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Updated Feb 10, 2023The 60 Best Honeymoon Destinations Around The World
Start planning your postwedding bliss here.
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Scouting the perfect honeymoon destination may seem like a challenging (but worthy) decision. With it being a once-in-a-lifetime, bucket-list getaway, couples typically seek postwedding relaxation, privacy, romance and natural beauty in a honeymoon. Of course, interests vary, including the personalized activities you'll hope to experience throughout the excursion.
Your idea of heaven may be spending your time reading on the beach, taking in sunset dinners, and melting into newlywed bliss in Bora Bora, Hawaii, Mexico or the Maldives. Or you could prefer skiing the Swiss Alps, marking every single adventurous checklist item in New Zealand, eating your way through Paris, indulging in massages and elephant sanctuaries in Thailand, or going on safari in Botswana. The world is your oyster and this trip is yours to set the tone for marriage. Of course, we're here to help, which is why we've compiled the best honeymoon destinations of 2023.
The Best Honeymoon Destinations of 2023
Wondering where to go for your honeymoon? If there's one non-negotiable when planning your trip, it's romance. You and your new spouse will want it in abundance, which could mean anything from a stay under the stars in Iceland to a stroll through the City of Love. Here are some of the best romantic honeymoon ideas.
Alaska | Amalfi Coast, Italy | Aruba | Azores, Portugal | Bali, Indonesia | Banff, Canada | Bhutan | Botswana | Bora Bora | Cape Town, South Africa | Cappadocia, Turkey | Central Coast, California | Colorado | Dominica | Dubai | Fiji | Florida Keys | Galway, Ireland | Hamilton Island, Australia | Harbour Island, Bahamas | Hvar, Croatia | Iceland | Jackson Hole, Wyoming | Jamaica | Koh Samui, Thailand | Kyoto, Japan | Machu Picchu, Peru | Maldives | Morocco | Maui | Mauritius | Miami Beach Montreal, Canada | Myanmar | Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard | New Zealand | Philippines | Palm Springs | Papagayo Peninsula, Costa Rica | Paris | Praia do Camilo, Portugal | Punta del Este, Uruguay | Punta Mita, Mexico | Santorini, Greece | Savannah, Georgia | Sedona, Arizona | Seychelles | Sicily, Italy | Sonoma, California | Sri Lanka | St. Barts | St. Lucia | Tanzania | Tibet | Tulum, Mexico | Turks and Caicos | Turquoise Bay, Australia | Vanuatu | Vancouver, Canada | Vieques, Puerto Rico
PLUS: Commonly Asked Questions When Deciding On the Best Honeymoon Destination
Alaska
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With the lowest population density in the US, a honeymoon in Alaska will feel as if you've got oodles of room to explore, just the two of you. Nature here is wild and diverse, from gargantuan glaciers and lush national parks to brown bears, roaming moose and playful humpback whales.
Where to stay: Borealis Basecamp
Amalfi Coast, Italy
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The Amalfi Coast is one of those places everyone should visit at least once—and what better time to do so than your honeymoon? Newlyweds will revel in sun bed-dotted beaches and cliff-clinging Italian eateries, but be warned: Make room in your honeymoon luggage as you'll want to take home a bottle of limoncello for all your friends and family.
Where to stay: Le Sirenuse (Positano); Santa Caterina Hotel (Amalfi); Villa Cimbrone (Ravello)
Aruba
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Its prime location outside the hurricane belt and near-perfect weather year-round (Aruba counts the sunniest days in all of the Caribbean) makes the island one of the best honeymoon places for any time of the year. The island is home to one of the top-rated beaches in the region, Eagle Beach, and is home to numerous luxury properties or all-inclusives, giving couples many options for exploration.
Where to stay: The Ritz-Carlton Aruba (Palm Beach); Renaissance Aruba; Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort
Azores, Portugal
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Lying roughly 1,000 miles off the coast of Portugal, the Azores is an archipelago filled with adrenaline-pumping activities. Whether you want to go whale watching, scuba diving to see manta rays and whale sharks or even paragliding, there are endless adventures to be had here.
Where to stay: WHITE Exclusive Suites & Villas
Bali, Indonesia
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The island of Bali has long been a magnet for romance-seekers and honeymooners for its mist-shrouded temples, beautiful mountain vistas and vivid arts scene. While there, be sure to arrange a trip to Pura Luhur Uluwatu temple—it offers history and some unforgettable sunset views.
