Here are 50 of the best honeymoon destinations in the United States and the world, from Europe to South America and beyond.

The best part of wedding planning isn’t dress shopping, venue scouting, or cake tasting (though, that’s up there). It’s planning the honeymoon. And whether you’re honeymooning two days, two weeks, or two years after your actual wedding, there is no better way to celebrate your marriage than with the trip of a lifetime.

Deciding where to honeymoon is all about taking both your travel palates into consideration — do you both love the beach, or is a city break more your speed as a couple? What environment do the two of you thrive in? Remember, there are no wrong answers when it comes to honeymoon planning. You can pick a destination that’s new to both of you or a place you’ve traveled to together that has sentimental value.

To get the ball rolling, we’ve rounded up 50 of the best honeymoon destinations around the world. We know romance looks different to everyone, and we’ve factored that in with everything from private islands to European hot spots to exciting adventure destinations.

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Thailand has long been a honeymoon destination thanks to the country’s beaches, food, and friendly people. 137 Pillars House in picturesque Chiang Mai is great for couples as it comes with oversized suites complete with large soaking tubs and plenty of solitude. Romance can be found off-property, too, including at dinner along the Ping River aboard Riverside Restaurant’s nightly cruise.

Loire Valley, France

Does it get more romantic than the verdant valleys of the Loire? Just an hour-long train ride from Paris, the Loire Valley is a perfect honeymoon escape after a long weekend in the capital. You can’t do better than staying at Hotel Château du Grand Lucé. It’s a literal castle with 17 suites — the definition of honeymoon opulence — and is home to a spa for honeymooners who are partial to a pampered stay.

St. Lucia

On St. Lucia’s southwestern coastline, Jade Mountain Resort’s 24 rooms are designed to ensure exclusivity and privacy. From the impressive spa to the restaurant helmed by James Beard Award-winner Allen Susser, you’ll find luxury around every corner at this St. Lucia hot spot.

Zanzibar, Tanzania

In Zanzibar, a tropical island off the coast of East Africa, Xanadu Villas & Retreat pays homage to the Arabic and African origins of the island, offering a selection of eight private villas. Each comes with a private butler and a plunge pool — not to mention the palm-fringed beach just steps away. Built from locally-sourced materials and furnished with antiques found in and around Zanzibar, each villa is designed with a sense of space and tranquility.

Laguna Beach, California

Southern California is a perfect honeymoon getaway if you’re looking to stay in the country while surrounding yourself with immaculate beaches and beautiful restaurants, perfectly poised for a view of the sunset. Book a suite at Montage Laguna Beach and treatments at Spa Montage, and you’ll leave feeling well cared for and supremely relaxed.

Cusco, Peru

Monasterio, A Belmond Hotel, a former monastery dating back to 1592, offers beautifully decorated rooms and suites, all surrounding a tranquil central courtyard. The property offers a unique package for travelers looking to make their way up Machu Picchu with transportation aboard the luxurious Hiram Bingham, A Belmond Train. The package also comes with a private tour of Machu Picchu and an overnight stay at Sanctuary Lodge, A Belmond Hotel.

County Mayo, Ireland

Located on 350 private and meticulously landscaped acres, Ireland’s medieval Ashford Castle dates back to the 13th century and is truly made for a fairytale honeymoon experience, complete with afternoon tea, a romantic dining room, and an on-site spa.

Luang Prabang, Laos

With an abundance of French colonial influence along with ancient temples and culinary experiences around every corner, Luang Prabang is a one-of-a-kind city — while still feeling manageable. You can see all of it in the span of a couple days. Stay at The Luang Say Residence, one of the more luxurious offerings in town. Also known as “La Belle Epoch,” each of the 32 suites features an open terrace to lounge on after a day of exploring.

Napa Valley, California

From Napa Valley to Sonoma and everywhere in between, a trip to Northern California’s venerable wine region is guaranteed to tick all the boxes on any food and wine lover’s honeymoon list. Whether it’s a ride on the region’s famous wine train or trying a multi-course tasting menu at Single Thread Farms, the three-Michelin-star reservation everyone’s after, you really can’t go wrong. For phenomenally romantic accommodations in wine country, stay at Auberge du Soleil, which overlooks picturesque rolling hills and feels reminiscent of the South of France. Then, hop over to Calistoga, where you’ll find wine tasting at the forever-hip Tank Garage Winery, mud treatments at the spa within Solage, Auberge Resorts Collection, and a number of incredible restaurants.

