Modern couples are bucking the trend of excess for their wedding and looking for more and more ways that they can celebrate and still be kind to the environment.
A honeymoon, just like your wedding day, doesn’t need to about opulence and luxury – it needs to be about romance and about how the two of you as a couple would most love to spend this time together.
You can get sustainable honeymoon destinations that dabble in luxury, or you can opt a little more for the barefoot, roughing it option. Whatever sort of romantic getaway turns you on, one of the earth-friendly venues below is guaranteed to give you what you need.
Only Dream Dresses Top 5 Sustainable Honeymoon Destinations
Daintree Ecolodge
https://www.daintree-ecolodge.com.au
There are very few places in the world quite as stunning and as memorable as the Daintree Rainforest. This part of Queensland boasts incredible lush surroundings, with colours, sights and smells to fill your head. A haven of natural luxury, you will never want to return to the real world after spending time here.
The Ecolodge is small, with just 15 eco-friendly bayans immersed within the rainforest, giving each guest complete serenity and privacy. There is a spa and also a restaurant, so you can nourish yourself internally and externally and come home replenished.
The lodge works hand in hand with local organisations to halt the effects of deforestation and look after local wildlife, while teaching guests about the singular beauty of the area.
Sal Salis
There is private and exclusive, and then there is truly remote, like Sal Salis. This is an eco-friendly luxury camp on a far stretch of the WA Ningaloo coast in the heart of the native beach and bush.
There are a number of tent options, but we especially love the Honeymoon Tent – perfectly set up for romance and a little more secluded from all of the other accommodation. You have ocean views from the canopy bed as well as from the shower.
You can relax in a hammock beside your tent, paddle in the balmy warm waters of the Indian Ocean and visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed reef. Local inhabitants include over 500 species of fish, 250 species of coral as well as whales, sharks, rays and turtles.
You can also visit the nearby Cape Range National Park to meet more animal friends and explore the rugged landscape of this little piece of paradise.
There is a central lodge for drinks and dining and to access things like games and books.
Cicada Lodge
https://www.nitmiluktours.com.au/accommodation/cicada-lodge
Cicada Lodge is a beautiful accommodation venue within the Nitmiluk National Park in the Northern Territory. With just 18 rooms, all with breathtaking views of ancient landscapes across Nitilmuk Gorge, every guest here is treated to a honeymoon of unmatchable quality.
Every room has a private balcony and feature full-length doors that you can open completely to connect with nature day and night. The venue has an outdoor pool as well as a restaurant, and every room features the rich colours of artwork from local indigenous artists.
There is an abundance of activities and exploring you can do in the national park, or you can choose to completely chill out and enjoy each other’s company in a truly magical setting. There is really nothing else you could need.
Emirates One & Only Wolgan Valley
https://www.oneandonlyresorts.com/wolgan-valley
Australia is truly spoilt for naturally beautiful landscapes – which is why it is so important that we take extra care to look after our unique environment. In the Blue Mountains just a few hours from Sydney you will find the One & Only Resort Wolgan Valley, another divine eco-friendly and sustainable wedding destination.
These rooms are stylish and luxurious all the while nestled in the conservation and wildlife reserves of the Wollemi National Park and the Gardens of Stone National Park.
There are just 3 villas to choose from, with the one-bedroom heritage villa being perfect for honeymooners. In the heart of the country and overlooking the surrounding mountains and valley, you will love your own private pool, a big roomy tub for two, terrace balcony and open fireplace.
The venue has a restaurant as well as a more casual country kitchen, and a spa, with lots of activities perfect for couples and for intrepid explorers. You can also access private dining.
Why not hold your wedding here as well?
The Villas Barossa Valley
https://www.thevillasbarossa.com.au/
If you love the idea of a gourmet food and wine honeymoon, as well as staying in one of the most sustainable honeymoon destinations in Australia, come to this newly created sanctuary in SA. The venue boasts just two villas, both impeccable fusions of modern architecture and lush surrounding landscape.
The villas were constructed using Ecoshelta minimal impact, prefabricated modular buildings – the latest in environmentally responsible design which are beautiful, inspiring and luxurious.
They are a wonder of sanctuary and peace in a lovely bush retreat and offer the perfect home base to explore all that the Barossa Valley region has to offer. Floor to ceiling glass windows as well as your own balcony provides a light-filled room and stunning views of the sunset.
This place is relaxed and intimate, which is all that a honeymoon destination should be.
If you don’t see the perfect honeymoon spot on our list and would like other options (especially if you want to go as green as possible and find somewhere close to home), check out the list of accommodation providers who received eco-certification from Eco Tourism Australia: https://www.ecotourism.org.au/our-certification-programs/eco-certification/
Main Photo Credit: Me and My Travel Bugs
