Your honeymoon is one of the most personal trips you will ever make. It is the start of a new chapter together and where you go is the setting for how you will remember it for years to come.
Couples who are looking for the best honeymoon destinations in the world, are usually looking for more than just a nice hotel. They want an experience – something that is special, unhurried and built around them as a couple. Some want white sand beaches and overwater villas. Others have dreams of city breaks in centuries-old European capitals, mountain lodges in the Alps or wildlife safaris under African skies.
The fact is that the most romantic honeymoon destinations in the world are quite diverse. Romance comes in many forms – a quiet dinner by the side of a cliff in Santorini, watching the sun rise over Mount Fuji, snorkeling hand in hand in the Indian Ocean or sharing street food on a warm night in Bangkok.
This guide brings together the very best honeymoon countries from around the world, from beach escapes, cultural journeys, nature retreats, and luxury getaways. Whether you have a generous budget or you are looking for somewhere romantic without spending a fortune, there is a destination here for you.
Best Honeymoon Destinations In The World
Below are 14 best honeymoon destinations in the World:
1. Maldives
Few places on earth are as pure honeymoon romance as the Maldives. This island nation in the Indian Ocean is comprised of more than a thousand coral islands, and its turquoise lagoons, white sand, and overwater bungalows have made it the gold standard of beach honeymoon destinations all over the world.
Honeymooners here can go snorkeling right from their villa, watch bioluminescent plankton glow in the waves at night, go on a sunset cruise or book a private dining experience on a sandbank surrounded by sea. The pace is slow, the scenery is breathtaking, and the resorts are designed completely around intimacy and relaxation.
The best time to visit is November to April when skies are dry and clear. The Maldives is a luxury destination – expect to invest a lot – but there are mid-range guesthouses on local islands for couples on a tighter budget. Browse on to Visit Maldives for official travel advice.
Best for: Beach lovers, those who want luxury, couples who need complete privacy.
Cost level: Mid-range – luxury
2. Italy
Italy has been a symbol of romance for centuries, and still remains one of the most popular honeymoon countries for couples from all over the world. It has an extraordinary array of experiences in one country – art cities, coastal towns, rolling countryside, fine food, and world-class wine.
Venice, with its canals and gondolas is perhaps the most iconic romantic city on earth. The Amalfi Coast is dramatic in terms of its cliffside scenery and quaint villages. Tuscany’s rolling hills and vineyard estates are ideal for lazy, decadent days together. Sicily is a combination of history, beaches and amazing food that few places can match.
Spring time (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) are the best seasons to visit – warm, less crowded and in full of color. Italy is perfect for couples that love culture, food and beauty equally. The Italy Tourism Board has outlined guides for the regions to help you get your plans in order.
Cost level: Mid-range to luxury depending on region and season.
Best for: Culture lovers, foodies, couples looking for a bit of city and a bit of coast.
3. Greece
Greece is a timeless honeymoon destination and Santorini, a Greek island with its iconic white domed churches and its views over the volcanic caldera, is one of the most photographed romantic destinations in the world. But there is much more to Greece than just Santorini.
Mykonos appeals to couples who prefer a more energetic environment with some beautiful beaches and boutique hotels. Crete is the largest island in Greece and it has history, beaches and mountains all in one. The Ionian Islands such as Corfu and Zakynthos are lush and green with stunning blue lagoons.
The best time to visit is between May and October with June to September being peak season. The Visit Greece website is a good place to begin your planning for an island-hopping itinerary. Greece is generally mid-range in price, although Santorini and Mykonos are towards the luxury end in the summer.
Best for: Beach and culture lovers, couples that love exploring different islands.
Cost level: Mid-range – luxury
4. France
France requires little introduction as a romantic destination. Paris – the City of Light – attracts honeymoon couples from all corners of the world. A stroll along the Seine at dusk, a meal in a candlelit bistro, a trip to the Louvre, or simply the view of the Eiffel Tower at night: Paris delivers on romance consistently, and without effort.
