12 Extraordinary Luxury Honeymoons for 2022

There's no better occasion than a honeymoon to indulge in an extravagant and extended getaway. Couples are increasingly eager to celebrate their union by checking something monumental off their bucket list. A truly over-the-top honeymoon can include unique and rare experiences, unparalleled luxury, remote exotic locations, adrenaline-fueled adventures, and unforgettable cuisine, wine, and spa treatments.

As a member of Dinogo's Travel Advisory Board, I assist couples in planning remarkable honeymoons around the globe, including in Africa, Antarctica, Iceland, Patagonia, and the Galapagos, among others. If you're envisioning an extravagant luxury honeymoon in 2022 and seeking inspiration, the following curated trips promise to exceed all your expectations.

Great Migration Safari

There’s no better vantage point to witness the largest mammal migration (1.6 million) on Earth than at Singita Grumeti, a protected reserve encompassing 350,000 acres of untouched wilderness adjacent to Serengeti National Park. Singita leads the way in conservation and community initiatives in Africa while upholding the highest standards of luxury, offering exceptional service, cuisine, comfort, guiding, views, and location. The five luxury safari properties in this expansive wilderness cater to diverse tastes—from stunning private villas to rustic-luxury tented camps and contemporary lodges.

Alaska

Alaska is breathtaking from every perspective, but it’s truly remarkable from the Sheldon Chalet—a one-of-a-kind family-owned luxury property situated on a glacier ridge beneath Mount Denali, the tallest peak in North America. Accessible only by helicopter, Sheldon Chalet is the sole luxury accommodation within the sprawling 4.7 million acres of Denali National Park. The exquisite dining and service rival those found in urban settings, providing access to every imaginable Alaskan adventure, including ice cavern exploration, snowshoeing, stargazing, sledding, mountaineering, and even glacier picnics. The Chalet is also a premier spot for witnessing the northern lights.

Antarctica

Antarctica is the ultimate extravagant honeymoon destination for adventurous couples. While it may not be a conventional choice for romance, what could be more exhilarating than exploring the edge of the world with your new partner? The most opulent way to experience Antarctica is by staying at one of the continent's two land-based accommodations, Whichaway Camp or the newly established Wolf's Fang. The heated sleeping pods or tents are equipped with every imaginable comfort, while the flowing champagne and fine dining provide a luxurious contrast to the winter wonderland outside.

The Galapagos Islands

For couples intrigued by science, history, and wildlife, a journey to the Galapagos offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to witness an incredible array of species found nowhere else, such as the red-footed booby and Galapagos land iguana. Enjoy the enchanting volcanic landscapes from aboard a small luxury yacht like the M/C Elite, where each of the eight suites features a private balcony and panoramic windows, while the top deck boasts a hot tub. I'm also excited about the brand new Aqua Mare, a superyacht making its inaugural voyage in spring 2022.

Machu Picchu & the Peruvian Amazon

Peru is an ideal honeymoon destination, allowing you to pair a bucket-list adventure to Machu Picchu with a visit to a pristine section of the Amazon Rainforest. At the iconic Incan citadel, the most extravagant accommodation is Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, the only hotel located right at the entrance. In the Amazon, enjoy 4-7 nights on a luxurious river cruise aboard Aqua Expeditions' newest vessel, Aqua Nera, a floating haven that navigates the world's largest river, where you may spot pink river dolphins, sloths, anacondas, and countless endemic bird species.

Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Encountering endangered mountain gorillas (fewer than 1,000 remain in the wild) in their natural habitat is one of the most enchanting wildlife experiences on Earth. Coming face-to-face with these remarkably human-like beings (we share 98% of their DNA) after trekking through some of the world's most pristine forests creates a truly unforgettable bond with your partner. Beyond the encounter, the luxurious lodges in Volcanoes National Park are spectacular. At the enchanting Singita Kwitonda, you can immerse yourself in the tranquil atmosphere, while One & Only Gorilla's Nest is perfect for those seeking opulent luxury with spacious accommodations and plenty of activities. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda can easily be combined with a traditional safari in East Africa or serves as an excellent choice for couples looking to elevate their adventure after a previous safari.

