It’s no surprise that compatibility is important in determining the longevity of a couple — and this is especially true when it comes to passions involving exercise and fitness. As they say, the couple who sweats together, stays together. And science totally backs this theory. Research from several studies has found that couples who participate in exciting physical challenges or activities with each other report feeling more satisfied in their relationship and more in love overall.

As much as you want to relax (and sleep and lay down and do nothing) once the wedding planning has finally come to an end, you may be surprised by how energetic you feel after coming down from those amazing endorphins of wedded bliss and jet off to your honeymoon.

But where should you go?

If you and your spouse-to-be love to stay active and get your heart rates up, you might want to consider a honeymoon destination that offers hiking, skiing, water sports or other fun ways to celebrate your marriage with movement.

The best active and outdoorsy nature honeymoon destinations

Need some ideas? No worries, we’ve got you covered. These top-rated and most-loved options offer everything you’d hope for in a honeymoon: relaxation, romance and a whole lot of adventure! Before you book your tickets, we just have to pop this question: can we come with you?!

The best active and nature filled honeymoon destinations are

• Nadi, Fiji
• Maui, Hawaii
• Sydney, Australia
• Cape Town, South Africa
• Vancouver, Canada
• Belize
• San Francisco
• Sacred Valley, Peru
• Paradise Resort, Nevis Island
• Finger Lakes, New York
• The Maldives
• Costa Rica

Sacred Valley & Lares Adventure, Peru

If hiking places you and your partner in your elements, check off this dream trip to Machu Picchu. Spirited adventure travel operator Mountain Lodges offers up customizable five- or seven-day trips on the Lares Trek. Couples can experience the ultimate mix of active and intimate with excursions to archaeological Inca sites, unforgettable experiences with the remote mountain communities whose traditions have remained unchanged for hundreds of years, visits to local Andean markets and museums, as well as horseback riding, biking, kayaking, yoga, meditation and more. Once all is said and done, settle down at the luxurious lodges and enjoy personal jacuzzis, couples massages, outdoor fire pits and lounges, panoramic views of snow-capped mountains…need we say more?

Book it: Mountain Lodges of Peru

Paradise Beach Resort, Nevis Island

This teeny, tiny island (the smaller of two representing the nation of Saint Kitts) in the Caribbean is known for its exotic beaches and roaring hills that are almost untouched. It’s essentially an activity lover’s playground offering wide-open space, breathtaking views and fertile land that’s just waiting to be explored. Stay at Paradise Beach Resort, the only one to boast expansive multi-bedroom villas with private beachfront access (are you swooning yet?). By day, take advantage of an unlimited array of activities such as kayaking, horseback riding, cycling, scuba diving, sailing, zip lining, hiking, cricket, tennis and more. By night, you can lay back and relax in your luxurious suite as their on-site concierge takes care of your every want and need.

Book it: Paradise Beach Nevis

Finger Lakes, New York

A wellness oasis located just four and a half hours from New York City is the stunning Finger Lakes region in upstate New York. Couples seeking the perfect balance of mental and spiritual restoration and physical exertion will enjoy a stay at the Inns of Aurora. At this charming, boutique-like inn, you can enjoy endless outdoor activities such as kayaking on Cayuga Lake, yoga classes curated to a relaxation playlist, bike riding amongst the bucolic scenery, hiking the famous gorges in Ithaca, exploring Watkins Glen State Park or Letchworth State Park, as well as boating, hot air balloon rides, swimming under waterfalls and more. The region also features more than 120 local wineries and a slew of craft breweries, cideries and distilleries.

Book it: Inns of Aurora

Baros Hotel, Maldives

It doesn’t get more romantic than a honeymoon to the Maldives, a tropical island (and a nation of its own) in the Indian Ocean. It’s made up of more than 1,000 coral islands and is known for its exotic blue lagoons, breathtaking beaches and extensive coral reefs. For adventure-seekers, there’s much to see (and do) at the Baros Maldives, a luxury hotel offering a trove of unique land and water experiences such as sailing aboard a traditional Maldivian Dhoni (sailboat), glass bottom canoeing and even glow-in-the-dark snorkeling. If you dare, venture underwater at night (armed with a flashlight, of course) to see the exotic nocturnal sea creatures such as the white spotted bamboo shark, zebra shark, groupers and more.

Book it: Baros Maldives

Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa, Costa Rica

Deep in the Tabacon rainforest, you and your spouse will find an exotic oasis and adventurous escape in one of the most biodiverse locations in the world. For the ultimate honeymoon experience and the perfect mix between luxurious relaxation and heart-racing adventure, stay at the Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa. The property spans across 900 acres of lush rainforest located near the base of Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano. Explore thermal springs, cascading waterfalls that are naturally heated thanks to the volcanic magma nearby, outdoor spa bungalows and countless off-property activities such as horseback riding, hanging bridges, zip lining, paddle boarding and more.

Book it: Tabacon Resort

Nadi, Fiji

Known for its turquoise waters, glittering sand beaches and lavish resorts, Fiji has been one of the top honeymoon destinations for decades, and with good reason! The deep, pristine clear waters of the Pacific make for some of the best diving you’ve ever experienced. Get your under-the-sea camera ready because you will likely catch a glimpse of exotic species like moray eels, loggerhead turtles and a wide variety of colorful, exotic fish. After discovering all the “soft coral capital of the world” has to offer down below, you can stroll along the quiet nature trails and catch gorgeous views of the Mamanuca Islands, a chain of 20-plus smaller islands near the larger Fiji islands of Nadi and Denaru.

This is one spot you can guarantee a near-perfect experience year-round, but the most ideal time is between May-June, as November through April experiences more tropical storms. Make sure to stay at Beqa Lagoon. There’s almost no physical activity you can’t do at this resort, from snorkeling and fishing to surfing and kayaking, all in their private beach-front portion of the Beqa Lagoon.

