If you’re looking for romantic getaways, adventurous escapes, luxury splurges, budget friendly options, or domestic destinations – look no further. I’ve done the leg work and as an almost-honeymooner myself, I’m so excited to walk the walk!
For the Romantics
The Maldives: What could be more romantic than ending up in the middle of nowhere? If you have a high budget and you’re looking for secluded beaches – this is your spot. Six Senses Laamu is beyond dreamy. And on second thought, so is Four Seasons Kuda Huraa…
Santorini, Greece: Black sand beaches, all-white-everything, mud baths by the volcano – what’s not to love here?
Venice, Italy: Incorporating the most idyllic setting in one of the most delicious countries, Venice is one of those places that staggers a few of these categories. Eating a slice of pizza as you float through a canal reeks of romance.
Bali, Indonesia: I don’t know about you, but laid-back atmospheres, lush landscapes and beautiful coastlines get me every time. Check out my favorite stays such as the Viceroy Bali, Mandapa, a Ritz-Calrton Reserve, and Ayana Resort & Spa.
For the Luxurious
Paris, France: It’s always a good idea, and it is called the City of Love for a reason. After all is said and done, however, a honeymoon done right in Paris will set you back a few bucks. The George V Penthouse exudes luxury. Go big and book out the penthouse where bubble baths are done right.
St. Barths: With six to seven luxury hotels in the small island, you can’t go here and not hurt your bank account. Love is all worth it in the end though, right? Eden Rock is where you want to lay your head when the day is done and the champagne is gone.
St. Moritz, Switzerland: All aboard the love train! If you’re looking for glamor, charm, ambience and excitement, head to St. Moritz. The sun shines on this ritzy destination an average of 322 days a year, making it a good option during summer and the ever popular winter months.
Bora Bora: What’s your first thought when you read ‘Bora Bora?’ Mine would be a private hut on the water, and nothing says lux quite like that. And nothing cures post-wedding (and international flight) fatigue like a seafood dinner on the shores of the South Pacific.
For the Adventurers
Torres del Paine, Chile, South America: Oh gosh. Where to even begin? Torres del Paine will steal your heart if your spouse hasn’t already done that (which should be the case). If y’all are hard-core hikers and love a jaw-dropping view, do this. Go here. Do it for me because it’s my favorite spot on earth. And while I don’t like to play favorites…Tierra Patagonia is my favorite place to check-in 🙂
Kruger National Park, South Africa: Animal lovers unite! If leopard print makes you feel feisty, try seeing the thing in real life. Hopefully it has the same effect.
Vancouver Island, British Colombia: There are lots of ways to relax and lots of things to explore – almost simultaneously. Stay a night or two in Vancouver to experience the city, then travel to Vancouver Island for beaches, pretty drives, and outdoor adventures.
Milford Sound, New Zealand: Sweeping views of this 8th Wonder of the World will leave you and your spouse in awe. Take a helicopter ride to get a fresh perspective from above. Just beware of the wild wild winds.
For the Foodies
Lima, Peru: Lima is so hot right now. The city knows how to feed its people. Named as South America’s leading culinary destination, Peru has so much more than just Machu Picchu. Causa is made with mashed potato, shrimps and peppers and looks as colorful as Peru itself. Don’t even get me started on the ceviche…
Napa Valley, California: Apart from being a beautiful backdrop for a wedding, Napa provides a great honeymoon destination for those who love a smooth Cab paired with a good meal. The spoonfuls of flavors are big here, especially at critically acclaimed restaurant Auberge du Soleil.
Tuscany, Italy: Might as well just call it Eataly because my tastebuds have never been so satisfied than when I’m in this foodie Haven. There’s Panzanella, Pappa al Pomodoro, Tortelli Lucchese, and Chianti. For the love of God don’t forget the Chianti.
Yao Noi, Thailand: Sure, food feeds us but for travelers, it does even more. Authentic Thai cuisine balances flavors, from sweet to sour, salty and spicy. It’s not subtle – but it is unforgettable, as are the golden temples and gentle giants of this beautiful country of a thousand smiles. Check out Six Senses Yao Noi. Dream life.
For the Budget-Conscious
Buenos Aires, Argentina: Prices may vary, but fares in Argentina are notoriously low, especially if you’re exchanging at the blue rate (illegal). It’s a fraction of what a European honeymoon would cost but with the same amount of sophistication and cultural gems – and with less jet lag!
Jicaro Island, Nicaragua: With inexpensive flights and cheap thrills inside the destination, book your two tickets to paradise here. The outdoor enthusiasts win with options like rainforests, lakes, beaches, volcanoes and mountains.
Tulum, Mexico: Mexico is well-known for being a more affordable honeymoon destination, and you’ll find practically an endless number of beautiful beaches, great snorkeling, and all sorts of other activities that don’t cost an arm and a leg.
