The 25 Best Honeymoon Destinations in The World (Right Now)

couple standing on balcony in bath robes overlooking mountains and lake in canada

8min read

Published 23 April 2024


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Tying the knot and wondering where you should head to bask in all of that post-marital bliss? After endless wedding planning, budgeting, primping and excitement, a romantic getaway is just what the doctor ordered when it comes to a post-nuptial celebration.

Now, when it comes to picking the perfect honeymoon destination, you first need to decide on what you're hoping to get out of the trip. Are you keen to sit poolside or on a white sand beach, listening to the rolling waves while sampling a seemingly endless supply of cocktails? 

Or does your idea of a memorable honeymoon involves diving headfirst into adventure, hiking mountains, snorkelling coral reefs and spiking your adrenaline amidst lush landscapes and world-class dive sites? Consider yourself more of a cultural buff? Where else can you wise up on ancient history, stroll hand in hand along cobblestone streets, peruse world-class art collections and ride a Vespa into the sunset than Europe? Or if your love language is food and the only way to your heart is through your stomach, then prime your taste buds and head straight to a foodie hotspot!



two women embracing and smiling on a boat ride in italy
two women embracing and smiling on a boat ride in italy
two women embracing and smiling on a boat ride in italy

Where is the best place to go for a honeymoon?

Without further ado, here is our list of the best honeymoon destinations for lovers looking to celebrate the start of an epic new life together.

Island Retreats

Tickled pink at the thought of endless days spent laying on the beach, swimming through turquoise waters and soaking up the luxury of all-inclusive resorts?

Whether you're after a private pool, plunge pool, infinity pool or a whole tiny island to yourself, here are some of the most popular honeymoon destinations for couples looking for maxo relaxo vibes.

two chairs and two drinks on a table with pool and beach in the background
two chairs and two drinks on a table with pool and beach in the background
two chairs and two drinks on a table with pool and beach in the background

Bora Bora

If you're after a honeymoon free from agendas, alarms and all forms of responsibility, then book one of the luxurious resorts in French Polynesia's Bora Bora. Here you can take your pick from pristine beaches, crystal-clear swimming lagoons, indulgent spa treatments and romantic overwater bungalow retreats.

The Caribbean

While we can't promise Captain Jack Sparrow will whisk you away on his ship, we're pretty certain that a honeymoon spent on a Caribbean Island will feel like you've stumbled on a bounty of treasure. While most places offer a slice of island paradise amidst the Caribbean Sea, we recommend St Lucia, Barbados and Antigua for their white sand beaches and stunning coastal backdrops.

small hut at end of boardwalk over water with two people having dinner at dusk
small hut at end of boardwalk over water with two people having dinner at dusk
small hut at end of boardwalk over water with two people having dinner at dusk

The Maldives

As far as romantic destinations go, The Maldives are pretty high on the list. This remote chain of islands in the Indian Ocean offers loved-up travellers ultra-luxe villas and overwater bungalows, extravagant service and white sand beaches. The secluded nature of this tropical oasis also makes The Maldives one of the world's most expensive honeymoon destinations - but can you really put a price on heart-melting sunsets in paradise with your new boo? We didn't think so.

Fiji

Close to home and known for serenity, soft sand and scuba diving galore in the South Pacific, Fiji's welcoming culture is ready to say Bula to you and your honey. Take your pick from private islands only accessible by helicopter or speedboat, boutique hotels and resorts along the coral coast. The hardest part of your trip will be deciding whether you want your couple's massage out on a private beach or in the serenity of the luxury hotel spa.

couple with car pulled over on side of road taking photos of waterfall
couple with car pulled over on side of road taking photos of waterfall
couple with car pulled over on side of road taking photos of waterfall

Hawai'i

Say aloha to an epic honeymoon in Hawai'i. Whether you're hanging ten in amongst the palm trees in Maui, getting back to nature in Kauau'i, or hiking past spectacular waterfalls and craters on the Big Island at Volcanoes National Park, a Hawai'ian escape offers the perfect mix of tropical bliss and natural beauty for every couple. Once you're done with the adventure, rest assured that you can lay out a towel along any of the sandy beaches and soak up some sunshine with your one true love.

Phuket

If you spent a lil too much on the wedding and are keen to maximise your tropical bliss on a budget, look no further than Phuket. This popular honeymoon destination will have you swimming at beautiful beaches, exploring bustling markets, cooling off in private plunge pools and tickling those taste buds with authentic Thai cuisine. Think you can handle the heat of a marriage? Try your hand at a spicy pad Thai first.

lorde how island at sunset
lorde how island at sunset
lorde how island at sunset

Lord Howe Island

This World Heritage Listed island is the honeymooner's holy grail and is less than a five-hour flight from the east coast of Australia. With only 400 visitors allowed at any time, Lord Howe Island is your own private slice of paradise nestled in the Pacific Ocean. Here you can snorkel along the world's most southerly coral reef and stay at a luxury lodge inspired by the authentic Australian beach house. Scuba diving, bush walks and luxury on an island adored by the Hemsworths? Sounds pretty ideal to us.