Water Safari in Botswana

The floodplains of Botswana's Okavango Delta create a truly unique destination, offering activities you won’t find in other safari locations, such as gliding past hippos and elephants in a makoro (dugout canoe). What sets Botswana's Mombo Camp apart as the ultimate luxury safari lodge is its exclusive access—featuring only eight suites, complete with copper bathtubs and private plunge pools—along with its prime location on Chief's Island, widely regarded by experts as the best game-viewing area on the entire African continent.

Cape Town & Cape Winelands

Cape Town and the Cape Winelands offer all the essential ingredients for romance. Enjoy a playful day swimming alongside the penguins at Boulders Beach, or satisfy your cultural curiosities by exploring art galleries and the renowned Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden. For food enthusiasts and wine lovers, this region is a paradise filled with some of the world’s finest restaurants and wineries. A sultry sunset swim in the rooftop pool at the Silo Hotel is one reason this hotel is my top recommendation for honeymooners looking to indulge in Cape Town. Delaire Graff is another exquisite choice in the Winelands, offering outstanding restaurants and breathtaking views of the vineyards.

Iceland

Iceland may not be the first place that comes to mind as a year-round destination, but in reality, it’s breathtaking in every season. During the summer months, the days stretch on endlessly, while winter offers prime conditions for witnessing the northern lights. Regardless of the season, high-octane adventures in Iceland await, from exploring ice caves and scuba diving beneath the ice to helicoptering over volcanoes and gorges, climbing glaciers, and snowmobiling across the tundra—these experiences are thrilling beyond measure. The Blue Lagoon is a must-visit for anyone's first trip to Iceland, and the best way to enjoy it is through private access from a luxury suite at The Retreat. For a more remote adventure on the Troll Peninsula, soaking in the geothermal pool at Deplar Farm while watching the northern lights is the epitome of romance.

Namibia

When soon-to-be newlyweds inquire about what to do after a traditional safari in Southern or East Africa, they often envision a beach getaway. However, I love recommending Namibia as an alternative, otherworldly destination for relaxation. AndBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge features a sleek, modern design—just look at the stunning architectural pool—and boasts a prime location near the iconic dune fields of Sossusvlei, Namibia's top attraction. For seasoned travelers seeking something unique and off the beaten path, I often direct them to Serra Cafema, arguably the most remote camp in Africa, located along the Kunene River on the border with Angola, where you can interact with the remarkable Himba tribe.

Fogo Island, Newfoundland

The visually striking Fogo Island Inn offers a haven for art and design enthusiasts to revel in the tranquil beauty of nature and environmental sustainability on a secluded island off Newfoundland's coast. Activities range from whale watching and community immersion to pottery classes, snowmobiling under the stars, and day trips to nearby islands. The blend of top-notch luxury with an extremely remote setting makes this experience truly unforgettable.

Chilean Patagonia

The striking scenery of Patagonia, with its windswept plains, calving glaciers, and intricate fjords at the southernmost point of South America, sets the stage for an unforgettable honeymoon. This vast region offers countless sights, but The Singular Hotel stands out as a sophisticated and spacious luxury destination essential to any Patagonia itinerary. Housed in a former cold storage plant, this heritage site retains many of its original industrial features, and its location on the edge of Chile's Torres Del Paine National Park is simply unbeatable.

Mark Lakin serves on Dinogo's Travel Advisory Board and is part of the A-List. He focuses on crafting exceptional honeymoons in destinations such as Africa, Antarctica, Iceland, Patagonia, and the Galapagos. To collaborate with Mark and his team at The Legacy Untold, reach out at [email protected] or 646-580-3026.