11 Exotic Honeymoon Ideas For $3000 - From Europe To Africa

Europe

Richmond, United Kingdom

Why Go

Richmond in England may not be the first destination to come to mind when planning a honeymoon. But the North Yorkshire region has its fair share of attractions that draw tourists and newlyweds from around the world.

Parks and gardens abound in Richmond and Fountains Abbey is a must-see - where you can find evocative ruins of a medieval monastery as well as the beautiful water gardens of Studley Royal.

Do you fancy visiting a cave? Check out Ingleborough Cave, a magnificent place that has been accessible to the public for over 175 years! Its awe inspiring range of remarkable cave formations is something you can't afford to miss during your stay.

There’s something for everyone in Richmond - whether you’re looking to shop for that unique gift idea, explore structures steeped in history, or catch the latest sporting events around.

Where To Stay

The Flowery Dell Luxury Pine Lodges sits just at the edge of Yorkshire Dales National Park, a home to natural wildlife and flowers. And the best part: the lodge offers an 8-day pet- and child-friendly honeymoon package for new couples.

The package includes niceties to make your stay extra sweet and romantic - from handmade local chocolates, fresh flowers, to ice-cold champagne to celebrate your union.

And if you need to calm those tired muscles, preparing for the week’s adventures? Know that Flowery Dell offers luxury massages and treatments to relieve stress and soothe the mind and body.

What To Do

Activities are aplenty in Richmond!

Want to get up close and personal with tropical creatures but in a safe and controlled environment? Visit The Tropical Zoo where crocodiles, tarantulas, and other animals bask in the indoor zoo’s tropical temperature.

Or, you can spend a day at the Hudswell Woods where there’s something fun to do regardless of the season - from simply walking along the magical woodland, having a picnic over a grassy spot, to lazing off while watching birds pass by.

Shopping is a Richmond specialty, too. Boutiques and shops dotted all over the place cater to just about any whim - natural walking shoes, designer men and women’s wear, alluring lingeries (always a fine addition to a honeymoon), and many more.

But if your ideal honeymoon is one made of lazy afternoons, lying in bed with your significant other, and a day full of cuddling, know that Flowery Dell has all the ingredients for a peaceful, week-long stay.

Reviews

“Had a short 4 day break at this lovely place, this is the 4th time we have stayed here it just gets better and better. We stayed in Juniper lodge, which must have just been refurbished as everything seemed brand new. It was spotless,the best lodge we have ever stayed in.” - Mary Reeve

“Just read my previous reviews. Nothing has changed; everything is spotless, the stove is brilliant. It was just cold enough to use this year, and we now understand how the central heating works. We always stay in the same lodge with a lovely view over the valley. Perfect peace, perfect hot tub.” - Hectoria

Athens, Mykonos, And Santorini, Greece

Why Go

Greece may be a small country, but one that’s full of amazing sights and sounds. It’s no wonder the country was ranked as one of the most visited countries in Europe, boasting 16,427,000 visitors every year.

When people from far away come to Greece, Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini are some of the most popular stops - and for a long list of good reasons.

Athens, for starters, is no stranger to ancient history. The remains of the Acropolis and Agora are just two of the sites that give one a glimpse of the city’s ancient past - and more can be found within Athen’s several cultural and archeological museums.

Mykonos, on the other hand, is home to beaches and soft sands - with the Paradise Beach being the most famous. The beach underwent a major upgrade and now enjoys a strip of hotel resorts, restaurants, and clubs.

And then there’s Santorini, a Greek island sitting by the Aegean Sea. The island was once devastated by volcanic eruption, creating Santorini’s now rugged landscape. Towns and homes in the island hang by the cliff - giving residents and tourists a breathtaking view of the sea and the surrounding islands.

Where To Stay

Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini have its share of top-notch accommodations, and Fantasy Travel’s island hopping package brings you to 3 of these 4-star hotels. And the highlights of the all-inclusive, 10-day Greece honeymoon go beyond first-class accommodations and includes a city tour in Athens, daily breakfasts, a cruise, and more.

Like the Korcula honeymoon, this one goes beyond the $3000-mark but still within an arm’s reach. And with tons of activities during the stay, the package provides a lot of bang for the buck.

What To Do

The Greek honeymoon package has several guided tours and ample leisure time when guests are free to do as they please.

The first three days spent in Athens features a stay at Hotel Hera, a boutique hotel which treats guests to stunning views and easy access to the Parthenon and other interconnected archeological sites. A sightseeing tour around the city and a visit to the Acropolis Museum is also in the mix.