Koh Rong Archipelago, Cambodia

For a different kind of Cambodia experience, head to the untouched Koh Rong Archipelago and the private island of Song Saa (“the sweethearts” in Khmer), the country’s first luxury private island resort. It’s set on a marine reserve, which keeps the islands’ reefs and marine life (including turtles, seahorses, and exotic species of tropical fish) safe.

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

With thatched-roof bungalows, incredible scuba diving, and crystalline water for miles on end, Bora Bora is one of the hottest go-to spots for honeymooners. Perched on stilts above a turquoise lagoon, Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora has overwater villas with private plunge pools and serves breakfast in your room delivered by canoe.

Charleston, South Carolina

Find delicious restaurants, beautiful beaches, and a laid-back Lowcountry feel in Charleston, South Carolina. There are many charming hotels to choose from for your romantic getaway — Hotel Bennett has swanky on-site lounges in the heart of the action while Wentworth Mansion has a historic, cozy feel.

Hampshire, England

Blame it on Bridgerton, but the English countryside is feeling particularly romantic and appealing these days. For a country sojourn just an hour and a half outside London, Chewton Glen has romantic treehouses that will undoubtedly — wait for it — take your love to new heights. Hampshire is the perfect gateway to the south coast of England, and Chewton Glen can facilitate sailing adventures and visits to nearby castles, if you can tear yourself away from their spa.

North Island, Seychelles

Located just off the coast of East Africa and largely uninhabited until the late 18th century, the Seychelles’ 116 islands are home to some of the most pristine natural landscapes in the world. North Island is an all-inclusive resort for honeymooners, with white-sand beaches, lush forests, and waving palm trees. It’s also ideal for adventurous couples since outdoor pursuits, like kayaking, paddle boarding, and kite surfing, are readily available. There are only 11 villas (all created from local materials), and honeymooners may want to opt for Villa 11, the unofficial honeymoon suite. It’s the ultimate in romantic seclusion, located at the far end of the resort’s main beach for extra privacy.

Udaipur, India

Rose petals and refreshments await as you step off the boat that brings you to the ethereal Taj Lake Palace. Built in 1746 for the Maharana Jagat Singh II, the experience of staying here is enhanced with butler service, opulent, oversized rooms with lake views, a full-service spa, a heated pool, sunset cruises, and yoga.

Mallorca, Spain

Set in the foothills of nearby Tramuntana Mountains and tucked amongst olive and citrus groves, La Residencia, A Belmond Hotel, consists of two manor houses adjacent to the charming village of Deià. Couples can partake in a picnic atop one of the ancient terraces of the property or a Mallorcan feast for dinner, set up alfresco with a view of the Mediterranean.

Fiji

An idyllic 300-island archipelago in the South Pacific, Fiji is the perfect far-flung, tropical honeymoon destination. When choosing an island, look into Royal Davui Island Resort, which is a private island that honeymoon fantasies are made of. Accessible via helicopter or speedboat, this adults-only, all-inclusive property offers 16 exquisitely appointed villas nestled around 10 acres of tropical landscaped gardens.

Cape Town, South Africa

Remote wilderness, majestic coastlines, and luxurious resorts are all part of the South Africa experience — which makes it the perfect honeymoon escape. Straddling the shoreline of the Atlantic Ocean between Hout Bay and Cape Town, Tintswalo Atlantic is a five-star luxury boutique property with 11 impeccably designed suites overlooking the ocean. After spending a few nights outside the city, venture into the heart of Cape Town — or continue on to Stellenbosch for a memorable stint in wine country.

Lankanfushi Island, The Maldives

Sometimes, all you need is your own private villa and hundreds of miles of gin-clear ocean at your fingertips. Home to 45 overwater villas, Gili Lankanfushi Maldives is the place for a far-flung getaway. There are a number of activities to choose from, including windsurfing and sunrise yoga, plus a variety of massages and treatments at Meera Spa.

Bali, Indonesia

From the traditional Buddhist temples to the iconic green rice paddies, volcanic mountain ranges, and idyllic beaches, Bali exudes so much romance and mystique, it’s no wonder the island has remained such a popular honeymoon destination for decades. Particularly romantic for couples is the Hoshinoya Bali, featuring iron treehouses suspended within the Balinese forest (where you’ll enjoy your breakfast in the morning), rooms featuring exquisite Japanese design, and one of the most impressive resort pools on the island.

