Most will agree: deciding where to go for your honeymoon is one of the most exciting parts of getting hitched. Whether you’re whisking away right after your wedding or saving it for a few months or years later, the honeymoon is something to look forward to and is the perfect chance to spend time together as a newly married couple. It’s a time in your life like no other. Some couples choose to stay close to home and explore the beauty of the Philippines (we’ll talk about that soon!) while others train their sights on the rest of the world (let’s talk about that right now).
There are a thousand honeymoon destinations to choose from on this beautiful Earth we call home and while we can’t cover all of them, we can give you some fresh ideas or jog your memory about places you once dreamt about but have since forgotten.
Here are eight destinations that we feel make excellent choices for a honeymoon!
Whether you are the adventurous type, the beach-and-lounge type, or even a history buff, you will have no shortage of places in Brazil to choose from for your honeymoon. Rio de Janeiro, former capital of Brazil until 1960, is one of the most popular cities to visit because it offers so much. In February, you can witness the famous Carnival, a massive and vibrant festival that sees two million people on the streets per day of the event. Rio also boasts many beautiful hiking trails that you can enjoy throughout the year and for lounging, there are many beautiful beaches to choose from. And this is all just in Rio! Brazil is just one if those countries that deserves repeat visits, for sure.
Palma is a resort city on the island of Mallorca (Majorca) in the western Mediterranean. It is the capital city of the Balearic islands. Compact in size and packing a real punch in terms of cultural content, it’s no wonder that Palma has become a favorite vacation destination for many over the years. The city’s visitors get to enjoy the many rooftop bar and restaurant options, while also taking in old Gothic and Moorish architecture throughout the area. Art galleries abound and getting around by foot through the old city centre is nothing but a joy. For honeymooners, we suggest booking a villa and renting a car to get around. Stay at least a week to give ample time for exploration and relaxation.
Cartagena’s picturesque colonial streets and beautifully preserved Spanish architecture make this city an Instagram dream. Located along the Colombian Caribbean coast, it is filled with culture and lively plazas that boast world class restaurants and bars. For honeymooners, there are many luxurious as well as boutique hotels in Cartagena that would make for the perfect romantic stay. This is the kind of city that’ll keep you torn between either photographing every turn or enjoying the sights with your own two eyes. We wish you luck in finding that perfect balance!
How about a ski holiday for your honeymoon? Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (usually shortened to Chamonix) is a commune near the junction of France, Switzerland, and Italy. Situated at the base of Mont Blanc, the highest summit in the Alps, Chamonix is most renowned for skiing and its stunning views, usually taken in via cable car ride. The mountain range L’Aguille du Midi in Chamonix, also known as the Needle of the South, is home to the highest vertical ascent cable car in the world—not for those with a fear of heights, but definitely for anyone seeking a great view. You can ski all year round at Chamonix and the many ways to enjoy the views don’t always involve heart-stopping cable car rides (although we highly recommend them). If you’re from a tropical country, a nice snowy honeymoon can make for a good excuse to cozy indoors and enjoy hot drinks in a different way.
The Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, off East Africa. It is one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in the world and we can definitely see why. With a climate that is pleasant all year round, tons of beautiful beaches to choose from, the chance to see coral reefs, nature reserves, and the rare giant Aldabra tortoise, the Seychelles is one of those places that seems made for honeymooning. Some of the more famous islands are: Praslin Island, Mahe Island, an La Digue Island. If you’re looking for a less crowded setting, check out Ansel Georgette.
There are a few countries you can travel to in the hopes of seeing the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis), but Lapland, the northernmost part of Sweden, arguably offers some of the best accommodations to cozy up in while you try your luck. They say that the surrounding mountains and low light pollution also increase your chances significantly. Treehotel in Harads is particularly popular as it offers rooms nestled high up in—you guessed it— the trees! Each room has spectacular forest views and the hotel can even arrange a dining experience 33ft. up in the air. If you don’t catch the Northern Lights (tip: book between December and March for your best chance), there are activities like sledding, snowmobiling, ice fishing, snowshoeing, hiking, and kayaking.
You’ll scarcely see shades of blue like the bright turquoise of the waters at Turks and Caicos. An archipelago of 40 low-lying coral islands in the Atlantic Ocean southeast of the Bahamas, the Turks and Caicos islands are a sight to behold. Fly in from Miami on a quick 1 hour and 30 minute flight and stay for as long as you can! Go scuba diving to see fantastic coral reefs, enjoy the beaches and try out some water sports, or relax at your chosen luxury resort. How much more could a destination scream “honeymoon!”
Famous for the Casino de Monte Carlo, the Grand Prix, the superyachts anchored in the marina, absurd shopping options, and decadent hotels, Monte Carlo is a city associated with glamour and wealth. The subject and setting of many a Hollywood movie, most will know of Monte Carlo first and foremost from seeing it on screen (brownie points for those who can name the three James Bond movies that featured the Casino!). All the more reason to visit in person to bask in the atmosphere of glamour. Booking a stay in Monte Carlo is by no means cheap, so if you’re thinking of going all-out anyway, consider opting for the Hotel Hermitage on Beaumarchais Place. Enjoy a meal at the legendary Café de Paris in Place du Casino. You might even spot a celebrity or two traipsing about or if you’re really lucky you might catch a member of the Grimaldi family.