Where to stay: The Mulia Villas; Marriott Bali Nusa Dua
Banff National Park, Canada
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You don't have to travel far for grand landscapes—just across the border to Canada's oldest national park, Banff. Here, mountains tower above striking glacial lakes and its backcountry trails are home to grizzly bears, mountain goats, elk and wolves, to name a few. Stay on the banks of the aforementioned teal-hued lake at the Fairmont with unparalleled views of the lake and the surrounding Canadian Rocky Mountains.
Where to stay: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Bhutan
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Sitting on the eastern edge of the Himalayas, Bhutan is a unique honeymoon destination. Its eco-credentials are high: It's the world's only carbon-negative country and laws there state that 60% of its land must be protected as forests, so there's always a new pocket to explore. Besides lush landscapes, there are cliff-clinging monasteries to see and wildlife that includes snow leopards and tigers. Paro lodge at the Six Senses is a must—honeymooners can partake in a private butter lamp ceremony (which promises a blessed life together) at a 16th-century monastery.
Where to stay: Six Senses
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
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When you picture the most romantic honeymoon destinations, Bora Bora with its luxury hotels featuring overwater-bungalows probably comes to mind. Think: crystal-clear waters, picturesque mountains and a coral reef swirling with colorful fish. To make the most of the views, why not charter a helicopter to take you around towering Mount Otemanu, then touch down on a neighboring island for a tour of a black pearl or vanilla bean farm? It's memories like these that'll last a lifetime.
Where to stay: Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora; Bora Bora One
Botswana
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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are known fans of Botswana (they went on a safari trip there when they started dating), and it's easy to see why. Botswana is the pinnacle of safari destinations: You'll see elephants roaming free on the Okavango Delta, big cats finding their meals in Chobe National Park and hippos peering above river surfaces.
Where to stay: Chobe Game Lodge; Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero; Camp Okavango
Cape Town, South Africa
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Can't decide on what kind of honeymoon to take? Cape Town has you covered with glamorous beaches, big-city buzz, wild landscapes (including the penguin-colonized Boulders Beach), easy access to wine country and some of the world's best safaris.
Where to stay: Atlantic House; The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa
Cappadocia, Turkey
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Romantic honeymoon places don't come much better than Cappadocia. Located less than four hours from Turkey's capital city, the wind-carved landscapes of Cappadocia are otherworldly. Whether it's high up in a hot air balloon or on foot or horseback, there are a ton of ways to explore Cappadocia's magical valleys full of caves and rock formations, or "fairy chimneys."
Where to stay: Argos
Central Coast, California
Martina Ferreira
Between Big Sur's coastal bluffs, the charm of towns like Carmel-by-the-Sea and Monterey, the rolling hills of the Santa Ynez Mountains, and the sleepy mist of the Redwoods rolling into the Pacific, Central Coast California is an ideal romantic setting for couples who appreciate the ocean, fresh forests, campy hidden gems, and barely-there cell phone reception during coastal road trips. It forces you to appreciate nature–and focus on each other without the noise–only to help you slowly reacclimate to society once you make it to Santa Barbara or San Francisco (depending on the direction you're driving along the Pacific Coast Highway).
Where to stay: San Ysidro Ranch (Santa Barbara); The Inn at Spanish Bay (Pebble Beach); The Ventana (Big Sur); Hotel Californian (Santa Barbara)
Colorado
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For an epic honeymoon destination that doesn't involve leaving the continental United States, consider a vacation in Colorado. From the mountains of Aspen to the Cliff Palace of Mesa Verde National Park and countless biking and hiking trails in between, there's beauty around every corner.
Where to stay: Gateway Canyons Colorado
Dominica
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Dubbed "nature island" because of its vast rainforests, which occupy more than half of this Caribbean locale, Dominica also boasts Morne Trois Pitons National Park and the world's second-largest hot lake of its kind, Boiling Lake. A visit to the Waitukubuli National Trail is a must for 14 different paths stretching 115 miles.
