Planning your honeymoon and not sure where to go? Don’t worry. We have you covered. We have ranked and reviewed the best honeymoon destinations from around the world. These destinations are home to some of the best resorts on the planet, with perfect honeymoon packages to make your dream honeymoon a reality.
Our #1 honeymoon destination is St. Lucia, and our favorite hotel for your 2023 honeymoon is Sandals Grande St. Lucian. This beautiful resort in St. Lucia is all-inclusive, adult-only, and offers 5-star luxury with their wonderful honeymoon packages.
Here are the 23 best honeymoon destinations for you to explore:
1. St. Lucia
With its prime location in the eastern Caribbean, St Lucia has long been a favorite destination for North American jet setters. It is easy to see why. With tons of activities, something for everyone makes this the best honeymoon destination.
St. Lucia is full of beauty. Soaring mountains, pristine water, white sand beaches, and dive sites teeming with marine life make this the perfect destination for nature lovers. People looking for the ultimate relaxation and luxury will love the high-end resorts dotted around the island.
And that’s not all. There is so much more to the island!
The peaks of Petit Piton and Gros Piton rise dramatically from the sea in the southwest part of the island, while Marigot Bay is one of the most beautiful natural harbors in the Caribbean. Castries, the lively capital, has a bustling market, and history lovers will love Pigeon Island, which has fortifications from the colonial era until World War Two.
2. Jamaica
Jamaica is a small island nation in the Caribbean with a big personality and vibrant culture.
From music legend Bob Marley to some of the fastest sprinters in the world, Jamaica’s people make the country shine. And their hospitality is sure to delight.
Active travelers will love the many activities, including hiking, rafting, and snorkeling. Swim in the Luminous Lagoon and experience your Disney princess moment as the bioluminescence sparkles around you.
Meanwhile, a tour of the Green Grotta Caves in St. Ann leads you through an underground fantasy world of stalactites and stalagmites. Finish the adventure with the chance to swim in a crystal-clear underground lake.
Let’s not forget the Blue Hole that leaves you feeling like you are floating above the clouds.
The island offers accommodations ranging from stunning overwater bungalows to high-end, all-inclusive resorts. Sandals has seven all-inclusive and adult-only resorts in Jamaica that make perfect honeymoon resorts.
Jamaica is easily accessible from many American cities, making it an ideal destination for travelers who want a short flight.
3. Bora Bora
The tropical island of Bora Bora in the South Pacific is well-known for luxurious hotels, marine life, and dreamlike beaches of dazzling white sand. It is an ideal honeymoon spot for people wanting to spend time having fun in the sun.
The soaring mountains offer hiking opportunities. The crystal clear waters and healthy reefs allow you to get close to various marine life, including sharks and rays.
Located halfway between Australia, Asia, and North America, Bora Bora is part of French Polynesia and is easily accessible from the Western US and Australia.
Although Bora Bora is known as an exotic honeymoon destination, the island offers a variety of accommodation options to suit every budget. It is possible to enjoy paradise without breaking your bank account. If you are feeling adventurous, you can even book flight passes on Air Tahiti, which allows you to explore the different ideas of French Polynesia, including Tahiti, Moorea, Huahine, and Maupiti.
4. Bahamas
The Bahamas have long been one of the best honeymoon destinations for American travelers. The crystalline waters and wide, white-sand beaches make the Bahamas an island paradise for sun worshippers.
With over 700 islands, the Bahamas has various attractions and activities to suit everyone’s tastes. The Bahamas are a popular stop on many cruise ship itineraries. Powerboat adventures make it easy to visit many islands in one day, leaving you plenty of time to relax on the beach or by the swimming pool.
Animal lovers will love the Bahamas. You can swim with the wild pigs, take photos of the lazy iguanas at Exuma Cays, or see the underwater life while snorkeling.
For anyone looking to learn a new thing or two on their honeymoon. You can visit a rum distiller named John Watling, the Spirit of the Bahamas. Or go on a wine-making tour. Additionally, honeymooners can make personalized chocolates and roll cigars at Graycliff.
There is no shortage of fabulous resorts in the Bahamas that make for a romantic and luxurious honeymoon.
