The 50 Best Honeymoon Destinations in the World

Visit one of these dreamy locales in 2024 for the romantic vacation of a lifetime.

Turks & Caicos luxury honeymoon resort Amanyara with white sand beach, umbrellas, and turquoise water.

Courtesy of Aman Resorts

For most newlyweds, the honeymoon is the trip of a lifetime. While you may end up taking longer or more far-flung vacations down the road (maybe with your growing family) this first post-wedding getaway—no matter how long it is or how close to home—is an experience unlike any other. It allows you the time to embrace your brand-new marriage, with all the planning and stress of the big day behind you. It also sets the tone for the epic adventures you’ll have in your future. And most importantly, it provides memories that you'll cherish for the rest of your lives.

To help couples make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime trip, we’ve rounded up the top honeymoon destinations of 2024. Whether you’re lie-on-a-beach-with-a-coconut people, adventure-chasers, snow bunnies, or foodies on the hunt for many meals to remember, there is something on this list for everyone. Sure, classic honeymoon destinations like Hawaii, Fiji, and Italy make the cut, but we've also included of some more unexpected destinations, like South Africa and Montana

Here, find this year's list of the 50 best honeymoon destinations around the world.

01 of 50

Taormina, Sicily

Coastal Taormina in Sicily, featuring a curving beach, blue water, and cliff sides with pink flowers.

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In Sicily, you can experience island and Italian vibes—truly the best of both worlds. Hanging right off the toe of Italy’s boot, Sicily straddles the divide between Europe and Africa and is the largest isle in the Mediterranean. Appropriately, the out-of-this-world food isn’t the only thing that’s diverse—there’s architecture, art, and ancient ruins to be explored. Post up in Taormina; we recommend literally any room at the Four Seasons San Domenico Palace, where White Lotus Season 2 was filmed. Use this luxurious escape as your home away from home as you explore this legendary pocket of the Mediterranean, an ideal honeymoon destination. Don’t miss a day trip to Noto, a charming Baroque UNESCO World Heritage site also featured on the show.

02 of 50

Turks and Caicos

Amanyara in Turks & Caicos featuring a poolside villa with an infinity pool, white pool chairs, and a white umbrella.

Courtesy of Amanyara; Photo by Steve Passmore

Southeast of the Bahamas in the Atlantic Ocean lies Turks and Caicos, not two islands as might be assumed, but a whopping 40. The coral islands (the most popular of which is Providenciales) are the epitome of a tropical escape, with fewer people than many neighboring island nations to keep the countless stark-white beaches free of crowds. Book your trip at the uber-private Amanyara, an exclusive luxury resort perched along the coast of an 18,000-acre nature reserve. You'll be greeted by private infinity pools, ocean-facing villas, a wellness program that could fill at least a week, impeccable service round the clock, and unforgettable meals.

03 of 50

Greenough, Montana

Exterior of the Green O Treehouse in Montana

Stuart Thurlkill 

While many couples may opt for a full-on ranch-style honeymoon in Montana, we recommend booking accommodations at The Green O, an adults-only, all-inclusive, high-design hideaway owned and operated by The Resort at Paws Up. Located conveniently just down the road from Paws Up, guests at The Green O have access to all the outdoor activities (think horseback riding, paddling, sound baths, and guided fly-fishing) on the staggering 37,000-acre swath of land. It’s like having your own national park to explore! But this cozy upscale property is also the best of both worlds: You and your spouse can snuggle up in one of the 12 intimate, design-forward "hauses” on property. They feature floor-to-ceiling windows, modern fireplaces, and serene soaking tubs in Scandi-chic accommodations. 

A sure highlight is dinner at the Social Haus, where foodies can relish the nightly eight-course meal by a James Beard-nominated chef. Whether you're at the Green O for five days or two weeks, there will be no shortage of things to do in all four seasons—plus, top-tier dining experiences and romantic relaxation indoors and out. Pro tip: Don’t miss the tented Spa Town, just a quick jaunt via the private, complimentary Lexus vehicle provided for each couple. From start to finish, this honeymoon destination is a superb mix of adventure meets luxury.

