On your honeymoon vacation, there will be some activities that are obviously romantic, like soaking in mineral hot springs, enjoying a fine five-course dinner or walking hand-in-hand on the beach. Yet, when you’re in love and honeymooning, every new experience can be transformed into a magical bonding adventure. Even if you’ve traveled to some of these romantic vacation destinations before, there’s nothing like seeing them through the eyes of a loved one who has never been there before. Whether you’re zip-lining through tree canopies, snorkeling the coral reefs or touring a banana plantation, love and intrigue awaits you on the Caribbean Islands.
San Juan, Puerto Rico is an intriguing US territory and a popular honeymoon vacation stop. In New San Juan, you’ll find McDonald’s and American cuisine, fancy hotel resorts, business districts and trendy bars. In Old San Juan, you’ll encounter an exotic blend of Spanish, Italian and South American influences that are very much akin to Cuba. You’ll see preserved 16th century architecture, forts, antique shops, pastel buildings, cobblestone streets and stunning cathedrals.
History lovers will appreciate the El Morro fort, San Cristobal Fort, La Fortaleza, Catedral de San Juan and Museo Pablo Casals. The Bacardi Rum Factory can add a little fun to your romantic weekend and, if you’re feeling lucky, try your hand at the Sheraton or Ritz-Carlton casinos. Waterfalls and wildflowers await a scenic stroll at El Yunque rainforest.
Once you gaze upon the island peaks of St. Lucia, you’ll see why it’s been dubbed “Helen of the West Indies.” Even though honeymooners frequent the island, 19,000 acres are protected as part of the St. Lucia National Rain Forest, so you’ll see unspoiled territories and dense tropical foliage. The capital city of Castries is within walking distance from your port stop in Place Carenage or Pointe Seraphine. Avid shoppers will enjoy duty-free shopping, local crafts markets, farmer’s markets and souvenir shops. The white, relaxing sands of Choc Beach is a 20 minute cab ride away, although Pigeon Beach is preferred for visitors who love museums, restaurants, water sports and other amenities. Anse des Pitons is a fantastic beach for snorkeling and diving. Gros Islet offers countryside and beach horseback riding, which can be part of romantic vacation packages. Another romantic travel option is to take a bus, rental car or cab to the south, where you’ll see the former French colonial capital, Soufrie’s drive-in volcano and sulfur pools, as well as the Diamond Botanical Gardens. Adventurous types can trek through the rainforest, uncover hidden waterfalls and snorkel amid sunken ships in Anse Cochon.
If you’ve seen Pirates of the Caribbean I and II, then you’ve caught a glimpse of what a honeymoon vacation in Dominica might entail. Dubbed “Nature Island,” this port stop is more rainforest, waterfalls, freshwater pools, hot springs, mango trees, ginger root and dense vegetation than it is sandy beach. Animal lovers may spot over 172 types of wild birds or 7 different types of whales off the coastline. Your romantic cruise ship will likely dock at Roseau Cruise Ship Berth, which is just steps away from unique shops, local restaurants and transportation hubs. You won’t find anything cliché or generic about the businesses here, since the locals are fierce advocates of their own distinctive cultural contributions. If you docked in Portsmouth, you’ll see some off the only white sand beaches on the island and the famous Cabrits National Park, home of a major historic battle between the French and English. Mountain biking, kayaking, whale and bird watching, scuba diving, Creole dining, hiking and swimming are some of the adventurous pastimes you may add to your romantic vacation destination package.
Your honeymoon vacation will create memories that will last forever, so it’s important that you plan it carefully. Many couples choose to go on cruises, and this can be a good value if you do your homework.
