50 Best Honeymoon Destinations Around the World

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.

Deciding where to celebrate your marriage is 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 that already 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 locales brimming with adventure.

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Thailand is a popular honeymoon destination thanks to its beaches, food, low cost of living, 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 outdoor garden showers. For a special date night, The Riverside Bar & Restaurant (a five-minute walk from the hotel) offers romantic dinner cruises along the Ping River.

Loire Valley, France

Does it get more romantic than the verdant valleys of the Loire? An hour-long train ride from Paris, the Loire Valley is a perfect honeymoon escape after a long weekend in the City of Love. You can't do better than staying at Hotel Château du Grand Lucé. The epitome of honeymoon opulence, it's a literal castle with 19 rooms and suites, plus a spa for lovebirds partial to a pampered stay.

St. Lucia

Escape to St. Lucia's southwestern coast, where Jade Mountain Resort has 24 rooms 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 at every turn — and breathtaking views of the Pitons, the island's iconic twin peaks.

Zanzibar, Tanzania

On this tropical island off the coast of East Africa, Xanadu pays homage to Zanzibar's Arabic and African origins. The secluded resort offers a selection of romantic villas built from locally sourced materials and furnished with antiques. Designed with a sense of space and tranquility, each villa has a private butler and a plunge pool — not to mention the palm-fringed beach just steps away.

Laguna Beach, California

Southern California is a perfect honeymoon getaway if you're looking to stay in the U.S. while surrounding yourself with immaculate beaches and beautiful restaurants with sunset views. Top off a stay at Montage Laguna Beach with a couples massage at Spa Montage, and you'll leave feeling supremely relaxed.

Cusco, Peru

The beautifully decorated rooms and suites at Monasterio, a Belmond Hotel, surround a tranquil central courtyard. Housed in a former monastery built in the late 1500s, the property offers packages for special occasions, and Belmond Collection also has a variety of multiday tours for exploring more of Peru, including the famed Machu Picchu.

County Mayo, Ireland

Dating back to the 13th century, Ireland's Ashford Castle sits on 350 private and meticulously landscaped acres. Now a luxury hotel, it provides the perfect setting for a fairy-tale honeymoon, with an opulent, chandelier-lit main dining room, afternoon tea, and an on-site spa.

Luang Prabang, Laos

With ancient temples and delicious Laotian cuisine around every corner, Luang Prabang is a one-of-a-kind city that feels manageable — you can see almost everything in the span of a couple of days. Stay at The Luang Say Residence, one of the more luxurious offerings in town. Each of the 32 suites features an open terrace to lounge on after a day of exploring.

Napa Valley, California

In Napa Valley, wine- and food-loving couples can ride on the region's famous Wine Train or indulge in a multicourse tasting menu at the three-Michelin-star SingleThread Farms (if you can snag a reservation). For phenomenally romantic accommodations, stay at Auberge du Soleil, where views of the picturesque rolling hills will make you feel like you're in the South of France. Then, hop over to Calistoga to taste wine at the forever-hip Tank Garage Winery, have a mud treatment at the spa at Solage, Auberge Resorts Collection, and dine in incredible restaurants.

Song Saa, Cambodia

Who doesn't want to honeymoon on a private island? Song Saa ("the sweethearts" in Khmer) off the coast of Koh Rong, Cambodia's second largest island, is just the luxurious getaway you're looking for. The resort is set on a marine reserve, which keeps the coral reefs and local marine life (including turtles, seahorses, and 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 spots for honeymooners. Perched on stilts above a turquoise lagoon, Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora has overwater villas with private plunge pools. You can even get breakfast delivered to your room via canoe.

Charleston, South Carolina

Find delicious restaurants, beautiful beaches, and a laid-back Lowcountry atmosphere 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 an intimate, cozy feel.

Hampshire, England

The English countryside has such an enchanting Bridgerton vibe. For a pastoral sojourn on the south coast, Chewton Glen has romantic tree houses that will literally take your love to new heights. Hampshire is the perfect country getaway, and Chewton Glen can facilitate sailing adventures and visits to nearby castles — if you can tear yourself away from the spa.

North Island, Seychelles

North Island is the ultimate honeymoon destination, with white-sand beaches, lush forests, and waving palm trees. It's also ideal for adventurous couples, as outdoor pursuits like kayaking, paddleboarding, and kite surfing are readily available. There are only 11 villas (all created from local materials), and Villa 11 is the unofficial honeymoon suite. It's located at the far end of the resort's main beach for extra privacy.

Udaipur, India

Rose petals and refreshments greet you as you step off the boat at Taj Lake Palace. The unique experience of staying in this floating marble palace, built in 1746 for the Maharana Jagat Singh II, is enhanced with butler service, opulent rooms with lake views, a full-service spa, a heated pool, dinner cruises, and yoga.