04 of 50

Scotland

golf course

 Courtesy of The Machrie Hotel and Golf Links

You don’t have to be obsessed with Outlander or The Crown to think Scotland is a prime honeymoon destination. Start in the lowlands, with the diverse, walkable city of Edinburgh. As home bases go, a luxurious hotel like The Balmoral, with its Michelin-starred Number One restaurant, is pretty epic. Don’t miss the world’s first vertical distillery, a brand new offering in the Port of Leith. Then, head up to Loch Lommond, the largest body of water in Scotland, for a couple of nights at Cameron House. This five-star haunt is an old family lake home (er, palace?) and makes a perfect gateway to the highlands. Hit the Isle of Skye next for otherworldly views of land and sea. Dine at Loch Bay, another Michelin-starred spot, hike the Old Man of Storr route, and lay your head at the upscale Kinloch Lodge.

Pro tip: For an extra posh escape, use Brendan Vacations' Private Chaffeur option, which is the best way to enjoy Scotland’s gorgeous countryside and avoid driving on the wrong side of the road.

05 of 50

Japan

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Natural beauty, sake, sushi, history, culture—Japan balances rich ancient heritage with the modern in its awe-inspiring cities and maintains a vast network of hikes and walks for those more inclined to nature. There’s skiing and shrines, cat cafes, and a stunning coastline. Tokyo is a city that lights up all the senses (consider the deluxe ryokan-style Hoshinoya Tokyo), while Kyoto boasts more than a dozen UNESCO World Heritage Sites (plus the brand-new and breathtaking Aman Kyoto). The country boasts a trending chain of tropical coral isles, too—Okinawa, where Hoshinoya Taketomi Island gives a peek into traditional Japanese island life, and the new resort Halekulani Okinawa celebrates authentic culture and nature immersions.

06 of 50

Mexico City, Mexico

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The World Design Capital of 2018 speaks to aesthetes, art lovers, and couples for whom food is a big deal. Mexico’s capital city has only increased exponentially in appeal over the last few years as its foodie, nightlife, and gallery and museum scenes have all exploded. Strategizing (and scoring reservations) in advance is key to enjoying world-renowned restaurants like Pujol, Sud 777, and Merkavá. Top luxury hotel brands like St. Regis and Four Seasons have outposts that are glamorous and grand, and the beautifully boutiquey Las Alcobas also provides the perfect place to snuggle up after long days of indulgence.

07 of 50

Fiji

Palm trees around an infinity pool at Tokoriki Island Resort Fiji.

Photo by Ellie Nan Storck

Is there a more classic island honeymoon destination than Fiji? It’s hard to imagine something better than hopping between five-star resorts on the South Pacific’s 300-plus islands, filled with white sand, palm trees, mountains, and blue lagoons. For a dose of heaven on earth, visit Tokoriki Island Resort Fiji, an adults-only retreat that epitomizes romance in this far-flung destination. Guests can feel right at home in the heart of this South Pacific paradise, nestled into one of 36 free-standing beachfront villas (complete with ocean-facing infinity pools), each with immaculate attention to Fijian design. Nightly champagne and fresh seafood, ample opportunity for romantic experiences (like dinner on the property's own jetty), and an award-winning immersive spa make for the honeymoon of a lifetime. More interested in diving, snorkeling, and an authentic taste of Fiji’s rich, hospitable culture? Head to remote Savusavu Island for a stay at Jean Michel Cousteau Resort.

08 of 50

Morocco

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Do you and your partner share an intense curiosity about the world? If so, a simple beach holiday won’t do. Think about exploring somewhere exotic like Morocco. In Marrakech, a Berber-era medieval walled city, you’ll dine on mouthwatering dishes, navigate the maze-like souks holding hands, watch storytellers and musicians perform, and feast your eyes on spectacular architecture and design. You can stay like kings at the palatial pink Amanjena, or go a bit more traditional in the beautiful city of Fes, at chic Riad Fes. Richard Branson’s Kasbah Tamadot is a gorgeous home base for hiking the Atlas Mountains, and Essaouira is the most charming seaside village with camels on the beach and plenty of twisting cobbled paths to explore.

09 of 50

The Amalfi Coast, Italy

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There are many reasons the Amalfi Coast continues to be at the top of honeymooners’ bucket lists. It’s hard to picture a more classically romantic scene than Positano’s steep village streets, Moorish architecture, azure water, and colorful loungers and umbrellas lining the sandy beaches. Glamour comes easily, especially at the five-star Le Sirenuse, where the formula for a sexy, sophisticated getaway is tried and true. Italy’s “Divine Coast” lives up to its name as one of the world’s best classic, and divine, honeymoon destinations.

