A honeymoon is one of the greatest trips you and your spouse are ever likely to take—so it’s important to make it count. For the ultimate in romance, consider an island destination for your honeymoon getaway.
Couples looking for timeless glamor turn to the sultry islands of the Mediterranean for their post-nuptial getaway. The closer-to-home Caribbean is a failsafe choice for honeymooners seeking gorgeous sunsets, exotic beaches, and fruity cocktails.
Whether your preference is lazing on a sandy beach or visiting historic temples and hiking verdant rainforests, read on for inspiration on the best islands to honeymoon.
Bali, Indonesia
Kuta Beach in Bali, Indonesia
Bali is a tropical island tucked into Southeast Asia in the Java Sea. A blissful destination for couples seeking a romantic tropical getaway, Bali is one of the world’s best islands to honeymoon, thanks to its beautiful beaches.
Walk hand-in-hand on Kuta Beach, one of the best beaches in Bali on the island’s west coast. You could indulge in a relaxing traditional Indonesian massage or take part in a more adrenaline-fueled watersports activity, such as jet skiing.
Paddle in the deliciously balmy turquoise water or dive to gaze at tropical fish and colorful coral. Raccoon butterflyfish, Emperor angelfish, and coral grouper are among the dazzling species you could see here.
Uluwatu Temple in Bali, Indonesia
A visit to Bali isn’t complete without stopping by at least one of the island’s historic temples. On a majestic southwest corner of the island, Uluwatu Temple is perched on a limestone cliff above some of the most spectacular waves on the island. Explore this ancient Hindu temple and soak up the soothing views to know why the island is known as one of Asia’s best places.
Around one hour inland from Denpasar, the capital of Bali, visit the arty, laid-back town of Ubud. Here you’ll find elaborate temples, charming cafes, and colorful markets.
Tegallalang Rice Terrace in Bali, Indonesia
Travel further into Bali’s jungly interior to see the awe-inspiring Tegallalang Rice Terrace, one of the best things to do in Bali. The mesmerizing rice paddies feature tall palm trees almost camouflaged among the emerald terraces.
Jamaica
Dunn’s River Falls, Jamaica
This failsafe Caribbean destination is one of the best islands to honeymoon for its blend of palm-fringed beaches, tumbling waterfalls, and reggae-fueled bars.
Bathe with your beau at Dunn’s River Falls near Ocho Rios. Cascading around 180 feet down natural terraced steps that sprawl 600 feet across, Dunn’s River Falls contains several small pools for bathing.
You could climb the waterfall, capturing a romantic photo together at the top. After your exertion, stretch out and relax on Dunn’s River Beach, one of the best beaches in Jamaica, under the balmy Caribbean sun.
Blue Hole, Jamaica
The luminous Cool Blue Hole is another sensual spot to experience on a honeymoon in Jamaica. Set near tropical mountains, Cool Blue Hole is a series of dazzling blue lagoons and waterfalls.
Kingston, Jamaica
Venture into Kingston, the lively capital, to soak up the island’s Caribbean culture. You could visit the Bob Marley Museum, set in the former home of the 20th-century reggae legend. Tour the National Gallery of Jamaica for its collection of Jamaican and Caribbean ancient artifacts.
Tahiti, French Polynesia
Papeete in Tahiti, French Polynesia
Tahiti is the largest French Polynesian island and one of the world’s most romantic vacation destinations for its alluring beaches, clear lagoons, and transfixing waterfalls.
Mount Orohena, an extinct volcano with a razor-sharp landscape veiled in a moss-green rainforest, lies in the center of Tahiti.
From Papeete, Tahiti’s picturesque capital, you could experience a hike to Mount Orohena and the dramatic Fautaua Waterfall. Trek by Tahitian chestnut trees, hibiscus flowers, and leafy ferns to reach the free-falling water that tumbles around 980 feet into the Fautaua Valley.
Point Venus in Tahiti, French Polynesia
To enjoy a day at the beach, make your way to Point Venus, known for its 19th-century lighthouse, northeast of the island. Take shade under a lofty palm tree and soak up the magnificent views of the Bay of Matavai.
Savor a bowl of ʻOta ʻik, a zesty dish of raw fish marinated in citrus and coconut milk, at Mama’s Beach House, located by the shorefront.
Pā’ōfa’i Gardens in Tahiti, French Polynesia
In Papeete, stroll along the waterfront to the lush landscape Pā’ōfa’i Gardens. Shop for local handicrafts at the vibrant Papeete Municipal Market. You’ll notice dozens of pearl vendors, with Tahitian black pearls the local specialty.
