Those who were not able to wed last year could be looking to book a blowout honeymoon and rightly so.
See our ultimate honeymoon destinations from The Islands of Tahiti, to Japan to Montenegro and more.
Honeymoon Destinations – 5-star luxury
USA
Florida’s Paradise Coast – Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades
A cultural gem located in Southwest Florida, the Paradise Coast sits on the Gulf of Mexico’s turquoise water where 30 miles of pristine, soft white, sandy beaches, meets outdoor adventure and natural wilderness. A haven of beachfront resorts, award-winning beaches and fine dining, Naples effortlessly blends nature with glamour. Newlyweds can venture out of the comfort of their all-inclusive resorts and enjoy famed golf courses, an impressive selection of rooftop bars and restaurants serving fresh-off-the-dock seafood, boutique and designer shops, and cultural attractions, including the Naples Botanical Garden.
To the south, Marco Island offers access to even more beautiful and expansive beaches and the mangrove-lined estuaries in the picturesque Ten Thousand Islands. Many guided tours are on offer to explore these wetlands and into the Everglades National Park via boat tours, thrilling airboats or leisurely kayak. Connecting with nature as well as each other, keen wildlife spotters will enjoy paddling or wading through the vast subtropical wilderness encountering countless species of birds and close encounters with dolphins, in addition to rare and endangered species like the manatee.
Aspen Highlands’ Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro, Colorado
Aspen Highland’s most iconic dinner spot isn’t in town — it’s up the mountain at Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro. This cozy cabin, located high in the Rocky Mountains, has become a legendary restaurant for its authentic Alpine atmosphere, premium cuisine and acclaimed wine list. With views of the iconic Maroon Bells — the American West’s most recognisable, postcard-perfect mountain peaks — and a cozy wood burning fireplace, dining here is an unforgettable experience. Prices start from $3,500++ for up to 8 guests. This includes the snowcat ride, dinner and a bottle of Dom Perignon champagne.
Goldener Hirsch’s Luxury Experience – Deer Valley, Utah
Nestled in the heart of mid-mountain’s Silver Lake Village, just steps from the ski runs of Deer Valley Resort, the newly expanded Goldener Hirsch offers a luxury romance in an alpine village setting. The Goldener Experience includes guests’ own Private Hotel Ambassador, luxury SUV airport transportation, private ski instruction, rentals and lift tickets, an in-residence chef and a personal spa therapist. Exclusive activities include Ski with a Champion experience, private evening snowshoeing at Deer Valley Resort, and a private dog sledding adventure. The Goldener Hirsch has been voted the United States’ Best Ski Boutique Hotel by the World Ski Awards six times.
Culinary couples in Sacramento, California
Sacramento is surrounded by beautiful farms and vineyards, making it one of the top culinary destinations in the US and a must for foodie couples. For a novel experience, join a Market-to-Plate Executive Chefs Tour, offered by Local Roots Food Tours. Walk with chefs as they shop, get tips on what to buy and how to prepare it, then relax with lunch made from the day’s harvest. Chef Oliver Ridgeway, who focuses on hyper-local sustainable ingredients at Grange, also offers market walks on Wednesdays, followed by a three-course lunch.
Honeymoon Destinations – EUROPE
Montenegro, Europe
Montenegro is the rising star of the med. Intrepid honeymooners will enjoy exploring five national parks, 294 km of coastline with 117 beaches, historic coastal towns and a melting pot of cultures spilling into its art, architecture and culinary scene. Opening in March this year, One&Only Portonovi will provide honeymooners the ultimate European escape. Located just 50 minutes from Tivat Airport, one hour from Dubrovnik, and two and a half hours from Podgorica Airport, the resort will be accessible by land, sea and air, with exclusive facilities for superyachts, helicopter and private jet transfers. With 113 luxury guest rooms, suites and villas and 10 One&Only Private Homes, the resort also offers 11 pools and three bars and restaurants that boast stunning views of the UNESCO World Heritage site Bay of Kotor. Packed with charm and enough to keep newlyweds intrigued for any length of stay, this relatively undiscovered Balkan beauty offers visitors big experiences in a small and accessible environment.
THE ISLANDS OF TAHITI
Le Taha’a Island Resort and Spa – The Islands of Tahiti
The Islands of Tahiti scream serenity, perfect for newlyweds to relax, unwind and just enjoy each other’s company surrounded by crystal blue waters. Private island Le Taha’a is the ultimate hideaway destination in Tahiti. The private islet overlooks the shores of Taha’a on one side and Bora Bora island on the other. The resort’s spa is nestled in a beautiful exotic garden featuring bamboo trees with massages, facials, body scrubs and wraps all on offer. This resort is also perfect for thrill-seeking newlyweds. Mark the occasion with a deep-sea dive exploring all that the tropical underwater world has to offer.
Honeymoon Destinations – Wellbeing and relaxation
JAPAN
i + Land Nagasaki, Kyushu
i + Land Nagasaki sits on a 12km round Loujima Island in. Honeymooning here is incredibly relaxing with no traffic signals in sight and with locals living a slow paced island life. The hotel offers a number of exciting activities for newlyweds to indulge in including a large communal bath that is fed directly with an in-house natural hot spring, a steam sauna tent with medicinal properties of over 20 Thai herbs, tranquil couples massages, an all-whether spa theme park and a healing lounge with three hot stone spas and an. For couples looking to explore the history of Nagasaki can head to the Nagasaki Museum of History just 11 km from i + Land Nagasaki, while the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum is 11 km from the property.