10 of 50

Tanzania

asilia safari property in tanzania

Courtesy of Asilia

An East Africa safari is surely a bucket list endeavor—and one of the world’s ultimate honeymoon destinations. Home to the world’s largest game reserve, honeymooners can see it all in Tanzania: the big five, cheetahs, giraffes, the Great Migration, and so much more. Do it right with multiple Asilia properties in one trip. Tackle the Serengheti two ways: first, with the all-female staffed Dunia Camp, and then spend the next few days at the luxurious Namiri Plains Camp. If you stay more than seven nights with Asilia, you earn free inter-camp travel, which is an incredible perk!

11 of 50

Rwanda

Courtesy of Bisate Lodge

If the adventure of a lifetime is your honeymoon goal, gorilla trekking in Rwanda—with overnights at a completely heavenly lodge—should be at the top of the list. Wildlife safaris are almost always life-changing, but seeing gorillas up close in their habitat is a whole different proposition. Bisate Lodge and Singita Kwitonda Lodge are right next to Volcanoes National Park’s ancient rainforest and offer pampering plus more active experiences than a newlywed duo could possibly take in. In Akagera National Park, Magashi Camp offers the chance to gaze at lion prides and black rhino. And in Kigali, The Retreat at Heaven is the place for resort-style digs and enlightening artisanal and cultural tours. 

12 of 50

Paris, France

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Talk about a no-brainer. Paris is the City of Lights, but it might as well be called the City of Love. If you appreciate a great romantic walk hand-in-hand, you’ll love the French capital, which offers culture, architecture and art alongside, of course, incredible food and wine. From iconic luxury stalwarts like the Four Seasons George V and Le Royal Monceau—Raffles Paris to impeccably designed new boutique hotels such as Hotel Providence Paris, you can tailor a honeymoon to your style, whether it’s classic and fancy or more boho and artsy. Extend your French honeymoon with some time in a quieter region. The alpine lakes and rich food scene of the Auvergne-Rhone-Alps region is a perfect addition to any Parisian honeymoon.

13 of 50

Bali, Indonesia

bali, indonesia

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A honeymoon in Bali is pure magic. The Indonesian island—the only one in the huge country that’s Hindu—is a perfect place for passion. With a bit more of an exotic feel than the tropical islands closer to the US, Bali doesn’t only offer unspoiled beaches, surfing, snorkeling and massages, it’s full of culture, art, music, rice terraces and temples, many, many temples. Nature is celebrated here, and it’s easy to get into the spirit at unbelievably lush properties such as Four Seasons Bali at Sayan and Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve for jungle vibes, and Uluwatu Surf Villas or Mulia Villas for coastal bliss.

14 of 50

Vancouver

bridge in Canada

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For an active honeymoon, Canada’s cool seaport of Vancouver and nearby Vancouver Island have a lot to offer. The destination's unique setting, surrounded by mountains and also water, makes it popular for a number of outdoor adventures, but it’s also known for its lively art and music scenes. Whatever you choose to spend your days doing—from the confines of the chic city-centric Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel or Tofino’s romantic, forested Wickaninnish Inn—the natural beauty can’t be topped.

15 of 50

Bhutan

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If off-the-beaten-path is your couple style, this South Asian gem is the way to go. Sandwiched between India and China, it’s a magical country with its own identity and topography, although anyone who’s been to one of those spots knows natural beauty is a sure thing. The miniature kingdom in the Himalayas is epic for trekking and has retained quite a sense of culture thanks to its remoteness and subtle Western influence. Explore Buddhist monasteries, jaw-dropping panoramas, and fortresses as you make your way from one valley to the next.

16 of 50

Cape Cod and Nantucket, Massachusetts

The Wauwinet
Courtesy of The Wauwinet

If you're craving a coastal getaway but want to stay domestic, Cape Cod and Nantucket will most certainly fit the bill—and exceed all of your expectations. Spend a few nights cozied into the Chatham Bars Inn, a legendary property that boasts sumptuous, waterfront accommodations, an incredible spa, and multiple seafood-centric restaurants. After a week of exploring all the Cape has to offer (don't forget to take a day trip to Provincetown and post up for a day at Nauset Beach!) take the ferry 30 miles out to sea to Nantucket, arguably the chicest island in the U.S. Tuck into the five-star Wauwinet and spend your days biking around this 14-mile-long island, dining on the daily fresh catch, and strolling the cobblestone streets of historic downtown (replete with trendy restaurants, amazing sunset views, cute shops, and endless art galleries).

17 of 50

Buenos Aires, Argentina

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If you venture to Argentina for your honeymoon, prepare to do the super sensual tango. The nightlife in the capital city is famously fabulous, and people come from all around the world to dance. Enjoy all the vibrant culture, local grill-focused cuisine and vivid, photogenic surroundings from a bicycle—bike lanes cover most of the city—or your temporary home in a sexy, well-designed place like Faena Hotel Buenos Aires or deluxe Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires.

