Top 20 Best Honeymoon Destinations Around The World

Top 20 Best Honeymoon Destinations Around The World Today. Photo KnowInsiders

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 palettes 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 together that has sentimental value.

To get the ball rolling, we've rounded up 20 of the best honeymoon locations around the world today. We know romance looks different to everyone, and we've factored that in, with everything from private islands to European hot spots to bucket-list adventure destinations.

1.St Lucia,Caribbean Sea

Photo Coconut Bay

Lush, unspoiled St. Lucia has a growing fan base. Some of its vacationers are music lovers, letting loose at the springtime St. Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival, or adrenaline junkies, testing their limits climbing The Pitons or zip lining through the Chassin region's rain forest. Others are honeymooners, unwinding on one of the island's chalky beaches or holing up in one of its isolated resorts.

But what if you don't fall into any of these categories? Don't worry: St. Lucia refuses to be pigeonholed as any "type" of Caribbean vacation. Plus, you also don't have to spend a lot of money (its reputation as a luxurious hideout is only somewhat warranted). To discover some of the island's indescribable charms, you'll have to visit for yourself. Start your mornings basking in an orange-tinted Soufrière sunrise then round out your evenings at an evening "jump-up" (or dance party) along Gros Islet.

2.New York

Photo The New York Times

Many soon-to-be-married couples consider a honeymoon in the global center of fashion, media, entertainment, and finance — and for good reason. With a variety of restaurants, bars, and attractions popping up all the time, there’s so much to see and do. Couples planning a honeymoon in New York City have no shortage of romantic accommodation options, from swanky hotels to charming downtown boutiques. When you’ve pulled yourself away from the hotel room, explore the neighborhoods in five distinct boroughs on foot or via bike. Each enclave offers unique shops, historic streets, and trendy bars and eateries.

After getting gussied up for dinner, sip a fancy cocktail, then soak up the culture at Lincoln Center (you can often get last-minute tickets for the New York City Ballet, The Metropolitan Opera, or the Philharmonic). Or, take the ferry over to Brooklyn and dine on lobster at Brooklyn’s legendary River Cafe, which sits prettily under the Brooklyn Bridge with some of the best views in the city. Although it’s true that New York is an expensive city, a honeymoon here is within your financial reach if you are flexible and plan carefully in advance. For instance, trade River Cafe for a cash-only, BYOB pizza place called Lucali, a favorite place for Jay-Z and Beyonce.

3.Austin, Texas

Are you a little bit of a hipster? Do you love music? Is your mouth watering thinking about barbecue? Get yourselves to the coolest city in the Lone Star State, which may not be known for romance but does have its spots, like Mount Bonnell and Lake Travis at sunset. Otherwise, stay at the trendy bungalow-style Hotel San Jose (or for a bucolic stay outside the city, the luxury spa resort Travaasa Austin) and spend time trying food trucks, seeing shows and window-shopping on South Congress.

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4.Australia

The debate between Sydney and Melbourne is like the one between LA and New York—but there are so many other parts of this great island nation, too. In the former stay at the QT Bondi to work on your golden tan, or the newish Old Clare Hotel for an urban adventure. After checking out foodie mecca Melbourne’s divine restaurant scene and mural-filled laneways, hit the artsy Jackalope Hotel for wine-country immersion on the Mornington Peninsula. Western Australia has a lot to offer, with buzzy Perth giving honeymooners bang for their buck, Rottnest Island offering up adorable quokkas and Chris Hemsworth–approved glamping at Discovery Rottnest Island, and outback and ocean adventures in the Kimberley and Ningaloo Reef. And it’s hard to find more idyllic beaches than those in the Whitsundays, of course.

5.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.

6.Bali, Indonesia

Photo Trip Advisor

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.

Bali‘s popularity with honeymooners is well deserved. This magical island — one of 17,500 in the Indonesian archipelago — is a honeymooner’s dream, thanks to its exotic beaches, coral reefs, picturesque rice paddies, awesome surfing opportunities, and vibrant nightlife. Plus, there are no shortage of places to stay for all budgets, from backpacker beach huts to designer boutique retreats to massive, five-star resorts with private plunge pools. Despite ongoing growth, this small island manages to retain its authenticity with residents who are generous and genuinely warm.

7.Bhutan

If off-the-beaten-path is your couple style, this South Asian gem is the way to go. Sandwiched between India and China, it’s a magical country with its own identity and topography, although anyone who’s been to one of those spots knows natural beauty is a sure thing. The miniature kingdom in the Himalayas is epic for trekking and has retained quite a sense of culture thanks to its remoteness and subtle Western influence. Explore Buddhist monasteries, jaw-dropping panoramas, and fortresses as you make your way from one valley to the next.

8.British Virgin Islands

Newlyweds who dream of spending their days on the water and their nights in a high-end hotel should consider celebrating their nuptials in the British Virgin Islands. Known for its top-notch sailing and diving, this collection of Caribbean islands is also home to private island resorts, where duos can cozy up in a hammock and sip cocktails on the beach. For the most seclusion (and to see flocks of flamingos), head to Anegada.

9.Chiang Mai, Thailand

Photo World Travel Guide

Thailand has long been a honeymoon destination thanks to the country's beaches, food, and friendly people. Dhara Dhevi, in picturesque Chiang Mai, is great for couples, who can opt to stay in one of the seven residence-style villas, most with private swimming pools and all made for romantic getaways. Romance can be found off-property, too, including at dinner along the Ping River aboard Riverside Restaurant's nightly cruise.

