The 10 Best Honeymoon Destinations in January
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After hosting a wedding and the holidays, January is the perfect moment to reset before the year is fully in swing. Perhaps even incorporate a resolution or two digital detoxing or trying a new activity while enjoying quality time together as newlyweds. We've pulled together a list of the best honeymoon destinations in January from hotspots close to home in the US where après-ski is the highlight to far-flung tropical locales where privacy comes in the form of over-the-water bungalows.
After considering the top honeymoon destinations by month, we've narrowed down 10 dreamy places to honeymoon in January, whether you want luxe all-inclusive resorts in Mexico or the Maldives or prefer a romantic riad in Marrakech or an alpine escape somewhere exclusive like St. Moritz in Switzerland. Keep that out-of-office message on a few weeks longer—it's time to pack your bags and jet off to one of these top winter honeymoon destinations.
St. Moritz, Switzerland
Switzerland's storybook towns are the definition of a winter wonderland, and January is a time when they really come to life with festivals and events. A St. Moritz, Switzerland, honeymoon is a romantic getaway that offers couples the perfect compromise: a ski getaway that can be as active as you'd like. The après-ski scene is on the sophisticated side and some of the world's best chefs hold residencies here during the winter high season. And in late January, St. Moritz holds one of its glitziest events: the Snow Polo World Cup.
Things to Do: Dining is a highlight of a St. Moritz honeymoon, and this tiny town sports an impressive number of top-notch restaurants. Take a seat on the terrace of Langosteria and admire views of the surrounding, snow-capped peaks, or head to the Paradiso Mountain Club for an afternoon of champagne and dancing. Chesa Veglia Pizzeria Heuboden has earned the reputation as the top spot in town for pizza, while Hotel Carlton's Fondue Gondola is a romantic spot for two to cozy up and sample the Swiss specialty.
Places to Stay: Two historic spots to stay in St. Moritz are the Kulm Hotel, home to the oldest sports bar in the Alps, the legendary Sunny Bar, and the elegant Badrutt's Palace, where the indoor infinity pool frames floor-to-ceiling views of the surrounding peaks and private spa suites are the perfect place for couples to recharge together after a few days on the slopes.
Galapagos Islands
A Galapagos honeymoon is a bucket list trip that couldn't be a more fitting way to celebrate the start of your life as a married couple. The best way to explore the islands off the coast of Ecuador is in the luxury of a small-ship cruise, where you'll have a team gearing you up for snorkel excursions with sea lions and penguins or hikes led by expert naturalist guides through the Galapagos' volcanic landscape, highlighting Indigenous species along the way. Since you'll need to fly through Quito, spend a few days in Ecuador's capital, perched nearly two miles high in the Andean foothills, sampling some of South America's top cuisine at restaurants like Nuema.
Things to Do: Luxury outfitter Quasar offers a tailor-made, safari-style honeymoon cruise on its two yachts, which include the Grace Yacht, Grace Kelly's honeymoon gift. With only 16 guests, you'll feel like you have the yacht all to yourself as you cruise the islands reconnecting with nature and relaxing with coffee or cocktails on deck watching the otherworldly scenery pass by.
Places to Stay: Since most of the islands aren't inhabited, the majority of the hotels are on Santa Cruz, the Galapagos' main hub. In terms of eco luxury, Pikaia Lodge is one of the top here and even has its own private yacht, if you want to adventure on day trips to the islands. At beachfront Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel, one of National Geographic's "Unique Lodges of the World," you can snorkel right from the hotel's beach.
The Maldives
After a busy holiday season, the last thing you want to worry about on your honeymoon is planning. With more than 1,100 islands, the Maldives is practically a private island paradise with most resorts sprawling across an island of their own. The laid-back vibe and picture-perfect white sandy beaches are certainly factors that have earned the Maldives a reputation as one of the top honeymoon spots in the world, but it's really the resorts that go above and beyond when it comes to upping the romance factor and creating a memorable experience for newlyweds. Just one look at an over-the-water pool villa or bungalow and you'll be swooning on your Maldives honeymoon.
Things to Do: January is one of the best times of the year to visit the Maldives since it's warm, humidity is low and any light sprinkling passes quickly. The clear water visibility also makes it a great time for diving and snorkeling—two of the Maldives' major draws. Since many hotels are all-inclusive, they'll provide water sports equipment like kayaks and paddleboards and may offer activities at an additional cost like a sunset cruise. Dining in the Maldives is an attraction in itself, whether your resort arranges a candlelit dinner on the beach or a picnic by the water. But one truly spectacular way to dine is underwater at 5.8 Undersea Restaurant or Ithaa Undersea Restaurant watching as sharks and rays pass overhead.
