Most couples planning their honeymoon are dreaming of the soft sand of Hawaii or the overwater bungalows of Bora Bora. But what if we told you that you can bond over heart-stopping adventures, witness jaw-dropping scenery, and marvel at local wildlife– all in a landscape so remote you’ll feel like the only people in the world?
Roaring fires, steamy hot tubs, private cooking classes, yachts and chefs. Alaska is secluded, intimate, and sets the stage for a romantic and unforgettable honeymoon.
Adventurous Escapes
For couples who are united in their quest for heart-pounding adventure, there’s plenty in Alaska. Aerial explorations have no limits in The Last Frontier, where soaring over mountain ranges and landing on glaciers can be a daily occurrence. Whether you’re exploring the 13 million acres of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park with your own pilot-guide, caving the famous El Capitan or navigating bobbing icebergs via kayak – an adrenaline rush in Alaska is easy to arrange.
Wild at Heart
The wildlife in Alaska is second-to-none, with Alaska boasting 70% of North America’s brown bear population. There’s something sacred about getting back to nature, quietly witnessing wildlife in their natural habitat, being allowed a front-row seat to their day-to-day activities. Who better to share that with than the person you love?
Wildlife-viewing opportunities aren’t exclusive to guided excursions in Alaska. You may spot a humpback breaching during a boat transfer, a bald eagle circling overhead while on a hike, or you might even find yourself fishing alongside (and competing against) a grizzly bear for salmon (but hopefully not too close!).
Table for Two
While many don’t think of Alaska first and foremost when it comes to a gastronomic getaway, this northern state may surprise you. For Alaskans, nose to tail isn’t simply a passing trend – it’s a way of life. Everything gets used here, in a variety of ways. Hand-harvested local spruce tips and whole juniper berries contribute to the lauded 50 Fathoms Gin, distilled in Juneau. Local chefs forage for bull kelp and milk-cap funghi, with their daily acquisitions showing up on special sheets in Juneau and Anchorage. From Michelin-trained chefs to James Beard Foundation finalists, Alaska’s chefs are returning home, and visitors are reaping the rewards.
Bucket List Bonding
Research out of Northeastern University has shown that the release of dopamine is critical to human bonding. An effective way to release dopamine is through new and exciting activities, and what’s more thrilling than checking items off your bucket list?
Strap on some snowshoes and trek across the remote Ruth Glacier before returning to your luxurious lodge set within Denali National Park. Fly high in a bush plane before touching down on an ancient glacier for an afternoon of fat tire biking or helicopter rafting. Curl up under a cozy blanket and watch the aurora borealis as it dances across the night sky. This is once-in-a-lifetime romance, Alaska style.
From culinary delights to epic adventures, Alaska offers something for every couple’s taste. Wild adventures by land, air and sea may appeal to some, while others may be after slow saunas, intimate cooking classes and connecting in nature. Wherever your interests lie, an Alaskan honeymoon will surely be wild and unforgettable.
