Honeymoons With a Twist

Think honeymoon, and certain destinations come immediately to mind: Hawaii, Italy, Tahiti, St. Lucia, Mexico, France, Bermuda, to name a few. For some, being at a Sandals in Jamaica with lots of other honeymooners is ideal. But others may want all the perks of a traditional honeymoon, but without the crowds. Here are some alternatives to consider:

* Instead of Tuscany, try Sicily. The island boasts good restaurants, some nice hotels, incredible history and pleasant beaches. Land in either Palermo or Catania, rent a car and hit the hot spots, which include Agrigento, Syracusa, Taormina and Cefalu. Many of the island's luxury hotels are located in Taormina: take a look at San Domenico Palace and Grand Hotel Timeo. If you're more outdoorsy, yet love good food and nice accommodations, take a look at the Italian Dolomites. The Val Gardena region, including the towns of Ortisei, Santa Cristina and Selva Gardena, offer lovely scenery, fine restaurants and great hiking. Lodging choices include Hotel Aaritz in Selva Gardena and Hotel Posta Cavallino Bianco in Ortisei. And if you want to spend a couple of nights in a city, go to nearby Bolzano, where you can say hi to Otzi, the ice mummy, at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology.

* Instead of the Costa del Sol coast of Spain, consider the Costa Blanca coast . You may very well spend a week there without seeing another American, especially outside of the summer season. Fly into Alicante, rent a car and head north. The coast is dotted with small fishing/tourist villages that offer nice lodging and lovely promenades with wine bars and restaurants. I'm partial to the town of Moraira -- take a look at the Hotel La Sort there.

Wanna get away? Dive into Dominica. (Dominica Tourist Office)

* If spending time away from other Americans is appealing, Austria has regions where you'll spend days without hearing any English, much less an American accent. In Upper Austria, several incredibly scenic lakes -- Traunsee, Attersee and Mondsee -- are ringed with villages that offer lodging, restaurants, etc. The town of Gmunden on Lake Traunsee is one of my favorites. If you like spa towns, consider Bad Schallerbach, which offers outdoor music festivals and a fine spa.

* If you like the idea of the Caribbean, but you don't want to spend your days drinking pina coladas on the beach, try an island that offers alternatives. For nature lovers, consider Dominica -- it's not the best for beaches, but it offers great hiking, birdwatching and snorkeling. Plus the price is right: rates are typically much cheaper than what's found on other more touristed islands. Lodging options include Beau Rive, Zandoli Inn, Crescent Moon Cabins and Calibishie Lodges. BTW, the tourism authority is currently holding a Showers of Love contest, offering the chance to win a five-night stay for two. Another offbeat option is any of the Out Islands of the Bahamas: Rock House on Harbour Island is a top luxury choice, and Cape Santa Maria Resort on Long Island fits smaller budgets.

* If you're set on Costa Rica, it's fine to do the beach-and-zipwire thing, but also consider spending a few days in the country's rainforest. Take a look at Selva Verde Lodge in Sarapiqui, which offers isolated individual cabins set in the forest, plus whitewater rafting, hiking and other outdoorsy pursuits.

* Go back to Wedding Week. *

By Carol Sottili |  February 20, 2009; 7:06 AM ET  | Category:  Carol Sottili , Wedding Travel , Weddings
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Posted by: JoshFriedmanLuxuryTravel | February 25, 2009 12:40 AM

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