After saying “I do,” couples are faced with myriads of choices for a honeymoon. Summer is the peak season for many, as the weather is fantastic, the beaches are perfect, and the African safaris are beginning their annual migration trek.
In addition, many destinations have great festivals during the summer. Below are some of the best summer honeymoon escapes that will bring a lifetime of memories.
Tanzania – Zanzibar
Tanzania can be considered a dream honeymoon for couples seeking both a glittering beach getaway and some adventuresome activities. The island of Zanzibar has splendid beaches with unrivaled sunsets. How fortunate that this island paradise can be combined with a once-in-a-lifetime safari.
Royal Zanzibar provides the ultimate Tanzanian beach honeymoon for relaxing on beautiful Nungwi Beach. The hotel’s graceful rooms and suites offer charm and comfort, and the floor-to- ceiling windows allow the stunning sunsets into the rooms.
The views from the top of a cliff are what make the Royal Zanzibar stand out. Its main restaurant, the Cliff at Royal Zanzibar, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a magnificent view of the Indian Ocean. There are also several bars, including the swim-up Upepo Pool Bar.
The hotel’s honeymoon package includes a bottle of wine, a discount on an intimate beach dinner, and a 25 percent discount on upgraded accommodations.
When not strolling the beach, couples can relax in the jacuzzi, or take part in water polo or volleyball. Scuba diving lessons are available in the hotel’s pool, and couples can take part in open air movie evenings and yoga.
Things to do
Stone Town is Zanzibar’s major city and may be Africa’s oldest city. It has a cathedral, fresh markets, and even a sultan’s palace.
Tanzania – Safari
Marriage is an adventure, so why not jump right in and indulge in a luxury safari? Few things will provide the thrills of a safari in one of Tanzania’s national parks, such as the Serengeti, to experience the annual Great Migration.
Sayari Camp offers the best of Serengeti safari glamping and has an optimal location by the Mara River wildebeest crossing which begins around July. Fifteen tents have al fresco tubs, toilets, and a patio to watch the elephants and zebras pass. The camp’s pool is available for a cooling dip before enjoying a beer by the campfire.
There are two lounges and a dining room, both with a clear view of the plains.
Guests can enjoy game drives both in the morning and afternoon or walking safaris to experience the entire Serengeti ecosystem. The photographic safaris have the necessary equipment and swivel seats for those ideal photo shots.
For a special romantic treat, the Sayari Camp has amazing balloon excursions across the Serengeti.
Things to do:
The nearby village of Merenga offers total immersion into the local culture – including a fresh produce market that welcomes visitors.
Cook Islands
The Cook Islands in the South Pacific Ocean is having its winter in July and August, which means that it’s the dry season and the temperatures are comfortable. Plenty of Australians and New Zealanders come here at this time for their annual getaway.
In August, the five-day Manureva Aquafest draws hundreds of athletes to the world’s most attended kitesurfing and other water sports competitions. The winner’s celebration includes a great fest with fire dancing.
The Rarotongan Resort’s beachfront suites provide a view of the beach and have an open-air plan with outdoor shower. Guests will enjoy fresh island dining overlooking the Aroa Lagoon as well as indulging in Polynesian aromatherapy at the spa.
The resort has a number of classic beach wedding packages, some of which include a free honeymoon. Wedding venues do not get any more stunning.
Things to do:
At the Highland Cultural Show, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings are filled with authentic village experiences, including a feast with cocktail, singing, dancing, and stories about the island culture.
Ariki Adventures takes guests out to sea to swim with the turtles. With the strong currents, it is not advisable to try this without a guided tour.
Koka Lagoon Cruises takes couples on snorkeling cruises which include sing-alongs and a buffet lunch.
For the freshest fish meals, the Mooring Fish Café by Muri Beach really delivers. Guests can see the fishermen actually delivering their lunch.
Tahiti
The largest of the French Polynesian islands, Tahiti, has inviting black-sand beaches, romantic lagoons, and waterfalls. Its beauty inspired many of the paintings by French painter Paul Gaugin.