Where to stay: Secret Bay
Dubai, UAE
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Rated the number two most popular honeymoon destination on Expedia, this cosmopolitan city is home to the world's tallest skyscraper, incredibly modern properties and elevated dining experiences (like this one at Atmosphere). The city has white-sand beaches along the Persian Gulf and an underwater tasting menu at Ossiano. Couples can easily enjoy a few days in Dubai before heading to the desert where they can go on safari, watch the sunrise from a hot air balloon, and roam through the arid climate in a stylish, vintage Range Rover. About a 12-hour direct flight from the East Coast (Emirates is the way to go), Dubai also works well for multi-destination honeymoons–especially for couples who want some city, followed by the Maldives or nearby Seychelles.
Where to Stay: Jumeirah Beach; Burj-Al-Arab; Armani Hotel; Atlantis The Palm
Fiji
Likuliku Lagoon Resort Fiji
The islands that make up Fiji are surrounded by coral reefs, resulting in warm lagoons and beautiful coral beaches. It's one of the very best honeymoon destinations in the South Pacific. Here, honeymooners can spend their days lazing on the white-sand beaches, snorkeling the reefs and sipping on kava—Fiji's national (non-alcoholic) drink—while watching the sunset.
Where to stay: Likuliku Lagoon Resort (Malolo Island)
Florida Keys, Florida
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The Florida Keys contain more than 1,000 islands stretched over 100 miles— the most famous is Key West. Newlyweds have been coming to the Keys for their honeymoon for decades, and with the feel of the South Pacific but without the air mileage, it's not hard to see why.
Where to stay: Kimpton Winslow's Bungalows; Little Palm Island Resort
Galway, Ireland
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While Ireland is known for its good craic and lively pub scene, it's also home to one of the world's best road trips: the Wild Atlantic Way. Stretching from Donegal in the north to the colorful fishing village of Kinsale in the south, the route will take you past castle ruins, charming cities like Galway and the mystical Cliffs of Moher.
Where to stay: Ashford Castle
Hamilton Island, Australia
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As one of the 74 Whitsunday Islands, which lie between Australia's mainland and the Great Barrier Reef, Hamilton Island is the largest populated island of the lot. The island is car-free (read: tranquil) and has a smattering of luxury resorts and a wildlife park where guests can get up close with kangaroos, koalas and even crocodiles. For an ultra-romantic experience, be whisked off in a helicopter over the Great Barrier Reef, landing next to Heart Island (pictured) for a picnic and a snorkel.
Where to stay: qualia
Harbour Island, Bahamas
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Chances are, you've never seen anything like Harbor Island's Pink Sands Beach. On your way to the pink-sand paradise, pick up a breakfast croissant from Arthur's Bakery, which will set you up nicely for a day of sand and sea. With a laid-back vibe, it's no wonder so many people make the Bahamas their honeymoon spot.
Where to stay: Tingum Village Hotel; Pink Sands Resort
Hvar, Croatia
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Croatia is often overlooked for neighboring big-hitters like Greece and Italy, but it harbors some of Europe's best beaches (and it's more wallet-friendly too). The luxurious beach clubs, like Beach Club Hvar and the legendary Hula Hula are great for people-watching.
Where to stay: Moeesy Blue & Green Oasis Hotel; Adriana Hvar
Iceland
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Largely uninhabited, Iceland changes scenery every few minutes. You can go from volcanic, lunar-looking landscapes to shattering waterfalls and soaring geysers or massive Blue Lagoon hot springs. Head over to the picturesque Snaefellsjökull National Park to see some of nature's most beautiful creations.
Where to stay: Hótel Búðir; Blue Lagoon Iceland
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
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The American West calls outdoorsy couples who want romance and adventure in the wilderness. With nearby Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park, couples will enjoy daily sightseeing excursions and relaxing evenings with rustic sunsets and starry skies. With so much to do, honeymooners can take their pick between white-water rafting, fly-fishing, star-gazing, and exploring the natural beauty of the region.
Where to stay: Amangani; The Cloudveil; The Alpine House
Jamaica
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Jamaica is known for being home to a slew of super-luxurious, all-inclusive resorts, which means you get a five-star honeymoon experience without breaking the bank.
Where to stay: Sandals South Coast; Half Moon; GoldenEye
Koh Samui, Thailand
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A honeymoon in Thailand means you'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to lush strips of sand, but for the best beaches for your honeymoon, look no further than Koh Samui. The island is a popular tourist spot with around 40 beaches to choose from, so you're bound to find a patch of sand to call your own.