There are some sublime French restaurants in Papeete. Try the waterfront Restaurant Le Moana for a menu of mahi mahi in a coconut crust, zingy tuna tartar, and grilled lobster salad.
Sardinia, Italy
Poetto Beach in Sardinia, Italy
One of the best islands to honeymoon on in Europe is Sardinia. This mountainous Italian retreat boasts some of the best beaches in the Mediterranean. Visit the five-mile Poetto, near Cagliari, backed by a series of nature reserve lagoons that are home to nesting flamingoes.
Hire sunbeds and a parasol for a relaxing afternoon on the sand, cooling off with regular dips in the warm sea.
Su Nuraxi di Barumini in Sardinia, Italy
Sardinia also offers plenty of hiking opportunities for nature-loving couples. Opt for Barumini to see the UNESCO-protected archaeological site of Su Nuraxi di Barumini. The landmark is famous for its curious complex of Bronze Age stones shaped like beehives, called nuraghi.
You could also spend time getting to know Cagliari. Wander among the city’s attractive buildings, painted in watercolor shades, and grand residences. Walk in the footsteps of gladiators at the ancient Roman Amphitheater. Constructed in the 2nd century, it once seated up to 8,000 spectators.
Bastion Saint Remy in Sardinia, Italy
On your visit to Sardinia, sip Italian wines and share pizza and pasta dishes at a traditional trattoria in Piazza Costituzione, facing the mighty Bastion Saint Remy.
Fiji, South Pacific
Viti Levu in Fiji, South Pacific
Fiji is circled with pristine, white sand beaches and water in a breathtaking shade of turquoise.
Honeymoon on the archipelago’s main island, Viti Levu, to sink your toes into Pacific Harbour Beach. This gloriously unspoiled spot offers ample space to sunbathe and swim. Pack a mask and snorkel to search for mantas, green turtles, and Scorpion leaf fish.
Colo-I-Suva Forest Park in Fiji, South Pacific
Hike the trails of Colo-I-Suva Forest Park, a landscape of luscious greenery, gently cascading waterfalls, and a meandering river near Suva.
Follow the nature trail to the lower or upper pools, passing imposing mahogany and pine trees, to enjoy a soothing swim in the natural pool. Listen out for the song of myriad birds, including Fiji goshawks, golden doves, scarlet robins, spotted fantails, and sulfur-breasted musk parrots.
Hikes take around 60 to 90 minutes, depending on your pace. Make sure you’re wearing comfortable footwear and carrying plenty of water.
Suva market in Fiji, South Pacific
In mangrove-fringed Suva, soak up everyday life at one of the local markets, including Suva Handicraft Market, Suva Municipal Market, and Suva Fish Market. You could pick up handmade jewelry, creamy coconut drinks, and local crafts.
Bermuda
Horseshoe Bay, Bermuda
Lying 650 miles off the coast of North Carolina, Bermuda is one of the best islands to honeymoon in the north Atlantic Ocean.
Stroll along the island’s pink-tinged beaches. Horseshoe Bay on the south coast is a sensational cove sandwiched between giant rock formations. Pack a swimsuit and let the ocean lure you in.
Snorkeling in Bermuda
Circled by coral reefs teeming with marine life, Bermuda is perfect for snorkeling and diving.
At the Cathedral reef dive site, spot snapper, blue angelfish, trumpetfish, spiny lobster, and parrotfish.
This protected area, near Gurnet Rock off East End, features jaw-dropping underwater caves and crevices.
Fort St. Catherine, Bermuda
Bermuda is the UK’s oldest colony and the British influence is ever-present in the town of St George’s. Steeped in history, churches and former military fortresses—including Alexandra Battery, Fort St. Catherine, and Fort St. George—are dotted around the city.
Wander around the town’s quaint streets to admire the pastel-colored buildings. Stop by the 1612-built St. Peter’s Church, the oldest on the island.
Crystal Cave, Bermuda
On your honeymoon, consider experiencing Bermuda’s otherworldly Crystal Cave, one of the best caves in the world. Discovered in 1901 by two boys, Crystal Cave is a network of subterranean caves and azure lakes, 120 feet below ground, festooned with stalactites and stalagmites.
Santorini, Greece
Oia in Santorini, Greece
The head-turning island of Santorini in Greece’s Cyclades is dramatic and romantic—perfect for a honeymoon getaway.
Blue-domed churches that emulate the shade of the sapphire Aegean Sea are dotted around the island’s capital, Fira. Tour the town’s photogenic religious landmarks, including the Church of Saint Gerasimos, Three Bells of Fira, and the Catholic Church of Saint Stylianos.