5. Grenada
Although cruise ships visit St. George, Grenada’s gorgeous colonial capital city, the rest of the country is largely undeveloped. Grenada is one of the few countries in the Caribbean that has avoided mass tourism. This makes it one of the best Caribbean islands for couples and the perfect honeymoon destination for people looking to go somewhere secluded.
Grenada is the home of Grand Anse Beach, which has been ranked as one of the best beaches in the world. It boasts a whopping two MILES of sand. Nature lovers can get their fix at the Grand Etang Nature Reserve.
This reserve contains exotic flora and fauna, including tropical birds, monkeys, giant palms, and wildflowers. The park’s jewel is the Grand Etang Lake, an extinct volcano crater.
There is more to the island than just beaches and rainforests. History buffs will love the colonial buildings of St. George and the hilltop forts of Fort George and Fort Frederick. Foodies will drool at nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger smells while visiting a few of Grenada’s spice companies.
6. Maldives
Surrounded by the sparkling blue water of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives are a series of picture-perfect islands (1192 islands to be exact!). With extravagant resorts on their private islands and accessible only by private sky planes, the Maldives is the epitome of a luxurious honeymoon.
While this may be the honeymoon of fantasies, it also comes with a pretty hefty price tag (similar, cheaper options exist). Luckily, the Maldives are open to honeymooners of all budgets.
The bustling capital of Male is a surprisingly inexpensive destination to fly into; from there, you can take public ferries to several islands. The resorts may not be as Instagrammable as some outlying islands, but they are still pretty spectacular.
After a week of fun in the sun, you can fly to India, Nepal, or Sri Lanka to make this the adventure of a lifetime!
7. Hawaii
Although Hawaii is technically part of the United States, it sometimes feels like a different world. With stunning mountains, lush jungles, and exquisite beaches, Hawaii gives you everything you could want for a romantic beach honeymoon. All without needing a passport.
Oahu and Maui are the two most popular Hawaiian islands for honeymooners. If you’re choosing between the two, read our breakdown about Oahu vs. Maui here.
Honolulu, on the island of Oahu, is a relaxed and welcoming city that offers a variety of cultural activities. History lovers will love a trip to Pearl Harbour. Waikiki, Honolulu’s most famous neighborhood, is an excellent opportunity to test their surfing skills.
Maui wows visitors with emerald green cliffs and stunning beaches. The Big Island boasts some of Hawaii’s most dramatic scenery. No trip to Hawaii is complete without a trip to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Here, you can walk along a crater and stare in awe at the power of Mother Nature.
Hawaii has many luxurious resorts that provide the perfect place to kick back and relax after a day of exploration. For an accessible exotic honeymoon, Hawaii is the perfect option.
8. Antigua
Antigua, and her sister-island Barbuda, are located in the Caribbean Sea.
For people looking for a luxurious honeymoon, Dickenson Bay is the most developed part of the country and features a variety of high-end resorts. Coral Bay gets its name from the abundance of coral in the area and is a favorite for snorkeling, while Fort James Beach allows you to mingle with locals on this popular stretch of sand.
More adventurous travelers will love Barbuda with its string of pink and white beaches protected by a reef that offers spectacular snorkeling and diving.
9. Bermuda
Bermuda, a small British territory in the North Atlantic, has enthralled visitors for over a century with her limestone cliffs, pink sand, and turquoise water. Mark Twain famously found inspiration in the beauty of Bermuda and regarded this enchanting country as his second home.
The territory boasts a variety of high-end hotels and beautiful beaches. Rather than just one large island, Bermuda comprises 138 islands split between the West End, Central Bermuda, and East End.
The West end is shaped like a crescent surrounded by aquamarine water. Horseshoe Bay on the island’s south coast is a favorite amongst locals and foreign visitors thanks to its jagged cliffs and pink sand. Daniel’s Head Beach Park on the west coast provides ample opportunities for snorkeling.
The capital city of Hamilton is charming, with multi-colored colonial buildings and a gorgeous harbor. Best of all, Bermuda is less than a two-hour flight from most cities in the eastern United States.
