Your honeymoon should be the most memorable trip that you ever take. This is your chance to unwind after stressful wedding preparation and to create lasting memories with your partner. Find out how to make the most of your honeymoon, with recommendations on the best luxury honeymoon destinations.
Honeymoon Planning Tips
Congratulations! You just said “yes” to the biggest adventure of your life and now it’s time for you and your partner to plan an unforgettable honeymoon. While many couples look forward to this journey, the planning process can often be overwhelming.
To help guide you along, here are our top tips for crafting an amazing honeymoon that encompasses romance and relaxation—perfectly tailored to what you both want in a post-wedding getaway.
Most couples make a detailed wedding plan but sometimes the honeymoon is an afterthought. By taking time to choose the right honeymoon, you’ll have an unforgettable trip.
Here are our top tips for honeymoon planning, to help you get the most out of your trip.
1. Relax and Unwind
Whether you’re heading on honeymoon straight from the wedding reception or a few days later, make sure to allow time to relax. We recommend putting aside a few days in a spa, boutique hotel or luxury resort such as a Caribbean overwater bungalow to recharge your batteries and enjoy the rest of your stay.
2. Timing is Key
Seek advice on the best time of year to travel, depending on your chosen honeymoon destination. This can result in great cost savings if you adapt the date to avoid peak season.
Another important consideration is the weather. If you’re getting married in June and your ideal honeymoon is in Asia, it’s probably best to take your honeymoon later in the year, so that you avoid monsoon season.
3. Honeymoon Budget
With your partner, work out your budget and decide together which items you don’t want to compromise on. Whether it’s a private pool, helicopter ride or couples’ massage, factor in the budget for each.
If you already have all the household items that you need, a gift list service will enable your friends and family to make a contribution to your honeymoon experience.
An all inclusive resort could be a good choice, and many hotels offer honeymoon packages with added perks such as a bottle of Champagne, a couples massage or candlelit dinner.
4. Preparation is Essential
Exactly as for your wedding itself, preparation for your honeymoon is vital. Don’t leave anything to chance.
If you book early, it’s more likely that your preferred flights and accommodation will be available. This will also enable your honeymoon travel company to get to know you and to tailor each element to your wishes.
5. Personalize your Honeymoon
Each couple is unique and it’s important to choose the honeymoon break that suits you best. If one of you likes time at the spa and the other is keen on water sports, make sure to choose a honeymoon hotel that offers both.
Best Luxury Honeymoon Destinations in The World
Whether you’re into adventure trips or you prefer to relax by the pool, there’s a suitable honeymoon package for everyone. As well as the classic honeymoon experiences, there are lots of other great choices that are slightly off the beaten track.
With luxury travellers favouring experiential travel, the best honeymoon destinations offer local culture, rest and relaxation and sightseeing opportunities galore.
1. Costa Rica
For abundant wildlife and stunning natural hot springs, Costa Rica is hard to beat. Honeymooners will love the focus on pura vida, which is all about happiness and emotional connections to people and your surroundings.
Arenal National Park is a popular eco tourism destination for its volcano, 38°C hot springs and suspended tropical walkways. For somewhere more off the beaten track, head to Isla Jesusita.
You can experience glamping, romantic dinners on the beach and a dusk kayak ride to observe bioluminescent plankton.
2. France
Paris could well be the most romantic city in the world. From the heights of Montmartre to the medieval Pont Neuf bridge and vibrant Left Bank district, it oozes charm.
France lends itself well to a road trip, and you could combine a Paris break with a trip to the Loire valley castles. Travel to the Chateau de Chambord, located in the heart of the largest enclosed park in Europe.
However, if it’s sunshine that you’re craving, the South of France is a must see. In Provence, there are lots of picturesque hillside villages as well as iconic French Riviera coastal towns such as Cannes and Saint Tropez.
The French island of Corsica is another great choice. There are many romantic hotels overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. You could combine sailing to the Lavezzi archipelago with a walking tour of historic Calvi.
3. Greece
When you think of this country, it may well be beautiful Greek islands such as Santorini that spring to mind. Frequently featured on social media, this Greek destination is famous for its white buildings and picturesque alleyways.
