For a romantic getaway in the tropics, discover the French islands with their lush vegetation and rejuvenating landscapes. Sail on a pirogue, step foot on a pearl farm, scuba dive in the depths of the Atlantic Ocean, head to a deserted island, explore lava tunnels and enjoy your stay in some eco-friendly accommodations. A thousand and one adventures on these charming little French quests with your lover. Have a good trip, lovebirds!
Romantic gateaway on (almost) untouched land in stunning Guadeloupe
What better than a deserted island for a honeymoon? Guadeloupe has many hidden gems to offer. Discover its small treasured island, not often visited by tourists, that are accessible by boat from Saint-François. On La Desirade, you will come across Lesser Antillean iguanas, herbivores with a dragon look, the skink lizards which are two species close to extinction. But not to worry, the tranquillity of this place, with hardly more than a thousand residents, will leave you feeling rested. You will also find your travel buddies on the uninhabited islets of Petite-Terre where you will be able to enjoy a catamaran excursion on the crystal-clear waters of the lagoon.
When entering Guadeloupe National Park, curl up together in an eco-friendly love cocoon at the Basse-Terre or hop for the eco-lodges of the Ilot Palmiers. Labeled Esprit Parc National and winner of the Palme Verte tourism contest, the accommodation offers river massages, Creole cooking classes and homemade coconut juice. Heaven by the sea!
Duo canoe trip in the Kaw marshes, French Guyana
Is your heart pounding? No wonder, you're in the Amazonian forest. The lungs of the earth. Located in the Kaw marshes, south of Cayenne, in the heart of the largest natural and humid reserve in France. Embark on a pirogue and listen to the fauna in motion: herons, kingfishers and snipes. Let yourself be tempted by a magical and romantic escapade at Camp Cariacou in a carbet, a wooden shelter typical of the region with hammocks as a marital bed. More of a beach than a swamp? Head to the coast to watch the Luth turtle nesting. A show presented by Mother Nature herself. For food, sneak into the colourful Cayenne market with its enchanting flavours: watermelons, spices, awara and organic honey. To digest your meal and have a dance for two, take part in the Guiana carnival. The traditional way to do it, women dress up and invite the men onto the dance floor. You know what’s left to do now!
Snorkelling with your other half on the Isle of Pines in New Caledonia
No need to open maps on your phone. With its 24,000 km², explore the largest (and most beautiful) lagoon in the world in New Caledoniawith your honeymooner. In the south of the Archipelago, Kanumera Bay and Oro Bay, known for its corals, its natural aquarium with transparent waters, the Isle of Pines is a good spot for an underwater rendezvous. Dive for a tête-à-tête with the multicoloured fauna and flora of the reef. Thousands of fish such as angelfish, clowfish or damselfish will come right by your feet along with other little ones! Back on land, we refuel our energy and strength by tasting a good Bougna. A traditional Kanak dish cooked with meat or fish together with sweet potatoes, manioc and coconut milk, all cooked in banana leaves.
In regards to accomodation, the Ouatchoué eco-hotel is a hikers’ favourite. This 400-hectare green setting is ideally located between the capital, Noumea among the rivers, mountain path, the ocean and the Caledonian forest. Have fun catching a couple crayfish in the property’s ponds too! Eco-gîte de la Ouatchoué Visit New Caledonia
Declare your love by some of the most impressive lave tunnels on Reunion Island
The Island of volcanoes. The Reunion has three of them, including the very active Piton de la Fournaise which dominates 40% of the land. A huge playground for nature lovers and hikers. Exploring the lava tunnels with a guide is a fully-fledged underground experience for two. Look up and see the glittering stalactites or the stalagmites frozen to the ground. An excursion that definitely raises the temperature before dinner.
To savour the Creole cuisine, take a seat in a farm inn or picnic on the island's several parks, lured by the enticing smell of rougail and curry cooked over a wood fire, before enjoying the charm of the Cana Suc country cottages at the foot of the volcano. Not a bad place to declare your love (or rekindle it)!
A black pearl made in Tahiti to please his sweetheart
It would take a lifetime to travel all 118 French Polynesia islands. Instead, we drop anchor and set our sights on Manihi in the Tuamotu archipelago. An atoll renowned for its incredible marine biodiversity and its famous locally grown bright and shiny black pearl. In between snorkelling trips, discover the history of the Pacific jewel by visiting a pearl farm. Why not offer one to your lover as a souvenir of Tahiti and her islands.
For the sweet tooth’s, find your happiness in the roulottes. Traditional, Polynesian restaurants where you can enjoy raw fish in coconut milk. A real treat!
If you are looking for authenticity and cultural immersion, dare to take a honeymoon off the beaten track in a small family-run hotel. Private bungalows, palm-roofed houses and lush gardens. Tahiti and her islands are full of little gems for a romantic and sustainable getaway. Visit Tahiti and her islands
By Kévin Bonnaud
