Inspiration

10 Unforgettable Honeymoon Destinations Of 2023

Romanticize the trip of a lifetime with a dreamy honeymoon in some of the most beautiful destinations around the world.

Ali Jenning
Ali Jenning

Ali Jennings is a freelance writer, house sitter, and teacher currently residing in the UK.

A honeymoon is one of the most exciting and important trip to plan in a lifetime. It’s the time to splurge on paradise and luxury while spending time with the love of your life relaxing in peace, and enjoying the things you love to do most.

Whether you are looking for a tropical getaway full of sunshine, or an exciting adventure in nature, the world is full of ideal honeymoon destinations for newlyweds to enjoy and express their love for one another.

From the white sandy beaches and turquoise waters of Bora Bora to the luscious rolling hills of Santorini, there is a world full of locations ideal for starting a new adventure and enjoying uninterrupted time with each other, before going back to reality.

Whatever your personal ideal of romance is, sipping cocktails on the coastline, or exploring the culture and activities in a new city, love and romance can be found around every corner, if you know where to look.

There is a lot to do when it comes to planning a wedding and honeymoon, and the stress can pile up fast. To help simplify your honeymoon planning process, we have compiled a list of 10 of the most unforgettable honeymoon destinations in the world for recently married couples!

1. Bali, Indonesia

ulun datu bratan temple in Bali - Unforgettable Honeymoon Destinations

Photo: Oneinchpunch/Shutterstock

Bali is an Indonesian island paradise that is sure to impress even the most seasoned travelers. With its stunning beaches and beautiful rice terraces, it’s no surprise that the Island of the Gods is a top honeymoon destination. But it’s not all about lounging on the beach – there are plenty of activities to keep you busy, including surfing, snorkeling, and diving in crystal-clear waters.

If you’re more of a culture buff, Bali has ancient temples and landmarks to explore, from the famous water temple of Ulun Danu Bratan to the Tegallalang Rice Terrace, as well as traditional ceremonies and festivals to participate in.

For relaxing, there are spas, yoga retreats, and picturesque accommodations ranging from beachside villas to mountain resorts. Foodies will love the wide variety of delicious Indonesian and international cuisines available, as well as fresh seafood and locally grown produce.

2. St. Lucia

the beach of the tropical island St Lucia

Photo: Fokke Baarssen/Shutterstock

St. Lucia is an ideal place for a romantic beach honeymoon with unspoiled scenery, luscious nature, hiking trails, waterfalls, white sandy beaches, and a laid-back way of life.

It’s one of the most romantic islands in the Caribbean, filled with upscale resorts, botanical gardens, and a chance to enjoy a slice of heaven with a balanced mix of romance and adventure for the ideal honeymoon. The island is home to the Pitons, a pair of dramatic volcanic spires that rise up from the sea.

For accommodation, St Lucia offers a range of options, from luxurious beachfront resorts to intimate bed and breakfasts. And for dining, the island is known for its seafood, particularly lobster and conch, as well as locally grown produce. Couples can also indulge in romantic experiences, such as candlelit dinners on the beach or couples’ massages at a deluxe spa.

3. Paris, France

Paris with panoramic view of Eiffel Tower

Photo: Summer/Shutterstock

Better known as the ‘city of love,’ Paris is a no-brainer for a romantic honeymoon. And let’s be real – who doesn’t want to smooch under the Eiffel Tower or take a dreamy boat ride along the Seine? But Paris isn’t just about the cliches – there’s so much more to see and do in this stunning city.

Art lovers can check out the Louvre Museum or take a stroll through the charming Montmartre neighborhood to see some of the city’s famous street art. When you need to refuel, Paris has no shortage of delicious cafes and bistros serving up classic French cuisine.

The city offers a range of accommodation options to suit any couple’s budget, from grand hotels with stunning views of Paris to cozy apartments in charming neighborhoods. This includes the likes of Hotel du Petit Moulin, a chic and stylish hotel located in the trendy Marais district, and the Hotel de Lutece, a charming and historic hotel located in the heart of the Latin Quarter.

4. Sonoma, California

Napa Valley Wine Country Vineyards

Photo: Michael Warwick/Shutterstock 

America’s premier wine sensations, the Sonoma Valleys, is the second most visited attraction in California after Disneyland. The region is famous for its rolling hills, vineyards, and charming towns, offering a blend of natural beauty and sophistication that is perfect for intimate holiday with a loved one. There are plenty of activities to keep you busy during your stay, including wine tasting at one of the many local wineries, hiking or biking through the scenic countryside.

Sonoma also has a range of delicious dining options, from farm-to-table restaurants featuring locally grown produce to cozy bistros serving classic California cuisine.

And when it’s time to retire for the night, there are a variety of accommodations to choose from, including cozy bed and breakfasts, and charming inns such as the Farmhouse Inn, a luxurious boutique hotel set on a working farm, and the Gaige House + Ryokan, a serene Japanese-inspired retreat.

5. Tenerife, Spain

Couple surfing in Tenerife Spain

Photo: DisobeyArt/Shutterstock

Blessed with sunshine all year round, Tenerife makes a top destination for couples looking for an unforgettable honeymoon escape. The island boasts over 500 beaches with different landscapes, lush forests, sleek sand dunes, and shades of red from volcanic ash.

It is also home to a number of attractions such as Jungle Park, a zoological and botanical park. Couples can also enjoy a range of other outdoor adventures, including cycling through Tenerife’s beautiful landscapes, exploring its vibrant underwater world, or playing a round of golf on one of the island’s many courses. Tenerife is also Europe’s best place to see migratory whales and dolphins with year-round sightings.