Untapped Adventure

Once you've sealed your marriage with a kiss, dive head first into your brand new life together as you escape reality and embrace all things adventure.

From cage diving with sharks to skiing through a winter wonderland and hiking under the Aurora Borealis, here are some of the best honeymoon destinations for lovers of adventure and the outdoors.

couple sitting in safari car while guide points to rhinoceres in south africa
couple sitting in safari car while guide points to rhinoceres in south africa
couple sitting in safari car while guide points to rhinoceres in south africa

Cape Town

Head west en route to South Africa's home of wine and adrenaline - Cape Town. Here you can spend your days exploring gorgeous peaks and rolling mountain ranges, heading out to a national park or game reserve and spying the Big 5 on safari, deep diving into the depths of the ocean as you come face to face with a Great White, or whale watching off the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Beyond the remote wilderness and majestic coastlines, Cape Town is also home to breathtaking accommodation, with luxurious hotels and intimate guesthouses serving as the perfect base for your adventures.

Don't forget to dedicate a day to sipping your way through wine country in Stellenbosch! A good glass of wine will do wonders in regulating your nervous system after all of that adrenaline.

Iceland

If you've dreamt of lying hand in hand with your love under the spectacular Northern Lights, look no further than Iceland. Soak up the beauty of this winter wonderland along one of the hiking trails, or go horseback riding to explore caves, volcanoes, ice fields and more. Finish each day with a soak in steamy hot springs and lagoons, and you're set for the ultimate combination of adventure and romance.

couple in white holding hands in rice fields of bali
couple in white holding hands in rice fields of bali
couple in white holding hands in rice fields of bali

Bali

With temples, volcanoes, private villas and cultural experiences on tap, Bali offers an ideal honeymoon backdrop for any couple to see more and spend less. Choose one spot, or hop between a few as you soak up the cliffside views in Uluwatu, enjoy the serenity and a spot of yoga in Ubud, lounge together on Sanur Beach or take a hike up Mount Batur.

For a more chill vibe, head to the laid-back coastal village lapped by the Indian Ocean in Canggu, or trek into the forest for a few nights spent sleeping in a luxury treehouse.

United Arab Emirates

Embark on an Arabian adventure that's equal parts romance and adrenaline as you explore Dubai, Abu Dhabi and their surroundings with your new boo. Traverse the world's largest sand desert, or pick up the pace and swap four legs for four wheels as you fly across dunes in buggies before dining under the stars with a romantic desert safari.

Spend your free time shopping for spices in sprawling souks, sipping high tea in the Burj Al Arab, trying Arabian flavours in a desert bedouin tent, and finishing each night sprawled across a king bed in one of the region's many luxury resorts.

older couple holding boogie boards on beach of costa rica
older couple holding boogie boards on beach of costa rica
older couple holding boogie boards on beach of costa rica

Costa Rica

If you're head over heels at the thought of an untouched oasis with a hefty serving of adventure, Costa Rica should be at the top of your list. While you can lounge on the sand and snorkel off stunning beaches, the real adrenaline lies inland, where the small country boasts 28 different national parks. Here you tick whitewater rafting, zip-lining and hiking off your bucket list, with a bounty of rugged mountains and volcanoes just waiting to be explored.

The best bit? This Central American haven offers ideal weather all year round, so you can soak up the breathtaking scenery at the time that best suits your schedule.

European Delights

If you're seeking a little bit of this (scenery, food, culture) and a little bit of that (relaxation, history, love), then perhaps Europe is the perfect honeymoon choice for you. With destinations in Italy and Greece often topping the list as some of the most romantic places for a honeymoon, it's hard to deny the allure of this charming continent.

From private pools overlooking Greek vistas to five-star hotels and delicious cuisine tucked down cobblestone streets, here are some of the best honeymoon destinations in Europe.

younger couple taking selfie on beach of amalfi coast
younger couple taking selfie on beach of amalfi coast
younger couple taking selfie on beach of amalfi coast

Amalfi Coast

Dotted with colourful villages, beautiful forests, bustling towns and plenty of lemons (read: limoncello), it's no wonder the Amalfi Coast is an ideal honeymoon destination for nature lovers and those seeking the ultimate romantic getaway. Take your time exploring the 13 towns throughout the region on foot or via boat through the crystal clear waters.

When you're not exploring, be sure to lay back and relax on any of the picturesque beaches, hit snooze in romantic hotels and dine at any of the Michelin-starred restaurants.

Santorini

Is there anything more romantic than a postcard-perfect sunset framed by the iconic blue domes in Santorini? Add in a serving of vino from local Island wineries and some freshly caught seafood, and you're on track for a honeymoon for the record books.