Where to stay: Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort
Kyoto, Japan
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Compared with the frenetic energy of Japan's capital city Tokyo, Kyoto moves at a much slower pace. Relax and reflect at hundreds of shrines and temples or stroll through peaceful traditional gardens. While the cherry blossoms only bloom in the spring, you can visit Kyoto's cool cultural sites—like Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and the orange gates of Fushimi Inari Taisha—all year round.
Where to stay: HOSHINOYA Kyoto
Machu Picchu, Peru
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If you want adventure, look no further. Peru is home to some of the world's greatest sites (the Andes, cloud forests and Machu Picchu Citadel), making it truly the trip of a lifetime. A sunrise trek up Machu Picchu is worth the morning wake-up call. Get there early enough (or get the train there) and you'll have the mist-covered ancient city mostly to yourself.
Where to stay: JW Marriott Cusco; El Retablo; Belmond Sanctuary Lodge
Maldives
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This remote Indian Ocean archipelago is one of the best places to go for your honeymoon, with white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, atolls and secluded resorts. Famed for its ultra-private, extra-luxurious overwater villas, the Maldives is the perfect location for a romantic honeymoon getaway.
Where to stay: Niyama Maldives; Conrad Maldives Rangali Island; JW Marriott Maldives
Marrakesh, Morocco
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Rock stars and fashion designers have been going to this North African city for decades to find inspiration. You'll feel like you wandered onto a movie set when you enter its souks, complete with hidden alleys, endless spices, a maze of markets and the ancient Medina. It's worth extending your stay so you can add on a trip to the Sahara Desert, traveling over the Atlas Mountains and staying in a luxury tented camp.
Where to stay: Selman Marrakech
Maui, Hawaii
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Considered the most romantic Hawaiian island, Maui offers natural beauty, unparalleled sunrises and sunsets, and refined luxury. Award-winning resorts set an unrivaled standard, catering to couples with bucket list experiences, ranging from sunset helicopter rides to outrigger canoeing with turtles and whales. Maui's food culture is also worth mentioning from poke bowl stops to memorable dinners at Merriman's or Waicoco (the kampachi is a must). Not to mention: fans of HBO's White Lotus are flocking to Wailea for their own stay at the Four Seasons, where the show about honeymooners is set.
Where to Stay: The Ritz-Carlton Maui (Kapalua); The Westin Maui (Ka'anapali); The Four Seasons Maui (Wailea)
Mauritius
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Lying off the coast of Madagascar, landing in Mauritius will feel like you've reached the end of the earth. It has everything you could want from an island honeymoon destination: white-sand beaches, lagoons, diverse marine life and rainforests with waterfalls and endless hiking trails.
Where to stay: Shangri-La Le Touessrok, Mauritius; Trou d'Eau Douce
Miami Beach, Florida
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You'll feel the excitement and glamour in the air when you step out onto Florida's ultra-famous beaches—made even more gorgeous with palm trees and sunshine for days. Miami, in particular, is ideal for honeymooners who can't decide between a city, beach and adventure-style break. Here, you can start your day in a high-rise hotel and end it by scuba diving in Biscayne National Park.
Where to stay: Eden Roc Miami Beach; The Faena Miami Beach; The Setai Miami Beach
Montreal, Canada
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With incredible architecture and cobblestone streets that transport you to France, the French-speaking city of Montreal is a worthy honeymoon destination. Couples will enjoy world-class fine dining experiences, intimate cafes, restored historic properties, lively nightlife and top-notch shopping–all you have to do is say "oui."
Where to stay: The Ritz-Carlton, Montreal; Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth
Myanmar
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Where does the couple who has been everywhere go for their honeymoon? Myanmar. While it might not be the first spot that springs to mind when thinking of places to go on your honeymoon, it should be. Here, you can visit ancient temples and marvel at places untouched by globalization. For wow-worthy selfies, take a hot air balloon ride over the plains around Bagan.
Where to stay: Road to Mandalay Belmond River Cruiser
Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts
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The islands off the coast of Cape Cod are summertime playgrounds for Bostonians and New Yorkers alike. Marked by well-manicured hedges, cobblestone streets, hydrangea bushes in full boom and cottage-like properties nodding to New England's architectural heritage, both Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard are coveted destinations to visit especially during peak seasons. Those who enjoy quaint experiences, picturesque bike rides and the intimate feel of an island without venturing too far (at least on the East Coast) will relish the experience of these two best honeymoon destinations off Cape Cod.
