10 Best Honeymoon Destinations in August

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From city escapes like Chicago to far-flung island getaways in the Indian Ocean, the best honeymoon destinations in August know how to roll out the romance for couples. The best summer honeymoon destinations, like the Greek islands and South of France, are in the height of season in August, meaning beach clubs are in full swing and long lunches are spent seaside, sipping rosé in between dips in the Mediterranean.

When looking at the top honeymoon destinations by month, some of the best places to honeymoon in August are where you'd least expect, like nature-filled Swedish Lapland or all-inclusive resorts in Barbados, where you'll find better deals and fewer crowds. Others are some of the hardest to reach, from safaris in Kenya's Maasai Mara to the hundred-plus islands in the Seychelles.

Whether you're after a dreamy beach honeymoon complete with bungalows hovering over the sea or prefer a low-key cottage by the water in Lake Tahoe, where days are spent soaking up nature hiking or cycling, here are the 10 top honeymoon spots around the world to celebrate your new lives together in the most romantic ways possible.

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Seychelles

A remote locale off East Africa, the 115-island archipelago is one for honeymooners who prefer a mix of nature and luxury—plus beaches so untouched, you'll feel like the first ones to discover them. August falls into the cooler dry season, but temperatures can still hit the low 90s, so it's definitely prime beach weather. This is a dream destination that takes some time to reach, so you'll want to spend at least a week since the trip alone will take a day or two. Once you arrive, you and your other half will be greeted with gorgeous overwater bungalows and luxury island resorts that are the definition of a romantic getaway.

Things to Do: Cruise the St. Anne Marine National Park swimming and snorkeling around Moyenne Island, a favorite for its many large tortoises; take a private hike to one of Mahé's hard-to-find Ros Sodyer rock pool; or take a private full-day island tour of Mahé, discovering the island's top natural attractions.

Places to Stay: Indulge in an Instagram-worthy floating breakfast at your private ocean-view infinity pool villa at Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas, which features everything from an award-winning wine list and dining in the wine cellar to a beachside sunset bar and lantern-lit private dining on the sand.

Barbados

Summer technically falls in the rainy season, but hurricanes in Barbados are far less likely than in other Caribbean islands, so if you're planning a Caribbean honeymoon in August, this spot is one of your best bets. An easy island to reach for a long weekend getaway, Barbados is an affordable honeymoon destination that's a quick flight from major cities in the US. From sprawling oceanfront resorts to historic charm in the capital of Bridgetown, Barbados offers a culture-packed escape with plenty to keep newlyweds entertained when they're ready to get off the beach.

Things to Do: Hop on a catamaran excursion cruising and snorkeling along the coast; head underground to a crystalline cavern before exploring the oldest commercial rum distillery in the world and flying through the air on the Monkey Zipline Adventure tour around the island; or dance to a live band and steel pan music at a beachside dinner show in Bridgetown.

Places to Stay: Sprawl out on the beach in style at legendary 113-room Sandy Lane, which offers everything from some of the best golf in the world to candlelit dinners by the sea, butler-drawn baths and rose petal-strewn couples massages. Honeymooners can also take their pick of all-inclusive resorts, from adults-only The House by Elegant Hotels to Sandals Barbados, which features swim-up suites and a rooftop pool.

Chicago, Illinois

One of the best August honeymoon destinations, a summer Chicago honeymoon guarantees sunny weather that's pleasant enough for strolling and sightseeing around the city's renowned architecture and areas like Millennium Park and Navy Pier. It's also when the city plays host to everything from the Chicago Air and Water Show to the Midwest's largest lobster and seafood festival, Navy Pier weekly fireworks displays, the "world's largest karaoke" at The Salt Shed Outdoors, and one of the country's top music festivals, Lollapalooza, at historic Grant Park.

Things to Do: Take in views of the city's architecture from the water on a Chicago River cruise; speed up one of the tallest buildings on the continent for 360-degree views of the skyline and Lake Michigan at the 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck; or take a "gangster" and food walking tour of the city discovering some of the best deep-dish pizza and historic steakhouses.

Places to Stay: Sip cocktails on the rooftop of The Gwen, housed inside a stunning 1930s art deco building, or spend the day lounging at The Peninsula Chicago's two-floor spa, whose pool shows off views of the city from floor-to-ceiling windows.

Lake Tahoe

If you're planning a minimoon, romantic weekend getaway, or honeymoon that's a quick drive away from the West Coast, the "Jewel of the Sierra" is one of the top US honeymoon spots for outdoorsy couples looking to embrace the natural beauty of this summertime favorite. Get ready for everything from concerts by the lake to cocktail-filled cruises, art and wine festivals and fantastic cuisine tucked away in the North Shore's small towns. Easy to reach from cities like San Francisco or Sacramento, Lake Tahoe is also a great addition to a national park road trip since it's just a few hours away from Yosemite.

Things to Do: Cruise Emerald Bay on the M.S. Dixie II paddle wheeler; soar over lakes and creeks on a helicopter tour; or go e-biking along Lake Tahoe's East Shore paths.

Places to Stay: Soak up mountain views from floor-to-ceiling windows of a suite at The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe, where the sumptuous spa is outfitted with an outdoor heated lap pool, eucalyptus steam room and dry-heat lodge.

Sweden

Summer is the season of the midnight sun in Scandinavia, when days stretch late and the sun doesn't set until nearly midnight. This is also when summer honeymoon destinations like Sweden are at their best—the weather is practically perfect, making it a great time for sightseeing or spending time on a boat out in the Stockholm archipelago. When you're ready to switch up the scenery, head north of the Arctic Circle to Swedish Lapland, untouched stretches of land home to architectural marvels like the Arctic Bath floating hotel, as well as the Indigenous Sámi people and plenty of reindeer.