18 of 50

South Africa

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With the US dollar stronger than the South African rand, your dollars stretch a bit farther in this city at the southernmost point of Africa. Beautiful hotels and intimate guesthouses—some of the most epic include design-forward The Silo and resort-y One&Only Cape Town—provide impeccable service and serve as home base for exploring Cape Town’s gorgeous peaks and mountains, coastline, and wildlife, from penguins to baboons. Enjoy fantastic wine (hit La Residence in Franschhoek) and adrenaline-pumping adventure (cage diving with great whites!), to name just a few draws. Be sure to plan for a safari while in South Africa, too. The ultimate honeymoon splurge is a private villa (complete with your own butler and sommelier) at Cheetah Plains in the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve near Kruger National Park. Schedule an in-room massage and elevated multi-course wine pairing dinner to add a dose of romance to a traditional safari experience. Bonus: This carbon negative property is a sustainability leader, too, with super quiet EVs that let you get close to the animals without disturbing them.

19 of 50

Cartagena, Colombia

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What is now Cartagena was colonized by Spain in the 16th century. Today it is a vacation destination on Colombia’s Caribbean coast with cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and live music at every turn. There’s romance all around, especially at night when it’s salsa time. Stay in one of the gentrifying port city’s best boutique hotels—lush Casa Lola or the beautifully restored Hotel Casa San Agustin—and make it a point to visit the surrounding islands. Casa San Agustin’s new ACASĪ Experience takes lovers on a private boat charter to paradisiacal Isla Barú for lunch on a white sand beach fringed by turquoise water and palms.

20 of 50

Colorado

ski lift

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The appeal of Colorado is simple: It’s stunning in the winter, blanketed in super-romantic snow, and it’s stunning in the summer when the white stuff has melted and left behind verdant, bucolic scenes. Active types have no shortage of fun to get into, especially if basing themselves at Vail’s Hotel Talisa, a ski-in/ski-out property where the service is so great they’ll actually bring the chapstick you left in the room to the top of the mountain for you. In Breckenridge, you’ll find the sleek and social new ski-in/ski-out Gravity Haus, complete with a Japanese-style onsen. Meanwhile, Beaver Creek boasts the five-star mountaintop getaway Trappers Cabin, where honeymooners can hike, bike, and hot tub in style.

For a classic city break, stay at the posh Clayton Hotel & Members Club in Cherry Creek. It offers upscale accommodations, plus a walkable location in the heart of Denver’s cutest neighborhood. For a more old-school hotel pick, head south to the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs. This grand dame hotel has a storied history, gorgeous rooms, a lovely spa, and multiple on-site eateries. Pro tip: Don’t sleep on the burgeoning wine scene on the Western Slope. Stay in Grand Junction at the Hotel Maverick, the perfect base for exploring nearby Paonia and Palisade, the two cutest “wine country” towns. Colorado offers so much as a honeymoon destination!

21 of 50

Copenhagen

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It may be a struggle to pronounce most of the words in Denmark’s capital, but that's half the fun. The gorgeous Scandinavian home of the Little Mermaid sculpture, grand castles, and tons of hyper-influential design is easily navigable and intimate. Beyond the city take day trips to hike in wooded Edens, and by night cuddle up at a top hotel like the iconic Hotel d’Angleterre with your one true love in hygge style, with an excess of candles, wine, sweets, and a fire roaring in the background.

22 of 50

Costa Rica

costa rica waterfall

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The Pacific side of Costa Rica has everything for nature and adventure enthusiasts. Santa Teresa is a tiny beach town with plenty of surfing to mellow the vibe. There’s wildlife everywhere, the ocean is warm, the waves are perfect and the rainforest above the beach is home to creative kitchens and boutique hotels such as Florblanca Resort and Milarepa. Farther north, on Peninsula Papagayo, is Hyatt’s Andaz Costa Rica Resort, with a full slate of activities and a profusion of ways to get into the wild and connect with each other and nature. Up on a quartz mountain overlooking the Pacific Ocean is The Retreat Costa Rica, a go-to for all things spa, healing, and organic gardens. 

