Honeymoon planning….what a dream! Wedding planning is great and all, but I would much rather be the one in charge of planning the honeymoon. Sure, it’s hard to pick where on earth you will go, but once you do it’s smooth sailing. My guide for the best honeymoon destinations around the world will allow you to compare some great options and narrow down what speaks to you and your fiance! I’m sharing overall vibes, things you can do, and some of the best honeymoon resorts along the way.
If anyone should know what it entails to plan a honeymoon, it’s me. I was unbelievably lucky to get married in February 2020, but you know what followed two weeks later. My fabulous honeymoon to the Seychelles was canceled without a foreseeable date to reschedule. Since the country was super strict and had no plans to reopen, I was forced to look at other destinations for us. Plenty of other places were welcoming travelers so it was hard not to! I planned 4 different honeymoons and each place closed their borders until we landed back in the Seychelles. Things do work themselves out!
My goal is to keep this thoughtfully organized so you can search by types of honeymoons you have in mind – tropical, European, domestic, or maybe Middleastern! I also hope you’ll be inspired by something you have not considered. Some of these are pretty unique!
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Best Tropical Honeymoon Destinations
Seychelles
Of course, I have to start this off with where I honeymooned! And also, where Prince William and Kate had their honeymoon. The Seychelles! If you aren’t familiar, the Seychelles are a group of 115+ islands in the Indian Ocean. It’s off the Eastern coast of Africa past Madagascar.
These islands are quite literally Heaven on Earth! It is an amazing place for adventure or simply lounging at the beach, which makes it a great honeymoon destination able to please any type of traveler. There are three main islands, but tons of tiny private islands with amazing eco-friendly luxury resorts.
Seychelles is famous for its amazing fishing, world-renowned beaches with granite boulders, exotic wildlife, national parks, and the rare coco de mer palm trees! The underwater marine life is truly unreal, too
You’ll have to make a connection somewhere so you could easily add in a couple days in Dubai like we did or even Egypt!
Best Places to Stay in Seychelles:
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is a more budget friendly and easily accessible option. Located in the Caribbean, Puerto Rico is a US territory so you’ll be international with all the familiarity of home – no passport, they use the US dollar, and english is common.
Puerto Rico is known for its historic Old San Juan and Spanish history. You can learn a ton about the culture and explore historic forts and castles! The Old Town is incredibly picturesque with cobblestone streets and colorful homes.
In addition, Puerto Rico has the only rainforest in the US National Park system – El Yunque. It’s a fun place to hike and explore the many waterfalls and lagoons tucked behind the forest.
Lastly, Puerto Rico is famous for its white sandy beaches where you can sip piña coladas by the sea! The piña colada was invented here after all!
I think Puerto Rico is a fabulous honeymoon destination because you get a mix of so many activities. This is ideal if you or your significant other are not the type of person who can sit on the beach for a week straight.
Turks and Caicos
Turks and Caicos has become a very popular island in the Caribbean lately. It’s really easy to reach as it sits right past The Bahamas with plenty of direct flights from the East Coast. It is surrounded by one of the largest reefs in the world making it ideal for diving and fishing.
If Bora Bora is out of the budget or is too far, this is your next best choice as it is similar to the atolls of the South Pacific.
I would go simply for the amazing, luxury resorts like Amanyara and Pine Cay.
Where to Stay in Turks and Caicos
- Amanyara – secluded luxury retreat
- Pine Cay – private island
- COMO Parrot Cay – the most peaceful rooms and villas 😍
- Grace Bay Beach Club – best area for snorkeling
Belize
My best friends recently spent their babymoon in Belize and I had so much fun researching for them. I did not know much about Belize, but it is the second largest reef in the world behind the Great Barrier Reef.
In Belize, you can enjoy the rainforest on the mainland then head down to the coast to stay on one of the many islands off the shore. Definitely go for an over the water bungalow! Belize will feel like two totally different vacations with these contrasting experiences.
Best Resorts in Belize
- Mahogany Bay Resort and Beach Club
- Alaia Belize
- Hamanasi Dive Resort
- Itz’ana Resort & Residences
- Matachica Beach Resort and Spa
French Polynesia
After my Seychelles honeymoon was delayed for 9 months with no reopening date in sight, I planned the most amazing honeymoon to French Polynesia! They had been open for months and I kept seeing so many people travel there. Unfortunately, after being open for most of the pandemic, they closed a week after we booked so we did not end up going, but here’s what you can expect.
You’ll fly into Tahiti where you will spend a night before heading off to the nearby islands like Bora Bora, Moorea, and Tetiaroa. I would have stayed at the super luxurious Four Seasons Bora Bora in one of their overwater bungalows for 4 nights, then head to Tetiaroa to stay at the EVEN more luxurious resort, The Brando. The villas are bigger than my house with beachside infinity pools. It’s incredibly exclusive and somewhere I absolutely must go one day!