Beyond Paris, the French Riviera is a sun-soaked glamour spot in the cities of Cannes and Nice. Bordeaux and Burgundy are perfect for the wine-loving couple. Lavender fields and hilltop villages of Provence provide something quieter and deeply beautiful. Mont-Saint-Michel in Normandy is one of the other worldliest sights in France.
France is a destination for any season, but spring and autumn are especially beautiful. It is suitable for couples who appreciate art, cuisine, architecture, and a relaxed lifestyle of luxury.
Cost level: Mid-range to luxury with options in every budget.
Best for: Culture Seekers, Food and Wine Lovers, City Romantics.
5. Japan
Japan is one of the most unique honeymoon travel ideas available to couples today. It is a mix of futuristic and the ancient like no other country – ultra modern Tokyo next to the historical temples and bamboo forests of Kyoto, and a night in a traditional ryokan inn is one of the most memorable experiences you can have together.
Couples can enjoy the cherry blossoms in Spring, the red and gold of the autumn leaves, the outdoor Onsen bath surrounded by snow or the deer parks in Nara. Japanese cuisine – from sushi to ramen to teppanyaki – is a journey in itself.
Spring (late March to early May) and autumn (October to November) are the most romantic seasons. Japan is priced well when compared to European luxury destinations, and safety, cleanliness and excellent transport network, make it easy to navigate.
Cost level: Middle range to upper middle range.
Best for: Culture seekers, adventure couples, food lovers, if you are looking for something really different.
6. Bali
Bali has become one of the world’s favorite honeymoon resorts and retreat destinations, and for good reason. This Indonesian Island is a perfect combination of spiritual beauty, lush rice terraces, ancient Hindu temples, world-class surf and some of the most beautiful boutique resorts on Earth – at surprisingly affordable prices.
Ubud in central Bali is the spiritual heart of the Island – perfect for couples who are looking for yoga retreats, cooking classes and jungle walks. The southern coastal areas such as Seminyak and Uluwatu are better for the beach lover and sunset cocktails. The north and east of the island is quieter and less visited and ideal for couples who want privacy and natural scenery.
The dry season is from April to October and it is the best time to visit. Bali offers exceptional value – a luxury private pool villa will often cost a fraction of what you would pay in Europe.
Cost level: Budget to luxury.
Best for: Wellness and Nature lovers, Beach Couples, Budget and Luxury travelers alike.
7. Thailand
Thailand is one of the most popular romantic holiday destinations in Southeast Asia, with an impressive combination of island beaches, cultural temples, vibrant cities and lush mountains – all in the same country.
Couples usually mix Bangkok’s energy and world-famous food scene with island escapes on Koh Samui, Koh Lanta or the Phi Phi Islands. The beach resorts of Khao Lak and Hua Hin are quieter and more intimate. For something else, Chiang Mai, in northern Thailand, has night markets, elephant sanctuaries and hill tribe cultural experiences.
November to March is the best season for most of Thailand. The Tourism Authority of Thailand has detailed guides for each region. Thailand is a great value where you can find luxury resorts at very competitive prices.
Cost level: Budget to luxury.
Best for: Couples that want variety, beach and culture mix, good food and great value.
8. Switzerland
Switzerland is the choice for couples that dream of mountain scenery, alpine lakes and cosy luxury. The country is breathtakingly beautiful in any season – snow-dusted in winter, wildflower-covered in summer, golden in autumn.
Destinations such as Interlaken, Grindelwald and Zermatt (home to the famous Matterhorn) are ideal for adventurous couples who want to ski, hike and enjoy incredible mountain vistas. The towns of Lucerne and Geneva offer lakeside luxury and watchmaker quality to every detail of the travel experience.
Switzerland is for couples who are looking for quality, not quantity – the country is expensive, but the service, food and natural beauty are exceptional. Summer (June to September) as well as winter (December to March) are both excellent seasons to visit.
Cost level: Luxury.
Best for: Nature and adventure couples, skiing lovers, those who want the Alps of elegance.
9. South Africa
South Africa is one of the most dramatic and diverse honeymoon destinations that can be found anywhere in the world. A honeymoon here can be a private game safari, whale watching on the Garden Route, wine tasting in Stellenbosch, and sundowners on a cape town clifftop – all in one trip.