10.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.

11.Paris

Photo Shutterstock

Take away the extraordinary hotels, restaurants, shopping, and art, and Paris would still be arguably the most romantic city in the world. As a couple, you can wander hand-in-hand around the cobblestone streets, steal kisses on bridges, and explore iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Notre Dame Cathedral (although the cathedral remains closed to the public for renovations after the 2019 fire, visitors can still experience the awe-inspiring view of the outside architecture from surrounding squares). But the true magic of Paris lies in experiencing some of its local favorites and lesser-known gems in charming boulevards, cozy cafes, and bustling bistros.

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12.Vancouver

Photo iStock

For an active honeymoon, Canada’s cool seaport of Vancouver and nearby Vancouver Island have a lot to offer. Its unique setting, surrounded by mountains and also water, makes it popular for a number of outdoor adventures, but it’s also known for its lively art and music scenes. Whatever you choose to spend your days doing—from the confines of the chic city-centric Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel or Tofino’s romantic, forested Wickaninnish Inn—the natural beauty can’t be topped.

13.Copenhagen

Photo Kate Dwyn

It may be a struggle to pronounce most of the words in Denmark’s capital, but that's half the fun. The gorgeous Scandinavian home of the Little Mermaid sculpture, grand castles and tons of hyper-influential design is easily navigable and intimate. Beyond the city take day trips to hike in wooded Edens, and by night cuddle up at a top hotel like the iconic Hotel d’Angleterre with your one true love in hygge style, with an excess of candles, wine, sweets and a fire roaring in the background.

14.Costa Rica

The Pacific side of Costa Rica has everything for nature and adventure enthusiasts. Santa Teresa is a tiny beach town with plenty of surfing to mellow the vibe. There’s wildlife everywhere, the ocean is warm, the waves are perfect and the rainforest above the beach is home to creative kitchens and boutique-y hotels such as Florblanca Resort and Milarepa. Farther north, on Peninsula Papagayo, is the intimate, immersive boutique resort Kasiiya, with elegant platform tents and a profusion of ways to get into the wild and connect with each other and nature. Up on a quartz mountain overlooking the Pacific Ocean is The Retreat Costa Rica, a go-to for all things spa, healing and organic gardens.

15.Vietnam

Photo KKday

Vietnam has it all: beaches, culture, Buddhist pagodas, rivers, and sophisticated cities. And the food. There are also French colonial remnants of Vietnam's French colonization. Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) and Hanoi are major metropolises while Hoi An, Mui Ne, and Hue offer more rural charm along with art and sandy coastlines that are as pristine as any island. Try the Six Senses Ninh Van Bay for a secluded coastal hideaway, and Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai for a bit more accessibility. The Southeast Asian country is fairly large, so you might want to consider road trips to experience the most varied markets, treks, cuisine, and temples.

Whether you want to explore magical crystalline terraced lakes and waterfalls, check out historical sites and ruins, sail around on a yacht, tour cathedrals or even go wild partying, Croatia is the place to do it. The country that stretches down the Mediterranean offers a Greek Isle-like flavor but with its own unique culture and look. Superbly designed sea-view spots like Villa Dubrovnik are what this authentic, unspoiled destination is all about.

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16.Slovenia

If you’d thought about Georgia, last year’s trending destination, this year consider Slovenia, the Central European country of castles, verdant fields, snow-capped peaks, thermal springs, and the continent's greenest city, Ljubljana. It’s a place that’s still not overburdened by tourists, meaning you’ll enjoy getting to make your way through it a bit like pioneers. Slovenia makes its debut in the Michelin Gastronomic Guide, proof of its blossoming and widespread foodie scene. In the Julian Alps, sleep at the just reopened digital detox retreat Sunrose 7, or near an organic chocolate factory overnight in the glamping units of Chocolate Village.

17. Maldives

Photo Shutterstock

There’s a reason why the Maldives, a nation in the Indian Ocean composed of 1,190 coral islands, ranks high on honeymoon fantasy lists. These picture-perfect islands are a real-life Robinson Crusoe fantasy. After being whisked away by a speedboat or seaplane, you’ll step on a jetty towards a white-sand beach far removed from crowds. The iconic overwater villas are particularly popular with honeymooners, but the secluded beach villas are wonderfully romantic too, and often come with spacious outdoor bathrooms or private plunge pools. During the day, partake in world-class snorkeling and diving, spa treatments, sunset cruises, and picnics on uninhabited islands. After dinner, expect little to no nightlife — most guests are content to watch the stars and the moon. The resort’s romantic lighting adds to the ambiance; walking paths are low-lit and the only noise is palm trees swaying in the breeze. Typically, guests slip away to their fabulous rooms to enjoy the peace and quiet in newlywed heaven.

18.Dominica

There are rivers and streams, waterfalls, hot sulfur strings and a boiling lake, not to mention the Caribbean Sea, in Dominica, making it a water baby’s playground. The region’s longest hiking trail is also an option. Eco-resorts are hitting big after Hurricane Maria devastated the island, and it’s now a haven for jungle-y adventures (like canyoning in Titou Gorge), relaxation (see the mud pools of Wotten Waven Hot Springs), whale watching, and beautiful new hotels including Jungle Bay, Secret Bay and Cabrits Resort & Spa Kempinski.

19.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.

20.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.

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