23 of 50

Croatia

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Whether you want to explore magical crystalline terraced lakes and waterfalls, check out historical sites and ruins, sail around on a yacht, tour cathedrals or even go wild partying, Croatia is the place to do it. The country that stretches down the Mediterranean offers a Greek Isle-like flavor but with its own unique culture and look. Superbly designed sea-view spots like Villa Dubrovnik are what this authentic, unspoiled destination is all about.

24 of 50

Cyclades, Greece

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This group of islands in the Aegean Sea includes favorites like Santorini (where Grace Santorini is fresh off a gorgeous renovation) and Mykonos, home to the new swoon-worthy, entirely farm-to-table Nesaea restaurant. There are also important archaeological ruins, stunning sunset vistas, and up-and-coming islands like Paros and Folegrandos, where you can experience the beauty of your surroundings with fewer faces around. Even better, explore the whole region by 104-foot luxury yacht with Entre Cielos

25 of 50

Baja California, Mexico

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For West Coasters, especially, there’s no simpler honeymoon destination than Baja California, the peninsula representing some of the best of Mexico. There you’ll find all the hallmarks of an authentic Mexican village in San Jose del Cabo, paired with dozens of pristine beaches for above and underwater activities, and divine resorts such as elegantly minimalist favorite Las Ventanas al Paraíso, shiny new Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal or Viceroy Los Cabos, and rooftop-studded The Cape. The less-traveled East Cape, with somehow even more spectacular seascapes and a major escapist vibe, is now home to the just-debuted Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas and Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. Just over the border in bougainvillea-laden Valle de Guadalupe is some of the best wine and food imaginable, not to mention cool accommodations (see Cabañas Cuatro Cuartos and El Cielo Winery & Resort), with very reasonable price tags. 

26 of 50

Dominica

Port of Roseau, Dominica
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There are rivers and streams, waterfalls, hot sulfur springs, and a boiling lake, not to mention the Caribbean Sea, in Dominica, making it a water baby’s playground. The region’s longest hiking trail is also an option. Eco-resorts are hitting big after Hurricane Maria devastated the island, and it’s now a haven for jungle-y adventures (like canyoning in Titou Gorge), relaxation (see the mud pools of Wotten Waven Hot Springs), whale watching, and beautiful new hotels including Jungle BaySecret Bay, and Cabrits Resort & Spa Kempinski.  

27 of 50

Grenada

Grand Mal Bay Located north of the capital St George's in the caribbean island of Grenada.
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The hurricanes that devastated much of the Caribbean left this under-the-radar little paradise known as Spice Island totally untouched. The timing was good, as there are quite a few luxe resorts in the works, with the first major resort opening on Grand Anse Beach for decades last year. The Silversands Hotel has the longest pool in the Caribbean, but don’t expect to spend all your days there—the isle is packed with promise in the form of picturesque beaches on which to lounge, colorful culture and cuisine to try, and rainforests to explore. This Caribbean gem is only getting sparklier, with the addition of the unreal Six Senses La Sagesee, coming in May 2024.

28 of 50

Galapagos

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There’s something to be said for the simplicity of a beach resort honeymoon, but if you’re a duo who seeks something more, there may be nothing more epic than a Galapagos adventure. The favorite destination of Charles Darwin’s offers outdoorsy types the ultimate opportunity to soak up an exotic dose of nature. There are several options for an island experience off the coast of Ecuador, one being a cruise, ideally on a small ship or mega-yacht like Ecoventura’s brand-new luxury-meets-eco-friendly Theory, which sails around the northern or southern islands for a week at a time, with snorkeling, standup paddleboard and kayaking gear, and naturalists on board. There’s also Pikaia Lodge, a bucket-list luxury destination with a sustainable culinary program, coffee they grow themselves, an infinity pool, spa, and carbon-neutral hotel rooms.

29 of 50

Australia

Bondi Beach in Australia, with bright blue water and a sandy beach dotted with sunbathers.

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The debate between Sydney and Melbourne is like the one between Los Angeles and New York—but there are so many other parts of this great island nation, too. In the former stay at the QT Bondi to work on your golden tan, or the newish Old Clare Hotel for an urban adventure. After checking out foodie mecca Melbourne’s divine restaurant scene and mural-filled laneways hit the artsy Jackalope Hotel for wine-country immersion on the Mornington Peninsula. Western Australia has a lot to offer, with buzzy Perth giving honeymooners bang for their buck, Rottnest Island offering up adorable quokkas and Chris Hemsworth–approved glamping at Discovery Rottnest Island, and the outback and ocean adventures in the Kimberley and Ningaloo Reef. And it’s hard to find more idyllic beaches than those in the Whitsundays, of course. 

