British couple decide to honeymoon at the ‘Gate to hell’

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Nevermind a paradise beach in the Maldives, one pair of newlyweds decided to eschew the traditional honeymoon – and opted instead to visit the ‘Gate to hell’ in Turkmenistan.

British couple Neil and Helen Melville-Kenney, 34 and 36, visited the Derweze Gas Crater, also known as the Door or Gate to hell, after driving 3,000 miles to get there, reports the Metro.

According to the Mirror, they even made it there in their little Fiat Panda called Charlie.

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The Door to Hell is a 230ft wide natural gas field in Derweze (also spelled Darvaze, meaning “gate”), Ahal Province, Turkmenistan.

The Door to Hell is noted for its natural gas fire, which has been burning continuously since it was lit by Soviet petrochemical scientists in 1971.

The fire is fed by the rich natural gas deposits in the area. The pungent smell of burning sulfur (rotten eggs, romantic huh?) pervades the area for some distance.

Fancy a more traditional honeymoon? Discover one of these stunning European hotspots:

Europe’s Top 10 Honeymoon Destinations

• The Amalfi coast, Italy

  The Amalfi Coast (Costiera Amalfitana) is known to be one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the world, which is why thousands of couples visit every year. Although Positano and Amalfi are the main allure for tourists, couples seeking extra seclusion could explore Salerno, a beautiful old town. An afternoon walk in the sunshine through Salerno’s winding medieval streets, finished off with a glass of Limoncello (Italy’s famous lemon liqueur) in a quaint cafe is enough to make anyone fall in love. Tip: The best time to visit the Amalfi Coast is in spring or early autumn, (summer can be very crowded).

• An Irish castle

  Ireland’s largest five-star resort outside of Dublin, 17^th century Dromoland Castle, is perfect for romantics. Book yourself into the secluded cottage inside the walls of Dromoland castle and have a honeymoon fit for royalty. ‘Castle Keep Cottage’ is luxurious in every sense of the word: there’s a jacuzzi, and the master bedroom overlooks beautiful 17th-century gardens and Lough Dromoland. Think Irish heirlooms chandeliers, hand-carved paneling, oil paintings, custom-made carpets and draperies. By day, live like kings and queens and wander through the charming gardens and surroundings, or make use of the full-service health spa and beauty salon. By night dine like royalty in the castle’s five-star award-winning restaurant, the Earl of Thomond,then retreat back to your private space with a bottle of bubbly. Tip:  If you can’t afford the cottage (or it’s fully booked on your dates), the rooms in the club wing of the castle (complete with oversized windows and nine-foot ceiling) are also very grand, and have sumptuous upholstery and furnishings. 

• Paris (of course)

  Paris has a romantic ambiance that effortlessly draws couples from across the world to the city to experience its magic. The food is sumptuous, the art collections superb, the wine impeccable, and the city as a whole unforgettable. The city’s charms seem endless, and for many lovers worldwide, there is no place better to come to celebrate romance than Paris. 

• Florence, Italy

  If you and your other half love all things arty then think no further about your ideal honeymoon location. The works of Michelangelo and Botticelli, combined with some of the most beautiful architecture in Europe (think of all those bridges and cathedrals), are best appreciated with your lover at your side. Sharing a cone of gelato whilst you window-shop and stroll along Medieval Veccio bridge is also a special experience. Florence has some world-class cuisine and wine to offer newlyweds, and the city’s hotels are some of the best in Europe, especially around the ‘Tournabuoni’ area, and it’s a general rule that you get what you pay for. Tip: Many people underestimate how tricky navigating your way around Florence is, so invest in a map.

• Vienna, Austria

  Vienna is like a romantic city that you might read about in fairytales. Horse-drawn carriages are ready to collect you on Stephansplatz, Albertinaplatz and in front of the Hofburg, to take you for an evening spin around the stunning city. You’ll be surrounded by the romantic classical music of Mozart, and will be in awe of the romantic splendour surrounding you. From delightful cobbled streets to opulent coffee shops, fully furnished with chandeliers, everything about Vienna breathes class. Marvel at the regal splendour of Vienna’s palaces, spend an evening at the opera or ballet, the ‘Staatsoper’ (Vienna state opera), gazing down at the world-famous Vienna Philharmonic in the pit below. 

• The Dalmatian Islands, Croatia

  Croatia’s Dalmatian islands are perfect for romance. They’re only accessible by water, which simply ads to the charm, and the feeling of seclusion. When you pull into the ancient port on arrival, the sight of palm trees against a backdrop of rolling hills will stay with you for a lifetime. Numerous celebrities have taken their holidays here, including Brad Pit who fell in love with the place, and Steven Spielberg, who called Hvar the most beautiful island in the world!  For architectural beauty and chic bars, follow suit, and head to Hvar Town, where you can marvel at Gothic palaces and chapels, whilst enjoying some mouth watering Mediterranean cuisine. Water taxis are always ready and waiting to whisk you off to an idyllic offshore islet, for some privacy and honeymoon- style-relaxation.  Tip:  If you are having your honeymoon on the mainland, Bol’s Golden Cape (or Zlatni Rat Beach) is a contender for the most beautiful beach in Croatia, and is very easy to get to. It boasts a V-shaped stretch of white sand and warm azure waters.

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