Can we share a hot take with you? When perfectly planned and executed, your honeymoon is likely to be the wedding-related event that offers you the greatest return on investment. A curated honeymoon means zero stress, quality time for you and your new spouse, and memories that will last a lifetime. And the best part? Planning your honeymoon does not need to be difficult. In fact, with the right Travel Designer who understands you and what makes a honeymoon magical, it requires nothing more than a phone call. That’s where Craft Travel comes in. As a boutique agency, they tailor personalized journeys to the world’s most incredible destinations. They go beyond the typical all-inclusive vacations and impersonal booking sites. At Craft Travel, no two trips are ever the same, and they believe that each honeymoon is a once-in-a-lifetime experience where every last detail should reflect your wants and needs.
They’ve sent newlyweds to all seven continents, but they say that if they’re being honest, there’s a certain destination that they feel takes the cake. South Africa may not always be the first country that comes to mind when thinking about your honeymoon, but they can tell you that there is no place in the world that offers a more unforgettable, unique, dynamic or affordable experience. Did you know that Conde Nast Traveller just named Cape Town as the world’s best foodie city? And that even the city’s most over-the-top restaurants are a fraction of the price of what you’d pay at home or anywhere in Europe? Or that just an hour’s drive from Cape Town is one of the most beautiful wine regions on earth, where tastings often cost less than $10 a person? Thanks to a weak currency, the value for tourists in South Africa is incredibly high, and even more so for honeymooners. Various hotels and top safari lodges offer as much as 50% off for the newlyweds when staying for their honeymoon. With private pools, zero crowds, breathtaking sunsets and unmatched personalized service, a safari is one of the most romantic ways to celebrate a honeymoon.
Autumn of Craft Travel’s first visit to South Africa two years ago only confirmed what Julia, Craft Travel’s owner and Capetonian transplant, already knew: this country is remarkably special. Craft’s local presence in South Africa gives their agency a distinct advantage, with firsthand knowledge of all the best-kept secrets, must-see experiences and most compelling offers for honeymooners.
If you’re looking for something truly unique, something beyond the typical beach resort, then read on to get inspired by one of Craft Travel’s favorite itineraries. This post unveils the magic of combining the South African bush with the nearby beaches of Mozambique or Seychelles – three often overlooked honeymoon locations that create the most epic adventure.
Stop 1: Cape Town
Vibrant, trendy Cape Town has such a broad appeal. It seamlessly blends a world-class culinary scene, stunning Cape Dutch architecture, and, of course, the impressive backdrop of the iconic Table Mountain, a site that is truly unreal in person. With numerous daily direct flights from the United States, this eclectic city makes an ideal starting point for your honeymoon. Cape Town offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, allowing you to experience the city at your own pace.
For a taste of Cape Town’s relaxed vibes, spend some time shopping at the bustling V&A Waterfront, exploring its diverse mix of high-end boutiques, local crafts, and numerous restaurants. Just steps away, the Watershed offers unique, handmade treasures, showcasing the talents of local designers and artisans. Stroll through the brightly painted streets of the Bo-Kaap neighborhood, or delve into South Africa’s history and culture by taking a ferry to Robben Island, the site of Nelson Mandela’s imprisonment. Treat yourselves to a classic high tea experience at the iconic Belmond Mount Nelson, a true Cape Town landmark instantly recognizable by its distinctive pink exterior and lush gardens.
Alternatively, for a more contemporary twist, ascend to the stylish Silo Hotel, housed in a converted grain silo, and enjoy panoramic city views from its chic, modern setting. While at the Silo, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the MOCAA Museum, Cape Town’s contemporary art museum located within the hotel. Cap off a relaxing day with dinner and stunning sunset views over the Atlantic at Salsify at the Roundhouse in Camps Bay.
But Cape Town isn’t just about eating and sightseeing; it’s the ultimate destination for outdoor lovers and adventure seekers who don’t necessarily envision their honeymoon being spent just lounging around a beach. There’s nothing quite like a sunrise hike to Lion’s Head, rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views and a picnic breakfast arranged by your guide.
Mountain biking, surfing, and stand up paddle are favorite activities for local Capetonians and many of our honeymooners. Explore Cape Town from a completely different angle with an epic helicopter tour or sidecar adventure down the remarkably scenic Atlantic Seaboard. Our guests always love a privately guided tour of the iconic Cape Peninsula, taking you to the charming naval town of Simon’s Town, home to a colony of African penguins at Boulders Beach. After Simon’s Town, make your way to the dramatic cliffs of the Cape of Good Hope, the southwesternmost point of Africa. Following your day of exploration, you can still enjoy breathtaking ocean views while dining at acclaimed restaurants like Chefs Warehouse at Tintswalo Atlantic, proving that even adventure can be paired with exquisite dining and romantic honeymoon vibes.