When it comes to dining and accommodation, Tenerife is not short on options. The island is famous for its varied assortment of Atlantic Ocean fish, make sure to try the Island classic – the Vieja (parrotfish. As for romantic places to stay, popular hotels include the Red Level at Gran Melia Palacio de Isora in the south of the island.

It’s an adults-only hideaway with ocean front villas, each with a private pool.  There’s also Hotel Mencey, a stylish and modern hotel in the heart of Santa Cruz, and the Casa del Vino La Baranda, a charming wine estate in the countryside.

6. Santorini, Greece

Santorini sunset skyline in Greece

Photo: Songquan Deng/Shutterstock

Get ready to fall in love all over again in Santorini! This Greek island is the ultimate honeymoon destination, with its stunning white-washed buildings, blue-domed churches, and breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea. And let’s not forget the breathtaking sunsets – there’s nothing more romantic than watching the sun go down from your private balcony with a glass of wine in hand.

Striking views aside, there’s plenty to do in beautiful Santorini. Indulge in delicious Greek wines at the Santo Winery, take a boat ride to one of the nearby volcanic islands, or explore the renowned Lighthouse of Akrotiri.

Santorini has no shortage of quality spas and wellness centers to stay at. Popular accommodations on the Island include the Grace Santorini, a deluxe cliffside hotel with breathtaking views of the Aegean, and the Katikies Hotel, a charming and sophisticated hotel located in the heart of Oia.

7. Bora Bora, French Polynesia

sunset sunrise on the beach of Bora Bora

Photo: Lux Blue/Shutterstock

Bora Bora is a dream honeymoon destination, with its crystal clear waters, white sand beaches, and scenic overwater bungalows. This tiny island in the South Pacific is surrounded by a lagoon filled with vibrant coral reefs, making it a paradise for snorkeling and diving.

A must-see attraction is Matira Beach, known for its wide stretch of powdery white sand and turquoise waters. It’s the perfect spot to lounge in the sun, go for a swim, or even try your hand at stand-up paddle boarding.

For a more thrilling adventure, head out on a boat tour to see the island’s iconic overwater bungalows from the water or visit the Bora Bora Lagoonarium to swim with sharks and rays. And be sure to indulge in some of the island’s delicious Polynesian cuisine, like grilled fish and coconut milk-based dishes.

8. The Big Island, Hawaii

Kilauea Volcano, Big Island, Hawaii

Photo: Benny Marty/Shutterstock

The largest of the Hawaiian archiepelago, the Big Island has an array of activities to make any honeymoon even more special. From hiking the snow-capped peaks of Mauna Kea to enjoying the sandy beaches and turquoise waters of the Kona Coast.

One of the most significant aspects of the Big Island is the Volcanoes National Park, home to the active Kilauea volcano. Here, you can take a guided tour through the park to learn about the island’s rich history and geology, or hike through the lush rainforests to see the steam vents and craters up close. You can even opt to stay in Volcano House, Hawaii’s oldest hotel, perched on the rim of the volcano

For a laid-back day, spend some time on the Kona Coast, where you can relax on the sandy beaches, try your hand at snorkeling or stand-up paddleboarding, and watch the sunset over the Pacific. And be sure to save room for some of the island’s delicious local cuisine, like fresh seafood caught right off the coast and locally grown coffee.

9. Florida Keys, Florida

Sunset over Key West, Florida. Wooden bridge at the port

Photo: Gagliardi Photography/Shutterstock

It doesn’t get more romantic than a honeymoon in the Florida Keys. The Keys are a string of tropical islands off the southern coast of Florida, offering complete relaxation or exhilarating adventure for couples.

From the colorful architecture and skys that changes colors by the hour; to the secluded beaches and natural beauty of the Lower Keys, it is easy to see why the Key West is one of the most desirable destination in the Caribbean.

Make sure to visit the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum in Key West, where the famous author lived and wrote for many years. You can tour the historic home and see the dozens of cats that still live on the property, descended from Hemingway’s own pets.

Make sure to curve out time in your itinerary to spend some time on one of the Keys’ many sandy beaches, like the peaceful Bahia Honda State Park or the bustling Duval Street in Key West. And be sure to try some of the region’s delicious seafood, like fresh-caught lobster and stone crab.

10. Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt

Old Town - Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt

Photo: Kochneva Tetyana/Shutterstock

And lastly, Sharm El-Sheikh is a stunningly beautiful destination located on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt. With year-round sunshine and breathtaking views of the Red Sea, it’s the perfect place to relax and unwind after the stress of planning a wedding.

There’s no shortage of things to do in the city, whether you’re looking for adventure or simply want to kick back and soak up the sun. Dive into the blue waters of the Red Sea to explore a world of vibrant coral reefs and exotic marine life, or take a camel ride through the desert to see the stunning Sinai mountains in the distance.

For those looking to indulge in some pampering, Sharm El-Sheikh has no shortage of spas and resorts. Spend a day at the spa getting massages and facials, or relax by the pool with a refreshing drink in hand.

When it comes to dining, you’ll be spoiled for choice with a wide variety of international and local cuisine to choose from including our favourite the Melokhia or Molokhya — a traditional  Egyptian soup made from a leafy green summer vegetable served with rice and meat or chicken.

Honeymoon is a celebration of new beginnings and a new life together, and there are few experiences more special than travelling to a romantic location hand in hand with your partner.

From the lush tropical beaches of Bora Bora to the to the romantic streets of Paris, the world offers a plethora of unforgettable honeymoon destinations that are sure to leave a lasting impression.

No matter where you choose to go, the most important thing is that you and your partner are able to spend quality time together, and create lasting memories of your first trip as a married couple.

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