From the 3rd to 6th day, honeymooners stay at the Mykonos’ Petinos Beach Hotel, a majestic 4-star hotel with 24 guest rooms. Guests can choose to laze in the sunshine, experience fine Mediterranean dining, or party the night away during these free days.

And for the final leg of the Greek honeymoon, couples are taken to one of Andromeda Villas’ superior sea-view room where they’ll stay for the next 3 days.

The whitewashed and relaxed hotel is a sight to behold, but the real charm awaits on a semi-private cruise with freshly prepared lunch or dinner along the Red and White Beach and volcanic islands.

Reviews

"If you are going to Greece, use this company. They arranged an island hopping trip for us which was marvellous. They were extremely efficient, arranging all hotels, transfers and ferries for us - and at a reasonable price. The whole trip ran like clockwork and I would not hesitate to use them again or recommend them to others." - Sheila Patsy

"We are home today from our amazing trip to Greece. We worked with Makis Hatzopoulos throughout the planning process and could not be happier. Everything went exactly as planned: all transfers were seamless and all accommodations were perfect. We must return, and when we do, I will certainly work with Fantasy Travel again." - Mike A.

El Nido, Philippines

Why Go

El Nido, a group of 45 small islands located at the tip of Palawan. The region famous for its clear and fish-filled waters, majestic natural structures, and white-sand beaches. And a honeymoon at El Nido is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

The managed resource protected area covers about 461 sq. km. And Hannah, a globe trotter and popular blogger, discovered that the paradise destination is packed with sights and sounds enough to last a week!

“The islands of El Nido are some of the most beautiful and enchanting in the entire world,” Hannah, Getting Stamped

Couples with a penchant for exploration will want to check out the Dilumacad underwater tunnel and Simizu Island’s stone formations. Newlyweds looking to get intimate with nature can unwind at the Secret and Hidden Beaches. And if you’re looking for an underwater adventure, know that there’s no shortage of amazing dive sites in El Nido.

Where To Stay

Island resorts abound in El Nido. But couples looking for a fun and vibrant honeymoon are sure to be enchanted by Miniloc Island, the Eco-Discovery Island Resort.

With rooms built and designed to exude a back-to-basics coastal village vibe, a stay at the Miniloc Island Resort will melt away all the stresses and hecticness of city living. And the variety of cottages are sure to accommodate every honeymooner’s desires - whether it’s a quick and easy access to the beach, a captivating sight of the sea, or a panoramic view of the resort.

The resort offers an all-inclusive honeymoon package at about $613/person. And for 3 days and 2 nights, couples can enjoy the best dishes, relaxation spots, and activities Miniloc Island has to offer.

What To Do

In El Nido’s Miniloc Island, married couples won’t run out of places to explore and experiences to enjoy. The resort is a gateway to Bacuit Bay’s Small and Big Lagoons, both world-famous for their tranquil turquoise waters and limestone formations.

The all-inclusive honeymoon deal also includes a trip to Entalula beach and a chance to swim with 1.5-meter jacks!

On-site, the resort offers complimentary activities for grown-ups and kids alike - from volleyball, table tennis, to soccer and more.

Reviews

“Amazing view, great coral reef. Helpful and professional staff. You can be busy all day with activities or just relax, paradise!” - Valentina Telese

“From the amazing staff, gorgeous rooms, well planned activities and incredible beach, we felt spoiled and lucky to be here every minute of our stay. We travelled with a 4 month old baby and the staff was so gracious in helping hold her while we had meals and provided certain amenities to make our trip so easy.“ - Stuart Steene-Connolly

Riviera Maya, Mexico

Why Go

If white-sand beaches, scenic ruins, and limestone sinkholes are your idea of fun, Riviera Maya is a tourist spot you will want to check out.

The region’s tourism industry is growing fast thanks to the lovely sights and attractions it offers.

Tulum, for starters, is home to the majestic Mayan ruins sitting above the beach. And then there’s Playa Del Carmen’s bustling nightlife if you want to party the night away.

But as much as Riviera Maya’s tourism is growing, some parts of the area remain untouched. And if you want to catch a glimpse of old Mexico, you can always head to one of the small fishing towns around before the resorts and hotels started dotting the place.

Where To Stay

Secrets Maroma, an adult-only and all-inclusive resort in one of Cancun’s best beaches, is the perfect hideaway for newlyweds on the hunt for a luxurious Mexican honeymoon. The all-inclusive resort sports 412 guest suites - all with top-class amenities you’d expect from a hotel resort of such caliber.

