows of the self-catering chalets, outfitted with stone fireplaces and reclaimed wood. 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 smooth transfer to the South Summit. Alps» where the slopes have an average height difference of 750 meters. After experiencing their fair share of thrills, there's the Wine and Arts Trail to explore Otago's famous pinot noir.
Starting at $1,731.