Places to Stay: The Maldives boasts most of the luxury names in travel, but one of the top—especially for culinary lovers—is Soneva Fushi, where visiting Michelin chefs are often in the kitchen and the one and two-bedroom water reserves (complete with private pools and waterslides into the ocean) are some of the largest in the world. For an authentic Maldivian experience, book one of the luxe Coco Residences at Coco Bodu Hithi in the North Malé Atoll.
Key West, Florida
The drive from Miami to Key West is half of what makes a Florida Keys honeymoon so romantic—jade-colored water glistening on either side of the Overseas Highway, with 42 bridges connecting Key Largo and Key West. It's your honeymoon, after all, so go all out and rent a convertible or vintage car and drive in style down to the southernmost tip. Part of what makes Key West an affordable honeymoon destination is that once you arrive, you can park and explore the town's historic attractions by foot or bike, cycling along palm-lined streets and tin-roofed conch houses once home to everyone from Jimmy Buffett to Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams.
Things to Do: Pause on the drive down at Bahia Honda State Park on Big Pine Key, which sports some of the best beaches in the Florida Keys. Carve out a day for a catamaran ride to the nearby Dry Tortugas National Park, crowned by Fort Jefferson, the largest brick building in the western hemisphere and home to some of the best marine life in the Keys, making it a popular spot for snorkeling. Every evening, the Mallory Square Dock transforms into a nightly arts festival dubbed Sunset Celebration, which is a don't-miss in Key West.
Places to Stay: In Old Town Key West, Ocean Key Resort & Spa unfolds along the Gulf of Mexico and every room features a view of the water or historic Duval Street. The 1920s-era Casa Marina is fresh off a renovation and features new beachfront patio suites that are the epitome of Key West's tropical charm.
Aspen, Colorado
This is one of the best January honeymoon locations for skiing and winter sports in Colorado, so if you're considering an Aspen honeymoon, the spectacular powder is guaranteed. The mountain town nestled in the Rockies is the perfect combination of outdoor adventure and luxury in the form of world-class hotels, a cutting-edge culinary scene, and over-the-top après-ski—which is why it often ranks as one of the top US honeymoon spots. Bundle up and ride in a horse-drawn sleigh through a nearby old mining town, where you'll sample gourmet mountain cuisine, or join the champagne popping on the terrace of Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro, considered one of the best spots for après-ski in the country.
Things to Do: Stroll the pedestrian-friendly downtown area's boutiques, picking up souvenirs like the coveted, customizable western-style hats from Kemo Sabe. Take a break from the snow to catch the latest exhibit at the Aspen Art Museum or relax with a massage at ski-in/ski-out The Spa at The Little Nell. Indulge in a Michelin meal at Bosq, known for locally inspired, foraged cuisine, or freshly shucked oysters and champagne by the fireplace at Aspen institution Clark's.
Places to Stay: If you're planning your honeymoon around time on the slopes, book The Little Nell, near the Silver Queen Gondola, the only ski-in/ski-out hotel on Aspen Mountain. In downtown, Hotel Jerome embraces Aspen's mining heritage with western touches (cowhide chairs, wood deer heads) that are playful yet sophisticated for a feel that's more mountainside chalet than a traditional hotel.
Turks and Caicos
One of the easiest destinations to reach in the Caribbean from the East Coast, a Turks and Caicos honeymoon is a great honeymoon spot in January if you're looking for a long weekend getaway from the snow up north—although you could easily spend a week here and barely scrape the surface. Once you land on the 38-square-mile island of Providenciales, you'll be at your beachside hotel in less than 20 minutes. Grace Bay Beach's powdery white shores and clear-as-glass water earn it the title of World's Best Beach year after year, but there are plenty of gorgeous beaches both on this island and others throughout Turks and Caicos.
Things to Do: Spectacular snorkeling and scuba diving await, but if you want to soak up the islands' beauty above the water, book a guided yacht tour cay-hopping throughout the region. If you're up for something more adrenaline-inducing, go kiteboarding or parasailing over Grace Bay. One restaurant not to miss is the iconic, waterfront da Conch Shack with its picnic tables in the sand and island tunes.
Places to Stay: Couples can find hotels of all types to suit their budget and style, from super-glam COMO Parrot Cay, set on its own private island; the luxe Amanyara on the shores of an 18,000-acre nature reserve on Providenciales' North West Point Marine National Park; and the all-inclusive Ambergris Cay, also set on its own private island, which offers a mix of beachfront bungalows and villas, plus experiences like deserted beach picnics.
Bali, Indonesia
Bali's nickname the "Island of the Gods" refers to the 10,000-plus temples, culture celebrating spiritual renewal and energy vortex said to be linked with the Earth's kundalini energy. For couples looking to unwind, Ubud is a spiritual center with world-class yoga studios like The Yoga Barn and luxury resorts that feel more like far-flung retreats, such as Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary and launching a new wellness program at its riverside spa, where treatments include sessions with a local Balinese healer and chakra-balancing massages. If surfing and seaside cafes are more your speed, make it a two-part honeymoon spending the second half between the jungle and ocean in Uluwatu.
