28 Top Honeymoon Destinations

Find out what travel experts, including Susan Moynihan of The Honeymoonist, are saying are the top honeymoon spots in the world.

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June 01, 2022

By: Chelsea Babin and Valerie Conners

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Experts Top Honeymoon Picks

Whether you are looking for a quiet, romantic beach getaway or the excitement of a dynamic European city, that are many options to spend your honeymoon someplace memorable. Honeymoon expert Susan Moynihan and our HGTV travel experts have assembled some of our favorite honeymoon destinations, whatever your getaway style, like the gorgeous whitewashed Greek island of Santorini (pictured here).

Baja Peninsula, Mexico

The resort town of Los Cabos is buzzing with new hotel openings like a new Four Seasons that opened in late 2019. It's a great alternative for beach lovers (you can't swim at most Cabo beaches due to strong currents) and for people who want to enjoy the desert vibe of Baja with fewer crowds. Boho couples can head up the west coast from Cabo to artsy communities like Todos Santos.

See More Photos: Los Cabos Travel Guide: 20 Things to Do in This Luxury-Focused Resort Town

Maldives, Asia

If you want to do nothing but escape, relax and enjoy some of the prettiest water on Earth, this is the spot. There are somany beautiful hotels, and the Maldives has even more overwater options than French Polynesia. Snorkeling, scuba, sunning and spa-going are key activities at all of the resorts, from boho-chic Gili Lankanfushii to Soneva Jani (where some overwater rooms come with a slide!) and super-sumptuous Cheval Blanc Randheli. If you need a buzz of city time, do a layover in Dubai on your way.

BOOK NOW: Soneva Jani | Expedia, $2,040/per night

Dominica

This mountainous island was a secret to most Caribbean travelers, and suffered major damage in 2017 from Hurricane Maria. Islanders used that as a chance to rebuild and expand accommodations with eco-minded Secret Bay and Kempinski’s Cabrits Resort & Spa. The lush rainforests are great for hiking, and yachting is another great way to see the island.

BOOK NOW: Cabrits Resort & Spa Kempinski Dominica | Expedia, $255/per night

Greece

Greece is hugely popular for romantic escapes — leading to record numbers of tourists in places like Santorini. If you want to enjoy all of the things that make Greece so wonderful without the crowds, look to spots like Milos — known for dramatic volcanic geology, a great food scene and gorgeous beaches like Sarakiniko — and hip Paros, which is doable as a short ferry ride from Santorini. Or for one-stop vacationing, do like the Europeans do and spend two weeks exploring the diverse island of Crete, home to ruins, beaches and top-of-the-line hotels.

South Africa

My favorite honeymoon experience is a safari combined with beach time. South Africa makes it so easy to do a diverse trip, starting off with time in Cape Town (known for food and design, like Silo Hotel) or the nearby winelands for a few days of tastings and exploring. Then you can connect via Johannesburg to the private game concessions near Kruger National Park, like super sexy Singita. For beach lovers, South Africa is an easy pairing with Mozambique. There are direct flights from Johannesburg to Vilanculos, where you can take a helicopter shuttle to romantic offshore beach resorts like &Beyond Benguerra Island, or fly to Maputo and transfer by road or helicopter to serene White Pearl Resort.

Italy

A perennial favorite for romantics, but what also makes this country so great is how complex it is depending on the region you visit. If you've been to Rome, you can try something totally different in tony Lake Como or the homey food region of Emilia-Romagna south of Milan. Tuscany is timeless, but over on the less-traveled west coast, Perugia is getting new attention. Sicily is its own world, with a rugged beauty that spans classic Taormina and vineyards of Mt Etna. Belmond does it best in Taormina, but there are hidden gems around the island, like Rocco Forte Verdura Resort near Agrigento and La Foresteria Planeta Estate near Castelvetrano, from the wine-growing family.

BOOK NOW: Verdura Resort | Expedia, $623/per night

Japan

While Tokyo is all about energy, food and and style, honeymooners should pair it with Kyoto, which has a slew of new hotels including the super luxe Aman Kyoto, Park Hyatt Kyoto and the hip Ace Hotel. For hot springs and volcanoes, head to the northern island of Hokkaido; for beaches, go south to Okinawa.