30 of 50

Guatemala

© Gundolf Pfotenhauer, Courtesy of Coppola Resorts

Parts of Guatemala resemble Antigua with cobblestone streets and colorful buildings, and other areas are thick with rainforests and layered with volcanos. Explore the land's history by visiting ancient Mayan ruins as well as several museums in Guatemala City, which buzzes with nightlife after the sun sets. Get away from civilization at Casa Palopó on Lake Atitlan or in casitas on stilts at Francis Ford Coppola’s lakeside La Lancha, where friendly howler monkeys will lull you to sleep—or wake you up for a beautiful day in the rainforest.

31 of 50

Iceland

A group of people shown in silhouette standing on a glacier in Iceland under the Northern Lights
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Iceland is for adventurers. Its lengthy list of attractions includes the spectacular Northern Lights in the wintertime (stay at Ion for an impeccable viewpoint), seemingly endless opportunities for trekking, riding the country’s famously tiny but strong horses, exploration of caves, volcanos, ice fields, and glaciers; and steamy hot springs and lagoons—the new Retreat at Blue Lagoon is the place to sleep and play at the most iconic of them all, with a spa built into the volcanic earth and a five-star restaurant. The land of fire and ice may be cold, but there’s enough adrenaline and romance to keep you hot.

32 of 50

Lanai, Hawaii

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It’s part of Hawaii, of course, but the landscape on Lanai is so otherworldly in parts it’ll make you feel like you traveled to another planet. Options abound: Ride horses up to the pines, or spend the day tooling around the rugged roads in a 4x4 Jeep, snorkeling around spinner dolphins, picnicking with super fresh poke, swimming in the cerulean sea and posing amid the lunar-like rocks of Garden of the Gods. Beyond the famous poke, there’s plenty of goodness to eat and imbibe at the Four Seasons Resort Lanai. And now the all-inclusive wellness-oriented Four Seasons Lanai at Koele, a Sensei Resort, has opened, adding a deluxe new way to relax and rejuvenate mind, body, and spirit. 

33 of 50

Madagascar

Time + Tide Miavana

Courtesy of Miavana

This underrated African island makes for a truly spectacular honeymoon destination. There is everything from whale watching to deserted white sand beaches and lemurs to luxury lodges. The terrain is hugely varied and includes rainforest, open savannah, highlands, and desert, with lots of cultures to explore in between. The ultimate stay is at Miavana by Time + Tide, an ultra-luxe retreat on picture-perfect Nosy Ankao, where you can explore the depths of the Indian Ocean while diving, get high above it in helicopters, and track down translocated crowned lemurs in the forest, all while overnighting in dreamy digs and dining on five-star cuisine.

34 of 50

Maldives

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Hear about the Maldives and you instantly think of a honeymoon. The tropical South Asian nation is made up of 26 coral atolls in the Indian Ocean, which means unlimited beaches, turquoise waters for miles, extensive reefs, and plenty of fresh fish and seafood. You’re pretty secluded at whichever of the luxurious resorts you choose—such as the Four Seasons dream collection and pioneering, super-private Soneva Fushi—so expect a vacation filled with intimate meals, spa treatments, underwater adventures, and just plain relaxation.

35 of 50

Namibia

Ph. Francesco Ciccotti

Tall sand dunes, a ridiculously expansive desert, and the world’s largest free-roaming black rhino population: Namibia represents a world of both grandiosity and serenity. The southern African nation isn’t your typical safari stop, it’s so much more. New lodges and camps like the hyper-luxe and relaxing Omaanda, remote beachfront Shipwreck Lodge, and authentic in-the-bush Hoanib Valley Camp provide experiences you literally won’t be able to forget.

36 of 50

Napa Valley, California

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Briana Marie/Courtesy of Las Alcobas Napa Valley

Sonoma’s buzz overtook its Northern Cali neighbor for a while, but Napa is experiencing a moment once again, with a slew of beautiful boutique boltholes—the intimate, experiential Ink House and stunning Las Alcobas—and even a beer-tasting trail. The most known American wine country is full of charm, not to mention game-changing vino and iconic restaurants (anywhere by Thomas Keller), such as those at Calistoga RanchFour Seasons Napa Valley recently bowed, as did Vista Collina, a resort with its own Food & Wine Center, bringing couples who love the culinary arts options beyond imagination. Beyond the wine, you can relax at plentiful spas, or if you’re feeling outdoorsy there are hikes through redwoods and near lakes. For the contemporary luxe new kid on the block, couples should consider Stanly Ranch, Auberge Resorts Collection. Its massive spa complex makes for a beautiful honeymoon backdrop, and it’s perfectly situated in the southern reaches of the county, making it a prime base to explore both Napa and neighboring Sonoma.

