Risky? Sure. But these five WaterWays options will stoke your non-surfing partner, keep the romance alive… and get you barreled.
The surfing honeymoon with a non-surfing partner is surely one of life’s greatest challenges. Juggling chainsaws on a tightrope has less jeopardy. Fighting an MMA wrestler less risk. It is after all, hopefully, the once-in-a-lifetime type of deal. You have the chance to get it right. And decades of recriminations if you get it wrong. That’s no reason not to give it a crack through, right? All you need is a bit of luxury, exclusivity, privacy, fun, treatments, yoga, culture, and world-class waves. Is that too much of an ask? Not with Waterways. These five destinations can, just about, keep all parties happy. We can’t guarantee that will last till death do you part, but for the first 10 days, we’ve got you covered.
Tavarua Island Resort, Fiji
A new trend sees more and Tavarua might provide the most bang for your surfing honeymoon buck. After all, the island is in the shape of a heart.
With Cloudbreak and Restaurants this is one of the few high-end resorts with two genuinely world-class waves. In one sense if it is pumping, this might be the first real test of any surfer’s commitment to their new partner. However, Tavarua’s ability to match the quality of its surf with its accommodation and service is why a large percentage of the clientele are returning customers. Add the world-class snorkelling, idyllic setting, incredible fishing, a-grade dining, and friendly Fijian vibes and if you can’t be happy in Tavarua, you can’t be happy anywhere.
Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Resort, Maldives
A tropical hideaway where surfing, privacy and romance come together, must tick all the Honeymoon boxes.
The resort is just a 45-minute seaplane or 2½-hour speedboat ride away from the capital Malé. Its large shallow aquamarine lagoon frames the panoramic views in every direction. The Beach Bungalows provide private access to the beautiful white beaches, while the Water Bungalows provide secluded villas above the ocean. The food is as good as the diving, there’s a yoga pavilion and guests can stay on Platinum Island, an adults-only refuge for maximum relaxation. Oh and if you can drag yourself away, there are two reef passes with three rights and a left within a short distance of the resort. Wanna go? I do!
Cardon Adventure Resort, Sinaloa, Mexico
A honeymoon without an infinity pool and a jacuzzi is the death knell of any marriage, and Cardon Adventure Resort has one that overlooks Tiburon Point.
The sand bottom point left offers playful skate-park-perfection and works in any southerly swell direction, providing a 200-yard. The non-surfer can relax with a frosty beverage and assess the newly married surfer’s technique, knowing the freshly betrothed has promised not only to have and to hold but to be back showered and flowered for sundowners. The resort runs on a simple premise; excellent food, first-class seclusion and as much or little activity as you want. Ramp it up with saltwater game fishing, eco-cultural tours or party nights in nearby Mazatlan. Tone it down with poolside dining tables with views of the ocean. Marriage is about compromise. Cardon isn’t.
African Perfection Guest House, Jeffreys Bay, South Africa
Okay, we aren’t going to lie. Selling a honeymoon to a non-surfer where the accommodation overlooks the world’s best wave is a hard sell.
But for the brave, there can be method to this madness. For one, what surf trips also offer a trip to the nearby Addo Elephant Park, a sanctuary for over 450 elephants, or the Shamwari Game Reserve where you can see the Big Five of African game: elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard?
The luxurious suites at African Perfection guesthouse are just metres from the beach and come with a private balcony perfect for dolphin and whale watching. And well, there’s Super Tubes, a bucket list for every surfer worth their salt. And if all else fails, there’s always bungee jumping.
Nemberala Beach Resort, Rote, Indonesia
For the couple who want to turn on, tune in and drop out the Nemberala Beach Resort in Rote, Indonesia is the perfect tropical detox from real life.
This is all about the simple pleasures; uncrowded consistent and friendly waves on your doorstep warm water, beautiful sunsets, poolside bars and chill time. There are boats for surf transfers, fishing and island excursions, massage and spa treatments and the super affordable prices mean you can bookend your trip with a few lux days in Bali, just an hour’s flight away.