The Cape Winelands around Franschhoek and Stellenbosch are heaven on earth for food and wine lovers. Cape Town’s mix of mountain, ocean and city culture is unique to no other. And a few nights in a private game reserve in Kruger or the Sabi Sands – watching lions and elephants in the wild – is an experience you will never forget.
May to September (South African winter) is best for game viewing and October to April is best for the Cape’s beaches and gardens. South Africa is a very good value for money in terms of the experience, with the luxury safari lodges being the best example.
Cost level: Mid-range – luxury
Best for: Adventure couples, wildlife, food and wine.
10. Turkey
Turkey is one of the most underrated romantic holidays destinations in the world, with extraordinary history, stunning landscapes, beautiful coastlines and world class hospitality at prices far below Western Europe.
Istanbul is one of the great cities of the world – one where East and West meet across the Bosphorus strait, with mosques, bazaars, rooftop restaurants and hammam spa experiences that feel genuinely special. Cappadocia with its fairy-tale rock formations and hot air balloon flights at sunrise is one of the most photogenic honeymoon settings on earth. The Aegean coast towns of Bodrum and Cece are chic coastal luxury with a Mediterranean feel.
April to June and September to October are the best time of the year to visit. Turkey is excellent value at the quality it provides.
Cost level: Budget to mid-range, luxury available.
Best for: Couples that are in love with history, culture, hot air ballooning and coastal relaxation.
11. United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates has blossomed into one of the most exciting and versatile honeymoon destinations in the world, attracting couples with the combination of futuristic cities, desert adventures, warm winter sun and some of the world’s finest luxury hotels.
Dubai is the country’s best-known city – a place of record-breaking architecture, rooftop infinity pools, private beach clubs, world class dining, and desert safaris thirty minutes from the city centre. Couples can float over the dunes in a hot air balloon at dawn, dine in a restaurant on the 124th floor of the Burj Khalifa or spend a quiet evening on a traditional abra boat through the historic creek.
Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, is a little more refined in its pace. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the most beautiful buildings in the world, and the city’s Saadiyat Island developments feature some of the most sophisticated resort hotels in the area. A visit to Louvre Abu Dhabi is a truly romantic cultural experience – world art history in a gorgeous setting by the sea.
Couples who prefer a tranquil beach honeymoon often enjoy peaceful coastal experiences in Fujairah where relaxing beachfront stays such as Sandy Beach Hotel and Resort offer them a chance to walk along the shore and enjoy calm sea views together. Fujairah is located on the Gulf of Oman coast – not as busy as the Dubai shoreline and much more laid-back – and represents a very different side of the UAE.
The UAE is an especially popular destination for European couples looking for winter sun between November and March. The climate is warm and dry during this window, flights are only 6 to 7 hours from Europe and the level of service and infrastructure is world class. The Visit Dubai website has some detailed guides to help plan your itinerary.
Cost level: Mid-range – luxury
Best for: Luxury seekers, couples that want a bit of city and desert, European couples fleeing winter.
12. Seychelles
The Seychelles is a group of 115 islands located in the Indian Ocean, and it is generally regarded as one of the most beautiful archipelagos on the planet. The islands provide granite boulders emerging from white sand beaches, turquoise water and an unhurried atmosphere that is just right for a honeymoon.
Mahe, Praslin and La Digue are the three main islands, which all have their own character. La Digue in particular – with no cars on most of its roads, bikes as the primary transport and the famous Anse Source d’Argent beach – feels properly removed from the modern world. Luxury honeymoon resorts here are among the most exclusive to be found anywhere in the world but there are also smaller guesthouses for a more affordable way in.
April to May and October to November are the calmest months with the best weather.
Cost level: Mid-level to ultra-luxury.
Best for: Couples seeking pure natural beauty, privacy and Indian Ocean Island perfection.
13. Australia
Australia is a continent-size honeymoon destination that rewards couples who have the time to explore it properly. It offers tropical beach luxury, dramatic outback landscapes, sophisticated city culture and some of the most extraordinary wildlife encounters in the world.