Jamaica: Jamaica has become one of the cheapest places to get to in the Caribbean. Once there, hike to romantic waterfalls and swim underneath the warm, cascading water, or enjoy lazing in the sunshine and snorkeling in the sea.
For the Homebodies
Kauai, Hawaii: Okay, so this isn’t too local if you’re currently living in say, Atlanta, Georgia, but it’s still part of the United States! It’s nicknamed “the Garden Isle” thanks to the tropical rainforest covering much of its surface. All hail Hawaii for being so damn pretty.
New Orleans, Louisiana: NOLA could absolutely fit inside the foodie category since I tend to eat my face off with all kinds of creole goodness when I go. Romantic, huh? I love this option for history buffs and the couple who loves to party.
St. John, USVI: No passport? No problem! You can most certainly find those screen-saver worthy images here.
Kiawah Island, South Carolina: Kiawah is about an hour drive from Charleston, South Carolina, – yet another great option for a honeymoon. You could split time between the two and eat at some of the best southern restaurants in the country – and guys, don’t forget to schedule a tee time in Kiawah for the following morning.
For the Well-Rounded
Maui, Hawaii: Tell me, what does Maui not have? Mmhmm, that’s what I thought. For a place that has it all for the couple who wants it all – look no further.
St. Lucia, Caribbean: St. Lucia stands apart from the rest of the Caribbean islands thanks to its varied landscape and diverse culture and cuisine, which is distinguished by African, Indian, Caribbean, British, Spanish and French influences. You can explore everything from the Piton Mountains and rainforest to the Sulphur Springs of Soufriere.
Pérez Zeledón, Costa Rica: If you want to zip line, bird watch, sunbathe and eat a gourmet meal all before lunch, you can do that here. It’s also on the same time zone as CST. No jet lag, yay!
Broome, Australia: It’s been said that if you really want to get to know a person, travel with them. Let’s hope you’ve done so before saying ‘I do,’ but this will give you yet another taste as you travel 24 hours with your other half. Views, adventure, cuisine, wine, spa – Australia’s west coast has it all.
Alex. says
Great suggestions!! We went to Antigua for our honeymoon and it was fabulous but I have fortunately been to many of these places! Antigua was perfectly relaxing and a place we wouldn’t otherwise travel to for a "normal" vacay!
Kendall says
We went to Maui and loved it! Stayed at many places but Travaasa Hana was our favorite. Just, go. Great list!
Melissa says
Turks and Caicos comes up in almost any honeymoon list out there so it’s what we chose. Curious if any of your readers have gone and about their experience!
Rachel says
Santorini was a dream. Highly recommend!
Heather @ I Do What I Want. says
We’re doing Germany, France, and Spain for our honeymoon coming up. We’re definitely into the Luxurious, so I guess it’s appropriate that Paris is one of the cities we will visit!
Heather says
We just got back in December and I’m still dreaming of the beaches in Seychelles! Anse Source D’argent on La Digue will ruin any future beach experience… And The Four Seasons Seychelles is out of this world! We took advantage of our layovers and stopped in Jordan and Dubai. Petra(New 7 wonder of the World), float in the Dead Sea, Sheihk Zayed Grand Mosque, and stuffed our faces with too many schwarmas. It was eye opening culturally and changed our perspective of traveling in the Middle East. Perfect combo of romance, luxury, adventure and food!
Ana says
Melissa,
I’ve been to Turks and Caicos twice, hated it both times. First time we stayed at a 5 star hotel in Providenciales. Everyone was so rude and went out of their way to talk to my man, and make zero eye contact with me. You would think the staff of a five star hotel would know better, even if the local culture praises the man and diminishes the woman.
Second time years later stayed on the Grand Turk island (Center of the Universe, according to the National Geographic). Just as awful, just as rude. Nothing to do outside the hotel, nowhere to eat except at very specific times.
My recommendations for the honey moon would include The Crane at Barbados, riding horses on the beach in Dominican Republic, or Cancun/ Chitchat Itza/ cenotes in Mexico.
Lynn says
We did Southeast Asia which was amazing. Not sure that I agree with you on Argentina being a budget destination. We were just in Argentina for 3 weeks & I would say that it was on par with Western Europe – especially now that the blue dollar is gone.
Cat says
We’re planning our honeymoon now! We’re of the mindset, go big or go home, and are booking Paris to start, the Loire Valley for wine and amazing food, Tanzania for Safari, and Zanzibar to close it out on the beach! I’m so excited! Planning this has been a bright spot among pandemic stress and rescheduling our wedding.
Brianna says
So many great places! At the moment I’m thinking Greece 🙂
Brianna | https://briannamarielifestyle.com/