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North Island, New Zealand

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New Zealand’s adventure hub of Queenstown is beloved in the south, but its massive North Island has equal if lesser-known opportunities to discover jaw-dropping scenes and sights. Waiheke Island, close to Auckland, is one charming option. Another is Northland, with lush green landscapes and cliffs over the Pacific and Tasmanian Seas. Go for 6,000 acres of farmland in the Bay of Islands with award-winning golf, ancient kauri forests, and private beaches at The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs. The Farm at Cape Kidnappers further down the island in Hawke’s Bay puts you smack in the middle of primo wine country, not to mention natural beauty.

38 of 50

Oregon

Sunrise at Portland, Oregon

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Domestic getaways can run the risk of feeling less exciting than international, but in and around Oregon, there’s so much going on that’s not a problem. With countless parks and bike paths, gardens, a hip music-and-art scene, a major airport, and trendy microbreweries and restaurants, Portland is a great spot to kick off an Oregon escape. Base yourself at the sophisticated The Nines in Portland to start. Or, for a fancier stay, check out The Ritz-Carlton, a brand new offering in the city. In the Gorge area, there’s the natural beauty of snowy Mount Hood, countless waterfalls and wildflower hikes, and the cutest B&B, Sakura Ridge. Make sure to dine at Hiyu Wine Farm near Mt. Hood for farm-to-table goodness with Michelin star roots. In wine country, stay at the Tributary Hotel in McMinnville, a luxury boutique spot with an awesome on-site eatery. Check out nearby Humble Spirit for another delightful locally-sourced meal, Durant for wine and olive oil tasting, and Remy for a rad queer-owned winery.

39 of 50

Puerto Rico

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Puerto Rico has come back even better than ever. The spirit of Puerto Ricans shines bright in the island paradise, known as the island of enchantment. Resorts are reopening at a rapid pace, with the birthplace of the piña colada, Caribe Hilton, coming back online on an exclusive, lush peninsula with views of San Juan’s shore. After a $60 million renovation, St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort bows again, the first ultra-luxury resort on the island, and one surrounded by sea, sand, and foliage with private bird sanctuaries, an on-site marine biologist, ocean-front Robert Trent Jones Jr. golf course, plenty of activities (think kayaking, windsurfing, fishing, hiking and SUP), and several dining outlets.

40 of 50

Rajasthan, India

street in India

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Known as a vibrant destination for Holi, the ancient Hindu festival, Rajasthan is a dynamic place to visit anytime. Experience contrasts the likes of which you’ve never seen by visiting both rural villages and cities such as Jaipur, the capital, known as the Pink City. Go tiger trekking in the desert and tour striking architecture. And live like queens and kings at the pink palace hotel Amanbagh, the one-time Mughal royal retreat. Along with the usual luxury trappings, you can even learn the most exotic of sports, camel polo.

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Sacred Valley, Peru

Courtesy of Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba

Nestled in Peru’s Andean highlands, the Sacred Valley comprises gorgeous valley towns like Urubamba and Aguas Calientes, where one travels to ascend Machu Picchu. Understandably, a honeymoon in this unique destination is for those who live to enjoy nature in all its glory. Both Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba and Tambo del Inka are flawless resorts that marry an eco-aware spirit with thrilling activities, cultural traditions, and pure luxury. Make sure not to have too many pisco sours—alcohol doesn’t exactly help altitude sickness.

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Switzerland

train in switzerland

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Between Zurich’s excess of chocolate, flowers, and lingerie—not to mention art, Michelin-starred food, and supreme TLC at The Dolder Grand—and the Swiss Alps’ extreme beauty, world-class skiing, and year-round natural attractions, Switzerland has plenty attracting newlyweds. The UNESCO-protected Lavaux wine region is another major crowd-pleaser, looking over Lake Geneva and showcasing not only incredible vino but also epic hikes, floating restaurants (see Le Montreux steamboat), chocolate houses, and Europe’s only overwater hotel. Hotel Palafitte channels Tahiti but on Lake Neuchatel, with ladders from the bungalows plunging you directly into the water. 