Dimbula, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is quickly making its way onto the honeymoon roadmap due to its wealth of natural beauty without the crowds of other tropical destinations. In the hills of the Dimbula district in south central Sri Lanka, Ceylon Tea Trails is comprised of 27 rooms and suites that include period furnishings, butler service, and gourmet dining options. Referred to as “The Golden Valley” due to its lush and aromatic tea bushes grown throughout the year, this area is the perfect honeymoon destination for couples who enjoy biking, hiking, or white-water rafting through diverse tropical landscapes.

Maasai Mara, Kenya

If you’re looking to go a bit more off the beaten path and into the wild, Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp in Kenya’s Maasai Mara game reserve is one of the most romantic safari camps in the world. Bordering the Serengeti and Loliondo reserves, the camp offers nine tents in total, including two specifically for honeymooners. Highlights include morning and evening game drives to see lions, rhinos, and elephants roaming in their natural habitat, guided bush walks, and Maasai warrior training.

Phang Nga, Thailand

Located between popular tourist spots Phuket and Krabi, Six Senses Yao Noi consists of 56 stilted, thatch-roofed pool villas strung along the beach. Honeymooners looking for a little more privacy can opt for the Hideaway Villa, completely shrouded in jungle but with spectacular views overlooking the resort and Phang Nga Bay.

Sicily, Italy

Few vacations say “honeymoon” quite like a Sicilian villa getaway. If you and your partner have always dreamed of escaping to Taormina and San Vito for an authentic southern Italian experience, a villa rental with The Thinking Traveller is the perfect option. The Thinking Traveller actually started in Sicily, and their selection of properties is unrivaled, with seafront villas, hideaways with private pools, and effortlessly romantic honeymoon enclaves.

Paris, France

Some romantic destinations are cliché for a reason. And here’s the truth: You simply cannot go wrong with a Parisian honeymoon. Between the food, the wine, and the sheer beauty of the city, it’s a perfect couple’s destination. Enjoy wine on the idyllic patio at The Hoxton, Paris, and dine at Septime or at The Ritz-Carlton, Paris’ restaurant, Le Comptoir. Stay on the luxe Rue Saint-Honoré amidst Haussman buildings at Mandarin Oriental, Paris, known for their phenomenal suites and elegant atmosphere right by Place Vendôme.

Pamushana, Zimbabwe

Set on 130,000 acres of an ecological reserve in southeastern Zimbabwe, Singita’s Pamushana Lodge offers eight oversized suites and a five-bedroom villa, all with private plunge pools and panoramic views of the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve. The architecture and design of the lodge are inspired by the culture of Great Zimbabwe, an African Iron Age city. Singita offers daily game drives, guided bush walks, wine and whiskey tastings, and visits to ancient rock art sites, along with classic outdoor activities like fishing and horseback riding.

Mayakoba, Mexico

On the shores of the Riviera Maya just outside of Playa del Carmen, Mayakoba offers honeymooners beautiful beaches and top-notch hotels in one luxurious enclave. Stay at Rosewood Mayakoba, where you’ll spend your days dining beachside at Punta Bonita and lounging in your over-the-top villa or suite. Then, hop over to Banyan Tree Mayakoba to stay in their pool villas, which feature beautiful landscaped gardens and butler service.

Marrakesh, Morocco

If visiting ancient mosques and shopping in the old city souks sounds like your idea of fun, a honeymoon in Morocco is right up your alley. Opt for a glamorous stay at La Mamounia, which was recently renovated and is now celebrating its 100th birthday. The property has four gorgeous restaurants, including a concept by Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, and intimate bar nooks (like Le Churchill). Alternately, in the heart of the medina (the old city), all of the 12 rooms at Riad Dar Anika have been meticulously crafted to reflect the Moroccan aesthetic. Complete with a swimming pool, on-site hammam, and rooftop terrace with stunning views over the surrounding city and the Atlas Mountains, this riad offers a boutique experience to remember.

Tsarabanjina, Madagascar

If you’ve ever dreamed of azure water and powder-soft stretches of beach (and really, who hasn’t?) all surrounded by thriving coral and marine life, then Constance Tsarabanjina Resort & Spa is the perfect spot. A tiny island just off the northwestern coast of Madagascar, this eco-friendly property’s charm lies in its simplicity, with just 25 private bungalow villas and little else.

