Dolomites to Lake Garda

Dramatic peaks, alpine trails, and a luxury hotel to come home to — followed by the slower, Mediterranean pace of a lake.

Photograph: Unsplash

When you think about a honeymoon, the first image that probably comes to mind is a beach, a beautiful resort, and very little on the agenda.

But for couples who would rather spend their days outside, the Dolomites offer a completely different kind of honeymoon. Dramatic mountain peaks, alpine meadows, charming villages and some of the best hiking in Europe create plenty of opportunities for adventure, while the region's luxury hotels make it possible to end an active day somewhere truly special.

The Dolomites are an incredible destination for couples who love being outdoors, but you don't have to be an extreme hiker to enjoy them.

There are trails for different abilities, cable cars that make it easy to reach spectacular viewpoints, scenic drives through the mountains and opportunities for cycling, climbing and other outdoor adventures. You can spend an entire day exploring the landscape or choose something more relaxed and simply take in the scenery from a mountain restaurant or terrace.

The best part is that the adventure can be as active as you want it to be.

And when you're ready to slow down, there are some exceptional places to do it.

Left photograph: Unsplash · right image courtesy of Hotel La Perla

In Corvara, Hotel La Perla is a perfect example of the kind of luxury that makes a Dolomites honeymoon special.

The hotel has a strong sense of place, with traditional Ladin character, warm interiors and an intimate atmosphere that feels much more personal than a typical luxury resort. There is also a spa, excellent dining and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the hotel itself after a day in the mountains.

Its location makes it an ideal base for exploring the Dolomites, but the hotel is also special enough that you won't feel like you need to be out experiencing the mountains every minute.

My clients told me La Perla was their favorite hotel they had ever stayed in.

Image courtesy of Hotel La Perla

After several days in the Dolomites, continuing to Lake Garda changes the pace of the trip without losing the sense of place.

The mountains are dramatic and active. The lake feels slower and more relaxed.

Days at Lake Garda can include exploring the towns along the water, taking a boat, wandering through gardens, lingering over a long lunch or simply enjoying the view. The landscape still has the mountains in the background, but the atmosphere is distinctly more Mediterranean. Staying at the Lido Palace in Riva del Garda, right on the water, makes that shift feel effortless.

That contrast makes the two destinations work so well together.

Images courtesy of Lido Palace

Instead of choosing between an active honeymoon and a relaxing one, you get both.

This combination is particularly well suited to couples who don't want their honeymoon to revolve around a beach or a resort.

If your ideal day involves hiking through a beautiful landscape followed by a great dinner and a beautiful hotel, the Dolomites are worth considering. Add Lake Garda, and you have the opportunity to slow down, spend time on the water and enjoy a few days with nowhere you need to be.

It's an itinerary with a natural rhythm: mountains and lakes, adventure and relaxation, time outside and time together.

For the right couple, that balance can make for an unforgettable honeymoon — and a very different way to experience luxury in Italy.

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