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Singapore

(C) Jonathan Chiang/Scintt

Give credit to Crazy Rich Asians, or don’t, but Singapore’s steady rise does seem tied to everybody’s favorite romantic comedy of 2018. Still, what’s crazy about the land of insanely good eats is the hospitality boom and the number of amazing new hotels that have opened recently. There’s the JW Marriott Singapore South Beach, designed by Philippe Starck, a Hotel Indigo, a Sofitel on the beachy island of Sentosa, an Andaz near Chinatown, and M Social, also conceived by Starck. Four Seasons just renovated their rooms, and increased flights mean ever easier access from America. 

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Taha’a, French Polynesia

Palm trees on tropical island. Tahaa, French Polynesia.
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Bora Bora, just in the distance, tends to get all the attention, but there’s something special about Taha’a, too. The French Polynesian isle is known for not only vanilla—that seductive spice that also scents the air in the most amazing way—but also produces rum and black pearls, all of which are attractive propositions. Le Taha’a Island Resort & Spa, a Relais & Chateaux property, is the top choice for either a dreamy and expansive overwater bungalow or beach perch and has the best access to the ultimate drift snorkeling destination of Coral Garden.

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Slovenia

slovenia

© Marco Bottigelli

If you’d thought about Georgia, last year’s trending destination, this year consider Slovenia, the Central European country of castles, verdant fields, snow-capped peaks, thermal springs, and the continent's greenest city, Ljubljana. It’s a place that’s still not overburdened by tourists, meaning you’ll enjoy getting to make your way through it a bit like pioneers. Slovenia makes its debut in the Michelin Gastronomic Guide, proof of its blossoming and widespread foodie scene. In the Julian Alps, sleep at the just reopened digital detox retreat Sunrose 7, or near an organic chocolate factory overnight in the glamping units of Chocolate Village.  

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Sri Lanka

Courtesy of Tri Lanka

Rainforests, beaches, Buddhist ruins, wildlife, cities, and citadels—for such a tiny country, Sri Lanka offers an incredible amount of diversity to visitors. The exotic island in the middle of the Indian Ocean is rugged but also polished, with cuisine that represents a melting pot of cultures. Honeymooners can visit temples, go backpacking, or on safari in national parks and surf. Settle into the lush, LEED-certified solar farm-slash-boutique hotel Ulagalla or stay at the newest chic spot on the coast, the wellness-minded Tri Lanka, in Galle.

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England

Yorkshire, England
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London can be just as alluring as Bora Bora if you’re a couple who’s enchanted by strolls in Hyde Park, world-class museums, celebrated restaurants, and plenty of culture, not to mention the idea of royalty. The posh destination has some of the finest accommodations in the world—consider The Connaught or The Savoy—which, of course, sets the tone for romance. The countryside feels like being in a storybook: Try a chic, cozy cabin at Soho Farmhouse, a stately manor room at Heckfield Place in the heart of Jane Austen country, or a room in a 350-year-old castle, Cliveden House, where Meghan Markle spent her last night as a single commoner.

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Austin, Texas

Downtown Austin, Texas on a sunny day.

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Are you a little bit of a hipster? Do you love music? Is your mouth watering thinking about barbecue? Get yourselves to the coolest city in the Lone Star State, which may not be known for romance but does have its spots, like Mount Bonnell and Lake Travis at sunset. Otherwise, stay at the trendy bungalow-style Hotel San Jose (or for a bucolic stay outside the city, the luxury spa resort Travaasa Austin) and spend time trying food trucks, seeing shows, and window-shopping on South Congress. 

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Antigua & Barbuda

West Indies, Antigua and Barbuda, Antigua, English Harbour and Windward Bay

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Pastel facades, bustling markets, tropical fruits, limestone formations, and, of course, plenty of pristine beaches: Antigua and Barbuda are essentially Eden. Between the two islands, you can find yourselves alone on powdery white sand, or on a catamaran sailing between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea at sunset. Head to all-inclusive resorts such as the opulent and recently renovated Curtain Bluff (where tennis, sailing, water-skiing, scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and bocce are included), along with once-in-a-lifetime private-island (literally) getaways like Jumby Bay Island.

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Vietnam

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Vietnam has it all: Beaches, culture, Buddhist pagodas, rivers, and sophisticated cities. And the food. There are also French colonial remnants of Vietnam's French colonization. Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) and Hanoi are major metropolises while Hoi An, Mui Ne, and Hue offer more rural charm along with art and sandy coastlines that are as pristine as any island. Try the Six Senses Ninh Van Bay for a secluded coastal hideaway, and Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai for a bit more accessibility. The Southeast Asian country is fairly large, so you might want to consider road trips to experience the most varied markets, treks, cuisine, and temples.

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