Things to Do: January is considered off-season, but the weather is still great if you don't mind a quick rain shower here and there. Plus, fewer tourists means you won't be stuck in as much traffic or crowds when visiting temples and other cultural sites. Cross off some of Ubud's most photogenic sites like Lempuyang Temple and Tegalalang Rice Terrace on a private tour or go chasing some of the island's impressive waterfalls on a day trip from Ubud.
Places to Stay: Sleep in a teak bridal home (former gifts from Javanese noblemen to their brides) at John Hardy's bamboo bungalow hotel, Bambu Indah, or book a sumptuous stay at Bvlgari Resort Bali, perched on the southern coast of the Bukit peninsula.
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
In January, humpback whales are making their annual migration through Cabo's waters, making it a prime time to visit the dreamy locale on Mexico's Baja peninsula. A Cabo San Lucas honeymoon really does have it all: gorgeous beaches perfect for surfing and horseback riding; a vibrant culinary scene ranging from street tacos to Michelin-starred restaurants; and seaside spas, so you can unwind with the sound of ocean waves lapping in the distance. Oh, and did we mention the fantastic snorkeling in Cabo's calm coves?
Things to Do: The best way to get your bearings is on the water, cruising via private boat by the landmark Arch of Cabo San Lucas and famous sea lion colony. Learn more about the migrating humpbacks on a whale-watching tour led by marine biologist guides, or set off on a sunset catamaran cruise past Baja's other major landmarks while toasting to your new nuptials.
Places to Stay: Los Cabos is a haven for luxury all-inclusive resorts, and one of the top is Grand Velas Los Cabos, with its multi-tiered infinity pools overlooking the Sea of Cortez (of course you can also enjoy the view from the private plunge pool in your ocean-view suite). At the tip of the Baja peninsula, five-star Las Ventanas al Paraíso, a Rosewood Resort melds into the desert beach landscape with 84 suites and villas—each complete with its own private infinity-edge pool.
Marrakech, Morocco
January may mean cooler temperatures, but during the day, it'll be perfect weather for strolling Marrakech's maze-like markets in the Medina Quarter, the "Old City." The former imperial city is a feast for the senses, from the vibrant, pyramid-shaped piles of spices at the souk to the gorgeous tiled Moorish Koutoubia mosque and captivating gardens of Jardin Majorelle, previously owned by fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent. Of course, we wouldn't be surprised if it took a few days before you leave the hotel since these palace-like resorts are some of the most sumptuous in the world—complete with hammams and top-notch dining.
Things to Do: A Marrakech honeymoon wouldn't be complete without learning the basics of cooking a traditional tajine, and La Maison Arabe's cooking school is legendary for its workshops. It's worth the early wake-up call to watch the sun rising from behind the Atlas Mountains on a hot air balloon ride. Marrakech's markets can be overwhelming, so let the pros lead the way on a shopping tour of the souks, sourcing souvenirs to fill your home together.
Places to Stay: Luxury palace La Mamounia is ranked one of the world's best hotels, so you'll be sleeping in opulence—especially if you book one of the private riads in the gardens. After a few days in Marrakech, leave the city for the mountains with a stay at Sir Richard Branson's Kasbah Tamadot, located in a valley with views of Mount Toubkal in the distance.
Whistler Blackcomb, Canada
For couples who are serious about the slopes, you can't get much better than a Whistler Blackcomb honeymoon in North America's largest—and one of the world's most-visited—mountain resort. You'll have 8,100 acres of skiable terrain to call your playground on your honeymoon, and runs cater to all levels, from first-timers to pros. The pedestrian-only village of Whistler just adds to the area's charm. The twinkling town is a hotbed of culture, so when you're ready to slip off your skis, art galleries, fine-dining restaurants and cultural celebrations await at one of the best places to honeymoon in January.
Things to Do: Take your pick of snow sports, trying your hand at dogsledding, snowshoeing and bobsledding or, better yet, play Olympian at the Whistler Olympic Park. Hop in a glass-bottom gondola and admire views of the forest and Whistler Village from the sky on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola or unwind with a Finnish thermal bath journey at Scandinave Spa.
Places to Stay: Think of Fairmont Chateau Whistler as an elevated version of an alpine chalet, with ski-in/ski-out access and a number of dining options to choose from, including cozy, fireplace-lit The Chalet, where you can indulge in fondue and schnitzel. Four Seasons Resort and Residences is an option just as romantic that also offers couples bookable experiences like snowmobile and helicopter tours.