10. Barbados
With fantastic snorkeling and even better surfing, Barbados is an excellent location for guests who want to be active on their beach honeymoon. This tiny island nation boasts beautiful landscapes, beaches, all-inclusive adult-only resorts, and various historical attractions.
Rum drinkers will love the St. Nicholas Abbey estate, a working sugar cane plantation, rum distillery, and museum all rolled into one.
Adventure seekers will enjoy exploring Harrison’s Cave and Animal Flower Cave.
Snorkeling opportunities abound for people wanting to get their feet wet while checking out Barbados’ wide variety of marine life. The shipwrecks of Carlisle Bay will take a divers’ breath away!
For those who prefer to keep their feet firmly on land, Barbados offers several hiking trails, including the famous Mount HIllaby walk. Go in the morning when the rainforest is shrouded in mist for a unique experience.
11. Bali
A favorite of Australian travelers for decades, Bali has emerged as an international tourism hotspot and a well-connected spot for remote workers.
One of Indonesia’s many islands, Bali stands out due to its unique history as a Hindu island in a majority Muslim country. As a result, Hindu and Buddhist temples adorn the island with a spiritual vibe, while beaches and luxurious resorts make this one of the best honeymoon destinations.
Yogis will love the many yoga studios, and creatives will feel inspired by the artsy vibe. The rolling landscape dotted with waterfalls and lush forests will help you reconnect with nature, the world, and your new spouse.
The fantastic food will awaken your senses while the sensuous fruits remind you of Nature’s many beautiful gifts. Whatever your preferences, the incredibly friendly, welcoming Balinese people will make you feel at home.
12. Tahiti
Tahiti, a Polynesian island in the South Pacific, has long been a popular honeymoon spot. Tahiti’s stunning beaches, crystalline water, imposing mountains, tranquil lagoons, and friendly people are why.
Today, the islands boast some of the world’s most stunning and romantic resorts, making them the perfect spot for your honeymoon.
Although it can be a little challenging to get to depending on where you live, the islands’ remoteness is part of the allure. The excellent opportunities for snorkeling, surfing, and diving make it worth the long trip. Outdoor enthusiasts will also love the many hiking trails scattered across the island.
Just remember that Tahiti is still a French island, so if you want to explore some of the non-touristy parts of the island, you may want to brush up on your French basics! Oui, oui!
13. Las Vegas
Las Vegas has undoubtedly revamped its image over the past 20 years after earning the nickname of “Sin City.” Long gone are the days when gambling was the main attraction. The city now boasts various entertainment options ranging from nightly shows with some of the country’s most famous performers to swanky hotels and nightclubs.
You can even visit one of the world’s most extensive all-you-can-eat buffets! If you want to escape the bright lights of Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, and Death Valley are easily accessible and provide a great way to see nature at its wildest.
You can even go further afield and visit a few of the remarkable national parks of the southwestern US on an epic honeymoon road trip.
14. St. Barts
Celebrities have long been flocking to St. Barts. The laid-back vibe and bespoke luxury combine the best of both worlds. This makes it one of the best honeymoon destinations for luxury lovers who still want to let their hair down a bit. The exclusivity is part of the charm.
With no direct flights, you must fly first to St. Maarten and take a 15-minute flight in a tiny plane or a 45-minute ferry ride.
Once you arrive, the memories of your journey to get there will be long gone as you are blown away by the diversity of the beaches and the island’s beauty. St. Barts comes alive at night with swanky spots perfect for night owls who want to dine in luxury.
Don’t forget your heels and a fancy dress to make sure you fit in with the oh-so-cool crowd!
15. Seychelles
Seychelles, a group of islands off the coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean, is one of the best honeymoon destinations for people looking for something exotic and unique.
The archipelago consists of 115 islands, half of which are uninhabited and 25% of which are private resort islands. Most islands are small, with only one resort, meaning you have a whole island to yourself.
The resorts are intimate, many with overwater bungalows that ensure guests’ highest level of privacy. While there are a lot of different activities to choose from, not all of them are available everywhere, so make sure that you consider this when planning your perfect Seychelles honeymoon.