Santorini, Greece

It doesn’t get much better for honeymooners than Imerovigli, Santorini — where you can take in some of the best sunsets in the world at Andronis Concept Wellness Resort and Grace Hotel, Auberge Resorts Collection. Imerovigli offers a more secluded romantic vibe, but you also can’t miss staying in the quintessential town of Oia when in Santorini. After hiding away in Imerovigli, venture over to Andronis Luxury Suites, which are literally carved into the Santorini cliffside. With breathtaking caldera views and white-and-blue houses in every direction, your room will be one of the most romantic spots on the Aegean. (P.S., If you’re keeping the Greek Isles romance alive after Santorini and heading to Mykonos, book a suite at Kalesma, where every room is equipped with a private pool and feels like a honeymoon suite.)

Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, Belize

Less than a two-hour flight off the coast of Florida, honeymooners can enjoy the best Belize has to offer, from the Mayan ruins to the diverse marine life. Set amongst wild jungle in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, the 20-room Blancaneaux Lodge is a luxury resort as remote as it is beautiful. Purchased by Francis Ford Coppola and initially used as a private family retreat, the hotel today is the perfect setting for a honeymoon, with its tumbling waterfalls and natural jungle canopies.

Mendoza, Argentina

The 18 rooms at Cavas Wine Lodge are set amid the vines of Mendoza, Argentina. COURTESY OF CAVAS WINE LODGE

Perfectly situated amongst 55 acres of rolling vineyards, Cavas Wine Lodge is an 18-room boutique hotel located among some of the best-known wineries in Mendoza (also known as Malbec country). The property, which lies in the foothills of the magnificent Andes Mountain range, features a spa that specializes in treatments designed for couples, as well as an excellent on-site restaurant.

Dubai, U.A.E.

Roughly 40 minutes from Dubai in the heart of the Dubai Desert Reserve, Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort and Spa takes luxury and desert-chic to the next level. With dune-side dining, sunset camel treks, and falconry displays, this resort is perfect for couples looking to indulge in some middle-of-nowhere romance.

Anguilla

Anguilla’s natural beauty is unsurpassed in the Caribbean, and that allure extends to the island’s resorts as well. With eight villas scattered across a mile of white-sand beach, Cap Juluca, A Belmond Hotel is considered Anguilla’s crown jewel — especially when it comes to honeymoon hotels. Book a villa — each comes with its own private pool. The hotel’s two boats, Juluca Pride and Juluca Star, are also available for private charter trips to St. Maarten and St. Barts.

Maui, Hawaii

Hawaii has long been a popular honeymoon spot, thanks to its tropical year-round weather, beautiful beaches, and, most conveniently, no passport requirement. Situated on 15 acres of tropical hillside heaven, Hotel Wailea is designed for couples seeking relaxation and a sense of refuge from the beachfront crowds.

Bruges, Belgium

You can never really go wrong with a European honeymoon, especially when it’s in Belgium’s romantic, medieval city of Bruges. And while there’s certainly no shortage of hotels to choose from, the 22 rooms at Relais & Chateaux Hotel Heritage tastefully combine old-world charm with modern amenities. With the city at your fingertips, this is the perfect place to spend some time exploring the local cafes, castles, and canals of the city.

Negril, Jamaica

With an abundance of all-inclusive resorts to choose from, it’s no wonder Jamaica is a top island destination for American honeymooners. Situated on eight acres of tropical gardens, Rockhouse Hotel on Negril’s West Side features world-class dining, a spa, and wellness programs, as well as an infinity pool.

Prague, Czech Republic

A majestic city of bridges, medieval cathedrals, and castles, Prague’s vibrant local culture comes chock full of energy, music, and fine dining (and really, really good beer). For a hotel that feels both luxurious and eclectic, Le Palais Art Hotel has wellness programming, culture galore, and 72 chic rooms and suites.

Muhu Island, Estonia

Estonia may not seem like an obvious choice for a honeymoon, but anyone who’s traveled to the seaside capital of Tallinn knows that the city’s baroque palaces, open-air museums, and delightful culinary scene are worth the trip. About three hours from Tallinn, Muhu Island in the Baltic Sea is another reason to make the trek. Located in a secluded part of the island amid an apple orchard, Pädaste Manor is a historic 18th-century farmhouse where honeymooners will be able to enjoy the use of two bedrooms with adjacent bathrooms, a living room with a fireplace, a cozy library with a veranda, and a secluded private garden.