BOOK NOW: Park Hyatt Kyoto | Expedia, $769/per night

Australia

Sydney is one of the prettiest capital cities in the world, with art, great shopping and the beach scene at Bondi. See nature's regenerative powers in real time in the Blue Mountains, driveable from the city and home to an amazing retreat, One&Only Wolgan Valley. Melbourne is bikeable with an artsy vibe and great food scene. Hit the Whitsunday Islands for amazing sailing and white-sand beaches, and a helicopter ride out to the Great Barrier Reef is a unique way to see its size and beauty.

BOOK NOW: Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley | Expedia, $1,781/per night

Paris, France

This magical city is always a top pick for honeymooners, and a new crop of boutique hotels are stealing the spotlight from grand dames. JK Place Paris in St.-Germain and Cour des Vosges in the Marais let you see the quieter side of the city in design-forward style. Private boat cruises on the Seine are coming from Four Seasons George V and JK Place, joining reimagined dinner cruise dining by Alain Ducasse at his Ducasse sur Seine. For a relaxing city-country combo, end your city with a few nights in the Champagne region, just 90 minutes by train from Paris. Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa has a beautiful spa and an infinity pool overlooking the vineyards.

BOOK NOW: Cour des Vosges | Expedia, $595/per night

Hawaii, United States

The Aloha State is buzzing as couples come for safety, ease of travel and timeless beauty close to home. On the Big Island, the classic Mauna Lani resort has been reborn as an Auberge resort, to the tune of a $100 million investment. On Lanai, Four Seasons Sensei Lanai has been reimagined as a spa-style retreat (albeit one with a Nobu restaurant). And on Maui, attention is being paid to affordability with hotels like Residence Inn and the AC Hotel in the tony Wailea section of the island.

Turks and Caicos

A forever favorite for honeymooners is Turks and Caicos. Hotel experts at Oyster.com recommend Point Grace Resort, a leading boutique hotel on the island. Take advantage of the many activities that the hotel offers, such as scuba diving, boating and windsurfing.

Portugual

Portugal has recently topped the list as a honeymoon destination. Indulge yourselves with a stay at The Yeatman hotel in the city of Porto, and try The Bacchus Suite (featured here). Amenities include a double walk-in shower and sliding doors that open onto a private terrace with dining options for 2 or more.

Ireland

Explore the Emerald Isle with that special someone. Experience Dublin’s poetic side with its diverse literature, art and music scenes; sleep at Ashford Castle, located near Ireland’s second-largest lake; and plan a classy affair at the castle’s George V Dining Room for delicious, locally sourced, modern Irish and international dishes. Fairy-tale castles, cozy pubs, cobalt-colored lakes and kelly green landscapes surrounded by craggy cliffs make this misty land the perfect honeymoon escape.

Learn More: Ireland Vacations: Amazing Things to Do, See and Experience

Spain

Spend 2 or 3 weeks on a romantic tour of Spain. In addition to hitting popular cities such as Madrid and Barcelona, honeymooners should visit a few charming towns in the Andalusia region, such as Seville, Cordoba, Granada and Malaga. The country’s friendly locals, great food and vibrant cultures increase the potential for an unforgettable post-wedding getaway.

Seychelles

Spend your honeymoon in the Seychelles, a popular destination for Europe’s elite. We suggest a secluded stay at Fregate Island, an eco-friendly resort that features 16 residences with pools, the Rock Spa, 7 beaches and multiple dining options. Sit down to a romantic dinner in the resort’s Treehouse, which is located atop one of the island’s oldest and largest banyan trees. Honeymooners will enjoy a quiet and relaxing respite in this paradise after walking down the aisle.

Canada

Newlyweds enjoy horseback-riding, white-water rafting and hiking at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise in Canada. Just 2 hours from Calgary, the Chateau is located in the heart of Banff National Park.

Turkey

It’s not your typical spot for a honeymoon, but Turkey has become a popular travel destination this year. Pack your bags and head to Bodrum, a port city in the southwestern Aegean region. A much quieter alternative to Istanbul (which is also a great honeymoon spot), Bodrum has a population of less than 40,000 people, but it still offers options to maintain the romantic spark at luxe accommodations such as Ersan Resort & Spa. And for couples who are history buffs, we suggest a tour of some of the nearby ruins, including the Mausoleum of Mausolus, one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World. It’s a wonderful spot for newlyweds.