Maui, Hawaii

Seeking a tropical, Polynesian experience without the near-24-hour flight and 10K budget? Set your eyes on America’s glorious and ever-so-tropical 50th state, Hawaii. Once you’ve had enough of being a total beach bum (because these beaches are some of the most beautiful in the world!), you can get your fill of parasailing, scuba diving, snorkeling, biking, hiking and hula dancing.

Hiking lovers, we didn’t forget about you. The legendary ‘Iao Valley State Park provides a 10-mile long paved pathway surrounded by native Hawaiian flora and exquisite, untouched trees surrounding your every turn. Bonus: SUP boarders can enjoy some of the most authentic Stand Up Paddle Boarding out there. This beloved West coast activity found its roots in Hawaiian culture, so it can be found on just about any shoreline the islands have to offer.

There’s really no bad time to go to Hawaii, given the fact that the weather is pretty much always ranging between the mid to upper 80s. But prices are lowest and crowds are smallest between September and November.

Montage Kapalua Bay is a great option to stay at. In addition to its sunset pool – which looks like it flows right into the Kapalua Beach – this hotel arranges hikes, snorkel tours, horseback riding, catamaran rides and sport fishing, just to name a few.

Sydney, Australia

Seriously, there is so much to do in Australia’s capital city. You can begin your trip by stopping by some of the iconic sights and attractions—like the Sydney Opera House and the Australian National Maritime Museum. Or for something a little more intense for you exercise lovers, make a point to see the Sydney Harbour Bridge, which you can literally climb, because crossing a bridge is just too easy. You start at the very bottom of the bridge and choose between a range of different climbs that vary in intensity. It’s 100-percent safe and the view from the top are said to be some of the most beautiful in all of Australia.

Another recommended activity to do in Sydney is a bike tour, which is the easiest and most exhilarating way to immerse yourself in the city’s history and culture with full panoramic views of its numerous museums and art galleries.

September through November and March to May is the best time to visit, when the temperatures are more manageable and the tourist crowds have died down a little.

You should stay at The Park Hyatt Sydney. The hotel boasts some of the most iconic views of Sydney Harbour and can connect you with just about any activity the city has to offer.

Cape Town, South Africa

Standing at the tip of the continent of Africa is one of South Africa’s most beautiful cities, Cape Town. Not only is it surrounded by some of the country’s most eye-catching scenery, but it’s also sandwiched between both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.

Fair warning: You better be daring if you’re willing to go down to the depths of Africa. The highlighted adventures of a trip to the safari land includes cage diving with great white sharks (yep!) and ziplining in indigenous rainforests. If you and your bae love hiking, there are plenty of trails in the South African National Parks, which offer some of the most stunning scenic views in the entire country.

Visit in late January to late April—the end of Cape Town’s dry summer months—or April to June if you’re looking for more crisp, clear weather (ideal for hiking!).

Book the Coolona Castle. Set in the glorious mountains and vineyards of Cape Town, this beautiful boutique hotel offers a hiking trails direct from its doors, a giant swimming pool, golf courses, plus eco tours to see sharks, whales, penguins and more!

Vancouver, Canada

Unless you’re familiar with the city itself, Vancouver may not be the first on your list of places to honeymoon—but it should be! Not only is this one of the world’s most sophisticated and fun-loving cities, it’s also one of the most sports-and nature-driven spots for active couples.

For one, you can bike together on the Stanley Park Seawall, a 17-mile uninterrupted path that’s divided for bikers and runners and offers some of the most scenic trails throughout the city. Water lovers shouldn’t miss the chance to experience white water rafting through the beautiful mountains and glaciers close to the city.

Come in March to May and September to November when the weather is mild and the crowds are more sparse. If you’re a winter-sport lover, challenge your spouse to a ski or snowboard sesh at the Grouse Mountains from December to April.

Black Rock Oceanfront Resort is a great accommodation option. Fishing, surfing, whale watching—any physical activity you want to do on your honeymoon, aside from snorkeling, this hotel will make sure you experience it.

Belize

If you’re looking for one of the most romantic honeymoon spots with pristine beaches that won’t cost you an arm and a leg to visit, Belize might be your spot. Just a two-hour flight from Miami, the Central American country has gained attention in recent years, especially for newlyweds looking to do a whole lot more than lay on a beach for a week straight.

Adrenaline junkies will go crazy for its famous zip lines through the jungle, cave explorations and deep-sea dives into the world’s second largest barrier reef. In the clear blue water, there’s plenty to do as well, from kayaking to para-sailing to windsurfing and jet skiing.

Visit in late November to mid-April, during the country’s dry season (aka few showers). But temps are always crowd-pleasing—think up in the mid 80s year-round.

Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort is a great place to stay. Aside from being rated Trip Advisor’s number-one hotel for honeymooners in Belize, the hotel specializes in diving, jungle adventures and water sports.

San Francisco

Not really feeling an out-of-country (or continent) escape to celebrate your recent nuptials? No biggie. The great city of San Francisco has more than enough of your share of romance, relaxation and, best of all, activities! Voted the fourth fittest city in America by the American College of Sports Medicine, SF’s hilly terrain alone makes for great hiking, walking and running. Aside from seeing the city sights by foot—including the famous Golden State Bridge—you can take a quick ride out to Yosemite National Park to enjoy the massive meadows, mountains and Sequoia trees.

The best time to go is in September to November, when the temperatures are still warm and the summer crowds have come and gone. And we recommend booking at Hotel Drisco. Stunningly situated in the high-end Pacific Heights area of the city, it’s removed from the hustle and bustle of the metropolitan culture and is undeniably romantic.