Mallorca, Spain

Set in the foothills of the Tramuntana mountains and tucked among 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 an alfresco Mallorcan feast with a view of the Mediterranean or follow one of the hotel's donkeys along a mountain trail for a rustic picnic topped off with the local herbal digestif.

Fiji

An idyllic archipelago in the South Pacific, Fiji is the perfect tropical honeymoon destination. When selecting your escape, look into Royal Davui Island Resort, a private island that fantasies are made of. Accessible via helicopter or speedboat, this adults-only property offers 16 exquisitely appointed villas scattered around 10 acres of lush grounds.

Cape Town

Remote wilderness, majestic coastlines, and luxurious resorts are all part of the South Africa experience. Straddling the shoreline just south of Hout Bay, Tintswalo Atlantic is a five-star luxury boutique property with impeccably designed suites overlooking the ocean. After spending a few nights outside the city, venture north into the heart of Cape Town — or head inland to Stellenbosch for a memorable stint in wine country.

Lankanfushi, The Maldives

Sometimes, all you need is your own private villa and miles of gin-clear ocean at your fingertips. Home to 45 overwater villas, Gili Lankanfushi Maldives delivers both for a memorable 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 the on-site Meera Spa.

Bali, Indonesia

From the traditional Buddhist temples to the iconic green rice paddies, volcanic mountain ranges, and beaches, Bali exudes so much romance and beauty, it's no wonder the island has remained a popular honeymoon destination for decades. Particularly romantic for couples is Hoshinoya Bali, where guests dine in tree houses suspended within the forest, stay in rooms designed in exquisite Japanese style (with Balinese elements like intricate wood carvings), and get to lounge around one of the most impressive resort pools on the island.

Dimbula, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has a 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 offers rooms and suites decorated with 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 whitewater rafting through diverse tropical landscapes.

Maasai Mara, Kenya

If you're looking to go a bit more off the beaten path, Cottar's 1920s Safari Camp bordering Kenya's Maasai Mara National Reserve is one of the most romantic safari camps in the world. Of the property's 11 tents, two are specifically for honeymooners. Among the many highlights are guided bush walks, dips in a waterfall, and morning and evening game drives to see lions, rhinos, and elephants roaming in their natural habitat.

Phang Nga, Thailand

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

Sicily, Italy

If you and your partner have always dreamed of escaping to Taormina and San Vito for a southern Italian experience, a Sicilian villa getaway might be your ideal honeymoon option. The Thinking Traveller, a vacation rental company that started in Sicily but has expanded to other European destinations, has properties all over the island, from seafront villas to hideaways with private pools and other effortlessly romantic honeymoon enclaves.

Paris

Though it might seem cliché, you simply cannot go wrong with a Parisian honeymoon. Between the food, wine, and sheer beauty of the city, it's tailor-made for couples. In the warmer months, enjoy a Champagne toast while gazing at the Eiffel Tower from the rooftop bar at the Latin Quarter's Hôtel Dame des Arts. Dine at très chic Michelin-starred Septime, and stop by Le Comptoir, the modern patisserie at the Ritz Paris, for exquisite madeleines. For an elegant stay, book one of the phenomenal suites at the Mandarin Oriental, Paris, which is surrounded by Haussmanian architecture on the luxe Rue Saint-Honoré.

Pamushana, Zimbabwe

Set on 130,000 acres of an ecological reserve in southeastern Zimbabwe, Singita's Pamushana Lodge offers eight oversized suites, all with private plunge pools and panoramic views of the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve. The architecture and design of the lodge was inspired by the culture of Great Zimbabwe, an African Iron Age city. Singita offers daily game drives, guided bush walks, wine tastings, and visits to ancient rock art sites.

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. Otherwise, opt for a pool villa with beautiful landscaped gardens and butler service at Banyan Tree Mayakoba.

Marrakesh, Morocco

If visiting ancient mosques and shopping in 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 has four restaurants, including a concept by Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, and intimate bar nooks. Alternatively, in the heart of the medina (the old city), Riad Dar Anika offers 12 rooms, a swimming pool, an on-site hammam, and a rooftop terrace with stunning views over the city and the Atlas Mountains.

Tsarabanjina, Madagascar

If you dream of azure water and powder-soft stretches of beach, then Constance Tsarabanjina might be an ideal spot for your honeymoon. Set on a tiny island just off the northwestern coast of Madagascar, this eco-friendly property is charmingly simple, with just 25 private bungalow villas and little else.

Santorini, Greece

You can take in some of the best sunsets in the world at Andronis Concept Wellness Resort and Grace Hotel, Auberge Resorts Collection in Imerovigli, Santorini. This village offers a secluded experience, but the more touristy town of Oia is also worth visiting while on Santorini. After hiding away in Imerovigli, decamp to Andronis Luxury Suites, which are 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.

Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, Belize

A quick flight from Florida, Belize is a beautiful honeymoon destination known for lush landscapes and abundant marine life. Set 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 is the perfect setting for a honeymoon, with its tumbling waterfalls and natural jungle canopies.

Mendoza, Argentina

Perfectly situated among 55 acres of rolling vineyards, Cavas Wine Lodge is an 18-room boutique hotel near some of the best-known wineries in Mendoza (also known as malbec country). The property, which lies in the foothills of the Andes, has a spa specializing in treatments designed for couples, as well as an excellent on-site restaurant.

Dubai

About 30 miles outside Dubai in the heart of the Dubai Desert Reserve, Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, takes 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

This Caribbean island is packed with stunning resorts and natural beauty. Offering villas set along a mile of white-sand beach, Cap Juluca, a Belmond Hotel, is considered Anguilla's crown jewel. With access to four restaurants, a spa, an infinity pool, beach cabana bars, and activities from golfing to scuba diving, you can spend your whole honeymoon on the property.

Maui, Hawaii

Hawaii has long been a popular honeymoon spot, thanks to its tropical 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 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.

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 an on-site restaurant serving traditional Jamaican dishes, a spa set right on the beach, and an infinity pool.

Prague

A majestic city of bridges, medieval cathedrals, and castles, Prague is also chock-full of music, fine dining, and really good beer. For a hotel that feels both luxurious and eclectic, check out Le Palais Art Hotel, a historic palace built in 1897. Here you'll find wellness programming, art exhibits, and 72 chic rooms and suites to choose from.

Muhu Island, Estonia

About three hours from the seaside capital of Tallinn, Muhu Island in the Baltic Sea is one major reason to honeymoon in Estonia. Located in a secluded part of the island amid an apple orchard, the private 18th-century farmhouse at Pädaste Manor is perfect for a romantic stay. Guests get two bedrooms, a living room with a fireplace, and their own library and garden.

Palazzetto, Italy

For amore under the Tuscan sun, head to Borgo Santo Pietro, easily one of the most romantic destinations in the world. The stylish hotel immerses you in stunning natural surroundings speckled with olive groves and rolling vineyards. Constructed from local stone, it's home to the Michelin-starred restaurant Meo Modo.

Antigua

The secluded Hillside Pool Suites at Hermitage Bay provide 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 to farm tours, as well as scuba diving, sailing, and tennis.

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. A visit to the picturesque town of Positano, about an hour's drive along the coast, is an absolute must during a stay here.

Bedarra Island, Australia

Off the coast of Queensland, within Australia's Great Barrier Reef, Bedarra Island Resort is as secluded as it gets, with only 11 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

Although Montenegro is often overshadowed by nearby Croatia and Greece, the country offers old-world charm, miles of beautiful coastline along the Adriatic Sea, and dramatic mountains. One&Only Portonovi, set on Boka Bay, offers a true Montenegrin riviera vacation — scope out its signature villas for the ultimate honeymoon accommodations.

Seville, Spain

Opened in 1929, Hotel Alfonso XIII, a Luxury Collection Hotel, has one of Europe's most romantic cities as its backdrop. The property itself is an architectural work of art — think Moorish design elements with an Andalusian twist. Even better, guests get access to a private pool in the heart of Seville's historic city center.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Situated on cliffs overlooking azure waters, Villa Dubrovnik is on a secluded stretch of beach a short walk from the fortified old city. "The Pearl of the Adriatic" is the perfect couples destination, offering history, sunshine, and luxury. 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

Less than a six-hour flight from New York City, Iceland has become a popular spot for couples seeking a honeymoon with some outdoor fun. Ion Adventure Hotel boasts an ideal location, roughly an hour's drive from Reykjavik and 20 minutes from the mountainous Thingvellir National Park. The eco-conscious property offers an array of exhilarating activities, from glacier hikes to snorkeling at the Silfra Fissure. After a day of exploring, unwind in the sauna or a soak in the heated outdoor pool.

Little Palm Island, Florida

Little Palm Island is a four-acre private resort in the Florida Keys, accessible by boat or seaplane. Each of the spacious thatched-roof bungalows offers ocean views and plush interiors, and you can find a vibrant blend of French and Latin cuisine at the on-site restaurant. The resort's signature spa, SpaTerre, incorporates the style and traditions of Eastern and Western cultures with services ranging from sound therapy to paddleboard yoga.

Waiheke Island, New Zealand

A 40-minute ferry ride from Auckland, Waiheke Island boasts a variety of vineyards, sophisticated restaurants, galleries, and gold-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 — from diving and fishing to wine tasting — while also providing the perfect slow-paced escape.

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. The property has 25 bungalows to pick from, many with their own heated pool and dry sauna. The ultra-luxe seaside locale also happens to be a scuba diver's dream. Santa Catarina is a quick flight from São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Buenos Aires, and Ponta dos Ganchos is a few hours' drive from the city.