If you and your partner are inclined towards arts and crafts activities, honeymooning in SA will be a blast. Those who can’t see themselves going the mainstream tourist route and are looking for something different, keep an eye out for South Africa’s many art studios, creative classes and markets for a fun alternative.

Get your creative juices flowing with these arty activities across the country.

Paint something

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If you’re looking for a delightful day out, paint something together. It might even be something useful like a coffee mug, plate or flower planter that will be a special addition to your home. Many studios offer ready-made items for you to paint, and we adore the Clay Cafe in Cape Town.

Take a ceramic class

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Making something with your hands is always a rewarding experience. If you are looking for a bit of a challenge other than just painting something, go for a ceramics class together! Get down and dirty with pottery, sculpting or any other clay work and make something you’ll cherish forever. We love Kim Sacks School of Ceramics in Johannesburg.

Visit an arts & crafts market

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If you’re feeling less like making and more like buying, visit one of South Africa’s many arts and crafts markets to browse some outstanding local art. Look for unique pieces perfect for your home and keep an eye out, the artist may be right there at the stall! For an all-in-one with delicious food on top, go to the Neighbourgoods market in Johannesburg.

Look at street art

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Getting out and about is the best way to explore a city and many of SA’s cities are known for spectacular street art. Look up some places with street art and research the history and meaning behind it. Then go browse and of course, persuade your partner to execute an elaborate photoshoot for the ‘Gram. Woodstock in Cape Town has some amazing street art.

Visit an art gallery

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For a more sophisticated art experience, visit one of the top notch art galleries in the country. You and your partner might have favourite artists, styles or eras of art history. Look up the galleries in your destination, pack your best dress and heels and observe the splendour. We love State of the ART gallery in Cape Town.

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Some power couples are keeping fit wherever they go, and we salute you. If fitness is your passion, why not include it in your honeymoon? That way you won’t feel guilty about indulging in that decadent dessert!

Wherever you go, it’s easy to find other like-minded souls who love sport as much as you do. Take a look at these activities you can do almost anywhere if you’re keen to break a sweat.

1. Hike

Hiking is a great couple activity as it allows for chatting all the way and taking time to appreciate the surroundings. Pack your favourite snacks and get laced up. You’ll never be disappointed hiking in South Africa.  Take a look at Hike Cape Town.

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2. Run

Runners are lucky in the sense that you can do it anywhere on earth. If you’re a casual runner or just want to keep a basic fitness routine while on honeymoon, look up a Park Run near you. If you’re a more serious runner, maybe enter a race in your honeymoon destination together and battle it out on the road.

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3. Kayak

For those who love water sports, kayaking is the perfect combination of exercise and fun. Grab the sunscreen and head out! Your arms might feel it the next day, but it’ll be so worth it. We love Untouched Adventures.

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4. Cycle

Cyclists are so in love with their sport, they don’t even see it as exercise. Take to the open road with your love for the ultimate honeymoon adventure while burning some calories. Head over to Cape Cycle Routes.

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5. Ultimate frisbee

Some would say, the ultimate sport. Wherever you go, there’s bound to be casual games happening on a beach or a park that anyone can join, regardless of skill. Cape Town has the most ultimate frisbee action, but there are active teams in Pietermaritzburg, Joburg, Potchefstroom and Bloemfontein too. Take a look at the Cape Town Flying Disc Association. 

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If you’ve recently tied the knot, we bet you only have eyes for your partner. Your honeymoon should be a special time filled with romance and love. Forget about the stress and worries of real life, this is all about quality bonding time.

South Africa has no shortage of romantic ventures and secluded little spots. Take a look at these couple-focused activities for head-over-heels lovebirds.

1. Hot air balloon

Nothing says ‘romance’ like a hot air balloon ride. Many a proposal has been carried out mid-air, but it’s even more thrilling to take in the view with your new spouse. We like Mankwe Gametrackers in Pilanesberg.

