Heavenly honeymoon destinations around the world
Embrace newlywed bliss in one of these five beachy honeymoon destinations — all guaranteed to deliver ultimate relaxation, romance, sun and fun. | By Jessica Poitevien | August 9, 2023 (Updated December 1, 2023)
For travel-loving newlyweds, the honeymoon is often just as important as the wedding itself. Choosing where to go for that post-nuptial escape may be tricky, but you can never go wrong with a beachy locale. These five destinations cater to a perfect honeymoon that combines romance and relaxation with just the right amount of adventure and cultural experiences.
Anguilla, West Indies
Anguilla features all the perks of a Caribbean getaway, minus the crowds. Enjoy a slower-paced retreat in a more secluded setting where you can enjoy small stretches of the island’s 30 white-sand beaches all to yourself. Shoal Bay beach, with its powdery shore and crystal-clear water, is often considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the area, but Rendezvous Bay and Maundays Bay beaches are also worth visiting. Take a sunset cruise or discover the colorful marine life that lives in Anguilla’s warm waters with a stop at Little Bay, a small cove and prime snorkeling spot only accessible by boat. More adventurous couples can head to any of Angthe area’s seven marine parks for a deeper dive with a PADI-certified operator. Land-based activities are plentiful, too — explore Anguilla’s network of hiking trails, snaking through the country’s lush interior or go horseback riding by the beach.
La Seyne-sur-Mer, France
While Paris is always a good idea, so is the French Riviera. That’s especially true for newlyweds who venture beyond St-Tropez to the town of La Seyne-sur-Mer, where they’ll experience a cozier version of life along the French coast. Start by taking a stroll through the narrow streets of this small seaside village where you’ll likely encounter a marketplace with local vendors selling everything from produce to crafts. Of course, a trip to the French Riviera would be incomplete without soaking up some sun on the beach. Book your honeymoon at Grand Hotel des Sablettes Plage, Curio Collection by Hilton and you'll have direct access to Les Sablettes, the best fine-sand beach in town. The hotel is also steps away from Promenade Jean Charcot, which is full of options for waterfront dining and entertainment. After a day of exploring, don’t forget to book a relaxing couples’ treatment at the hotel’s full-service spa.
Seychelles
The Seychelles make for a truly unique honeymoon destination. Made up of more than 100 islands, each offering its own distinct experience, the country features impressive granite boulders sprinkled throughout white-sand beaches and flavorful cuisine that combines influences from Africa, Asia and Europe. Honeymooners should definitely do a bit of island hopping here. The main island of Mahé is the place to go for shopping and access to other amenities. To test out the charming, small-island life, make your way to La Digue, where everyone gets around by bicycle or golf cart. On Praslin, be sure to visit the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site perfect for spotting rare flora and fauna.
Hawaii
With seven major islands to visit, there’s a Hawaiian honeymoon that appeals to every couple’s needs and interests. Nature-loving newlyweds should consider a stay on Kauai. Known as the Garden Island, Kauai is covered in dense jungles, majestic waterfalls, soaring mountains and challenging hiking trails. For the best of both urban and outdoor activities, head to Oahu, where you can visit historical sites throughout the capital city of Honolulu. Enjoy the vibrant nightlife, hike the Diamond Head Crater summit trail or ride in an all-terrain vehicle through the area’s lush valleys. Oahu is also home to Waikiki, one of Hawaii’s most well-loved beaches and a great spot to take a surf lesson and engage in other water sports. A stay at Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort ensures the beach is at your doorstep, alongside multiple pools and waterslides throughout the 22-acre (9-hectare) property. Hilton Hawaiian Village even hosts on-site luaus and daily cultural activities so guests can fully immerse themselves in the region’s history and traditions.
North Male, Atoll, Maldives
Nothing says luxury quite like vacationing on a private island. Luckily, that’s the norm when newlyweds honeymoon in the Maldives. There are more than 1,000 islands throughout this archipelago in the Indian Ocean. Most resorts occupy an entire island, housing everything you need to enjoy your honeymoon in one place. That includes accommodations, fine dining and things to do like glass-bottom kayaking, snorkeling and more. For an extra dose of romance, book an overwater villa at Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa. Seamlessly blending the indoors and outdoors, the expansive windows in each villa make it easy to admire views of the turquoise water, while the private pool and deck area will bring you even closer to your stunning surroundings. Pamper yourself with one of the resort’s signature spa treatments like the Turkish-inspired hammam ritual or the indulgent bath rituals that can be arranged in the privacy of your villa.
Whether you and your new spouse journey to a far-flung location or stay a bit closer to home, each of these top honeymoon destinations will set the mood for celebrating this next exciting chapter in your lives.
Jessica Poitevien is an international storyteller with more than a decade of experience in writing and editing. Born in New York, she caught the travel bug throughout multiple moves that brought her to California, Spain, Colombia and her current home base in South Florida. She has visited over 40 countries (and counting!), including several solo trips, and also considers herself an expert in destination weddings and unique honeymoons — her own was two months long. When she's not traveling, she enjoys making social media content, trying new food and acting as a travel agent for friends and family.
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