Jane writes... As the world gets warmer, conventional ideas about where to travel in summer are being turned on their heads, and that includes where to go on honeymoon.
Summer is peak wedding season in the UK, but that’s when popular Mediterranean destinations are typically sweltering, while other romantic hotspots in the Indian Ocean and Caribbean are also feeling the heat.
So-called “coolcations” have been trending on social media for a few years and now travel companies are seeing an effect on bookings. Mountain resorts are becoming more popular in summer along with destinations such as Scandinavia, the Baltics, Iceland and Canada. It’s also worth considering southern hemisphere destinations such as South Africa and South America, which are enjoying mild winters of their own.
Here’s my guide to the best “cool moons” for couples who want the honeymoon glow without total meltdown.
Scotland and Ireland
Once we might have given Scotland and Ireland the cold shoulder because of their unreliable summers, but they are now increasingly popular with couples seeking to avoid extreme heat. McKinlay Kidd are experts at curating UK trips loaded with local culture, delicious regional cuisine and beautiful landscapes across Scotland and Ireland. Check out their Signature Range including chauffeur-guided road trips and luxury rail journeys through the Scottish Highlands.
England
Despite occasional heatwaves, England is still a pretty good bet for a coolcation. Rural Retreats offers a vast range of pretty self-catering cottages including the beautifully thatched Park Cottage on the Chatsworth Estate in Derbyshire. Dating back to the 17th century and Grade II listed, the cottage was lovingly refurbished by the Duchess of Devonshire with décor that enhances the wooden beams including an artisanal king-sized bed. Couples can also make use of the swimming pool and tennis courts at Chatsworth Health Club. And dogs are welcome too.
Lofoten Islands
The archipelago of the Lofoten Islands is one of the most idyllic places to explore during Norway’s pleasant summer months. Rising from the sea as great kilometre-high mountains, they make for epic honeymoon adventures with horse riding, SUP, kayaking, hiking and biking for two. The classic Lofoten experience is staying in a rorbu, a traditional Norwegian fishing cabin built on stilts over the water – designed for boats to land directly underneath. Now they make romantic retreats, overlooking still fjord waters with the chance to paddle out on rowing boats from your own jetty, and return to a cosy cabin in the evening. Best Served Scandinavia offers a seven-day, self-drive holiday beginning with a night in Bodø, the gateway to the islands.
Iceland
Iceland has grown in popularity as a winter destination for its frosty waterfalls, dramatic hot springs and opportunities to view the Northern Lights. Yet some of its loveliest months are during the summer, a perfect time for honeymooners to unwind in sublime landscapes. Rather than try to cover the many highlights in a hectic fly-drive, a more relaxing post-wedding plan is to base yourselves at | Deplar Farm on Iceland’s remote Troll Peninsula and take in the wild landscapes, rejuvenate in the vast spa, enjoySaimaa geothermal waters and sound baths, along with the farm-to-fork dining. If you feel energetic, there’s a tour of Lake Mývatn, whitewater rafting, lake fishing and heli tours. Inspiring Travel will lead you to all the best spots.
Finland
The Finnish tradition of retreating to your lakeside summerhouse is perfect for honeymooners looking for endless summer nights with cool lake swims under the stars and warming saunas. Kuru Resort in the tranquil Lakeland is a well-known wellness destination. Take a scenic train journey from Helsinki and enjoy lush pine forests and the serene waters of Lake Saimaa, with a boat trip to Linnansaari National Park. At Kuru Resort stay in a villa with floor-to-ceiling windows, private spa and sauna, all set in the forest or lakeside. Dine at Solitary Restaurant, listed among Finland’s top places to eat. Book with Regent Holidays.
Chile
Chile boasts some of the world’s most dramatic landscapes and our summer is a smart time to visit. The Luxury Holiday Company offers an 11-night Highlights of Chile honeymoon that reads like a bucket-list adventure, with the capital Santiago and the lunar landscapes of the Atacama Desert, staying in the solar-powered Nayara Alto Atacama Hotel & Spa with views of Licancabur Volcano. Journey south to Chilean Patagonia to see the rock spires, glaciers and glassy lakes of Torres del Paine. Horse riding here is another honeymoon highlight.
Galicia
Galicia has its own unique climate, so that while the rest of Spain sizzles, it enjoys cooler summers, with Atlantic breezes. Vintage Travel offers a choice of pretty self-catering villas across the region including Eido Vello in the rural hamlet of Vilas, the heart of rural Galicia. The private pool overlooks a panorama of gently undulating countryside and woodland, with the Atlantic on the horizon, and white sandy beaches just a short drive away.
South Africa
The winter months of June, July and August in the Western Cape of South Africa are akin to a mild Mediterranean climate, making it the perfect place for a cool moon. Treat yourselves to a stay at Mont Rochelle, a 26-room hotel that’s part of the Virgin Limited Edition portfolio. Set amidst its own vineyards at the foot of Klein Dassenberg mountain range, it’s an indulgent choice for newlyweds who place food and wine at the heart of their travels. The hotel is an ideal base from which to explore the Cape Winelands and just an hour’s drive from Cape Town.
Canada
Vancouver Island’s summer temperatures are generally temperate with cool breezes making it a good choice for heat-shy newlyweds. The Luxury Holiday Company offers a seven-night trip combining the vibrant city of Vancouver with an idyllic escape to Vancouver Island, based at the lovely Wickaninnish Inn with its beach-view suites and double-soaker baths. Perched on the edge of a remote peninsula on the west coast of Tofino, it’s the perfect base for bear watching in ancient forests, spotting humpbacks or orca whales on boat cruises or kayak trips. Not forgetting a healthy dose of spa treatments and gourmet meals and wine.
By Jane Anderson, Editor of 101 Honeymoons