Where to stay: The Wauwinet (Nantucket); Harbor View Hotel (Edgartown)
New Zealand
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New Zealand is spoiled for choice when it comes to scenic vistas, but those in the know head to the South Island to experience the most majestic scenery. A road trip of the South Island will take you past the glaciers of the west coast, the towering peaks of Milford Sounds, the shimmering lakes and mountains of Queenstown and the lupins of Lake Tekapo. But head to the top of the south, to the Abel Tasman National Park, for New Zealand's best beaches and lush walking trails.
Where to stay: Split Apple Retreat
Palawan, Philippines
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Palawan is the final frontier of the Philippines—an unspoiled province of jaw-dropping waterscape scenery makes it one of the best tropical honeymoon destinations. Kayak the Puerto Princesa Underground River, a navigable subterranean river, for an unforgettable experience.
Where to stay: Sheridan Beach Resort and Spa
Palm Springs, California
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This West Coast destination has always been hip, hosting Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra and notable architects. Today, those architects' mid-century modern masterpieces are the hallmark of this retro-fun city. While the city itself can be pricey, the fact that you don't have to pay for international airfare means you can enjoy a little luxury a bit closer to home.
Where to stay: Sparrows Lodge
Papagayo Peninsula, Costa Rica
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With the expansion of the Liberia airport, access to this part of Costa Rica has become much easier. Here, couples have their pick of luxe, modern lodgings and can spend their days visiting sloth sanctuaries, whizzing through a volcano on a zipline or braving a whitewater rafting trip.
Where to stay: The Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort
Paris, France
Hôtel Plaza Athénée
Paris is synonymous with romance. It's a combination of the architecture, the food (oh, the food!) and the art that makes this city so special and one of the best honeymoon destinations in the world. After a wander through the Louvre, pick up a selection of meats and cheeses and picnic in front of the Eiffel Tower.
Where to stay: Hôtel Plaza Athénée; Shangri-La Paris
Praia do Camilo, Portugal
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Stuck for European honeymoon destination ideas? Look no further. Praia do Camilo is just one of many golden-sand beaches peppered along Portugal's Algarve coast. Its prime position close to bustling Lagos (a half-hour walk away) means you'll be in for a beach-meets-culture honeymoon.
Where to stay: Palmares Beach House Hotel
Punta del Este, Uruguay
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The once-sleepy fishing village of Punta del Este is now the St. Tropez of South America, attracting international socialites, millionaires and celebrities. Latin pop star Shakira, Argentine polo champion Nacho Figueras and British novelist Martin Amis have all been spotted vacationing here. Stay by Brava Beach—one of Punta del Este's most beautiful beaches (plus, it's close to the shopping areas).
Where to stay: The Grand Hotel
Punta Mita, Mexico
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A spear-shaped, high-end peninsula community in Nayarit with sprawling views of the ocean and acres of private lush jungle calls couples for the honeymoon. With luxury resort options that cater to impeccable service, the region is one of the finest in Mexico for tropical honeymoon experiences.
Where to stay: Four Seasons Punta Mita; Naviva; St. Regis Punta Mita
Santorini, Greece
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This small volcanic island is known for its seriously gorgeous sunsets and pristine whitewashed villas, but there's so much more to explore. Take a scooter to the red- and black-sand beaches, check out ancient sites (like the Bronze Age settlement of Akrotíri, oftentimes called "Minoan Pompeii"), visit wineries, go hiking and stop in the many boutiques. Unsurprisingly, Greece has ranked among the best honeymoon destinations for decades.
Where to stay: Carpe Diem; Andronis Boutique Hotel; Canaves Oia Suites; Grace Santorini
Savannah, Georgia
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Get lost in the city's slow-paced serenity—it's the perfect place to chill out postwedding. Cozy inns and local restaurants flourish around the tree-shaded historic district. Better yet, you can take a charming, fairy-tale horse-drawn carriage tour around the squares. Local properties offer art collections, cooking schools, spas, outdoor relaxation pools and popular restaurants on-site. You'll be forgiven if you have honeymoon withdrawal when you leave.
Where to stay: The Mansion on Forsyth Park
Sedona, Arizona
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Romance seekers have flocked to Sedona's alluring red rocks for years for the ultimate spa, wellness and outdoor adventure.
