Now that the wedding is over, it’s time for you and your partner to spend your lives together – starting with a sweet, sweet honeymoon. To make this trip extra special, spend it at the best honeymoon destinations in the world.
While travelling alone is an experience you should have at least once in your lifetime, there’s the ultimate travel occasion for couples: the honeymoon. After all the stress of wedding planning, a honeymoon is a great time to truly connect as a newly married couple. A romantic, adventurous, or relaxing trip is just a plane ride away for newlyweds to make new memories. As experts on all things sweet like honey (wink), here are our picks of the best honeymoon destinations in the world that you and your loved one can experience together.
Best honeymoon destinations for a romantic getaway
1. Da Nang, Vietnam
One of the most popular honeymoon destinations is Da Nang in Vietnam. Looking for a restful time to connect with your loved one? Have fun in the sun at My Khe Beach, which is just one of the many beaches Da Nang is famous for. Wanna explore the natural beauty of Vietnam? Visit the caves and tunnels of the colourful Marble Mountains. As for the culture vultures amongst you, get your dose at Phap Lam Pagoda and Dragon Bridge. Along with the plethora of authentic Vietnamese food to be enjoyed, Da Nang certainly makes for a beautiful (and delicious) honeymoon destination for you and your partner.
Our honeymoon resort pick: InterContinental Da Nang Mi Sol Spa is a sanctuary perfect for couples travelling to Vietnam. You can partake in sound therapy, massages, and intimate meals together. Mi Sol Spa will help you both rejuvenate while creating new sparks in your relationship. The new seaside getaway, Hilton Garden Inn Da Nang, is also a stellar hotel – take a look at our full review!
2. Sicily, Italy
What better way to make new memories with your partner than by exploring the stunning island of Sicily together? Head to Monreale Cathedral and Bellaro Market in Palermo to get your fill of Italian heritage. Next, you can experience “the Pearl of Sicily”, Taormina, starting with the beautiful Isola Bella. Make sure to visit the Madonna della Rocca Church as well to get a spectacular view of the island. Housing one of the city’s main attractions, Etna is definitely a place to stop by to marvel at the volcano Mount Etna. Want to see more? The best thing about honeymooning in Sicily is that you can easily visit more places on the island within a few hours. If you want to go for the full Italian experience, you can rent a Fiat and make a road trip out of it!
Our honeymoon resort pick: Nestled in the Sicilian city of Syracuse is the Algila Ortigia Charme Hotel. This property is influenced by traditional Mediterranean designs, but it also has all the modern comforts and amenities. Algila Ortigia Charme Hotel offers easy access into the city, as well as a much-needed refuge after a long day.
3. Bali, Indonesia
Dreaming of sandy beaches and turquoise waters? Say yes to Bali, one of the best honeymoon destinations for a tropical getaway. Simply head to one of the many luxury resorts on the island to enjoy a fun, fuss-free honeymoon. With opportunities to snorkel, lounge on the beach, and hit the spa all in one place, staying strictly on resort grounds is certainly an attractive option. However, if you want to explore Bali a bit more, you can venture out for a day or two to visit the sights. Going island hopping is the top choice, with numerous islands in Indonesia close to Bali ready to be explored. A honeymoon in Bali will check all your boxes: adventurous sights as well as a serene home base.
Our honeymoon resort pick: Alila Villas Uluwatu is located on one of the highest planes in Indonesia, giving you a killer view. Heavily inspired by Balinese culture, this luxury resort gives you the chance to explore everything from Balinese cooking to surfing with a professional coach. Warning: you might never want to leave this private villa paradise!
Take a look at what the pros at Honeycombers Bali have to say for awesome things to do in Bali in 2024.
4. Paris, France
This one’s a no-brainer – they don’t call Paris the “City of Love” for nothing! Paris will definitely always be one of the best honeymoon destinations in the world by virtue of its culture, food, and all-around romantic vibes. After a close-up look at the famous Eiffel Tower (along with a few kisses), you and your loved one can soak in as much culture as possible at The Louvre. A simple way to enjoy your honeymoon would be to bask in each other’s company at a local cafe for hours. You can even visit the I Love You Wall to fully experience the romance of Paris.