Visitors in July can participate in the Heiva celebration in Papeeti, which has been the island’s annual cultural celebration since the 1880s with dancing, art, and athletic competitions.
The Intercontinental Tahiti has 31 romantic over-the-water bungalows with private balconies overlooking the lagoon and a total of 253 rooms with a garden or lagoon view. Two restaurants and three bars offer fine dining. In addition, the resort has the only five-star PADI diving center in French Polynesia. All the guests’ needs are quickly met.
The resort arranges a two-hour dolphin excursion each day. It may even be possible to join these lovely creatures in the water, depending on the conditions.
Things to do:
Driving north to Point Venus will take visitors to the black sand beach visited by Captain James Cook. It’s a great place for picnicking and paddleboarding.
The Museum of Tahiti & Her Islands presents an exhibition of Polynesian history and culture.
Tahiti is famous for its unique black pearls, and the Robert Wan Pearl Museum is a great place to learn about these pearls and make a purchase. What a way to remember your honeymoon forever.
Nassau, Bahamas
Summers in the Bahamas bring a temperature in the high 80s, perfect for enjoying the beaches.
The exquisite all-inclusive, adult-only Sandals Royal Bahamian has some of the Bahamas’ most exotic suites that come with a private pool, swim-up pool, and 24 hour-Butler services. Butler VIP guests can also expect a Rolls-Royce airport pickup. Its all-inclusiveness includes 12 restaurants, two huge pools, and a spa.
And that is just the beginning. Sandals Royal Bahamian has its own, private island, Sandals Barefoot Cay. This piece of paradise has two isolated beaches for relaxing and snorkeling. The elegant Beach Club has a pool, swim-up bar, a whirlpool, and one of the best seafood restaurants in the Bahamas. Paradise comes with private cabanas, hammocks, and a soothing Zen garden. The resort’s Red Lane Spa performs its treatments here on the beach to the sound of the gentle waves.
The private island is reachable by ferry from the main island through its regular daily runs.
Sandals Royal Bahamian has unlimited activities. Its PADI-certified diving certification attracts divers from everywhere. The resort has all imaginable watersports, such as paddle boarding, snorkeling, and surfing.
There is daily entertainment with beach parties and dancing. Couples can play tennis, lawn chess, pool, volleyball, and croquet – or just lay around the beach. A candlelight dinner can be served on the beach for some additional romance.
Things to do:
The Bahamas’ capital, Nassau, has a historic district to explore and where to engage in a bit of partying. Charlies Club 601 is the place to be dancing until 4:00 a.m.
Flying Cloud Catamaran Cruises has amazing full day snorkeling tours with lunch and drinks, half day snorkeling tours with drinks and snacks, and romantic sunset dinner cruises.
Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia in the eastern Caribbean is nestled between both the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean. It is probably best known for its twin volcanic peaks, Gros Piton and Petit Piton, which can be explored by sailing and hiking.
In Saint Lucia’s capital of Castries, the Saint Lucia Jazz Festival has been delighting visitors for more than two decades. This ten-day event in May entertains with jazz concerts, parties, and many art showings. Sting was one of the 2023 performers.
Sandals Grande Saint Lucia on Rodney Bay is a picture postcard outlined by the clear sea and strong, tall volcanoes rising from the waters. Five pools, two championship golf courses, and twelve restaurants make this a perfect honeymoon stay. This Sandals has been named top 25-all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean, the Caribbean’s leading honeymoon resort, and St. Lucia’s leading resort.
The over-the-water bungalows define “grande” with their private pool and soaking tub, all with 24-hour butler service. The beachfront One Bedroom Butler Suite has a sunset pool, private balcony, fully stocked bar, and a butler to spoil and cater 24 hours a day.
