The 20 Best Honeymoon Destinations in the World

Discover the world’s most beautiful honeymoon destinations

When you’re planning a wedding, the honeymoon might not be at the forefront of your mind. But once the excitement of the big day is over, you’ll realise quickly how much you need a break. If you don’t know exactly what you want for your honeymoon, let us talk you through our pick of the 20 best honeymoon destinations in the world. Weddings can take a toll – physically, mentally, and financially – so we ranked a combination of luxury and budget-friendly honeymoon destinations. From adventure-packed New Zealand to the soft sands of Zanzibar, here are the world’s best honeymoon destinations.

Ranking criteria:

• Attraction Affordability: The cost of the destination’s main sights and attractions, including entrance fees, guided tours, and other activities.
• Culinary Experience: The price of a three-course meal for two at a mid-range to high-end restaurant.
• Luxury Accommodation: The cost of a 5-star (or luxury) hotel, including amenities, services, and overall quality of stay.
• Wine and Dine: The price of wine and other beverages, considering the destination’s wine culture and availability of fine wines.
• Honeymoon Packages: The variety and quality of honeymoon packages available, including romantic activities, special deals, and personalised services.
• Romantic Ambiance: The availability of adults-only hotels, resorts, or areas that set the mood for a dreamy honeymoon, along with other romantic touches like private beaches and candlelit dinners for two.
• Unique Experiences: The presence of memorable and unique experiences, such as sunset cruises, private dinners, or exclusive tours, that make the honeymoon truly unforgettable.

Top 20 Honeymoon Destinations

20. Bordeaux, France

Paris too cliché for you? Let us introduce you to one of France’s most chic cities: Bordeaux. Located in the southern Nouvelle-Aquitane region, the sun-soaked city is a beautiful honeymoon destination. With bags of charm, history, and elegance, it’s the perfect place for happy newlyweds to stroll hand-in-hand through the pretty streets. And of course, there’s no Bordeaux without its wine. Whether in new-age wine bars or historic vineyards, there is no shortage of delicious wine to taste. Saint-Émilion is one of the most famous wine villages in the Bordeaux region, surrounded by gorgeous rolling vineyards. It produces some of the world’s most revered wines, including Cheval Blanc, Ausone, Figeac, and Angelus.

19. South Island, New Zealand

For adventure-loving couples, there are few things more romantic than sharing unique, ever-lasting memories. New Zealand’s South Island offers rich experiences in spades, from Milford Sound to Abel Tasman National Park. And its main city, Queenstown, is the adventure capital of the world.

New Zealand is an expensive destination, with its distance from most countries resulting in high flight prices, and pricey 5-star hotels. However, there is a good mix of free and affordable activities. Milford Sound cruises aren’t cheap, but national parks like Mount Aspiring National Parks are all free to enter. And with fairly priced food (around £47 for a three-course meal for two) and affordable local wine, you can save your money for those once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

18. Iceland

Not everyone wants to spend their honeymoon lying on a beach. Others want to see and experience something new, and Iceland is the perfect place for that. With national parks and nature reserves galore, it tops many nature lover’s bucket lists. If you want to catch one of the Natural Wonders of the World, the Northern Lights, then aim to time your visit between September and April. Hire a car and drive the Golden Circle, or hunker down in a cosy cabin on the atmospheric West Iceland coast. However you spend your honeymoon in Iceland, it’s sure to be memorable.

There are plenty of 5-star hotels offering honeymoon packages for a pampering experience. However, bear in mind that Iceland is notoriously pricey, and the price of food and wine is the most expensive on this list.

17. San Juan Mountains, Colorado, USA

This dramatic section of the wide-spanning Rocky Mountains is Colorado at its best. There are few crowds, deep valleys, snow-capped peaks, historic settlements, expansive lakes, and much more. Active newlyweds will love the diverse landscape and hiking trails, and daredevils can swing from magnificent zip lines. If you’re seeking luxury in the mountains for your honeymoon, then we recommend the exclusive towns of Dunton Hot Springs or Pagosa Springs. Honeymoon packages are uncommon in the San Juan Mountains, so finding a hotel with extra-special perks for just-married couples might be tricky. But for adventurous pursuits with a splash of refined luxury, this mountain range is hard to beat.

16. British Columbia, Canada

The possibilities for unique experiences are seemingly endless in British Columbia. This Canadian province offers a bit of everything, from cycling through Stanley Park in bustling Vancouver to the winter sports of Whistler. It’s a great choice for couples who love merging city life with natural outdoor beauty. Swap between 5-star lavish hotels in famously romantic Vernon and cosy mountain lodges for an exciting, varied experience. Excursions can be pricey in British Columbia, such as whale watching around Vancouver Island, and 5-star hotels are £200 per night on average. However, if you’re searching for lasting memories and a honeymoon surrounded by dreamboat nature, then British Columbia has it all.

15. Mallorca, Spain

With a high amount of adult-only hotels and hotels offering honeymoon packages, Mallorca is an excellent choice for sun-seeking newlyweds. It’s relaxed, beautiful, and romantic – the perfect place for a refined post-wedding getaway. The island is a wonderful alternative to popular European destinations, such as Greece and Italy, with budget-friendly prices. Mallorca could be the perfect fit for those looking to cut back costs after a blowout wedding, but still treat themselves to a slice of sea and sun. The island has it all, from the crystal clear waters of Cala d’Or to the elegant capital city of Palma. Head inland for some of the island’s most exclusive, luxurious hotels, surrounded by blissful scenery.

14. The Maldives

The Maldives is honeymoons at their most luxurious. The archipelago is a dream destination for many, with picture-perfect beaches and overwater bungalows. It famously does not come cheap, but it’s the quintessential tropical honeymoon destination for relaxation. While the Maldives is pricey, it’s generally an all-inclusive deal. Most hotels offer all-inclusive packages, which include food, soft drinks, and alcohol. If you’re hoping to have a tipple to celebrate your recent nuptials, then ensure that the package does offer alcohol – there is typically a high import tax. But if you’re spending an average of £330 per night, you’d expect the full works – there are plenty of honeymoon packages, so you can bask in the newlywed glow in paradise.

13. Kyoto, Japan

If your idea of romance is strolling hand-in-hand through cherry blossom gardens and exploring historic temples, then Kyoto could be the place for you. With authentic experiences, longstanding culture and traditions, beautiful nature, and amazing food, Kyoto is a showstopping honeymoon destination. While flying to Kyoto might be pricey, it’s relatively affordable when you’re there. Most of the attractions are free or reasonably priced, a three-course meal for two will set you back an average of £26, and wine is affordable too. There are also plenty of honeymoon packages to help curate the perfect romantic trip.

12. Tuscany, Italy

Honeymooning in Tuscany is an unforgettable experience. Wine lovers have the pick of the bunch, with rolling vineyards covering the region. Wake up to gorgeous quintessentially Tuscan views, hop on a Vespa and zip through the winding countryside roads, and finish the afternoon off with an obligatory wine tasting. And with endless romantic towns and cities to visit, including Florence, Siena, Lucca, San Gimignano, and more, you can get your art, culture, and history fix. Getting around Tuscany is also easy and affordable – enjoy train rides through the Tuscan countryside, or hire a car to explore at your own pace.

11. Peloponnese, Greece

The Peloponnese is a coastal region on the southern tip of the Greek mainland. While honeymoons are popular in islands like Santorini and Mykonos, the Peloponnese is the slice of quiet luxury you might be craving post-wedding. It’s more affordable than other Greek destinations – a three-course spread for two will only set you back around £25 – and several hotels offer honeymoon packages. There is also a good selection of adults-only hotels, so you can relax poolside in peace. While you could easily spend a week or two soaking up the Greek sun, the Peloponnese region is home to important archaeological sites, including 5 UNESCO World Heritage sites.

10. Curaçao

Soak up the Caribbean sun in Curaçao, and spend a relaxing honeymoon in a tropical all-inclusive resort. While there are plenty of other accommodation options, particularly in the colonial-Dutch capital of Willemstad, all-inclusive resorts offer hassle-free relaxation. Many offer honeymoon packages to make your trip even more special.

Curaçao is a fantastic alternative to other popular Caribbean islands, including Jamaica and Aruba, with fewer crowds and more affordable prices. Rum is cheap, the beaches are bright white, the sea is turquoise, and the sun is always shining.

9. Sumba, Indonesia

Searching for a honeymoon destination that’s off the beaten path? Sumba is a luxury honeymoon for a fraction of the price of other luxurious destinations. The Indonesian island has a specialised selection of romantic retreats – one of which, the Sanubari, was named one of the world’s most romantic hotels. Picture coffee in bed with a view of the Indian Ocean, candlelit dinners on the beach, watching wild water buffalo trot across the white sand, and dips in private pools. The island is so quiet and exclusive that you’ll feel like it’s all yours, other than in the local villages where a unique indigenous culture and traditions thrive.

8. Pangkor Island, Malaysia

For the Maldives-style overwater bungalows on a budget, it doesn’t get much better than Pangkor. It’s a bit tricky to get to – after flying to Kuala Lumpur, you’ll take a 4-hour bus to Lumut and then a 15-minute ferry ride to Pangkor Island – but completely worth it. This far-flung tropical paradise is laid-back and stripped-back, with a handful of excellent hotels. One of which is Pangkor Laut Resort – a retreat that makes the trip to Pangkor worth it alone. Book an overwater bungalow for the full luxurious experience, and bask in the newlywed glow with their honeymoon package.

If you can drag yourself away from the hotel to explore, you’ll find a beautiful, quiet, and remote island. If you want beach bars and flashy restaurants, then Pangkor isn’t for you. But if you prefer incredible, affordable seafood restaurants, untouched white sand beaches, and the space to unwind with your new spouse, then you’ll fall in love with Pangkor.

7. Kenya

With world-class wildlife safaris, exciting cities, vibrant communities, and white-sand beaches, Kenya is a fantastic honeymoon destination. There are plenty of adults-only hotels that offer honeymoon packages, and everything is affordable – from accommodation to food and drink. Those who love to pack a bit of everything into their trip will find an abundance of things to do in Kenya. Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience and spot the Big 5 on a safari in Masai Mara (tours are affordable, too) and soak up the sun on the white sands of Diani Beach. For an immersive slow safari experience, Hippo Point House offers lovebirds the chance to wake up to views of surrounding buffalo, giraffes, and more. It was named one of the most romantic hotels in the world for its personalised service and unique location of a 500-acre lakeside wildlife sanctuary.

6. South Africa

From the sweeping vineyards to the safaris, South Africa is spectacularly romantic. The country caters well to newlyweds with adults-only hotels and honeymoon packages, helping lovebirds to have an extra-special trip. Whether you’re looking out for the Big 5 in Kruger National Park or sipping crisp wine on the Cape Town waterfront, you’ll be well looked after. South Africa can bend to your price range, too, with a wide range of budget-friendly and luxurious experiences. Those on a budget won’t feel left out either – bottles of local wine are around £4, while a three-course meal for two is £30 on average.

5. Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka packs a lot into this small island country. Think misty mountains, vivid tea plantations, palm tree-lined beaches, wildlife-dense parks, historic fort towns, and so much more. Merge that with incredibly delicious cuisine and affordability, and you’ll find one of the world’s most coveted honeymoon destinations. Enjoy peace and quiet in adults-only hotels, spot wild elephants in Udawalawe National Park, or dance the night away at Arugam Bay’s toes-in-the-sand beach parties. Or spend a night or two in Galle – a fortified city where you can learn about Sri Lanka’s colonial past. It’s in Galle that you’ll find Amagalla, one of the world’s most romantic hotels.

4. Zanzibar

For footprint-free beaches and azure waters, Zanzibar is the perfect honeymoon escape. The Tanzanian archipelago sits in the Indian Ocean, surrounded by turquoise seas and the world’s best beaches that rival the Maldives. However, Zanzibar does not have the Maldives price tag. Stay in 5-star luxury for a fraction of the price, and be treated like royalty with curated honeymoon packages, or explore different forms of accommodation. Beachfront lodges and eco-friendly lodges in the lush hinterlands can be just as romantic as luxury resorts.

If you crave an extra sense of adventure, why not couple your Zanzibar trip with a safari on mainland Tanzania?

3. Rajasthan, India

With mountains, lakes, desertlands, and palaces, the Indian state of Rajasthan is a wonderful backdrop to a romantic honeymoon. Udaipur is one of Rajasthan’s most beautiful cities, nicknamed the Lake City for its magical lakes and waterways. With so many tales of Indian history weaving through its narrow streets and glittering palaces, the city evokes pure romance. On the other end of the spectrum is Jaisalmer, an oasis in the Thar Desert. The city glistens with sandstone houses, forts, and palaces, earning its nickname of the Golden City. Jodhpur, nicknamed the Blue City, is another fascinating place to visit. And for a change of pace from cities, visit Ranthambore National Park. You have a great chance of spotting tigers, along with leopards, hyenas, crocodiles, and more.

2. Patagonia, Chile

For couples that seek adventure in raw nature, it’s hard to beat Patagonia. Trek through the Sierra Baguales, sail through the Patagonian Fjords, and admire the breathtaking views from lookout points across Torres Del Paine National Park. There are endless lifelong memories to be made in Patagonia, with a range of exclusive hotels offering honeymoon packages as the cherry on top. Or, swap 5-star luxury for remote lodges and disconnect from the outside world.

The region is split across Argentina and Chile, although the Chilean side has more to offer for a luxurious, romantic escape. However, you can easily cross the border to see the sights on the Argentinian side.

1. Koh Chang, Thailand

While Koh Samui and Phuket are popular with honeymooners, Koh Chang has managed to stay under the radar. Despite being one of the biggest and most beautiful Thai islands, with plenty to do and see, it’s not yet hot on the tourist trail. However, the island has catered to those in the know with a handful of luxurious resorts. The Retreat is one of the island’s best honeymoon resorts, offering a beachfront haven and a sanctuary for guests to unwind. But Koh Chang isn’t just for beach bums. Explore the island by bike, join a hiking trail through the jungle, chase waterfalls, hop around the nearby uninhabited islands, and climb the viewpoints of Mu Ko Chang National Park. The island is also a hotspot for snorkelling and diving, with healthy coral reefs and shipwrecks just offshore.

The flight to Thailand will be the main chunk of expenses. However, once you’re at Koh Chang, you’ll find everything to be incredibly affordable. Hotel prices for a luxury stay are an average of £60 per night, a meal for two is around £16 on average, and alcohol is inexpensive.