It’s easy to combine a honeymoon in Santorini with a trip to Crete or Sifnos, a Greek hidden gem. On this lesser known island, you can see the picturesque harbour at Kamares and the medieval castle in Kastro. If you have time, add on a visit to Milos, another Cyclades island with natural charm.
In the Ionian Islands, Corfu can easily be combined with a trip to Paxos. The legendary refuge of the god Poseidon and the goddess Amphitrite has crystal clear water and beautiful sandy beaches.
If you’d like to do an island hopping honeymoon, it’s wise to book your accommodation and transfers in advance via a reputable tour company. In Summertime there’s limited last minute availability.
4. Italy
You’re spoilt for choice with luxury honeymoon destinations in Italy. Whether you prefer a city break to Rome or an Amalfi Coast road trip, there’s something to suit everyone.
Venice is considered to be one of the most romantic places in the world. The island can get busy in peak season so it’s worth visiting in Spring or Autumn if possible. From Venice, you can easily take a train to Florence for a two centre Italy honeymoon.
Another good option is to combine a few days in Florence with some time in the Tuscan countryside. Take a tour of Florence with an expert guide, get priority access to the Uffizi Gallery and check out all the local food specialties at San Lorenzo market.
After visiting Florence, explore the hilltop town of San Gimignano. This is one of the most scenic places in Italy.
5. Japan
While Kyoto and Tokyo are great honeymoon destinations, there are some great lesser known alternatives in Japan. Head to the island of Kyushu and the region of Oita for the onsen natural pools.
Japan is also known for its high speed bullet trains, and you can experience them on a trip from Tokyo to Kanazawa. This UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Arts has some beautiful temples and gardens. Take tea in a traditional teahouse, known as a chaya and visit the historic samurai schools.
Another element of Japanese culture that you should try are the ryokan. This traditional Japanese accommodation features tatami mats and sliding screens.
In Hakone National Park, Gora Kadan ryokan is located within the grounds of the Kan’in-no-miya imperial family villa. Many of their Japanese rooms have private open-air thermal baths.
6. Maldives
Known for their overwater bungalows, private plunge pools and pristine beaches, the Maldives are one of the most popular honeymoon destinations. Baa Atoll is a tropical paradise with a great spa offering treatments inspired by the elements.
Book a private outdoor cinema viewing for the ultimate honeymoon experience. A candle-lit beach dinner is another unforgettable experience.
Laamu Atoll is also a great honeymoon option. There are no cars on the island, which can be explored by bike or on foot. Six Senses Laamu is one of the best honeymoon resorts in the world, with an amazing coral reef. Stay in a private overwater villa and enjoy freshly caught fish and a relaxing couples’ massage.
7. Mexico
For a honeymoon that ticks all the boxes of culture, relaxation and gastronomy, Mexico is one of the best places. While Tulum is one of the most famous Mexican towns, the country also lends itself well to road trips.
The Yucatan peninsula is a very popular destination. Start your journey in Cancun, before heading to the Riviera Maya.
Cozumel has one of the largest coral reefs in the world and is great for diving. Holbox is another beautiful island, that focuses on sustainable tourism.
From here, you can drive to Valladolid which is known for its beautiful colonial buildings. Take a private trip to Chichen Itza, the renowned archaeological site for a truly memorable experience.
For a taste of Mexico off the beaten track, include the valley of Oaxaca in your honeymoon itinerary. With a private guide you can explore the villages where traditional pottery and textiles are made.
8. Peru
The perfect honeymoon choice for active couples, Peru also has some great coastal towns. Lima is known for its world class restaurants and has several luxurious hotels.
Inland, Arequipa is an attractive town with many buildings dating from the colonial era. The Colca Canyon should also be on your itinerary. One of the deepest canyons in the world, it’s a popular rafting spot.
Lake Titicaca is another must see. It is surrounded by Titicaca National Reserve, where you can spot giant frogs and other wildlife.
Of course, no trip to Peru would be complete without visiting Machu Picchu. These well preserved ruins on the Inca Trail are so popular that tickets must be booked several months in advance.