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2. Picnic

You’ve done it a thousand times, but it never gets old. Picnics are the universal go-to romantic date and it’s easy to see why. Food, beautiful surroundings and your loved one. What more could you want? Find a secluded beach, park or nature spot for the perfect picnic.

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3. Wine tasting

Ah, the original love potion. Wine farms are notoriously beautiful and create the perfect setting. Do a tasting, a pairing or full out dinner date, but include wine. You’ll thank us later. Take a look at Haskell Vineyards in Stellenbosch.

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4. Couple’s massage

Massages plus romance? Win-win! Massages are not only relaxing and reviving, it’s great for your muscles and blood circulation. You’ll both leave feeling revived and pampered from head to toe! We recommend Vusalela Day Spa in Pretoria.

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5. Sunset boat cruise

Imagine it: The wind through your hair, the sun’s last golden rays and the gentle waves of the sea. Boat rides are an escape from reality and will make you fall in love all over again! We like Waterfront Charters in Cape Town.

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6. Dance lesson

Learn a new skill or practice an old hobby! Dance lessons from tango to salsa and everything in between are fun and you get to hold your love in your arms. Give it a try! We love Salsa Cape Town.

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For some people, lying around by the hotel pool on your honeymoon is not enough. And why should it be? If you and your love are adventure-seekers, there’s enough to get your heart rate up in this country.

When planning your post-lockdown honeymoon, keep these places in mind and take a ride on the wild side of life.

1. Skydive

Want to know how it feels to fly? Skydiving is super popular and the view from the top is spectacular. There are several places across the country that offer this sport, but we love Skydive Tandem Johannesburg. Always make sure you only go through a registered company and qualified instructors.

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2. River raft 

River rafting, or white water rafting, is an extremely fun activity for two. Make sure you go in the summer months, because you will get wet, trust us! Choose one of South Africa’s many beautiful rivers. We like Gravity Adventures in the Northern Cape.

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3. Bungee jump

This is inevitable for anyone who calls themselves an adrenaline junkie. Be brave, take that leap! South Africa has the world’s highest bridge bungee. Take a look at Face Adrenalin.

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4. Scuba dive

Lovers of the underwater world will know we have some of the most incredible diving spots. From reef diving to shark diving to wreck diving, take your pick. Only go with a diving company and qualified instructors. We love Adventure Mania in Sodwana Bay.

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5. Cliff jump

Not only is cliff jumping, or kloofing, an adrenaline pumping activity, but to get to the cliff you often have to hike along beautiful routes. Get down and dirty in nature, also a summertime activity but if you’re brave enough, all year round. Have a try at Canyon Adventures on the Garden Route.

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Trip planning time! If you’re recently married or plan to get hitched as soon as lockdown lifts, you’ll want to go on a special vacation with your love.

A honeymoon is a time to celebrate your new life together, bond and grow close without all the hassles of everyday life like work and kids.

A honeymoon abroad may sound exotic and exciting, but it might not be possible for another while to come. We’ll let you in on a secret. Honeymooning in South Africa is actually a way better idea! Here’s why.

1. You’ll boost local economy

The South African tourism industry is on its knees since the coronavirus hit. The lockdown has been especially hard for hotels, restaurants, tour operators and travel agents. Why not play a part in helping them get back on their feet? Supporting the local industry will strengthen the economy and recover livelihoods.

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2. It’s lighter on your budget 

Of course, travelling abroad is expensive, no matter where you go. Booking locally means you can plan your budget in your own currency and don’t have to worry about exchange rates. Many tourist attractions have special prices for South African citizens, too.

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3. You’ll have more time 

Not having to sit on planes and airports for hours means you spend more time having fun. Destinations are closer and getting where you want to be is easier than flying overseas. No time difference also means no jet lag, bonus!

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4. There is so much to discover

You might not think so, but there’s way more to South Africa than safari and Table Mountain (although those two are pretty awesome). Our diverse country offers remote camping spots, loads of adrenaline pumping adventure activities, idyllic beaches that are not overcrowded (try the West Coast) and a wealth of cultural heritage (have you ever been to the Cradle of Human kind?).

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5. It’s convenient

Unless you’re rolling in cash and can afford to book all the most luxurious companies that will do almost everything but your packing for you, it’s hard work travelling overseas. Getting from place to place can be a hassle on public transport and struggling to get an activity booked in a foreign language can be terrifying. Plus, you’re already missing your biltong and milk tart when you look at the menu with no idea what’s on it.

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Image: Instargam/VisitSouthAfrica

For some, the classic island getaway is perfect for a honeymoon. But for the couples who are always looking to shake things up, that may be a bit boring. Newlyweds these days are often looking for alternative ways to celebrate their marriage.

Some have opted for honeyteering, and others have chosen to have no honeymoon at all. If neither of these options suit you, perhaps some weird and wonderful hotels around the world will tickle your fancy.

Check out these creative and different-from-the-usual hotels around the world:

– Gladstone’s Library

Gladstone’s Library in the UK offers bookworms a getaway with a difference. The library boasts 26 boutique bedrooms, a bistro that offers breakfast, lunch and supper, and an ideal location.

It is situated just outside the famous walled city of Chester, and is on the doorstep of the Welsh countryside, so you’ll have many tourist opportunities on your book-lovers’ honeymoon too.

Surround yourself with 150 000 books, in the UK’s only residential library for a honeymoon like no other.

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– Bjorli Snowhotel

This hotel is made from 15 million litres of water. Impressive, right? Igloo accommodation is definitely a break from the usual and will be an unforgettable experience.

Bjorli Snowhotel also comes with an ice bar and a ice chapel, if you’re interested. Their rooms feature ice beds, mood lighting and fleece-lined sleeping bags to keep you warm.

Situated only 1km from Bjorli ski resort, you’ll be in for some snow activities too. It is also a 45-minute drive from it’s sister hotel, Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park, which comes with a hot-tub, sauna and indoor pool that visitors can use.

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– Kokopelli’s Cave

Spend your honeymoon on the inside the vertical cliffs of the 60 million year olf Ojo Alamo sandstone, in a cave house that over looks the La Plata river valley.

From the bed and breakfast, you have an unmatched view of awe-inspiring southwestern sunsets over the beautiful La Plata River valley and the four states of Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Colorado,  in the USA.

The Cave is man made and was originally intended to be a an office for Bruce Black, the owner, who is a consulting geologist. When his plan didn’t materialize, it was made into a bed and breakfast.

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Hotel Costa Verde

As if a honeymoon in the tree-tops is not different enough already, Hotel Costa Verde takes things to the next level and offers a stay in a refurbished vintage 1965 Boeing 727.

Have a honeymoon that makes you feel on top of the world and opt for the airplane in the rainforest!

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– Palacio de Sal, Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

Built entirely of salt, the first of its kind, Palacio de Sal (Salt Palace Hotel) is in perfect harmony with the white desert that surrounds it. This one is a truly unique experience.

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– Dog Bark Park Inn

This hotel, built in the shape of a beagle, is a well-known landmark in Idaho, USA. Being ranked in the top 20 most fun and exciting places to stay by the London Times, it is surely not to be missed. This is the one time that being in the doghouse is a good thing!

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– Bonus – Underwater suites at various hotels 

If you’ve ever wanted to know what it’s like to breathe under water, this is probably the closest you’ll get. Live out all your fairytale, little mermaid fantasies and spend your honeymoon in an underwater suite!

There are various hotels around the world, in Dubai, Jamaica,  India, London, and Mexico, that offer this option. You won’t struggle to find a good option for you. You may, however, struggle to get a booking as most hotels only have one underwater suite – so get planning now!

Atlantis The Palm – Dubai 

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The Manta Resort – Jamaica 

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Image: Instagram / hotelcostaverde