Where to stay: L'Auberge de Sedona; Enchantment Resort; Amara Resort and Spa
Seychelles
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Just one look at its untouched beaches and lush rainforests and it's easy to see why the Seychelles is one of the world's top honeymoon destinations. When you're not finding a stretch of sand to call your own or island hopping across the archipelago, spend some time discovering the diverse wildlife, including the rare Aldabra giant tortoise.
Where to stay: Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas; Mango House; Le Chateau de Feuilles
Sicily, Italy
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Affectionately known as the toe of Italy's boot, Sicily is a large island plonked just off the southern coast of the country and is the largest island in the Mediterranean. Visitors here can expect everything they love about Italy (culture, food, glorious landscapes) all wrapped up in a neat bundle and with the addition of some of the world's best beaches.
Where to stay: Locanda Don Serafino
Sonoma, California
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World-class wine, delicious food and unsurpassed scenery mark Sonoma County's gorgeous vineyards and inn culture. Just west of Napa Valley, Sonoma's cozy towns include the likes of Santa Rosa, Healdsburg and the Russian River Valley. While there, couples will want to indulge in local fare—local chefs were doing farm-to-table long before it was a trend.
Where to stay: Montage Healdsburg; Healdsburg Inn; River Belle Inn; MacArthur Place
Sri Lanka
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Marco Polo described Sri Lanka as one of the finest islands of its size in the world. Located just south of India, this trendy honeymoon destination has it all: lush rainforests, beautiful beaches and diverse wildlife.
Where to stay: The River House
St. Barts
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This island is one of the most upscale destinations in the Caribbean and its French background provides an appeal similar to the French Riviera. International influence helps cement St. Barts as one of the most popular honeymoon destinations year after year. Head to the insanely beautiful Colombier beach for breathtaking scenery—it's only accessible by foot or boat so it's bound to be quiet.
Where to stay: Eden Roc St. Barths; Le Sereno; Rosewood Le Guanahani St. Barth; La Banane
St. Lucia
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From black-sand beaches to the wooded peaks of the Pitons, this Caribbean gem isn't short on breathtaking landscapes, which is why it's one of the best island honeymoon destinations in the world. It boasts an adults-only resort, horseback riding, spa treatments, water sports—everything you'd want for a romantic getaway The charming Creole villages here are not to be missed.
Where to stay: Jade Mountain; Cap Maison; Sandals Resorts; Rendezvous; Ladera Resort
Tanzania
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Tanzania is the ultimate adventurous honeymoon destination. Here, you can spend half your honeymoon watching the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti or climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and the other half in Zanzibar, an archipelago of Tanzania's coast, swimming with whale sharks and trekking through Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park to sight the rare red colobus monkey.
Where to stay: The Residence
Tibet
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Nicknamed the "Roof of the World," the Tibetan Plateau stands three miles above sea level and the mountain range that flanks it contains the world's highest peaks: Mount Everest and K2. Adventurers will love discovering its hilltop monasteries, high-altitude walks and the world's highest railway. The Tibetan capital of Lhasa has everything you could want for luxury and it serves as the ideal base to explore nearby Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street and the famed Potala Palace—which was once the winter home of the Dalai Lama.
Where to stay: The St. Regis Lhasa Resort
Tulum, Mexico
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The city of Tulum has a lot going for it: It's an hour and a half from the airport in Cancún, it's home to an ancient Mayan village and it won't make too much of a dent in your postwedding budget. Oh, and did we mention the amazing beaches?
Where to stay: Mi Amor Hotel; Hotel Esencia
Turks and Caicos
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Turks and Caicos has everything you could want from a Caribbean honeymoon destination: boutique resorts, foodie-approved restaurants and one of the world's best beaches (hi, Grace Bay). Visit between January and April for the best weather and to witness the annual humpback whale migration.
Where to stay: COMO Parrot Cay
Turquoise Bay, Australia
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There's no doubt about it: Australia is home to some of the world's best beaches (Bondi and Byron Bay, to name a couple). But those in the know head to the lesser-explored Cape Range National Park in the country's northwest for deserted white-sand beaches and unbelievably blue waters. The aptly named Turquoise Bay is the best of the bunch—honeymooners should visit here after a day exploring the nearby canyons and limestone ranges.
Where to stay: Mantarays Ningaloo Beach Resort
Vanuatu
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Wedged between Fiji and New Caledonia, Vanuatu is one of the best honeymoon destinations in the South Pacific. Its 80 or so islands are primed for both sun-seekers and adventure lovers, with volcanic craters to explore, an ancient culture to immerse yourselves in and luminous blue holes (bright sapphire lagoons) to dive into. Newlyweds can indulge in couples massages, private-island picnics and an ocean-front villa with its own private beach to really turn up the honeymoon romance.