If budget is no issue, stop reading and book The Brando for your honeymoon.
The Polynesian culture is really special and you will get to experience their dancing, luaus, cuisine, and so much more.
Best Honeymoon Destinations of Europe
Greece
Easily one of the top honeymoon best destinations in all of Europe! Greece is so romantic to me. Maybe it is the ancient Greek mythology, the whitewashed buildings, the wine, or a love story from the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, but I simply adore it!
There are so many islands to choose from so you can’t go wrong. Either way, you will enjoy riding an ATV around the islands, staying in luxury accommodations, beach hopping, and admiring the dreamiest sunsets over the Aegean Sea!
France
The only thing more romantic than the Greek Isles is PARIS! The sparkle of the eiffel tower, the language, the food, the champagne…everything French has such a romance to it.
Explore the many neighborhoods that make up Paris, see highlights like the Louvre and Arc de Triomphe, and dine at Michelin star restaurants. Then, you could head to Champagne, France for wine tasting or maybe to Nice to relax on the French Riviera. There are so many options to get the best of the city and the coast!
Faroe Islands
Probably the most unique honeymoon destination in Europe, the Faroe Islands. Technically a part of Denmark, the Faroe Islands are located East of Iceland and North of the UK (yes, it will be cold). The landscape is truly other-worldly with the dramatic cliffs along the coastline, waterfalls, Atlantic puffins, and charming lighthouses. It is seriously so magical and would be something so different!
There aren’t any super luxurious resorts, so you could stay in a trendy airbnb with traditional grass roofs!
If you are a couple that likes adventure and hiking, this off the beaten path location is for you.
Switzerland
Switzerland is one of my favorite countries in the whole world. There is so much to love across this tiny, but diverse nation.
On one end you have Geneva with tons of French influences from the language to the cuisine. Geneva is known for its historic old town, beautiful Lake Geneva, and is a hub for international diplomacy being home to the United Nations, Red Cross and several international organizations.
On the other end, Zurich is bordering Germany and Austria so you’ll find more German influences in this city. Zurich is a financial hub located along the Limmat River which runs through a historic, old town. The charming streets are filled with historical sites, restaurants, art galleries and more.
And in the middle, you’ll find Lucerne, a charming town situated along Lake Lucerne and surrounded by snow capped mountains. It’s known for its’ well preserved medieval architecture and many historic sites. Lucerne is one of the MOST picturesque towns in Switzerland.
I recommend a road trip itinerary taking you across the country including a stay at the 5 star Burgenstock Resort and Alpine Spa!
Italy
Italy is absolutely one of THE best honeymoon destinations in the world. Whether you cruise around Lake Como in a classic boat, soak up the sun on the Amalfi Coast, sip wine in Tuscany, or step back in time in Rome, you are sure to find something you love in Italy! Plus, all the pasta after the wedding diet will be exactly what you need!🍝🍷😉
I visited the Amalfi Coast for my babymoon and had the most amazing time.
Best Honeymoon Destinations in South + Central America
Chile
I spent several days in Chilean Patagonia this year and met many couples who were there honeymooning! Whether you want to hike Patagonia, see a glacier up close, visit wineries, explore the lake region or Atacama, there is something for every type of traveler in Chile (except the beach).
I recommend staying at Awasi Patagonia and hiking through Torres del Paine. There are 14 villas each overlooking the famous towers of Torres del Paine. No surprise that my favorite feature in the rooms are the wood burning hot tubs! Then, head North to the desert to stay at the Awasi Atacama property. Awasi will blow you away with their first class service, cuisine, and friendly staff. At the end of your trip, spend a couple nights in the capital of Santiago. The Singular Hotel is amazing and will put you in a great neighborhood to enjoy restaurants and the sites.
Argentina
Next, Argentina makes a great honeymoon option. You will fly into Buenos Aires, often coined the Paris of the South. Buenos Aires, Argentina has a dynamic food scene, interesting architectural details, and a bustling nightlife. Enjoy relaxing at a swanky hotel and eating your way through this cosmopolitan city! The perfect way to wind down post wedding.
Then, head over to Mendoza, a world renowned wine region. It’s not all about wine though. Take a cooking class, catch some fish, go horseback riding, and learn all about Argentinian culture. Stay at The Vines Resort and Spa in the Uco Valley. The 5-star hotel is located at the base of the Andes mountains providing a magical home for your adventures.
Additionally, you can head north to the Iguazu falls which line the border of Brazil and Argentina. It is much taller and wider than Niagara Falls! Stay at the Awasi Iguazu Hotel located in the Atlantic rainforest. You’ll stay in one of 14 luxury villas plus have your own private guide and 4WD!
Costa Rica
Get a taste of the “pura vida” lifestyle down in Costa Rica. This Central American country is known for its biodiversity featuring volcanoes, rainforests, and beaches. It’s also home to exotic wildlife including parrots, sloths, and monkeys!
