Thinking of how to make your once in a lifetime honeymoon trip an amazingly romantic and unique experience? Well, were here to help you out! Pretty much everyone dreams of that perfect honeymoon and instead of heading to some of the more common locations,?visit?any one of these seven exotic countries and be prepared for an unforgettable trip!
1. Eastern Cape, South Africa
Wildlife, safari drives, gorgeous sunsets and landscapes If you and your other half are up for an unforgettable adventure, South Africa is the perfect place for your honeymoon! Although youll be staying in the African wilderness, dont pack your sleeping bag just yet. In fact, prepare to be spoiled if you decide to stay at a luxury safari lodge.
Where To Stay
Kariega Game Reserve
Credit:?Kariega Game Reserve
This reserve offers five different luxury safari lodges to suit your needs but if you ask us, we have our eyes set on the Settlers Drift-?a 5-star tented safari with complete privacy. Each tented suite comes with a private viewing deck, giving you stunning views overlooking the Bushmans River. Of course, your stay at the game reserve wouldnt be complete without safari drives and guided bush walks! Imagine close-up stunning views of the Big 5 (lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard) as well as other South African wildlife. Dont forget your camera, youll want to remember this moment.
P.S. Being situated in the Eastern Cape in South Africa, you can be assured that Kariega is a malaria-free game reserve.
Halal dining options: Yes
Click here to book Kariega Game Reserve
2. Abu Dhabi
Credit:?Qasr Al Sarab
Want an unconventional honeymoon? How about a desert retreat with romantic star-filled night skies? Youll also be able to explore the mystical desert dunes by camel or experience the adrenaline rush with dune bashing!
Where To Stay
Anantara Qasr Al Sarab
Credit:?Qasr Al Sarab
This luxurious accommodation is situated at The Empty Quarter ? the worlds largest stretch of uninterrupted desert covering covering 250,000 square miles, making it a popular spot for dune bashing and other sand sports! If sand sports are not your thing, relax by your comfy day beds and enjoy breathtaking views of the desert!
P.S. If youre looking for an accommodation with your own private pool, the One Bedroom Anantara Pool Villa would be perfect!
Halal dining options: Yes
Click here to book Anantara Qasr Al Sarab
3. Crete, Greece
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Many think of Santorini or Athens when we say Greece, but if youre looking for somewhere in Greece thats less mainstream but still rich in culture and has amazing views, we say head to Crete instead!
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Whether youre interested in the amazing beaches (there are a total of 350 beaches in Crete!) or exploring the quaint city of Chania (with a touch of Florence and Venice to it), Crete has something for everyone!
?Where to stay
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You can choose to stay in a studio with gorgeous sea views or a private villa complete with your very own pool. Its pretty much dependent on your interests and budget.
Credit: Airbnb
Studios are definitely cheaper and nearer to the local town, so its more accessible if youre planning to explore but are not planning to travel by car. If youre planning to drive (or rent a car), you can opt for private villas as theyre usually located a short drive away from the local town.
Food
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Unfortunately, its pretty tough to find halal food in Crete but not to worry. When travelling, eat local right? Crete is known for their vegetarian food, as theyre huge on locally grown, organic and extremely fresh fruits and vegetables! If youre a fan of olive oil, youre in luck because they make (reportedly) the worlds best olive oil in Crete and most dishes you find will contain olive oil!
#HHWT Tip: Seafood is actually not as popular in Crete as vegetarian food..
4. Seychelles
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A secluded island in the middle of the Indian Ocean just northeast of Madagascar. Oh Seychelles, it cant get anymore exotic than this. Seychelles is definitely our pick if youre looking for a country thats not swarming with tourists and yet has amazing views. If youre exploring the island, try speaking simple phrases in French to earn you some brownie points with the locals!
Where To Stay
Maia Luxury Resort and Spa
maia luxury resort and spa
Be prepared for a romantic, private getaway as all villas come with butler service, an infinity pool, 180 degree sea views of the spectacular Indian Ocean and are secluded from one another.
Halal dining options:?Yes
Villa and pool privacy:?Yes, private infinity pool
Prayer facilities/mosque on the island:?Yes
Alcohol-free villas:?Yes
Spa:?Female spa therapists
Others:?Female butler service
Click here to book Maia Luxury Resort and Spa
5. Granada, Spain
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Granada probably wont be the first city to come to mind when we mention Spain. But if youre thinking of travelling to Europe for your honeymoon, how about skipping the usual cities and head over to Granada instead? This city houses the largest Muslim community in Spain and is rich in Islamic history. Explore the streets of Granada and learn about its rich history. One thing is for sure, itll be an unforgettable experience.
http://www.spain-holiday.com/blog/spains-muslims-have-started-the-first-day-of-ramadan.php
Where to stay
Find a hotel/apartment in the Albaicin (or Albayzin) district as its the old Arab quarter and youll find a strong community of local Muslims living in the area. The two mosques in Granada are also located within the district ? Al Taqwa Masjid and the Grand Masjid of Granada.
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#HHWT Tip: The famous palace, Alhambra is around a 30mins walk away from the Masjid and you can get an amazing view of it from the San Nicholas Viewpoint.
Food
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If youre staying around Albaicin, there are a number of restaurants serving halal food such as Arrayenes, but of course, if theres no sign in the window, do check with the owners.
6. Mauritius
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An?island in the middle of the Indian Ocean, Mauritius is the perfect island getaway if youre looking for a private, romantic trip?but still want to explore the vibrant local culture.
Where To Stay
Angsana Balaclava
The villa is designed to reflect the traditional Mauritian style Creole village with thatched roofs and wooden terraces. Youll also get to enjoy free non-motorized water activities such as snorkelling, glass bottom boat trips, water skiing, windsurfing and more! If thats not enough, experience the local culture as the resort is located a short 20min drive away from Port Louis.
Halal dining options:?Yes
Villa and pool privacy:?Yes
Prayer facilities/mosque on the island:?Yes
Alcohol-free villas:?Yes
Spa:?Female spa therapists
Click here to book Angsana Balaclava
7.?Maldives
Credit:?agoda
A honeymoon in Maldives may not be the most exotic of our list but its definitely one of the best locations for Muslim-friendly villas! Imagine private pools, halal dining options and best of all, the endless clear blue water. Definitely the best beach getaway youll ever have!
Where To Stay
Shangri-La Villingili
Credit:?shang-rila villingili
There are so many Muslim-friendly accomodations to choose from in Maldives but Shangri-La Villingili is high up on our bucket list! With villas leading you straight to the ocean, butler services and incredible views of the Indian Ocean, youre all set for your dream honeymoon!
Halal dining options:?Yes
Villa and pool privacy:?Yes, private infinity pool
Prayer facilities/mosque on the island:?Yes
Alcohol-free villas:?Yes
Spa:?Private, female-only spa services