All-Inclusive dining includes 12 restaurants at Sandals Grande Saint Lucia, 9 restaurants at nearby Sandals Regency La Toc, and 6 restaurants at Sandals Halcyon Beach. Each meal is paired with the perfect Robert Mondavi Twin Oaks wine and followed by a cup of famed Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee.
At Sandals Grande Saint Lucia, couples can become PADI diving certified and enjoy almost unlimited watersports.
Days and evenings are filled with themed parties (Sunday is romance night), with parties by the beach and the pool.
Things to do:
The Diamond Botanical Gardens is a six-acre park that serves as a natural retreat from the world. Couples can enjoy the lushness of the landscape and tropical plants, and the birds overhead. Head for the waterfall and healing mineral baths.
Sulphur Springs Saint Lucia in Soufriere is a mud bath visited by people from all over the world for skin conditions and arthritis. The mud is boiling hot and fun. Visitors can clean up in nature’s own shower – the waterfalls.
Post-shower, visit the Gros Islet street party, Saint Lucia’s Friday night shindig with thousands of merrymakers enjoying barbeques, beer, art vendors, and a sound system that blasts music until Saturday morning.
Antigua
Summers in Antigua reach the high 80s in temperature and can get humid. The beaches and breezes off the water make them the best for kite surfing, sailing and snorkeling. If it rains, it tends to be short-lived. Antigua is one of the most stunning islands in the Caribbean and ready to embrace those romantic vibes for couples who love the white sand and clear waters of over 365 beaches. Kissed by the sun or your partner – it’s what happens in Antigua.
The all-inclusive, adults-only Sandals Grande Antigua has been voted the “World’s Most Romantic Resort” year after year. What could be more perfect for a honeymoon? The resort is located by the beach by Dickenson Bay and surrounded by a lovely garden.
Many of these oceanfront suites are serviced by a 24-hour butler. Dining ranges from island-spicy to comforting Italian, all properly paired Robert Mondavi Twin Oaks wine.
Sandals Grande Antigua makes the most of its spectacular waters with its PADI certified diving, swimming, snorkeling, sailing, and other watersports.
Evenings, the beach is for dancing and partying, as is the pool. Couples can join in Casino Night, Carnival Night, Live shows, beach parties, Karaoke Night, a chocolate buffet, and more.
During the day, they are busy with tennis, pool, croquet, volleyball, and more. The Red Lane Spa with its treatments and West Indian massages and exfoliation with actual sand can be enjoyed in the privacy of one’s room.
Things to do:
Climbing up Shirley Heights Lookout can be a challenge, but once the top has been reached, it is worth every minute. And it is great for the thighs. At 490 feet, the lookout is a highpoint overlooking the harbors and becomes amazing at sunset, when the entire English Harbor glows as if on fire.
Hike up from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. any Sunday and party along with a local band, some barbeque, a drink or two and a nice crowd. Be sure to take photos.
Couples can visit Stingray City and touch and feed the stingrays under the supervision of an expert handler. Stingray City has a safari tour to view tortoises, parrots, and iguanas.
Escape from your honeymoon getaway to uninhabited and beautiful Prickly Pear Island for snorkeling or a great day on the beach. The restaurant on the island serves a tasty seafood buffet. This escape island is just a five-minute ferry ride from the shore.
Grenada
Summer through mid-August is one of the best times to visit Grenada before the wet season. In early August, Grenada’s largest two-day cultural fete, called Spicemas, is celebrated with costumed parades and parties. It is a major holiday.
In mid-May, chocolate lovers from around the world come for the Chocolate Festival, where visitors can learn about the journey of the cocoa bean to chocolate bar and enjoy a plethora of chocolate-related drinks and events.
The all-inclusive Sandals Grenada Resort has broken through the boundaries of innovation, such as creating a suspended pool and a room with a pool, all by the stunning Pink Gin Beach with its delightful pinkish sand. The extraordinary here has become the ordinary.