Stop 2: Cape Winelands
The Cape Winelands, just an hour’s drive from Cape Town, is a must-include on any of Craft Travel’s South Africa honeymoon itineraries. The area quite literally projects romance and charm everywhere you look. Franschhoek and Stellenbosch, two of the region’s most celebrated towns, boast hundreds of boutique wineries within easy reach of each other by car.
Many of the region’s best hotels are situated on actual vineyards, creating the perfect honeymoon backdrop. One of our favorites, La Cle, offers honeymooners private vineyard villas at heavily reduced rates. Catch the “Wine Tram” in the small Franchhoek village for a fun hop on/hop off way to experience some of the wineries on the wine tram’s special route.
Spend a leisurely afternoon wandering the magnificent gardens of Babylonstoren, an estate so iconic Craft Travel almost always includes it as a stop on your custom wine tour. While one of you enjoys a relaxing spa day, the other can tee off at one of the area’s many renowned golf courses. A visit to Le Lude Estate is essential for a tasting of their famous Cap Classique sparkling wine, followed by a truly stunning high tea. At Craft Travel, we create the perfect wine route itinerary based on your personal preferences.
Stop 3: Safari (Honeymooners’ Choice)
No trip to South Africa is complete without experiencing an iconic safari. Choosing the perfect safari destination is an art, and it’s one we excel at. We guide our clients through the various options, determining which lodge is ideal for you given your style, budget, and overall itinerary. We not only personally know virtually every single safari lodge in South Africa but also every applicable honeymoon offer extended. Given that these promotions typically represent thousands of dollars in savings, it’s something we don’t take lightly. While Kruger National Park has the greatest name recognition, we often steer our clients instead to the private reserves surrounding Kruger, where the number of vehicles is limited strictly to those belonging to the lodges within the reserve. Private reserves offer unique opportunities like off-road game drives and guided walking safaris, enhancing your safari experience. Some of our favorite private reserves include the Sabi Sands, Mala Mala, Timbavati, Thornybush and Welgevonden, all offering exceptional game viewing.
Stop 4: Mozambique / Seychelles
After your adventures of city life, wine estates, and epic safari, it’s finally time to fully unwind at the beach. A short one-hour flight from Kruger International Airport will whisk you away to Vilankulos, Mozambique, the gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago. Just a half-hour drive along the coast brings you to this stunning archipelago, comprised of six idyllic islands renowned for their pristine white-sand beaches.
Mozambique’s resorts, from boutique gems to world-class properties, truly value honeymooners, and we leverage that to your advantage. We’ll find those special discounts, incredible “pay/stay” deals (think complimentary nights!), and a wealth of romantic touches that elevate your experience. Craft Travel is always on the pulse of the best deals, ensuring our clients receive exceptional value. I recently had a couple at a renowned Mozambique resort who were treated to a private charter to their own private island. They enjoyed a gourmet lunch and explored the island – just the two of them. It’s these kinds of bespoke experiences that truly elevate a honeymoon when working with a travel designer.
Explore the vibrant coral reefs with a snorkeling adventure, or charter a private boat for the ultimate honeymoon experience, cruising the turquoise waters at your own pace. For a truly romantic experience, set sail at sunset along the Vilankulos coastline in a traditional wooden dhow, enjoying canapés, sundowners, and breathtaking views with a private skipper. Or simply relax at your resort – beachside or spa-side. From its pristine beaches to its luxurious resorts, Mozambique offers a perfect conclusion to your honeymoon, however you choose to unwind.
We are big believers in open communication with our clients, which is why we’re presenting two distinct beach destinations in this post. We’re also aware of the recent news regarding unrest in parts of Mozambique, and we’ve done our due diligence. We want to reassure you that Vilankulos and the Bazaruto Archipelago – the areas featured in our itinerary – are geographically distant from the affected regions. Our honeymooners adore this part of the world and always come back raving about the breathtaking beaches and how incredibly relaxing it is; it’s always a highlight of their trip.
However, we understand that some travelers may still feel apprehensive and that’s the last sensation your honeymoon should provoke. For those seeking a more traditional destination, few places can compete with the Seychelles. Like Mozambique, the Seychelles offers an idyllic beach experience that beautifully complements South Africa.
Direct flights are available most days from Johannesburg to Mahé and nearly all European and Middle Eastern airlines offer service there, making access to this Indian Ocean paradise seamless. The Seychelles, much like Mozambique, boasts a wide array of activities perfect for honeymooners. Imagine snorkeling alongside giant tortoises – the Seychelles is home to a population of 150,000! While luxurious resorts are in abundance, the overall vibe is one of pure relaxation, romance, and beachside bliss, with opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, scuba diving, surfing, fishing, and sailing.
Craft Travel is proud to be an official Burgh Brides approved member, a testament to our expertise in the truly special niche of honeymoon travel. If you’re curious about what your once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon might look like, we would be thrilled to work with you. Schedule your complimentary discovery call or complete our brief Trip Design Form and and let us craft a honeymoon as unique as you are.