Mitsukejima Island, Ishikawa
Located on the coastline of Japan’s main island, Ishikawa Prefecture is perfect for newlyweds. Couples can discover authentic Japan whilst onsen bathing and watching the sun rise above the uninhabited Mitsukejima Island – said to be the Holy Land for Lovers. The most romantic time of day to capture the lovers island is at sunrise, when Mitsukejima is backlit in red as the sun rises from the sea. Couples can access the island via a path which extends from Mitsuke Beach, to catch a closer look, with the surrounding area being home to Ishikawa Prefecture’s finest dawns, calm waters and white sands – honeymoon bliss. Stay at The Ryokan Collection’s Kayotei with private in-room bathing in a number of its suites, which are perfect for couples to relax in.
Honeymoon Destinations – USA
Yoga, painting and hiking in Yosemite Mariposa, California
Yosemite is one of the most romantic places on earth, with beautiful scenic views and incredible experiences such as horseback riding and rock climbing. Visitors can experience the old Gold Rush town of Mariposa, where they can stroll through Downtown hand-in-hand, taking in art galleries, museums and even the local symphony orchestra, before enjoying a romantic meal at local favourite Savoury’s Restaurant. A stay at Tenaya Lodge, located south of Yosemite Valley in Mariposa County, will make the most of the serene seclusion. The resort’s spa, Ascent, offers a couples rejuvenation retreat, which includes hiking, guided meditation, relaxing treatments, sunset yoga in the park and to help spark a creative side, a paint and wine class hosted by a local artist.
Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur California
Post Ranch Inn is nestled between the Saint Lucia mountains, the Pacific and redwood forests, in one of the most serene and special locations in the world. The newly refurbed Ocean House suites will give guests that jaw-drop-eyes-widen moment: built into the cliffside, these rooms have roofs covered in soft grass and wildflowers and unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean. Three of the Ocean Houses also have brand new two-person soaking tubs, perched at cliff’s edge. The minimum age for guests is 18 and there are no televisions on site, which ensures a truly relaxing experience. Guests can stay indoors all day or go for long walks around the 100-acre property, spend time in the infinity pool, or try a couples massage or Shaman session. It’s the perfect spot for honeymooners looking to relax and reconnect with themselves, their partners and the tranquility of nature.
Honeymoon Destinations – Outdoor adventurers
JAPAN
Rural Japan – Three Star Road
For newlyweds looking for a blend of modern and traditional, futuristic cities, snow-capped mountains, ancient temples, palaces and museums Japan is the ultimate destination. For those looking to beat the crowds head out on one of the bullet trains (shinkansen) to explore the countryside, mountains and beautiful coastline. Spread across five cities and running through four prefectures, the Three Star Road cuts through the Japanese Alps boasting a wealth of tradition and culture as well as stunning wildlife and nature. Nagano Prefecture located along the Three Star Road, it is a beautiful honeymoon destination filled with historical sites, sacred temples, panoramic alpine range and plenty of nature escapades. Renowned for its monkey’s, travel to Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano Prefecture and view the hot spring bathing wild monkeys in their natural habitat. Visitors can enjoy analysing their large social group interactions and entertainment. From Nagano head to Matsumoto and opt for the Option Ticket to get around the rest of the stunning area.
USA
Yosemite Tuolumne County, California
With towering granite peaks, alpine meadows, vast lakes, wildlife and more, Yosemite’s Tuolumne County is perfect for couples who prefer a more active honeymoon. The secluded McCaffrey House B&B with only cedar and pines in view for miles, lovers will enjoy a one-to-one service from the couple that own the property. From there it’s easy to discover a multitude of activities spanning Yosemite National Park, the Gold Country and High Sierra. A romantic gentle hike around Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias or the peaceful Hetch Hetchy reservoir will see couples searching for wildflowers and waterfalls. Alternatively, step back in time and explore the sleepy gold rush towns of Jamestown, Columbia and Groveland and stop at the apple orchards of Indigeny Reserves and enjoy a Californian sunset with a glass of organic cider. In the High Sierra, Pinecrest Lake offers picture perfect mountain views and options for leisurely swimming, kayaking, boating and gentle hikes around the lake. Those in search of overnight experiences stargazing and trekking through the forest can join a 1-2 night tour with Kennedy Meadows and feel what it’s like to be a real life cowboy.
Snowshoeing and winter picnics at Mammoth Lakes, California
Adventurous couples should head to Minerata Vista, in California’s Mammoth Lakes, for arguably the best view in the Eastern Sierra. The 2.5 mile Minaret Vista Loop is accessible by snowmobile, snowshoes or skis in winter, so visitors will need to work for that view! Stop by at the Old New York Deli & Bakery in the Village to load up the backpack with the best picnic fixings around and then head up to feast at 9,200-feet, with unobstructed views of the Minarets and Ritter Range. For the ultimate romantic winter picnic, check out Mammoth Mountain’s guided snowcat tours to Minaret Vista, which offer a ride to the vista in a heated snowcat, complete with wine, hot chocolate and a charcuterie board.
Dunton Hot Springs, Colorado
Colorado is renowned for its outdoor mountain pursuits and there’s plenty to be had in the beautiful San Juan Mountains, such as horseback riding, hiking and some of the world’s best fly fishing. After a day outdoors, honeymooners can relax at Dunton Hot Springs, a restored 1,800’s mining town with hand-hewn log cabins, fine dining using local produce and natural hot springs (some even in the rooms!) that can be enjoyed year-round. The Mountain Romance package ensures an extra special experience and includes champagne and a sweet treat from the Chef upon arrival, a special gift from a local artisan during stay, spa treatment and private excursions.