And with rates starting at about $371/night, Secrets Maroma is well within reach of most honeymooner’s budget.

Not to mention you can choose from a range of suites depending on your budget.

The Junior Suite with an ocean view, for example, gives couples a spacious bedroom, sitting area, and a furnished private terrace - without bleeding your wallet dry.

But if you want to take your honeymoon to a whole new level and your budget can afford it, there’s the swim-out room where you can enjoy tropical views from your suite and even take a swim straight from the terrace to the resort’s pool.

What To Do

A honeymoon on Secrets Maroma treats those tastebuds to a splendid selection of all-inclusive dining options - from a la carte restaurants, buffet eateries, to cafes.

And the restaurants serve food from all corners of the globe. Whether you’re looking for a French breakfast, seafood Oceania style, or Italian cuisine, you can rest easy knowing Secrets Maroma has it all.

The stunning hotel resort also has 13 swimming pools, including an infinity pool with mesmerizing ocean views. And with the resort’s close proximity to the crystal clear beaches, you’re always just a few steps away from the beach with an array of water activities.

And for sporty couples who always want to break a sweat, know that the resort’s fitness center is topped off with a tennis court, ping pong, basketball and more to keep you entertained.

Reviews

“Gorgeous, like a postcard. Staff was unbelievably nice & friendly; personable & looking for interaction. Mexican restaurant on grounds was outstanding (and paid too little attention for its superb quality)! Food was very authentic & used a lot of local sourcing. Beach server Lucas & barefoot cafe server Armando totally made my stay by getting to know me, my tastes, and just being very cool guys.” - Lindsay Silva

“Stayed here with my wife almost 2 years ago for our honeymoon. What a wonderful experience! The staff and customer service was incredible and the grounds were amazing! Most relaxing vacation we've been on. We both said we plan to go back for our 5 year anniversary - only 3 more years!” - Tyler Winkey

Africa

Belle Mare, Mauritius

Why Go

Belle Mare is a sleepy farming settlement. But its hotel industry is very much alive! The village boasts an immaculate 10 km-long white-sand beach. And the shore is bordered with tall casuarina trees, a few designer shops, and the finest hotels to match its beauty.

Belle Mare, which means “beautiful sea”, is at the east coast of Mauritius. And just offshore lies the world-famous dive site, The Pass.

Diving centers abound in the village, and underwater adventures are par for the course. And to enjoy a more private and relaxing time together, couples can always escape to the islets nearby.

Where To Stay

Long Beach Mauritius is one of Belle Mare’s best hotels, luxurious enough to warrant an inclusion in The Sunday Times Travel Magazine’s Top 100 Hotels. The hotel combines traditional Mauritian culture with contemporary architecture, all of which are wrapped by white sand and pristine waters.

Every detail in Long Beach Mauritius is designed with calm and romance in mind. But what made the hotel stand out are its diverse zones which create unique atmospheres for discerning vacationers.

Honeymooners can choose to book per night at $412 or an all-inclusive package at $1,493/person for 7 nights, both of which suit the $3,000-budget.

What To Do

The tropical gardens, man-made amenities, and natural landscape surrounding the hotel means there’s never a dull moment in Long Beach Mauritius.

Newlyweds looking to relax after a long flight to the hotel can check in at the Mauritius Spa. The sea spa is one of the finest assets of Long Beach Mauritius. Located away from the bustling and livelier parts of the resort, the Mauritius Spa is a haven that pampers guests with tranquility, calming waters, and lava rock walls.

Want to dine on an exclusive beach on another island? The Ile aux Cerfs Leisure Island boasts three restaurants and two bars that serve a wide range of cuisines and drinks. The island also treats Long Beach guests to sandy beaches topped with fashionable sunbeds, a view of one of the largest coral reef lagoons, and a personalized beach butler service.

And of course, water activities are also on the menu - from glass-bottomed boat tours, kayaking, to windsurfing. But if you’re up for something a bit more challenging, know that you can take PADI-certified diving lessons at the center, go deep-sea fishing, or take an underwater seawalk.

Reviews

"A great tourist attraction! People are very friendly and tolerant. Hotel is great (service, food and location). Even though very far and isolated, the island still attracts a great deal of visitors because of its beauty. There are many hotels to chose from but we chose this one and didn't regret it." - Jeffrey S. Thompson

"The hotel is outstanding! From the fresh smelling towels to the magnificent buffet - everything was awesome and exceeded our expectations. The chefs did such a great job, the food was absolutely delicious- every single day. To put it in a nutshell: absolutely great holiday resort!" - Ma Zi