Honeymoons are a special time for newlyweds to create lasting memories, and with so many incredible destinations to choose from, it can be a challenging task to find the perfect romantic escape. From celebrity-inspired getaways to secluded hideaways, there are countless options to consider. In this article, I'll explore some of the best honeymoon spots around the world, offering a mix of luxury, culture, and adventure. I'll provide personal insights and commentary on each destination, highlighting what makes them unique and why they're worth considering for your special trip.
Italy's Monte Argentario Peninsula
The Monte Argentario peninsula in Tuscany is a hidden gem for honeymooners seeking a blend of natural beauty and luxurious amenities. With its pebbly beaches, picturesque seaside towns, and celebrity-approved hotels, it's a destination that exudes la dolce vita. Personally, I find the idea of hiking towards the water for gentle sea swims and then enjoying long evenings of aperitivi and spaghetti alle vongole utterly romantic. The ultra-exclusive Hotel Il Pellicano, where even a souvenir keyring costs £79, is a dream come true for those looking to splurge. The Erasmo suite at the boutique La Roqqa hotel, with its outdoor tub on a panoramic roof terrace, is equally enticing. The chance to book swimming excursions under starry skies adds to the allure.
India's Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur
Maharana Jagat Singh II's 18th-century palace on Lake Pichola in Udaipur is a testament to his romantic soul. Today, the Taj Lake Palace is a five-star hotel where newlyweds can wander through blossoming gardens and sleep in four-poster beds. What makes this destination particularly fascinating is the opportunity to explore ancient temples, lotus gardens, and the vibrant back streets of the city. A tailor-made trip with Wild Frontiers, which takes in Delhi, Jodhpur, and Jaipur, as well as expeditions into the countryside to search out tigers and elusive leopards, offers a comprehensive and immersive experience. While the cost of around £4,235 per person for two weeks may be a deterrent for some, it's an investment in a truly unforgettable honeymoon.
Scotland's Kilchoan Estate
For those seeking a more understated and intimate honeymoon, Scotland's Kilchoan Estate on the remote Knoydart Peninsula is a hidden sanctuary. Accessible only by ferry from Mallaig or via a demanding hike, this is a place to wander through deserted countryside, cuddle up near bonfires on empty beaches, and enjoy evenings in hot baths with whisky chasers. The five cottages, with their checked bedspreads and views of purple-hued hills, offer a cozy and romantic retreat. The estate can arrange guided walks or Land Rover tours, providing misty vistas of Inverie Bay and packed lunches to fuel onward adventures. A night at Kilchoan Estate costs from £1,200 per couple, all-inclusive, making it an affordable and intimate honeymoon option.
Fiji's Vomo Island
Fiji is having a moment, with a handful of new openings planned across its 300-plus islands. Vomo Island, which reopened in April, is perfect for trips a deux, offering archetypal coconut palm, ivory sand, and warm water territory. The beachfront villas with huge outdoor bathrooms lend themselves to lounging, while there’s an adults-only bar and pool at the edge of the resort. Personally, I find the idea of picnics on the nearby island of Vomo Lailai or hikes through shady trails to its highest point utterly captivating. Combining five nights at Vomo with seven cruising the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands on a Blue Lagoon Cruise, from £6,995 per person, full-board, including flights, is a surefire way to kick off married life in style.
Tanzania's Safari and Zanzibar Beaches
For those who get restless lying on a beach but crave the thrill of a safari, combining time on the sand with a safari is a perfect solution. Yellow Zebra’s three-stop holiday includes two of Tanzania’s most romantic camps, taking in the flamingo-filled Lake Manyara and the seemingly endless plains of the Serengeti, where wildebeest, lions, and cheetahs race. The safari camps, such as Manyara Green and Serengeti Green, are enchanting, offering a unique blend of luxury and wildlife. Spending six days between them and finishing up on the pristine, palm-backed stretch outside Zanzibar’s Pongwe Beach Hotel, with its turquoise waters, is a dream come true. Ten nights cost from £6,756 per person, full board, including flights, making it an affordable and unforgettable honeymoon option.
Aspen, Colorado
Aspen, Colorado, is a favorite ski resort for many A-listers, including Mariah Carey, and for good reason. With its exclusive sunrise trips to the pistes before they open to the public and cozy, luxurious hotels like The Little Nell, Aspen offers a romantic and intimate ski experience. The Little Nell, with its ski-in/ski-out spa and snowcat trips to Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro, is a dream come true for ski enthusiasts. Away from the slopes, there are romantic excursions aplenty, from nights at the Wheeler Opera House to candlelit French dinners at Mollie or sushi at Matsuhisa, a favorite of Leonardo DiCaprio. Doubles at The Little Nell cost from £807 per night, room only, making it an affordable and intimate honeymoon option.
Mauritius
Mauritius is a year-round destination with balmy temperatures and plenty of sunshine, making it an ideal choice for honeymooners seeking a tropical escape. The St Regis Le Morne Resort, which reopened last year after a refurbishment, boasts a spectacular setting under the Unesco-listed Le Morne Brabant mountain. The traditional pirogue boat, which transports guests on sunset cruises or to picnics on secret beaches, adds to the allure. While the cost of a week from £2,977 per person, B&B, including flights, may be a deterrent for some, it's an investment in a truly unforgettable honeymoon. The Caribbean sometimes suffers from hurricanes in August, and early winter brings driving rain to parts of Thailand, making Mauritius a more reliable and consistent choice.
Round-the-World Trip
For those seeking an epic and adventurous honeymoon, a round-the-world trip is a surefire way to kick off married life in style. Given enough time, you can build a custom trip with Trailfinders, stopping in Las Vegas and Los Angeles before heading onwards to Australia’s national parks, Bali’s beaches, and Singapore’s restaurants and bars. While the cost of this route, starting from £2,699, including flights and five nights’ accommodation along the way, may be a deterrent for some, it's an investment in a truly unforgettable and adventurous honeymoon. With so many options to choose from, a round-the-world trip offers a unique and personalized experience that will create lasting memories.
In conclusion, choosing the perfect honeymoon destination is a challenging task, but with so many incredible options to consider, it's an exciting journey in itself. From celebrity-inspired getaways to secluded hideaways, there are countless ways to create lasting memories with your loved one. Whether you're seeking luxury, culture, or adventure, there's a perfect honeymoon spot waiting for you. So, take a step back, think about your priorities, and embark on a journey to find the perfect destination for your special trip.
