Leap Day is all about women taking control. And the ladies who've got the gumption to propose this 29 February will want a gung-ho honeymoon to match. Here are 10 honeymoon ideas for go-get-em women (and their lucky grooms, too)
Master Tanzania's mighty 5,895m mountain
If Cheryl Cole can climb Africa's highest peak (albeit without
Ashley), you can follow in her footsteps. The challenge of climbing
the world's tallest freestanding mountain on your honeymoon is a
fine start to married life: if you can do this together, you can do
anything. Plus the chance to sip sundowners overlooking the Rift
Valley afterwards adds a bit of romance.
Tanzania travel guide
Learn how to use weapons amid the Malaysian jungles
Head to Borneo in South-East Asia for a lesson in how to use a
traditional blow-pipe (useful skills for later married life,
perhaps…?) in lush rainforest surroundings While you're
there, visit the Orangutan Sanctuary, watch green turtles lay their
eggs at Lankayan, explore historic temples and hunt for bargains in
the island's markets.
Borneo travel guide
Stay at remote Ardanaiseig Boathouse to fish, canoe and fire guns
On the shores of Loch Awe, Scotland's longest freshwater loch,
sits Ardanaiseig Boathouse, a perfect one-bed
two-person hideaway. Here, you can experience all the beauty of the
Highlands, and book private lessons to learn foraging skills; you
can also learn to fish, clay-pigeon shoot, canoe on the loch... or
book a massage if you just want to be pampered.
Alternative things to do in Scotland
Paddle to this lake retreat, which hosted Wills and Kate on their first post-wedding royal tour
Head to Blachford Lake Lodge near Yellowknife in
Canada's Northwest Territories, to live like royals - Eagle Island
is now better known as "Honeymoon" Island after the royal couple's
visit in 2011. As well as canoeing, Blachford Lake offers amazing
opportunities for hiking and spotting wildlife in summer and
cross-country skiing, dog-sledding and skating in winter. The
aurora borealis is visible in the Northwest Territories as early as
late August; soak up the views from the comfort of a hot-tub.
Canada travel guide
Take a tandem leap while touring the adrenalin-fuelled South Island
New Zealand, the world's favourite adventure-travel destination,
has plenty of opportunities for showing off your Girl Power! Take a
leap together from the original bungee-jump site: Kawarau Bridge,
Queenstown - 43m of pure adrenalin is bound to get married life off
an exhilarating start.
New Zealand travel guide
Stay in a yurt, sleep on yak-fur rugs and love being where no one else is
For a honeymoon with a difference, saddle up and step back in
time as you gallop across the wild Kyrgyzstan steppe. This is
romance at its wildest and quirkiest, as you stay in a traditional
yurt or camp under the stars. While there, explore the alpine
meadows of Jeti-Oghuz Canyon or trek through the Celestial
Mountains with their glaciers, summer pastures and snowy
peaks.
Kyrgyzstan travel guide
Add some James Bond action to your paradise island retreat
Explore shipwrecks and coral reefs - and pretend you're in an
action movie - deep under the Indian Ocean, all without getting
your hair wet. Enjoy champagne, canapés and a panoramic view of the
underwater world in Blue Safari's BS600, a private submarine that
offers couples a unique view of Mauritius's underwater scenery.
Once you've disembarked, the island has plenty of beautiful beaches
where you can imitate Ursula Andress (or Daniel Craig), as well as
lush hikes, bustling markets and sleepy fishing villages.
Mauritius travel guide
Row in to this riverside retreat in the depths of the rainforest
Hidden away in the jungle, Pacuare
Lodge is the perfect retreat for newlyweds - it can only be
reached by white-water raft, or overland by a combination of jeep,
hanging gondola and hiking. The lodge offers opportunities to
explore the rainforest, go canyoning or canyoneering (which
combines hiking, climbing and rappelling) and to find out about the
culture and traditions of the local Cabecar Indians. There are two
secluded honeymoon lodges tucked away in the canopy for extra
romance, plus romantic dinners, massages and yoga on offer
too.
Costa Rica travel guide
Live like Lawrence of Arabia amid the Jordanian desert
Jordan's epic desert is the place to stay in a Bedouin camp and
sleep out under the stars for a timeless honeymoon in a place with
adventure in its soul. Sleep under shooting stars and the Milky Way
before watching the sun rise over the desert. Then cross Wadi Rum
by horse or camel (or jeep) and head to Petra, Jordan's rose red
city, carved into the landscape 2,000 years ago.
Jordan travel guide
Join the growing number of newlyweds taking more 'meaningful-moons' - volunteering on honeymoon
There are charities worldwide offering short-term volunteering
projects to support sustainable development and longterm
conservation goals. Whether its conserving rainforest in Ecuador,
helping to build school or hospitals in Africa, uncovering
archaeology in Mongolia or working with elephants in Jaipur,
there'll be something to suit your interests and timescale. Do your
research about the charity beforehand, and if possible talk to
previous volunteers.
Guide to Volunteering
Looking for your perfect honeymoon? Try our honeymoon finder and search some of the best tour operators available.
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