Palazzetto, Italy

If you’re looking for some love under the Tuscan sun, head to Borgo Santo Pietro, easily one of the most romantic hotels in the world. With expansive olive groves and rolling vineyards, this hotel is as beautiful as it is stylish. Constructed from local stone, this is the home to local artists as well as the Michelin-starred restaurant Meo Modo.

Antigua

The secluded Hillside Pool Suites at Hermitage Bay are the ultimate romantic honeymoon escape. With private plunge pools, sun decks, and daybeds framed with sheer white curtains, couples can relax in privacy. On-site activities range from cooking classes and an accompanying farm tour, as well as scuba diving, sailing, tennis, and helicopter tours.

Ravello, Italy

In the charming hilltop town of Ravello, on the Amalfi Coast, Palazzo Avino is the perfect place to spend a relaxing few days. Enjoy a glass of prosecco on the rooftop solarium or take a dip in the pool in the hotel garden. Just a short drive away, a visit to the charming and oh-so-picturesque town of Positano is an absolute must during a stay here.

Bedarra Island, Australia

Off the coast of Queensland amidst Northern Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, Bedarra Island Resort is as secluded as it gets, with only eight villas tucked into the jungle. Honeymoon packages include a welcome bottle of Champagne and chocolates, as well as sunset canapés to enjoy in your villa and a private beachside dinner.

Montenegro

In southeastern Europe’s Balkan region, Montenegro is often overshadowed by neighboring Croatia and the whitewashed porticos of Greece. But Montenegro’s old-world charm includes miles of beautiful coastline along the Adriatic Sea and dramatic mountain landscapes, plus excellent seafood. One&Only Portonovi, set on Boka Bay, offers a true Montenegrin Riviera vacation — scope out their signature villas for the ultimate honeymoon accommodations.

Seville, Spain

Opened in 1929, Hotel Alfonso XIII, a Luxury Collection Hotel is located in the heart of Seville’s historic city center. The property itself is an architectural work of art, and you’ll have one of Europe’s most romantic cities as your backdrop.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Situated atop the cliffs above Dubrovnik (“The Pearl of the Adriatic”), Villa Dubrovnik is minutes from the fortified old city. Honeymooners should consider the property’s Villa Kolin, a residential-style compound with next-level accommodations that feel completely private and separate from the rest of the resort.

Iceland

Only a five-hour flight from the East Coast, Iceland has become a popular spot for couples seeking to add a bit of adventure and outdoor fun into their honeymoon mix. Roughly 50 minutes inland from Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, Ion Adventure Hotel is the perfect place for honeymooners. Located just a short drive from the mountainous Thingvellir National Park, the hotel offers an array of adventures, from glacier hikes to snorkeling between tectonic plates at the Silfra Fissure. After a long day of exploring, a trip to the Ion Spa or a soak in the outdoor pool is an absolute must.

Little Palm Island, Florida

Little Palm Island in the Florida Keys is a 5.5-acre private resort that offers the perfect domestic honeymoon getaway. Accessible by boat or seaplane, each of the spacious thatched-roof bungalows offer ocean views and plush interiors, and you can find a vibrant blend of French and Latin cuisine at one of the on-site restaurants. The resort’s signature spa, SpaTerre, incorporates the style and traditions of eastern and western cultures while promoting health, peace, and relaxation.

Waiheke Island, New Zealand

A 45-minute ferry ride off the coast of Auckland, New Zealand, Waiheke Island boasts a variety of vineyards, sophisticated restaurants, galleries, and golden-sand beaches. And there’s no better place for honeymooners to experience it all than The Boatshed, which connects you to the island’s many activities, while also providing the perfect retreat away from it all.

Santa Catarina, Brazil

Located on a privately-owned peninsula, Ponta dos Ganchos Exclusive Resort is surrounded by the stunning waters of southern Brazil’s Emerald Coast. A short hop, skip, and jump from São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Buenos Aires, this ultra-luxe seaside locale also happens to be a scuba diver’s dream.

By Michelle Gross
Updated by Maya Kachroo-Levine
Source: TRAVEL+LEISURE