This is a guest article from our friends at Truly Experiences
Header image by Sean O. on Unsplash

Being environmentally friendly is a trend everyone can embrace – even newlyweds! In recent years the idea of an eco-friendly honeymoon has become incredibly popular. Couples are fast finding that they can reduce their carbon footprint while still making marvellous memories.

If you’re planning a romantic getaway take a look at these sustainable honeymoon options. Each destination offers something special for the environmentally conscious couple who want to relax after the whirlwind of wedding preparations and their big day.

Lefay: Italy

We start our review of eco-conscious honeymoon destinations at Lefay in Italy. This resort, which makes use of eco-designed architecture and renewable alternative energy sources, is situated in the town of Gargnano on the shores of picturesque Lake Garda. The focus of Lefay is on sustainability, and the resort works towards neutralising its CO2 emissions.

Lefay offers honeymooners the opportunity to personalise their stay according to their own wellness needs, but it never compromises on environmental wellness while doing so. Couples can relax and cosy up in gorgeous eco-friendly rooms, suites or chalets. There’s also a phenomenal spa complete with saunas, pools and relaxation rooms that provide pampering at its premium. These facilities ensure that when you leave, you’ll feel refreshed and revitalised without having done Mother Nature any harm.

May, June, July and August are the best times to visit this resort as the weather is warmer. But the verdant views of the lake and the surrounding snow-capped mountains ranges are spectacular all year round.

Aro Ha: New Zealand

The next stop on our tour of eco-friendly honeymoon destinations is New Zealand’s Aro Ha. Found in the country’s majestic southern alps, Aro Ha is proud to offer newlyweds eco-friendly accommodation amid pristine beauty.

This award-winning retreat seamlessly combines wellness traditions with the utmost luxury. There’s a focus on relaxing, revitalising and respecting the earth; even the vegetarian cuisine is self-sufficient, made with organic ingredients from the onsite permaculture gardens.

Each eco-friendly room is elegant and natural, featuring stylish recycled timbers and breath-taking views of the glacial-fed Lake Wakatipu. The surrounding environment has been carefully considered in the design and makes use of natural ecological features to blend in.

From sub-alpine hiking with your new spouse to saluting the sun at daily yoga sessions, Aro Ha is an exceptional choice for the couple who enjoys being in nature.

New Zealand has a rather temperate climate with January/February being the warmest months and July the coldest. Depending on what type of experience you want for your honeymoon – be it a nice cosy time by the fire or a chance to become one with nature – Aro Ha has it all!

 

Zen: Bali

If Julia Roberts’ last stop in Eat Pray Love was the highlight of the film in your opinion, you should seriously consider Zen for your honeymoon.

Zen is everything you ever dreamed Bali has to offer, from crystal-clear, calm waters to island-style settings and incredibly friendly people. The entire resort is inspired by nature, and it strives to blend in as seamlessly possible. 

Nestled in tropical gardens and surrounded by birds and butterflies, you’ll feel like you’ve gone back to basics without compromising on luxury or comfort. Each private villa is designed based on traditional Balinese ethos, with handmade furnishings and a private view of the open sky. There’s a strong focus on sustainable living, which carries through to the cuisine based on the mantra “Think Global, Eat Local.”

Bali’s dry season runs from April to October. If your wedding falls within these months, keep Zen on your list of possible eco-conscious honeymoon destinations.

Karkloof Safari Spa: South Africa

If you want to take a walk on the wild side but still want to maintain those eco-friendly vibes, we recommend you check out Karkloof Safari Spa in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

This spa has adjoining villas designed in harmony with its lush surroundings, and the views of the surrounding mountains and waterfalls will take your breath away. In addition to the eco-friendly villas, the spa only uses biodegradable products and has been built out of recycled bricks. The resort also uses low impact electric vehicles to transport guests, and all the food is sourced locally. 

KwaZulu-Natal has hot, humid summers and dry, mild winters, so a honeymoon at Karkloof Safari Spa can be enjoyed all year round.  

Greece: Porto Carras Grand Resort

If miles and miles of white, sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters is your idea of the perfect honeymoon, then Porto Carras Grand Resort in Northern Greece is for you.

This resort has been awarded the Green Key Eco Label and has the following eco-conscious facilities on site:

• A triple desalination and drinking water plant
• A state-of-the-art biological waste treatment plant
• Organic cultivation
• Systematic recycling

There are two 5-star hotels to choose from, luxurious villas, a casino, a golf course, marina and two thalassotherapy and spa centres. The spa only uses natural ingredients, and the 14 restaurants all use organically grown produce to create their mouth-watering dishes. This resort may be opulent and enormous, but it’s environmentally conscious in just about every way possible.

The best time for honeymooners to visit Porto Carras Grand Resort is around spring (April/May) and autumn (September/October) as temperatures in the peak summer months are incredibly high. 

Mexico: Palmaïa, The House of Aïa

Located on the picturesque Riviera Maya, Palmaïa is a superb eco-friendly resort that aims not to interfere with the local landscape or ecology in any way. The resort was designed to be sustainable and to utilise all the natural resources without depleting them. Each private Caribbean-facing terraced villas feature biodegradable amenities, with plant-based menus, animal product-free rooms and a zero plastic policy. The resort aims to become 100% carbon neutral in the future.

Besides the easy access to pristine beaches and a jungle spa, what makes Palmaïa stand out is that it was built around two cenotes. These naturally-occurring underwater swimming holes date back to the Mayans who believed them to be ‘sacred wells’. Taking a swim in one of these freshwater swimming caves it a truly mystical and romantic experience to mark your new life together. 

Mexico’s dry season runs between December and April, and this is the best time to visit if you want to really enjoy all that this destination has to offer.

Choosing an eco-conscious honeymoon destination doesn’t have to be a complicated affair. The focus on sustainability and environmental awareness at resorts around the world is inspiring to see. These exceptional options give you the chance to relax and enjoy your newfound newlywed status while being kind to the earth.