Stay at Casa Chameleon Hotel, an adults only resort perched on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It’s the perfect intimate spot for your tropical getaway to Costa Rica. The hotel can coordinate activities for you like a day trip to the rainforest, surf lessons, sunset sail, in-room massages, yoga and more. But you really don’t have to leave the resort with your own private infinity pool!
Mexico
There are endless options for places to visit in Mexico for your honeymoon. Visit the cenotes of Tulum, the dramatic coastline of Cabo or charming towns like San Miguel de Allende. I suggest heading to the ultra chic beach destination known as Tulum!
Tulum is home to ancient mayan ruins, bright blue cenotes, white sandy beaches and a dynamic restaurant scene. Tulum is very wellness oriented so expect yoga classes, plenty of vegan options, and health conscious travelers. Stay at one of the many chic beachside hotels like Hotel Panamera for an intimate setting.
Wherever you go in Mexico, you are sure to have amazing food and the best margaritas!
Best Honeymoon Destinations in US
Charleston, SC
This charming town will remind you of Europe with its cobblestoned streets and colonial architecture. Plus, the colorful pastel homes are so picturesque! Charleston was one of the original colonies in America so it’s filled with rich history. In addition, Charleston is a major foodie town with some of the best chefs – many named James Beard Award winners!
Head to the beaches for a relaxing escape, then move to the historic district to enjoy the culture and sample the cuisine!
Where to Stay for a Charleston Honeymoon:
- The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort – perfect beachfront resort destination with a spa. I had my mini-moon here 🙂
- The Dewberry – the trendiest hotel in Charleston with an amazing rooftop bar and intimate spa
- Hotel Bennett – one of the newer hotels exuding luxury!
- The Charleston Place – the most iconic luxury hotel that helped put Charleston on the map!
- Zero George – intimate, romantic, dreamy
Napa Valley or Sonoma, CA
Napa Valley is a super romantic honeymoon destination. Picture lounging at a vineyard all day enjoying lunch, wine tastings, and maybe even a cooking class! You will spend days filled with wine tastings, spa experiences, dining in downtown Napa, and even time in San Francisco or a nearby coastal town.
Where to Stay in Wine Country:
- Montage Healdsburg
- MacArthur Place Hotel and Spa
- Auberge de Soleil
- Carneros Resort and Spa
- The Lodge at Sonoma Resort
- The Westin Verasa Napa
30A Florida
If you aren’t familiar with 30A, don’t worry. I was not either – it’s one of the best kept secrets in the South. 30A is a highway that runs along the panhandle of Florida. The highway runs through tons of ultra-charming beach towns which is how the whole area became known as 30A. They are all super unique, but share one thing in common: they are not tourist traps. There’s no mega condos, timeshares, or major hotels. You’ll find amazing boutique hotels and clear water all sans passport!
30A is a great place to spend a week or a long weekend if you are doing a mini-moon!
Best 30A Honeymoon Hotels:
- The Pearl Hotel, Rosemary Beach
Beaver Creek, Colorado
Lastly, If you are getting married in the winter, plan a ski trip to Beaver Creek! It is a swanky resort area near Vail. Stay at the Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch for ski in/out access, hot tubs, spa, and all the luxuries you expect on a honeymoon! Before or after, spend a few nights in Denver so you can explore the Mile High City and check out their many fabulous restaurants!
Best Honeymoon Destinations in the Middle East
Egypt
Egypt is a bucket list trip of a lifetime so it would be really special for a more adventurous honeymoon! You will never forget the feeling of visiting the pyramids for the first time.
You’ll of course see the Great Pyramids of Giza, but there is much more to Egypt and Cairo. You will also want to explore Islamic Cairo, see the Sphinx, tour the Egyptian Museum, shop in Khan el-Khalili, and cruise on the Nile in a traditional felucca.
Outside of Cairo, you can travel to Alexandria, Luxor, Aswan, or some of the resort towns along the Red Sea. Did you know Egypt is not all desert? There are great beaches along the Red Sea and it is one of the most popular dive spots in the world! Additionally, a Nile River cruise is perfect for first timers so you can see all of the historical sites like Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple.
Here are some of the best honeymoon resorts in Egypt:
- Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza
- Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria
- Marriott Mena House
- The Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh
- Four Seasons Sharm El Sheikh
Dubai
I spent a few days in Dubai in combination with my Seychelles honeymoon. It is a really fascinating country with a unique history. Dubai has undergone quite the transformation from a dusty desert to a world renowned destination known for its luxuries, including the tallest building in the world and the hotel recognized as the only “7 star hotel”. Dubai is more than meets the eye though – there is a quieter, historic side that we enjoyed discovering!
You will spend days at the beach or pool, explore the Dubai Desert, tour a mosque, roam the streets of the old town visiting the famous Gold Souks, and venture into the super modern city.
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