- Discover 12 places that are ideal for celebrating after the union between you and your partner.
- Find out about the climate and best times of year for a honeymoon in each destination.
- Learn about incredible landmarks and which specific locations are best-suited to honeymooning.
Getting married to the person you’ll spend the rest of your life with is one of the most beautiful things in the world. Making a commitment to love and cherish someone until old age is truly a reason to celebrate. Your honeymoon should be the vacation of a lifetime and provide you with the opportunity to escape to a paradise of your choosing, especially since planning a wedding is often quite stressful.
For most people, the honeymoon spells the end of organizing and executing a wedding and marks the wonderful beginning of married life. Opting for an all-inclusive stay, however, means you’ll never be hungry or thirsty … and won’t have to prepare any of it yourself. Whether you want to relax in the sun, hike in the mountains or ski down powdery slopes, the following list has a dream destination for you and your partner.
1. Mauritius
Mauritius is the definition of an island paradise, with pastel blue seas, soft white sand and glorious weather. The rainy season is between December and April, so you might want to avoid these months, although the north of the island experiences fewer downpours. However, with rain comes luscious greenery, and despite year-round scorching heat, the island is lush with emerald trees and stunning plant life.
When it comes to excursions, you’ve got tons of choice. The village of Chamarel is a must-see, with its waterfall and seven-colored sands. Take a boat cruise to the Ile aux Cerfs to experience a truly untouched land and lagoon, and visit bustling Port Louis for a taste of modern Mauritian city life.
Shutterstock/Ppictures2. Vermont
If you’re looking for something a little closer to home and a retreat from hot weather, Vermont is the perfect destination. If you and your partner are less about lounging around and more about the great outdoors, you’ll love it. In spring and summer, the glittering cool lakes beckon, while fall sees spectacular foliage sprinkling the mountain views with yellows, gold and orange. Winter is perfect for ski and snowboard enthusiasts, if hitting the slopes and then cocktails by the fire sounds more like your vacation style.
Some people just prefer mountains to the seaside, and if this sounds like you, try hiking in Camel’s Hump State Park or skiing in Stowe Mountain Resort. Vermont also has some of the best maple syrup in the world and an array of destination restaurants.
Shutterstock/T photography3. The Maldives
No honeymoon list would be complete without the Maldives, and for good reason. These islands are laid-back and about as romantic as a destination can get. Turquoise lagoons and untouched coral reefs are the stuff of dreams, and you and your beloved will feel like you’ve truly escaped when you stay at one of its luxury hotels.
The skies are almost always clear between December and April, making winter and spring ideal times to visit. You can dive with turtles and manta rays around Sun Island, take a boat tour to see dolphins in the Meemu Atoll and sample the mouthwatering cuisine in Malé.
Shutterstock/Martin Valigursky4. Jamaica
The Caribbean is a sun-soaked destination that appeals to honeymooners around the world. From North America, flights are affordable and take less than six hours from Canada. The tropical climate rarely falls below 80 degrees, making it an excellent year-round destination for an all-inclusive honeymoon.
The Martha Brae River is a must-see, and the views from Dunn’s River Falls and Park are truly unforgettable. There’s also the Kool Runnings Adventure Park for thrill-seekers and The Bob Marley Museum for music lovers.
Shutterstock/Lucky-photographer5. Thailand
Thailand has the bonus of being as stunningly beautiful as it is culturally vibrant, with something special for those seeking a mix of tranquility and full-throttle nightlife. Foodies are in their element in Thailand, which boasts some of the most varied and delicious dishes in the world.
The driest time of year with ideal temperatures is between November and April. Visit the Elephant Rescue Park, Wat Chedi Luang Varavihara and the Sanctuary of Truth for a memorable dose of culture and natural beauty.
Shutterstock/Preto Perola6. Iceland
If you already live in a hot part of the country, there’s a good chance you’ve had your fix of sun, sea and sand. Luckily, paradise doesn’t mean the same thing for everyone, and Iceland is a utopia for couples in search of solitude and an otherworldly kind of beauty.