Things to Do: Brush up on Viking history and learn the art of fika on a tour from Stockholm; cruise the archipelago on a guided boat tour around the islands; or taste Scandinavian specialties on a walking food tour through Stockholm.

Places to Stay: An intimate stay for newlyweds, Ett Hem Stockholm takes over three private homes in a style that's the definition of Scandinavian chic, while Treehotel in Lapland is the perfect way to connect with nature staying in one of the playfully designed treehouses.

Sri Lanka

One of the best honeymoon spots in August, the Indian Ocean island destination is as far-flung as it gets—but the journey to the South Asian paradise and ultimate surf haven will be worth it once you see the stunning stretches of beach and national parks that are home to the densest population of leopards in the world. Even in the capital, Colombo, there's plenty for couples to discover, from temples and towers to local boutiques and a vibrant street food scene. A Sri Lanka honeymoon offers the same beauty as its flashier neighbors but is much more affordable since it's still somewhat off the beaten track.

Things to Do: Spot leopards on a wildlife safari in Yala National Park; admire elephants in Udawalawe National Park; or watch the scenery roll by on a train journey through tea plantations from Kandy to Ella.

Places to Stay: At Anantara Kalutara Resort, you'll be treated to 360-degree ocean and lagoon views, while at 18-bedroom Wallawwa in Negombo, you can cozy up in garden-encased suites with private gardens and plunge pools.

Kenya

If the Great Migration is high on your honeymoon bucket list, Kenya is one of the best places to honeymoon in August. It's peak season, so you'll want to plan far enough in advance, but the beauty of a Kenya honeymoon that centers around safari is that the lodge or camp handles most of the prep work. Your main point of entry is bustling Nairobi, so spend a few days in the city dining around town and visiting landmarks like the Karen Blixen Museum before you're off to the bush.

Things to Do: Take a day tour from Nairobi visiting the Giraffe Center and David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage; visit a Maasai village and learn more about the culture and traditions of the Indigenous community; or set off on a balloon safari over the Maasai Mara, soaring above the plains and rivers.

Places to Stay: Luxury all-inclusive camp Mara Bushtops sits on its own 6,500-acre private wildlife reserve, where honeymooners can enjoy off-road game drives and walking safaris right from camp.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Scotland's capital has long been a favorite for a romantic getaway in August, when the annual, three-week-long Edinburgh Fringe Festival brings performances to hundreds of stages around town. Not only is the weather at its best in summer (the city is one of the leading destinations for "coolcations"), it's also when Edinburgh is bursting with events like the Highland Games and Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo music festival, which uses the namesake castle as a backdrop for military band performances and international acts.

Things to Do: Whether you're planning a single-city honeymoon or have time to road trip along the coast to hidden beaches or throughout rugged mountains to historic castles, a Scotland honeymoon offers couples plenty to choose from. Get your bearings on a walking tour of Edinburgh; day trip to the Isle of Skye, stopping at Loch Ness along the way; or experience the best of the Scottish Highlands on a private tour that includes castles and the region's famous Highland cows.

Places to Stay: Sleep like royalty in the countryside escape Gleneagles, home to 10 restaurants and bars, plus 850 acres offering everything from fishing to shooting and riding. A stay just as regal, The Balmoral in Edinburgh exudes Scottish elegance in its stylish, traditional tartan-clad rooms.

Saint-Tropez, France

The exclusive French Riviera seaside town of Saint-Tropez is as swanky as it gets—designer-branded cafés, a yacht-filled harbor, some of the hottest beach clubs in the South of France. Couples can plan a French Riviera honeymoon combining a trip to Saint-Tropez with visits to lavender fields in Provence and hilltop medieval towns like Eze along the Riviera. And when you're ready to leave the beach, there are gorgeous islands off the coast waiting to be explored.

Things to Do: Dine in the vines with a chef-cooked meal and live music in Saint-Tropez; join the party at beach bar Shellona Saint-Tropez, where a DJ gets the crowd going later in the afternoon and the Mediterranean menu includes favorites like filo-wrapped feta cheese and the signature truffle pasta; and dine alfresco at romantic Kinugawa Ramatuelle, one of the top spots for sushi in the French Riviera.

Places to Stay: Retro-chic Épi has long been a favorite of icons like Audrey Hepburn and Brigitte Bardot, with its white-washed bungalows outfitted with rain shower-clad outdoor patios. AREV is one of the newest openings in Saint-Tropez, with 35 rooms sitting just a few minutes from the village's shops and restaurants.

Paros, Greece

One of the hottest islands in the Cyclades, Paros is small enough to navigate in a single day yet offers plenty to keep couples busy for weeks. The village of Naoussa is filled with the Greek charm pictured in postcards—terraces spilling out on cobblestones by the sea and whitewashed buildings crowned with blue-painted roofs. An affordable Greece honeymoon destination, couples can opt between all-inclusive resorts, beachside boutique hotels and villa rentals. And when you're ready to island hop, the sister isle of Antiparos is a seven-minute ferry ride away.

Things to Do: Cruise around the island via catamaran, pausing to swim or snorkel; learn how to make Parian cuisine during a local chef-led cooking class; or sail to Antiparos's sea cave, stopping by the untouched island of Despotiko on the way.

Places to Stay: Seaside Cosme is the first true luxury resort on Paros, complete with 40 stone-carved suites (some with private plunge pools and sunbeds), a catamaran yacht for sailing excursions and private toes-in-the-sand dining under the stars. Sister spot Parilio is just as design-savvy, outfitted with Cycladic art and suites featuring private pools or jacuzzis.