Due to its proximity to Kenya and Tanzania, you can combine a trip to Seychelles with an African safari in the Masai Mara or the Serengeti for a well-rounded honeymoon that is sure to make all of your friends jealous!
16. Aruba
As the most famous of the legendary ABC Islands in the Caribbean Sea, Aruba has rugged scenery, splendid beaches, and sparkling turquoise water. Palm Beach is home to most upscale hotels, and Boca Catalina is a popular snorkeling spot.
The Ayo Rock formation provides an other-worldly landscape of precariously balanced boulders There are many beautiful beaches and landscapes to choose from. But there is much more to the island than that. Aruba is one of the best honeymoon destinations for people wanting a vacation that combines beaches and culture.
Oranjestad, the Dutch capital city, features beautiful colonial buildings centered around the Plaza Daniel Leo. Divers will love the chance to explore the German freighter Antilla which is the largest shipwreck in the South Caribbean. Urban explorers will get a thrill from Bushiribana Ruins, an abandoned gold-mining factory. The factory may not be processing gold any longer, but it does serve as a spectacular backdrop for your honeymoon adventure!
17. Los Cabos
With such proximity to the United States, Mexico was always a prime destination for American honeymooners. There is no better place to spend your first vacation as a married couple than Los Cabos.
Located on the very tip of the Baja California Peninsula, Los Cabos offers windswept beaches and some of the best whale-watching trips in the world. If you love whale watching, try to time your trip from December to March, as it is a truly remarkable experience.
If you miss whale season, don’t despair. You can still snorkel in the Sea of Cortez, where you can see tropical fish, coral, sea lions, and turtles Los Cabos is also a great destination if you are considering a road trip honeymoon. As you make your way down this narrow peninsula, you can stop to see pristine beaches and charming old towns where you can experience excellent Mexican hospitality.
18. Anguilla
Anguilla ticks all boxes if you are looking for an amazing Caribbean honeymoon. White sand beaches, clear turquoise water, laid-back beach bars, and a slew of water activities make Anguilla a great place for beach bums and water sports enthusiasts.
History lovers will enjoy visiting the heritage sights which tell the story of Anguilla’s colonial past. Accommodation on the island ranges from boutique hotels to upscale villas, which offer privacy. Over 30 secluded coves and beaches offer accommodation in a serene environment.
You can rent sailboats for a leisurely tour around the island, or if you prefer to stay on land but still want a sailing experience, you can always watch a regatta. Anguilla is well-known for its regattas, so if you time your trip well, you may experience the excitement and energy of this beloved sport.
19. Napa Valley
Although Napa Valley lies firmly on the west coast of the United States, the region’s culture and architecture more closely resemble Europe than America.
The rolling hills transport you to Tuscany while the mansions and estates whisk you away to France. Active travelers have many activities to choose from, including bike tours, balloon rides, and horseback riding. However, the biggest draw of Napa Valley for most honeymooners is the fantastic wine culture.
Napa Valley is the heart and soul of America’s wine culture, and wine connoisseurs will be blown away by the variety of delicious wines on offer. Vineyards’ tours include small family-owned businesses to some of the world’s biggest names. Accommodation ranges from high-end hotels and resorts to romantic BnBs, so after a long day of wine-tasting, you can rest easy in a private and serene environment.
20. Disney World in Orlando, FL
Disney World is a place where your dreams can come true. It represents a world where anything can happen, and that magic is waiting for you just around the corner.
For decades, Disney has been enchanting children and adults around the world. The characters and worlds it has brought to life remain in our memories for many years. What better place to celebrate the magical experience of falling in love and starting a life together than Disney World in Orlando?
Disney now operates theme parks and resorts in destinations worldwide, including Los Angeles, Orlando, Tokyo, Shanghai, Paris, and Hong Kong. So if you don’t want to visit Orlando, you can combine your dream Disney honeymoon with an exciting vacation.
Luckily for honeymooners, most Disneyland theme parks are surrounded by beautiful resorts where our inner child can run free. So dust off those Mickey and Minnie Mouse ears, grab your matching shirts, pack your suitcase and let the magic begin!