If you want to see some of the best views of the Northern Lights in the world, visit in February, March, September or October. For those of you looking to hike together, exploring Vatnajökull National Park is essential and best done in July and August. Be sure to bring a winter coat, as even in the height of summer, temperatures are usually only around 55 degrees.
Shutterstock/Puripat Lertpunyaroj7. Mexico
If you’re looking for an affordable all-inclusive honeymoon destination, look no further than Mexico. City dwellers and culture-loving couples can’t miss out on Oaxaca’s archeological sites such as Monte Albán and Mitla, and foodies will delight in the roadside treats and world-renowned hot chocolate.
Cancun or the Playa Del Carmen are top destinations for beachgoers, with plenty of opportunities for shopping, partying and relaxing in each. Quiet but warm and dry months are May and June when temperatures are a comfortable 80 degrees on average.
Shutterstock/jdross758. Bali
Does breathtakingly exotic sound appealing? If the answer is yes, few places are more suitable than Bali. The culture is vibrant, the people are friendly and the natural beauty of the Indonesian island is a wonder. Astounding rock formations, black sand and rainforest are all within reach and ready to be explored.
May to August are the best times to visit, with the wet season falling between October and March, although temperatures are warm year-round. Don’t miss out on ambling through the Campuhan Ridge Walk rice fields or climbing Mount Batur.
Shutterstock/Aliaksandr Barouski9. Venice
Italy is considered by many to be one of the most romantic countries in the world. And while the namesake for the word romance (Rome) might spring to mind, Venice wins the accolade of the city of love. From riding gondolas through the city’s waterways to hand-held walks through Piazza San Marco, there’s so much culture to soak in together. Plus, the food and wine are incredible!
Even in July, temperatures aren’t usually higher than 75 degrees, so it’s the perfect choice for mild weather enthusiasts. We’d recommend visiting from September through November when the tourist season dies down and fall colors are out in force.
Shutterstock/Maridav10. Greece
Fans of culture, history and beauty flock to Greece as an all-inclusive honeymoon destination. It has everything from beaches and mountains to ancient cities and exquisite food. There are so many islands to choose from, in addition to the mainland.
Summer is the perfect time of year to visit Greece if you want to soak in outdoor activities such as visiting ruins, rock climbing or sailing. Honeymoon favorites include Agios Nikolaos, Monemvasia and Nafplio.
Shutterstock/Svetlana Ryajentseva11. New Zealand
New Zealand is one of the most aesthetically impressive places in the world. It has glorious beaches, vineyards, glaciers, volcanoes, adrenaline-fuelled adventure parks and of course, Lord of the Rings hotspots. It’s an oasis for honeymooning couples looking to vacation somewhere a little different.
Between March and May or September and November are ideal times to visit, and Auckland, Wellington and Queenstown are local favorites. There’s always something to see and do and adventure to be found in New Zealand.
Shutterstock/Filip Fuxa12. Hawaii
If you’re looking to stay within North America, the tropical paradise of Hawaii is practically on your doorstep. With awe-inspiring scenery, it’s the ultimate place for a relaxing and rejuvenating honeymoon. Temperatures are highest and there’s the lowest chance of rain between March and September.
Trek through Maui’s lush mountains, learn about Polynesian culture or visit the Nā Pali Coast, and you’ll create memories that last a lifetime. There are so many beautiful areas to explore.
Shutterstock/MaridavWhat Makes the Perfect Honeymoon Destination?
The truth is that there’s no perfect honeymoon destination because everyone’s tastes are different. While many envision sun, sea and sand, there are plenty who would prefer an action-packed adventure or luxurious cityscape.
This list includes something for every taste and budget so you can find your ideal first all-inclusive vacation as a married couple. At the end of the day, what’s most important is that you plan the dream honeymoon that’s right for you and your new life partner.
Shutterstock/Mikhail Stavtsev