9. Seychelles
Located in the Indian Ocean, the archipelago is one of the most luxurious honeymoon destinations. There are 115 islands in the Seychelles to choose from, known for their beaches with white sands and abundant sea life.
Praslin has a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve. You can see the Seychelles coco de mer here, the largest seed in the world.
Fregate is considered to be one of the most beautiful island hotels in the world. They have a strong focus on nature conservation, with 2,000 giant tortoises calling it home.
You can only reach Fregate by helicopter so it’s very private. It’s also possible to reserve one of the island’s seven beaches for the day.
Mahe is the largest island in the Seychelles, yet it has some intimate luxury hotels where you can enjoy traditional massages and picnics on the beach with your loved one.
10. Tanzania
In Tanzania, honeymooning couples have the best of both worlds. A Tanzanian safari is the ultimate bucket list experience and can be easily combined with a beach vacation.
The Serengeti National Park is famous for its migration of zebras and wildebeest, taking place in Summer and Autumn. This is also a good place to spot the Big Five: lions, rhinos, elephants, buffaloes and leopards.
Zanzibar is an island close to mainland Tanzania, known for its soft white sand and atmospheric capital city. Take a tour of Stone Town and Darajani Market with an expert guide who will point out the hammam and old caravanserai or roadside inns.
11. Thailand
Whether you and your partner are into cooking, wellness or wildlife, you can’t go wrong in Thailand. There are also some beautiful honeymoon hotels in the country, many of which have your own private pool.
We suggest starting your Thailand honeymoon in Chiang Mai. Here, you can take a Thai cooking class or meet monks who can tell you about Theravada Buddhism, practiced by many Thais.
There are almost 300 temples in Chiang Mai, including Wat Chiang Man which dates from the 16th century.
On the Andaman Coast, Koh Phra Thong is a hidden gem which offers privacy and a back to nature appeal. Krabi and Koh Samui are also great choices for their unspoiled beaches and striking landscapes.
12. USA
From magnificent National Parks to white sandy beaches and scenic coastal routes, the USA has it all. Take a Florida road trip or kick back on Kauai or Maui in Hawaii.
For fans of city breaks, New York is one of the best luxury honeymoon places. Head to Tiffany’s or the Top of the Empire State Building for a romantic New York experience.
You could also take a train journey along the East Coast, visiting Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Washington. Another fun USA train journey is to travel from Chicago to San Francisco on board the California Zephyr.
This iconic train has a panoramic roof and observation lounges with large windows and swivel seats. Your private cabin is located on the upper floor of the luxury train and has its own loo, private shower, bunk beds, a sofa and armchair. Check out this California travel guide for more ideas on what to see in the Golden State.
13. French Polynesia
For crystal clear waters and beautiful beaches, head to Bora Bora or Tahiti in the South Pacific. There are actually 118 islands in all, so you’ll be spoiled for choice.
Many honeymoon couples choose an island hopping package, including the heart-shaped island of Moorea, as well as Bora Bora and Tahiti.
Apart from sunbathing, there’s quite a lot to do, from snorkeling to learning Tahitian dance or hiking to a waterfall.
14. Sri Lanka
With a mix of culture, wildlife, delicious food, friendly people and gorgeous beaches, Sri Lanka is the perfect place for adventurous couples.
For a unique experience and great views of Sigiriya rock, hike up Pidurangala rock with a guide. Or kick back and relax at one of the boutique hotels in Sri Lanka such as KK Beach in Galle or Avani Kalutara Resort.
Final Thoughts on the Top Luxury Honeymoon Destinations
A honeymoon is a once in a lifetime experience and therefore finding the perfect destination is essential. With so many beautiful places in the world, it can be hard to decide where to go.
If you’re looking for a luxurious honeymoon that will leave you with incredible memories, any of these destinations would be perfect. Start planning your dream trip today and enjoy the rest of your life together in style. For more travel inspiration, be sure to check out our other articles.
Like these luxury honeymoon ideas? Pin for later or share with friends.
Looking for more travel hacks and tips? From hidden gems to unique experiences, we’ve got you covered.
Join us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter.
You might also enjoy:
