Honeymoons are the ultimate reward: a celebration of a love carefully nurtured, a well-deserved respite after months of wedding planning, and an unforgettable start to your shared life. They mark the threshold of a new chapter together. Ready to step into the next phase? Below are destinations designed to kindle romance and create lasting memories.
Planning a honeymoon in the COVID-19 era can be challenging, but experts recommend flexibility and perseverance. Still, don’t be afraid to dream big and reach for the stars.
PHOTO: © QUASAR EXPEDITIONS
For Adventurers
For couples who crave activity and wide-open spaces, a self-guided road trip through Patagonia delivers dramatic scenery and shared challenge. Drive winding mountain roads and cross rivers while stopping to explore iconic parks, glaciers and trails. Local outfitters can arrange distinctive lodgings, memorable meals and VIP experiences so you can enjoy both freedom and convenience. Enhance your trip with special honeymoon add-ons such as guided ice hikes with celebratory Champagne, sunrise treks followed by private breakfasts, regional cooking classes, sunset barbecues for two and professional nature photo sessions to capture the trip.
Easy All-Inclusive
Not all all-inclusive resorts feel crowded or generic. Some focus on refined luxury, thoughtful service and romantic touches. In a jungle-edge, beachfront setting you can find expansive suites, 24-hour room service, multiple restaurants, adults-only infinity pools and a spa inspired by local traditions. Customize your days with private mariachi performances, beachside movie nights, culinary classes and other romantic experiences. Some properties even offer unique dining spots—such as a three-course lunch served inside a natural cavern—for a memorable twist on resort dining.
Roman Holiday
Rome is synonymous with romance: from its world-class cuisine and ornate fountains to lively piazzas that invite lingering conversations. Stay in a historic palazzo within walking distance of landmarks like the Trevi Fountain, Villa Medici and the Spanish Steps. Savor an aperitivo on a rooftop terrace, or arrange private experiences such as bespoke jewelry shopping, helicopter flights to nearby vineyards, private art viewings and indulgent spa rituals inspired by ancient traditions. Rome’s combination of history, art and impeccable food makes it easy to fall deeper in love.
East African Safari
An African safari is a transformative experience that blends spectacular wildlife sightings with sweeping landscapes and immense skies. Enjoy sundowners with elephants in view, stay in elegant tented camps or traditional-style lodges, and explore reserves by Jeep with an expert guide. Multi-day itineraries that include transfers by small plane can take you between diverse ecosystems and camps—each offering its own wildlife highlights, from elephant-packed plains to predator-rich savannas—creating a honeymoon both adventurous and intimate.
© FOUR SEASONS BORA BORA
Pacific Paradise
For sheer visual splendor and overwater luxury, few places rival Bora Bora. Stay in an overwater bungalow with a private deck and plunge pool above a turquoise lagoon teeming with tropical fish. Resorts on private motus offer barefoot elegance, Polynesian-inspired hospitality and intimate dining options—think private dinners on a tiny islet at sunset and breakfast delivered by outrigger canoe. The dramatic silhouette of Mount Otemanu provides a constant, romantic backdrop for snorkeling, spa treatments and peaceful lagoon swims.
Greek Idyll
Santorini’s cliffside villages and legendary sunsets provide a quintessentially romantic Mediterranean setting. Whitewashed cave suites with private pools overlook the ancient caldera and the deep-blue sea, offering privacy and dramatic views. Enjoy leisurely days exploring cobblestone lanes, local wineries and secluded beaches, then charter a yacht for a private cruise around the islands. Fine dining accompanied by local wines, quiet terraces and postcard-perfect scenery make Santorini a timeless choice for honeymooners.
Elephant Whispering
For a more unexpected but deeply affecting experience, consider a stay in northern Thailand centered on ethical elephant encounters. Resorts that support rescued herds combine responsible animal interactions with cultural immersion and luxurious accommodations. Opt for a jungle-facing suite or a glass-walled “bubble” room with a private plunge pool for wildlife viewing from the comfort of your retreat. Sharing gentle moments with elephants and exploring lush riverside landscapes creates unforgettable, compassionate memories.
Villa Haven
If solitude and privacy are your priority after the wedding, a private island villa can deliver complete seclusion. Small private islands with a handful of beachfront villas offer all-inclusive packages that include gourmet meals, premium drinks, water sports and personalized service. Each villa typically features its own plunge pool, direct beach access and amenities designed for relaxation. Concierge teams can arrange excursions such as private picnics on deserted islets, snorkeling adventures, or a visit to a floating bar for cocktails—perfect for new spouses who want to savor quiet time together.
Whether you crave rugged adventure, timeless city romance, safaris, island seclusion or unique wildlife encounters, a honeymoon tailored to your shared interests will create memories that last a lifetime. Choose the setting that speaks to both of you, and let the trip be the first chapter of your married life.