The Whitsunday Islands in Queensland – with their sailing, reef diving and pure white beaches – is one of the most spectacular beach honeymoon destinations in the southern hemisphere. Sydney is one of the world’s most beautiful and livable cities, with its harbor, beaches and restaurant scene offering never-ending romantic moments. For something different, a stay in an eco-lodge near Uluru or a hot air balloon flight over the Red Centre make for memories like nowhere else.
Australia’s seasons depend greatly on the region. September to November and March to May are mostly pleasant in most areas.
Cost level: Mid-range – luxury
Best for: Adventurous couples, nature lovers, couples who want to have a multi-destination trip which is diverse.
14. Mauritius
Mauritius is a lush volcanic island in the Indian Ocean, and has always been one of the best luxury honeymoon destinations in Africa. Its combination of clear lagoons, coral reefs, green mountains and sugar cane fields make it a more varied natural landscape than many Indian Ocean islands.
The west coast of the island, especially in and around Flic en Flac and Le Morne, is the setting for spectacular sunsets, calm waters and great snorkeling. The north is busier and has the greatest choice of restaurants and hotels. For the active couples, the Black River Gorges National Park offers hiking through dramatic forest scenery.
May to December is the dry season and is the best time to visit. Mauritius is known for its all-inclusive luxury resorts, but there are some great mid-range resorts for couples with a smaller budget.
Cost level: Mid-range – luxury
Best for: Beach couples, nature lovers, couples interested in a classic Indian Ocean honeymoon with more variety.
Honeymoon Travel Tips
Choose the Right Season
The ideal time to visit is greatly dependent on the destination. A honeymoon in the Maldives during the monsoon season, or visiting Japan in the heat and humidity of mid-summer can have quite an impact on your experience. Research the weather window for the destination you’re visiting before booking and if your travel dates are flexible, try to aim for shoulder season, just before or after peak season, when prices are cheaper and there are fewer crowds.
Book Early for Popular Destinations
The world’s best honeymoon resorts fill up quickly, especially for the peak travel periods of between December and February and around school holiday dates. For places such as Santorini, Maldives, and the finest retreats in Bali, it is advisable to book three to six months in advance. Popular destinations in Europe such as Amalfi and Positano often require even earlier planning for travelling in the summer.
Budget for the Complete Experience
Your honeymoon budget should not only include flights and hotels. Factor in the cost of dining, excursions, spa treatments, inter-island transfer and local transport. In places such as Switzerland and Maldives, the extras can soon add up. In Thailand or Bali, the same budget goes much further. Setting a total budget which is realistic before you start browsing helps you to compare destinations fairly.
Travel Insurance is Necessary
Travel insurance is not an option for a honeymoon. A trip of this significance – often with significant financial investment and non-refundable bookings – requires comprehensive cover, such as medical, cancellation, baggage and interruption. Look for a policy which specifically covers honeymoon related cancellations and check the coverage limits carefully.
Check Visa Requirements in Advance
Visa requirements vary greatly from place to place, and from your nationality. Some countries have visa on arrival or e-visa; others require advance applications which can take weeks. Check requirements well in advance of your travel date and make sure both passports are valid for at least six months after your return date. Many countries also have entry requirements that are linked to your marriage status that may affect room upgrades and other honeymoon perks.
Conclusion
There is no one answer to which are the best honeymoon destinations in the world – because the best honeymoon is the one that will feel right for you as a couple. Some couples prefer complete luxury and absolute privacy. Others want to explore cities and taste the local food and come back home with stories. Some want mountains and adventure, while others want a hammock, warm water and uninterrupted time together.
What the best honeymoon countries all have in common is this: they have something that feels special, that slows you down and gives you the time and setting to start your married life with some real joy. The luxury honeymoon destinations of the Maldives, Seychelles and Borabora have their place. But so do the more accessible romance of Tuscany, the spiritual beauty of Bali and the raw wonder of New Zealand’s fjords.
Whatever your travel style or your budget, it is most important to plan carefully. Pick a destination that is exciting for both of you, allow yourself enough time to really relax into your destination, and fight the urge to over-schedule. A honeymoon is not just a holiday – it is your first chapter, your first story together. Make it one worth telling.