Where to stay: The Havannah
Vancouver, Canada
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Love sea sports? Landlubbers? Either way, this hot spot has something for you. Surrounded by mountains on the Pacific Ocean, this city offers tons of adventure. Stay active during the day by hiking, biking or sailing, then head to the heart of the city at night for a cosmopolitan scene. And don't miss an opportunity to heat things up in the hot springs in nearby Maquinna Marine Provincial Park, which is only reachable by boat.
Where to stay: At The Wickaninnish Inn
Vieques, Puerto Rico
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Vieques, the island just off Puerto Rico's eastern coast, has a charmingly laid-back atmosphere that's hard to find elsewhere. Case in point: There are no traffic lights, and its beaches are quiet and unspoiled by high-rise buildings. Although the island is about 21 miles long, there's no shortage of beaches. The idyllic paradise boasts around 40.
Where to stay: El Blok
Commonly Asked Questions When Deciding On the Best Honeymoon Destination
While your honeymoon is a big trip, you'll also want to be practical about timing, logistics and cost. So much influences where and when you decide to honeymoon. Here are some of your most commonly-asked questions–answered.
Is There a Best Time to Honeymoon?
This is subjective, meaning couples should do what's best for their schedules and marriage. There are quite a few factors you'll want to consider as you plan your honeymoon. The first is the ideal month of departure. Ask yourselves: Is it your dream to embark for the honeymoon immediately after the wedding, or do you prefer to regroup first, then enjoy an extended and lavish megamoon down the line? There's no right or wrong answer–just what makes the most sense to you. From there, you'll want to look into honeymoon weather at your chosen destinations to see what peak seasons align.
When Should I Visit My Destination?
Seasonality impacts most honeymoon destinations around the world. An ill-researched vacation could lead to greater issues related to your itinerary as some locations shut down during the off-season. In addition, consider honeymoon weather by avoiding hurricane or seaweed seasons along the Caribbean (there's an unpleasant humidity and odor in the air). Instead, book during favorable weather conditions at any location you choose for your honeymoon.
What Are the Best Honeymoon Destinations in the US?
With more national parks than any other country, the geographical diversity of the US is simply stunning, Couples can enjoy everything from alpine and glacier lakes to meadows of wildflowers, wildlife sightings and world-class hiking trails that carve through canyons, deserts and majestic mountains. Along both coasts, couples will find white-sand beaches, world-class wine tasting regions, and sprawling metropolitan cities teeming with culture and activity. In other words, the US is ideal for a honeymoon–especially since there's so much to experience and see–the most frequently sought-out states being Hawaii, California, Florida, Colorado, and any that house US National Parks.
Should We Consider Honeymoon Destinations Outside of the US?
The world is your oyster. Pending the distance, length of time and budget you've set for the honeymoon, an international getaway makes an impression on travelers–especially those who are receptive to taking in new cultures and broadening the mind. From the East Coast, couples can easily access the Mediterranean and the Caribbean Islands, while the West Coast has Vancouver, Cabo San Lucas, Punta Mita and the Aloha State of Hawaii, which feels like you've arrived to another country.
What Are the Most Popular Honeymoon Destinations Worldwide?
There are a few destinations that evoke the sentiment of a honeymoon. According to Pinterest, the most popular honeymoon destinations include Bali, Italy, Hawaii, Ireland, Greece, Costa Rica, Mexico, Jamaica and other Caribbean Islands, as well as the Maldives. These are just a few of the top honeymoon destinations couples are considering in 2022 and 2023.
What Are the Best Budget Honeymoon Destinations?
Your honeymoon doesn't have to cost a mortgage—it's all about traveling smarter. Whether you opt for a pricier stateside destination to avoid international airfare or you book an all-inclusive in the Caribbean, you can do it on a budget. Couples will want to search for packages or deals through travel agencies or sites. To save on airfare and other travel expenses, consider looking for luxury a little closer to home—the best honeymoon locations can often be the most straightforward! Whether you're searching for the right stateside trip or an all-inclusive getaway in the Caribbean, we've included honeymoon ideas to suit all budgets.
Maridel Reyes contributed to the reporting of this article.
