Happily Ever After Starts Here: 8 Unforgettable Honeymoon Destinations
Planning the perfect honeymoon is potentially one of the most stressful tasks you can tackle on top of all other wedding plans taking up all of your precious time. There are so many possibilities, and with each one the endless list of questions - when to go, where to stay, what to do (and if you’re part of a special-interests group—is your chosen destination safe?).
Here are my top eight choices for incredible honeymoon destinations for every travel style.
Bali, Indonesia
If you’re looking for beautiful beaches, cultural experiences and out-of-this-world luxury resorts, Bali offers a bit of everything for the couple that’s seeking romance and a little bit of adventure. While the flights will eat up some of your travel time, Bali remains a very budget-friendly destination for couples seeking a far-flung exotic honeymoon.
When to go: Peak dry season in Bali is mid-September through May.
Hotel Spotlight: Stay at Capella Ubud and unlock exclusive perks when you book through me.
Greek Islands
When considering Greece as a honeymoon destination, we immediately think of white-washed Santorini or even Mykonos. I mean, look at it - it’s picture perfect but also very heavily populated with visitors during the summer months. For a quieter time set your sights on Crete, or make it an island-hopping trip. For a mixture of culture and romance, considering spending a couple of days in Athens to take in the sights, go on a walking tour or a food tour.
When to go: In general, the Greek islands are pleasant in May, and September-October. The crowds will be smaller, the weather dry and warm. June through August will see the warmest, sunniest days but also the most crowds.
Hotel Spotlight: Stay at St Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel & Villas and unlock exclusive perks when you book through me.
St. Lucia
Hands-down one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in the world, St Lucia continues to come in high on my list of Caribbean islands for romance and adventure with its gorgeous beaches, lush rain forests, waterfalls, and picturesque mountains. The island is home to several all-inclusive resorts featuring private peaches, stunning views and cottage-style rooms.
When to go: Early May to early June are quieter than the high-peak winter season. The crowds will be quieter and the weather still good before rain season creeps in. From December to April, the weather is dry and sunny but you will find higher prices and more crowds.
Hotel Spotlight: Stay at Ladera Resort and unlock exclusive perks when you book through me.
Amalfi Coast, Italy
If you’re seeking tried-and-true luxury European romance, then Italy’s Amalfi Coast will check all your boxes. We’re talking private villas, breathtaking sunsets, secluded beaches, mouthwatering Italian cuisine. And did I mention the wine? Romance at every turn. Spend a few days in Positano sipping Aperol Spritzes, or sail away to Capri for a truly luxe Mediterranean experience.
When to go: I would recommend visiting the Amalfi Coast in shoulder seasons between May and June or in September. July and August can get pretty hot, and incredibly crowded.
Hotel Spotlight: Stay at Il San Pietro Di Positano and unlock exclusive perks when you book through me.
Slovenia
Is there anything more romantic than rowing your sweetheart across Lake Bled with the backdrop of snow-capped alps in the distance? Slovenia may be an unconventional honeymoon destination, but that is in part why I recommend it. This small Central-European country is fairly small, which begs for a road trip. Here you will find stunning alpine landscapes, windy country roads, medieval castles, thermal hot springs, lush vineyards and a charming capital city with a vibrant nightlife scene.
When to go: While high season runs from May to October, June through August is a popular time to visit, with the benefit of not seeing nearly as much tourism as other European destinations.
Hotel Spotlight: Stay at Otocec Castle Hotel and unlock exclusive perks when you book through me.
Kenya
If you’re looking for a mixture of luxury, adventure and romance, set your sights on Kenya. This East African country is a world-class safari destination and hot honeymoon spot due to its wildlife reserves, luxurious lodges and white sandy beaches overlooking the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. I would recommend splitting your time between a once-in-a-lifetime Safari experience and a few days relaxing on the coast.
When to go: Travel during July through September to watch the Great Migration as huge amounts of animals migrate north.
Hotel Spotlight: Stay at Mahali Mzuri and unlock exclusive perks when you book through me.
Bhutan
Bhutan is the ideal honeymoon destination if you’re inspired by the idea of an off-the-beaten-path adventure shrouded in mystery and spirituality only a tiny kingdom nestled deep in the Himalayas could offer. Bhutan has only been accepting foreign visitors since 1974, and while visiting is a little bit more complicated than buying a plane ticket, the extra effort is definitely worth it. It is a place where you can experience authentic local culture devoid of overt globalization, sweeping landscapes, historic sights, world-class hiking and outdoor adventures and truly outstanding luxury accommodations.
When to go: October to December offers cool, sunny weather ideal for hiking and exploring. April is also a good month to visit and witness rhododendrons in full bloom throughout the valleys.
Hotel Spotlight: Stay at Six Senses Bhutan and unlock exclusive perks when you book through me.
Virgin Voyages Cruise
Can’t pick a single destination? Virgin Voyages is completely changing the way we look at cruising. Gone are the buffets and tired entertainment, Virgin Voyages is all about bringing Sir Richard Branson’s rock n’ roll legacy to the high seas with this luxury yacht-inspired, adults-only cruise line. Cabins are pure modern, rock n’ roll chic; on-board eateries are Michelin-starred restaurants and cafes with offerings to sate any palate; wellness is top of mind with a wealth of fitness classes, yoga sessions and spa treatments. There’s sailing routes literally worldwide including the Caribbean, cross Atlantic, Mediterranean and South Pacific. And honestly, the best part is that all your meals, entertainment and gratuities are included in your booking fee.
When to go: It depends on what kind of experience you’re craving. There are year-round cruising opportunities across the globe.
Depending on how well-traveled you are, your honeymoon may just be the biggest trip you’ve ever taken, I know mine was. But it also sparked a fire in us to travel very differently as a couple. Every trip since has been bigger, more focused on discovery and experiences. We had traveled previously but our honeymoon was the trip that changed, literally, everything.
My wish is that yours will do, too. And while this list doesn’t even come close to listing every single dreamy honeymoon destination, I hope it will inspire your next trip.
I absolutely love crafting itineraries for couple trips around the world. If you’re looking for personalized honeymoon planning, click here to get started.