Oia in Santorini, Greece
Visit the hilltop town of Oia in the north of Santorini, known as one of the most beautiful places in Greece. Stroll among the sugar cube whitewashed houses clinging to the cliff face, with uninterrupted views across the caldera.
Or find a quaint taverna or café in Santorini Old Harbor and sip a Greek coffee as you watch small fishing and passenger boats come and go.
Venetsanos Winery in Santorini, Greece
You could also drink island-made wines at Venetsanos Winery. Located above the port of Athinios, Venetsanos has a terrace overlooking the caldera of Santorini and offers vineyard tours and tastings.
St. Lucia
St. Lucia
One of the prettiest islands in the Caribbean, St. Lucia is defined by its emerald-green twin volcanic peaks, Gros and Petit Piton. The highest—the extraordinary Gros Piton in Soufrière—is 2,619 feet above sea level.
For some of the best views of St. Lucia and neighboring islands, including St. Vincent and the Grenadines, hike a section of Gros Piton. The trek is hair-raising in parts. Make sure you’re prepared with appropriate footwear and plenty of water.
Sugar Beach, St. Lucia
If you’d prefer to gaze up at the Pitons instead of climbing them, head to Sugar Beach, also known as Jalousie Plantation Beach. The powder-white shoreline lies between the two landmark mountains on the southwest coast.
Jalousie Plantation Beach is surrounded by natural attractions, including several waterfalls and the Sulfur Springs, where you could lather each other in therapeutic hot natural mud.
Toraille Waterfall, St. Lucia
Another one of the best things to do in St. Lucia is to hike to Toraille Waterfall, a gorgeous cascade that drops 50 feet into a plunge pool in which you can enjoy a tranquil swim, cradled by the tropical rainforest.
South Island, New Zealand
Milford Sound in South Island, New Zealand
New Zealand’s South Island is a bucket list-worthy honeymoon destination with misty, snow-draped fjords, remarkable wildlife, and superlative wine regions.
Take in the magnificent scenery of Milford, Dusky, and Doubtful Sound in Fiordland National Park. Shaped by glaciers more than 100,000 years ago, this vast UNESCO World Heritage Site features tumbling waterfalls and granite peaks.
Waipara Wine Region
Collect memories in the Waipara Valley, one of the South Island’s superb wine regions around 40 miles from Christchurch. You could even enjoy a thrilling helicopter ride over the valley’s undulating hills. Touch down at a winery before savoring velvety pinot noirs and zesty rieslings.
Hire a bicycle to explore some of the rolling Waipara Valley on two wheels, with lavender fields, nut farms, and olive groves making for a scenic ride.
Moeraki Boulders in South Island, New Zealand
An hour’s drive north of Dunedin on the North Otago coast, relax on Koekohe Beach, famous for its domed boulders—known as the Moeraki Boulders—scattered along the sand. Stroll among the gigantic boulders and stop for a creamy seafood chowder at Moeraki Beach Café.
Taieri Gorge in South Island, New Zealand
Take a romantic ride with Dunedin Railways through the heart-stopping Taieri Gorge. You’ll cross a deep canyon and the Taieri River over wrought-iron viaducts and through centuries-old tunnels to reach the hamlet of Pukerangi.
This fascinating journey follows part of the Otago Central Railway, built during Otago’s Gold Rush era.
Hawaii, United States
Hapuna in Hawaii, United States
Known as The Big Island, Hawaii is not only the largest island in the archipelago but the largest island in the United States. Travelers are met with dramatic volcanoes, incredible beaches, and a relaxed surf culture.
Mai tai cocktails
Drink heady mai tai cocktails and sample fresh seafood in Hilo, the island’s capital. Hilo Farmers Market opens daily, serving colorful poke bowls among an array of fresh island produce.
Laze on the paradise beach of Hapuna on the northwest coastline, known for its postcard-perfect coconut palms, ivory sand, and crystalline water. Alternatively, visit Punalu’u Beach on the south coast for its silky black sand and dramatic rock formations.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park in Hawaii, United States
The island of Hawaii is one of the best places on the planet to spend time in the great outdoors.
The captivating Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is home to two active volcanoes. The world’s tallest active volcano, Mauna Loa, rises 13,681 feet above sea level, while Kīlauea is one of the most active in the world.
Crisscross some of the 150 miles of hiking trails in the park to marvel at glowing craters, slow-moving lava flow, and cavernous lava tubes. It’s worth calling at the Kīlauea Visitor Center before you take off to pick up a map and learn about the park’s environment.
Read: Best Honeymoon Destinations in January
Bermuda
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