Sandals Grenada has been named Grenada’s leading resort, the world’s leading all-inclusive resort, and one of the top resorts in the Caribbean. Villas and suites come with pool, soaking tubs, and most have 24-hour private butler service. The resort’s ten restaurants offer top-rated international cuisine. Or couples can opt for a private candlelight dinner served by a personal waiter.
Sandals Grenada offers unlimited watersports, including PADI certified diving. Out of the water, couples can partake in themed nightly parties such as Fashion Show Night, Talent Show Night, and Lover’s Night. Guests can also enjoy tennis, volleyball, bocce ball, and pool.
Like all Sandals resorts, it has an up-to-date fitness center and the Red Lane Spa.
St Kitts & Nevis
The islands of St. Kitts and Nevis are situated at the border of the Atlantis Ocean and Caribbean Sea. St. Kitts is filled with lush rainforest and mountains, placing it high on the list for couples looking for adventure, hiking, ziplining, and clean beaches.
Just two miles away, Nevis boasts an exclusive and intimate beach culture with only ten resorts where the dining is first class. Taking place in June and July, Nevis’ Mango Festival celebrates the 44 different types of mangoes with a cook-off, mango cocktails, and a mango-eating contest.
Four Seasons Nevis offers the ultimate serene honeymoon. Suites and rooms face the lush garden or the water. There are several dining options, and the Four Seasons offers rum tasting at its Mango Bar and a happy hour with a view of the sunset.
Couples can play golf at the Robert Trent Jones II Golf Course, enjoy a private dinner on Penney’s Beach, and revel in the stunning scenery on the island’s hiking trails.
Park Hyatt St. Kitts offers a genuine island experience, from a full-service spa, two pools, and great dining. Guest rooms all have a breathtaking view, and some suites come with a private deck and pool. For a wedding that will create a lifetime of memories, the Park Hyatt will help plan a dream wedding with the ocean as the background. In some cases, couples may receive a free honeymoon.
The Romance Package includes champagne, truffles, daily breakfast and a 50-minute couples massage, to be followed by a three-course dinner beneath the stars.
Things to do:
The three-house Sugar Train tour takes visitors through the sugar fields, the beautiful countryside, rainforest, and Mt. Liamuiga. Free punch or daiquiris are included.
Sky Safari offers some of the best zip lines in the Caribbean. Soar through the rainforest and see a different side of St. Kitts.
If feeling energetic, Mt. Liamuiga can be climbed in approximately three hours for a sweeping view.
Sunshines Bar and Grill has turned from a humble shack to Nevis’ favorite hangout for lobster and a rum cocktail known as the Killer Bee. Beyonce, Mel Gibson, Kevin Bacon, and John Travolta have all enjoyed a bit of Sunshine over the years.
Komodo, Indonesia
Indonesia is an archipelago of thousands of islands. While Bali may be Indonesia’s best-known destination, why settle when you can spend your honeymoon on a prime pink beach complete with real dragons in Komodo, which has been declared one of the seven wonders of nature. The high season here is July and August, the best time for sailing this wonderland and tracking those dragons while enjoying some snorkeling.
The Komodo Resort in the middle of Komodo National Park offers Indonesia’s best diving opportunities. It is actually known as the number four diving site in the world. Divers and photographers flock here for the experience. Komodo Resort has won the 2016 and 2020 Travelers Choice Award and is considered a prime dive resort.
Guests have a choice of 24 beachfront bungalows with terrace and garden just steps from the beach. The resort has daily excursions through the park, the pink beach, and the dragons. The restaurant offers international cuisine, and the beach bar is popular at sunset.
Things to do:
Cruising for dragons is the most popular Komodo activity. Some cruises, from yachts to cabin boats, offer overnight accommodations that include tasty Indonesian meals.
Visit Manta Point in Komodo National Park and swim with the Manta Rays.
Sardinia, Italy
Sardinia can get hot during the summer and helps create a great beach-hopping honeymoon destination that leaves behind the typical Mediterranean crowds of Capri and Santorini. Sardinia is famed for its 34 miles of coastline and fantastic Italian cuisine.