Add in a few nights in a premier five-star hotel, a hike from Oia to Thira, relaxing on black sand beaches and a cruise around the caldera, and it's safe to say you'll be reminiscing on this romantic holiday for many moons to come.

two men sitting on grass in front of stone columns reading a book
two men sitting on grass in front of stone columns reading a book
two men sitting on grass in front of stone columns reading a book

Paris

French pastry, champagne and kisses under the Eiffel Tower await in the iconic city of love. The best honeymoon experience for romantics at heart, Paris will have you and your honey soaking up sophistication and love, with a bounty of fine dining restaurants just waiting to welcome you for a candlelit meal.

Elevate your honeymoon to the next level with a wander through swoon-worthy Montemarte and a lazy scenic cruise along the Seine.

Lake Como

If your new boo won't settle for anything less than the best, look no further than the opulent shores of Italy's Lake Como region. Welcoming honeymooners and celebrities in droves, a post-wedding escape to the Lake's illustrious shores will see you boating past scenic vistas, feasting on authentic Italian cuisine and soaking up the Italian sun at your lakefront pool.

Consider a day trip to Verona and follow in the footsteps of Shakespeare's ultimate lovers, Romeo and Juliet. The balcony bit, at least - don't worry about copying the storyline all the way through (spoiler: it doesn't end well).

couple riding bike together down hill in tuscany
couple riding bike together down hill in tuscany
couple riding bike together down hill in tuscany

Tuscany

You know that scene in Lady and The Tramp where the two oh-so-cute pups share the same piece of pasta over dinner and end up in a kiss? This will be you and your better half as you feast on delicious pasta, pizza and more while sipping wine under the Tuscan sun. Hire a Vespa, whip a scarf around your neck and ride off into the sunset amongst this region's rolling hills, stopping only to hunt for truffles, share a smooch and feast on farm-to-table cuisine.

Want to take your honeymoon to the next level? We recommend a hot air balloon ride over the rolling hills at sunset (with Prosecco in hand, of course).

For the Foodies

While one could argue that Italy and France are a haven for food-favouring honeymooners, it would be remiss of us not to highlight other destinations renowned for their delicious cuisine. So, if flavour is your love language and you're ready to expand your palette with your new spouse, here are some extra tasty trips to consider when booking your honeymoon escape.

man and woman passing bowl of seafood to each other across table in japan
man and woman passing bowl of seafood to each other across table in japan
man and woman passing bowl of seafood to each other across table in japan

Japan

Boasting natural beauty, an elegant culture, neon-list streets and sushi in spades, it's hard to look past Japan as one of the best honeymoon destinations for foodies. Whether you're exploring the snow-dusted mountains in winter or strolling under cherry blossom trees in Spring, Japan has adventure, culture and relaxation covered.

When it comes to the food side of things, make sure you head to Osaka - otherwise known as the kitchen of Japan. Fine-dining fiends can take their pick from almost 400 Michelin Star restaurants across the country, while those on a budget can munch their way through street food vendors and hole-in-the-wall specials serving sashimi, udon, yakitori, wagyu and more.

Singapore

Spice up your honeymoon with a trip to the land of Crazy Rich Asians and crazy good food. Whether you're travelling on a shoestring after spending a little too much on the wedding or are craving a five-star honeymoon experience, Singapore has something for everyone. From bustling Hawker Centres bursting with flavour to the 55 Michelin-star restaurants scattered across the city, we recommend packing an extra pair of stretchy pants so you can truly make the most of this fragrant city.

two men eating mexican food together and smiling
two men eating mexican food together and smiling
two men eating mexican food together and smiling

Mexico

A honeymoon without guac? I don't wanna taco 'bout it. Boasting plenty of resorts, beautiful beaches and a thriving street food scene, it's hard to deny the allure of Mexico as a honeymoon destination. Spend your days tasting tequila, learning the art of authentic tacos and drowning in an endless supply of guac and pico de Gallo as you say cheers to a romantic trip through Mexico.

Napa Valley

Those who prefer to sip their daily calorie intake should make haste to California's Napa Valley. While the region delivers on the delicious food front, it is best known for its bevy of beer and wine-tasting trails.

While you're on the West Coast, consider tacking on a trip to San Francisco, San Diego or even cities further afar. The USA is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines, making it a hotspot for hungry foodies. Sample soul food in the south with creole and cajun cuisine before mastering the art of BBQ with meats cooked low 'n' slow in Texas. Feast from food trucks in LA, give the Colonel a run for his money in Kentucky and eat pizza by the slice in NYC. Full of love and damn-good food? Sounds like an ideal honeymoon to us.

Ready to take the leap and say yes to your perfect honeymoon?

Give your brain (and social-media algorithm) a much-needed wedding detox and snag one of Flight Centre's romantic honeymoon packages. Not only will our team of travel experts help take the stress out of your honeymoon planning, but we've got all the goss on the best honeymoon destinations to ensure you're loved-up adventure is one for the history books.

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