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With same-sex marriage recently legalised in the UK, and with simultaneous victories around the world, gay couples everywhere are tying the knot, and with more weddings come more honeymoons. But as wedding celebrations become more lavish and the queer versions of hen and stag dos are really starting to take off, there’s also been an increase in the popularity of healthier alternatives to the traditional honeymoon. There’s plenty of time to drink and revel when you get back to Soho, so why not detox and refresh to mark your new life with your loved one?
Here are our top LGBT-friendly healthy honeymoons, compiled with the help of our friends at Health and Fitness Travel, offering a healthy stay for what will be one of the most memorable holidays of your life.
From adventure honeymoons in Oman, to beach spa honeymoons in Crete or activity honeymoons in Mexico, these hand-selected honeymoon destinations from around the globe welcome LGBT newlywed couples into a friendly and accepting environment. So begin the rest of your lives together by making your honeymoon an unforgettable experience as you escape to paradise and feel guilt-free about it all.
Mexico: Rancho La Puerta
Situated on the colourful hills of the Baja California, Rancho La Puerta in Mexico flourishes with a welcoming atmosphere promoting a friendly environment. With a wide range of fitness and wellness facilities, you and your loved one can spend time keeping fit and relaxing to your hearts’ content on this healthy honeymoon escape.
For couples who enjoy keeping active, spend the morning hiking the vibrant mountains, before a game of tennis or beach volleyball, making this the ideal destination for a honeymoon activity holiday.
Spend your afternoons relaxing at the spa, with healing hot stone massages and aromatherapy, before raising the romance as you dine by candlelight.
Utah: Red Mountain Resort
Kick-start married life with health and wellness, whilst you indulge your adventurous sides and improve your fitness. Amongst the iconic Red Mountains of Utah, you’ll find an amazing destination for fitness and fun. Reconnect with nature as you both take advantage of the beautiful and natural landscapes on daily morning walks and mountain hikes. Then you can try some of the other heart-pumping fitness activities on offer – from kickboxing to horseback riding and mountain biking to Tai Chi. Ideal for a couples’ healthy holiday, after a day of vigorous exercise and energetic good times, unwind together and enjoy a Canyon warm stone massage in the luxurious spa.
Crete: Blue Palace
A popular destination for newlywed couples, the beautiful Greek island of Crete with its stunning Elounda coastline is on show at this luxury wellness retreat.
Blue Palace is the perfect destination for a beach spa holiday. It’s a great place to relax on a secluded beach with stunning views of the glistening Gulf. The beachside spa offers a couple’s suite with signature treatments for you to enjoy together. You can even take day trips to nearby villages and discover the delicious cuisine on offer at any of the resort’s 5 star restaurants.
Italy: Adler Thermae
Escape to romantic Italy and begin married life on a healthy honeymoon in the beautiful Tuscan countryside at Adler Thermae. If you’re looking to refresh and unwind, you’ll find that at Adler Thermae you can happily wave goodbye to all the wedding-planning stress.
Explore the stunning heart of Tuscany’s natural park, Val d’Orcia, and taste local wines together, before relaxing side-by-side with a rejuvenating wine-infused spa treatment. Alternatively, you can explore the lush green hills with peaceful hikes, healthy bike rides and Nordic walking classes or make the most of complimentary fitness classes, such as TRX, to return home from your healthy honeymoon fighting fit.
Vietnam: Fusion Maia
Escape on one of these ultimate luxury wellness honeymoons and be pampered in the all-inclusive splendour of Fusion Maia in Vietnam. Indulge with a minimum of two spa treatments each day and spend your healthy honeymoon at one of the most beautiful beach destinations in the world. Discover your surroundings with complimentary shuttle busses to bustling Hoi An, Tai Chi classes on marble mountain and diving and snorkelling excursions to local Cu Lao Cham Island.
If that wasn’t enough, you can get active with a variety of water sports and open your mind with daily wellness talks to help rebalance mind, body and soul.
Thailand: Point Yamu
For newlyweds looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, Point Yamu in Thailand is a godsend. Located on a secluded peninsular of Phuket island, newlyweds can combine fitness with wellness at this luxury wellness retreat.
Enjoy group fitness classes, including yoga, stretch class and Tai Chi. You can also boost your well-being with a choice of luxury spa treatments. Sightseers can take a tour Phuket Old Town for a taste of local culture, or shape up whilst exploring the idyllic surroundings with rock climbing and mountain biking, for an activity holiday that reconnects you with nature.
Turkey: Kempinski Barbaros Bay
On the pristine shoreline of Turkey’s breathtaking Barbaros Bay, this luxury oceanfront retreat offers the perfect gay friendly destination for a healthy honeymoon in May.
With a range of activities such as Nordic walking, cycling, interval training, yoga, ATV Safaris and group scuba diving outings, you’ll never be bored at Barbaros Bay.
Make the most of Kempinski’s daily activities, including cultural tours of ancient Bodrum and local villages, before recovering with an indulgent menu of Asian inspired luxury spa treatments; a beautiful start to your happily-ever-after.
For further advice, guidance and bookings, you can visit healthandfitnesstravel.com/healthy-honeymoons.