The Cala Sinzias is right by the sea and features 95 rooms with shared patio or garden overlooking the white sand beach and the emerald Mediterranean, which is quite spectacular here. The Ulivo restaurant specializes in Italian dishes with wines. Chiringuito, the beach bar, offers sustenance and drinks on the beach, while the S’Ollastinu is the place to relax with music and a cocktail post-dinner.
The beautiful private beach has umbrellas and sunbeds – quite welcome during the hot Italian summer. The hotel also has a diving and snorkeling center, canoe and boat rental, and excursions out to sea.
The Cala Sinzias has a three-day two-hour course in perfect pasta preparation. Its separate hour-and-a-half wine tasting includes two whites and two reds.
During the summer, the lovely garden is the perfect setting for Sunday yoga classes.
Things to do:
The Cala Mariolu is a local beach with an incredible rock formation. The beach is made up of pinkish pebbles where the sun creates a breathtaking color palette. The rocks have plenty of caves worth exploring.
Couples will love a one-day private yacht excursion to the La Maddalena Archipelago of islands. This private adventure has no established times or agenda – the wishes of the passengers are paramount. Islands that are usually on the discovery list are Spargi, Santa Maria, Budelli, Caprera, and Razzoli. Diving equipment is included, but lunch is not.
Mykonos, Greece
The lovely Greek island of Mykonos is called the “St. Tropez of Greece.” The beaches are at their best for swimming from June to September, when they attract many tourists. Those are the comfortable months, and rain is pretty much non-existent. During the summer, Mykonos turns into party central.
Mykonos takes pride in its beaches, and the best ones are the trendy Super Paradise Beach, the family Platys Gialos Beach, the relaxing and peaceful Agios Sostic Beach, and the gay-friendly Elia Beach.
The Santa Marina Resort has 102 guest rooms and 13 villas with balconies and views of the magical Aegean. The villas come with a half-day excursion cruise.
The Mediterranean restaurant and its Michelin star chef are joined by the iconic Buddha Bar, the Santa Marina Beach Bar with its sunbeds, sofas and infinity pool, and a cocktail bar.
Things to do:
The Panagia Paraportiani is a 14th century church complex in the Kastro district that is one of the most photographed religious structures in the world. It is actually a compilation of five smaller churches, one built on top of the other. Not a place in which to get married, but a wonderful romantic venue for a stroll.
Combine a six-hour cooking with wine tasting class in an actual Mykonos home. Nosh on some snacks and wine while the cook explains her method, then the couple gets to cook a traditional spinach pie and more. This is a nice way to impress the family at home.
The Skandinavian Bar is the place for live entertainment and great cocktails. For a special evening, VIP treatment includes bottle service and private bar setup.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh is beautiful; it’s where the Royal Family spends its summers, when the temperature hits the mid-70s. Edinburgh never gets overly hot.
In August, the Edinburgh Military Tattoo performs its annual festival of military bands at Edinburgh Castle, a widely anticipated event attended by visitors worldwide coming to hear the bagpipes and see the population in kilts. And the castle is beautiful.
The Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival takes place annually in July, showcasing both known and emerging artists.
The Witchery by the Castle Hotel is filled with history since the 16th century. Located by Edinburgh Castle, it has been called “Scotland’s Most Romantic Hotel.” The Guardian has called the suites “Decadent hideaways that regularly feature among the great places in the world to stay.” They are richly decorated with antiques.
The dining rooms offer superb dining. For a bit of added romance, couples may wish to dine in the Secret Gaden by candlelight, where they will be transported to another time and place.
Things to do:
Enjoying a proper tea is a must, and the best in town is at the Palm Court at the Balmoral Hotel.
Couples can stroll through and arrange a picnic in the Edinburgh Botanical Gardens.
No visit to Edinburgh is complete without a tour of Edinburgh Castle. Enjoy the view from the castle and learn more about its famed royal inhabitants.