21. Portugal
After living in Spain’s shadow for decades, Portugal has emerged as a must-see tourist destination. It is easy to see why.
Lisbon’s beautiful architecture and the oh-so-cute street cars make Portugal’s capital city a firm favorite, while Porto charms visitors with her cobblestone streets and port wine.
The Algarve Coast is a favorite of beach bums with a sunny Mediterranean climate and beautiful beaches, and Sintra wows visitors with its fairy-tale castles.
A trip to Portugal can easily be combined with a more extended trip through Spain and even Morocco in Africa if you have some extra time.
If that weren’t enough, the icing on the cake is that a trip to Portugal costs a fraction of a honeymoon in another European country. The money that you save on accommodation and food can easily be used to extend your trip or for another European vacation!
22. St. Kitts and Nevis
The sister islands of St. Kitts and Nevis are not as well known as some other places on this list, but that is part of the appeal.
These small islands offer the same gorgeous scenery, including mountains, white sand beaches, and aquamarines water but without the crowds. This may change as large, international hotels begin to open, but for now, the island’s charm lies in its laid-back vibe. Couples looking for complete serenity and relaxation in the Caribbean will have a unique and memorable honeymoon there.
Nature lovers will enjoy the great snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, and boating, and you can even hike a volcano!
The capital city of Basseterre is a colorful little town full of friendly people and it is a great place to spend a day or two, especially if you need a bit of a beach break.
23. Santorini
A Santorini honeymoon is the perfect way to start your life together as husband and wife.
In the Aegean Sea, Santorini is a volcanic island with stunning cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and beautiful white-sand beaches. In addition to its natural beauty, Santorini is also home to several historical sites, including the ruins of the ancient city of Thera.
With its unique blend of history and natural beauty, Santorini is the perfect place to unwind after the stress of planning a wedding. And what better way to enjoy Santorini’s offer than staying in one of the island’s luxurious villas?
Whether you’re looking for a secluded hideaway or a stylish home base for exploring, a Santorini luxury hotel or villa rental is one of the best honeymoon destinations in the world.
How We Picked The Best Honeymoon Destinations
Most couples start to dream about their honeymoon at some point in the wedding planning process. With so many amazing options to choose from, it can be tough to narrow down the possibilities. To help you out, we’ve put together this list of the best honeymoon destinations worldwide. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or an adventure-filled trip, we’ve got you covered.
To select these destinations, we looked at the most popular destinations that visitors to HoneymoonGoals.com book. We help over one thousand honeymoons book their trip every year and have great insights from our customers.
Additionally, we considered things like weather, scenery, and activities. We also considered affordability, as we know that not all couples have the same budget. From there, we narrowed our list to the 23 best honeymoon destinations. These are places that offer something unique and special, whether it’s stunning beaches or towering mountains. And best of all, they’re all incredibly romantic.
So whether you’re looking for a secluded spot for two or a bustling city to explore together, we hope we were able to help you find your perfect destination.
Why 2023 Will Be a Great Year for Honeymoons
The pandemic has taught us a lot about ourselves and our society. We suddenly found ourselves trapped at home and were often separated from our loved ones. We learned how to remain connected with others while taking a step back from the daily grind and learned to diversify in ways that we never thought possible.
Most importantly, we learned how incredibly important our relationships are and not to take the people we love for granted. Most honeymooners explored the best honeymoon destinations in the USA, as they had difficulties leaving the country.
As travel opens back up, many people are rushing to see their friends and family around the world. Weddings are being rescheduled and new plans are being made. Whether you are traveling in the Spring, Summer, Fall or Winter, there are plenty of amazing destinations to explore.
Prior to COVID, the travel industry was growing year over year with new hotels opening in both tourist hotspots like New York and off-the-beaten-path destinations. There was a big move towards experiential and sustainable travel which emphasized travel that helped local communities and helped visitors gain a greater understanding of the places that they visited. Everything was starting to come together to create a truly amazing experience until COVID hit.
With any luck, 2023 will see life largely return to normalcy. We hope you can visit one of our top honeymoon destinations in 2023.
With so many new tourism offerings worldwide, it will be a great year for a honeymoon (and perhaps a familymoon?).