Bali

What says romance more than Bali? Savvy world travelers can celebrate a new life together at the enchanting and exotic Amankila Resort in Bali.

Nicaragua

Nicaragua is the perfect place for honeymooners looking for outdoor adventure in an eco-friendly country. The lush landscape, rain forests, waterfalls, beautiful coastlines and volcanoes make it ideal for surfing, hiking, bird watching and snorkeling. If you’re looking for a calmer honeymoon, you should consider staying at the Mukul Beach, Golf & Spa on Playa Manzanillo. The resort offers several special package deals, a variety of recreational activities and a spa that has 6 private suites and uses local Nicaraguan ingredients in its treatments. For couples, we recommend the holistic raindrop ritual in the Crystal Temple.

Las Vegas

Revel in post-wedding bliss at the iconic Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas. Celebrate your nuptials with glamour and luxury, and maybe even a big win at the casinos.

Phuket, Thailand

Plan a honeymoon to Phuket, Thailand’s largest island. Dozens of romantic, ultra-luxe resorts and hotels cater to happy couples’ every whim, including Six Senses Yao Noi, the Naka Island Resort & Spa or Mom Tri’s Villa Royale. Yes, there are cheaper alternatives, but why not splurge? It’s your honeymoon! And we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention that Phuket has some of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand.

Virgin Islands

If you're looking for a honeymoon without flashiness and digital distractions, stay at St. John's Caneel Bay resort. With its pristine and secluded beach location, you'll enjoy low-key luxury amongst 170 acres of lush Caribbean paradise.

Acapulco

Once the honeymoon destination for John and Jackie Kennedy, Acapulco is still a popular place for newlyweds celebrating their new life together. Temperatures hover in the 80s throughout the year, and the warm water is ideal for swimming and snorkeling. As if that's not enough to tempt you, the prices in Acapulco are affordable and can allow for an unforgettable honeymoon even on a tight budget. The Camino Real offers well-designed rooms overlooking the private Pichilingue Beach, as well as fine dining and a variety of activities. The hotel's convenient location allows guests to appreciate the clubs of Acapulco by night and the natural beauty of the beaches by day. 

Walt Disney World

There's no better place for a fairy-tale honeymoon for the bride and her Prince Charming than at Walt Disney World Resorts. Newlyweds can choose from packages such as the honeymoon escape, the deluxe escape and the romantic escape, which combines time at a Disney resort with a cruise to the Bahamas. Packages include accommodations and park passes, as well as a choice of amenities such as honeymoon pictures at Disney sites or a couple's spa treatment. True Disney fans can bring the whole wedding to Disney World with a customized-theme ceremony at the park.

Florence

If it's romance you're looking for, a trip to Florence, Italy, guarantees starry eyes, hearty meals, amazing art and much more. Like a room with a view? Housed in a former 18th-century palace overlooking the Arno River, the St. Regis Florence is oozing with Florentine culture. Rooms are still fit for royalty, decorated with frescoes and marble. The hotel is ideally situated near the picture-worthy Duomo cathedral, the splendid Uffizi Gallery and the shops at Ponte Vecchio. This need not be the only stop on a Mediterranean adventure, and many honeymooners may choose to travel on to other Italian hot spots, such as Rome, Venice and the Amalfi Coast. 

Bora Bora

Nestled on a powder-white beach and a crystal-blue lagoon, Hilton Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa invites newlyweds to revel in post-wedding privacy in bungalows perched above the water on high stilts. Take a romantic dip or snorkel anytime right from the swimming platform. And with full views of the lagoon, you can catch a surreal sunrise without leaving your room. Couples can relax and be pampered at the resort’s Hina Spa, which overlooks the lagoon with breathtaking panoramic views.

Aruba

Some honeymooners are looking for an action-packed vacation, while others just want to soak in the rays and relax. For those who fall in the latter group, Aruba is an ideal destination, thanks to its near-perfect weather and beautiful beaches. Only 20 miles long and 6 miles wide, this small space is packed with enough beaches, restaurants, nightclubs and casinos to delight even the most finicky members of the just-married set. At the Hyatt Regency, the focus is on serenity by day, when couples can enjoy the island's fine beaches, the pool complex and the spa, and on action at night, when the nearby clubs and the on-site casino come alive. Meet Lady Luck, but be careful not to lose your shirt while gambling amid a party that re-creates the feeling of Rio at Carnival time. 