Our honeymoon resort pick: Splurge on a Terrace Eiffel View Room in Shangri-La Paris to gain one of the best views of the Eiffel Tower straight from your bedroom window. You can even book a couples’ spa day at Chi, the Shangri-La Paris spa, before treating yourselves to a Michelin-starred meal at Shang Palace.
5. Grenada, Caribbean
Spice up your honeymoon by visiting Grenada, the “Spice Isle”. Listen to the smooth sounds of steel pan music throughout your trip as a romantic soundtrack. Be sure to stop by Grenada’s Fish Market to get the freshest catch, while immersing yourself in the buzzing atmosphere. For a fun time in the sun, visit Black Bay Beach where the sand is, indeed, black! Finally, make the most of your time here by fully exploring the island and its many waterfalls.
Our honeymoon resort pick: Luxury and romance awaits at the Calabash Luxury Boutique Hotel. With the Honeymoon/Romance Package, you can get Swedish massages, a suite upgrade, and a romantic candlelight beach dinner. If you’re a sustainable traveller, you’ll be delighted to know that Calabash Luxury Boutique Hotel is highly committed to sustainability. With water conservation, solar energy, local produce, and community outreach, this Hotel truly cares about the Earth as much as it cares about its guests.
6. Zermatt, Switzerland
Here’s one of the best honeymoon destinations for adventurous couples! The skiing and hiking experience in Zermatt is second to none, with its jaw-dropping natural landscape. If you have mountaineering experience, you and your partner can ascend The Matterhorn together while admiring the majestic views. Get your skis on at the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and hit the fresh powder with your partner. Need a break after all the activity? Take an easy stroll through the town of Zermatt.
Our honeymoon resort pick: Get cosy with your loved one at The Omnia, a carefully crafted contemporary interpretation of a traditional mountain lodge. With spectacular views of The Matterhorn, you can enjoy a quintessential romantic Swiss Alps experience. The two of you can relax in the pool, outdoor whirlpool, Finnish Sauna, and more after a fun day out.
7. Jeju Island, South Korea
Jeju Island has become one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in the world in recent years, all thanks to its stunning landscape, vibrant cultural and heritage sites, and mouth-watering island fare. Walk hand in hand with your beau to explore Jeju’s unique underground volcanic landscape in the Manjanggul Lava Tube! Or take a hike up Hallasan and roam across the serene Hallasan National Park. For art lovers and cultural enthusiasts, the museums and immersive art experiences in Jeju-si will give you fascinating insight into the island’s regional heritage and cultural tapestry.
Our honeymoon resort pick: The Shilla Jeju is a lovely resort for you and your SO to spend your first holiday together. Relax in one of Shilla’s unique rooms! Here, you will find sleek and modern interiors woven with wooden and bamboo elements typically found in traditional hanok. In addition, the Soombi Spa offers rejuvenating couples’ spa sessions for you two to take part in together.
8. Galway, Ireland
If you’re looking for a tranquil and relatively hidden honeymoon destination, then Galway is the gem for you. Galway City may appear to resemble most other bustling European towns, but don’t be fooled! The surrounding areas in County Galway, the nearby County Clare, and Aran Islands are home to natural wonders that are out of this world. Walking tours around the sparsely populated Connemara highlights scenic natural attractions such as rivers, valleys, and mountains along the way; while Ceardlann Spiddal Craft Village offers a unique look at Gaelic arts and crafts. Psst – Potterheads may also wish to venture a little further south to County Clare’s famous Cliffs of Moher – you’ll certainly recognise the stunning rock formations from Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince!
Our honeymoon resort pick: Stay like royalty on your honeymoon at the Ballynahinch Castle Hotel and Estate! This castle property offers elegant, Victorian-style rooms as well as private cottages for couples seeking extra privacy; all situated in a private woodland area against the 12 Bens Mountain Range.
[This article was originally published in May 2023 and updated in 2024 by Celia Lee.]
