Can you believe it? You’re about to be married! What a magical moment. Finding the one person who will be your counterpart through all of life’s ups and downs is one of the sweetest parts of living.
After you’ve said your “I do’s,” it’s time to start planning the honeymoon. Where will you go to savor those precious moments, relive the magic of the day, and start dreaming your biggest dreams? Will it be the City of Love, the shorelines of Santorini, or a snowy getaway in Telluride? Let’s explore 14 different options all over the world and see which one hits home.
Paris, France
No list of romantic destinations can be complete without a mention of the City of Love. Romance fills the air; love blossoms in the jardins and cafes. For a quieter affair, see if you can book a room at the boutique hotel, Hotel Des Deux-Iles, on Île Saint-Louis. It’s a peaceful, quiet, and serene escape that requires no more than a few moments to get to the heavenly shorelines of the Seine.
Donegal, Ireland
There’s a reason countless couples get married in Irish castles, year after year. It’s the epitome of dreams coming true. Nestled into the forests of Donegal, you’ll find Lough Eske Castle, a place with gorgeous suites, decadent meals, and gorgeous walks around the lake. Here, you’ll feel like the Lord and Lady of the Manor and find all manner of peaceful and relaxing ways to spend your days and savor each other’s presence.
Braemar, Scotland
The mystical, magical streets of Scotland are filled with fairy tales and folklore. Tucked into the majesty of the Highlands, you have one of the world’s most decadent five-star hotels, The Fife Arms. The owners are art dealers, so the entire property simply oozes with beauty, framed by the golden hills of the Highlands. Each room and suite is uniquely designed, many tipping a cap to a famous poet, writer, or member of the Royal Family. Indeed, you will feel as though you’ve stepped into a dream the moment these misty swirls ensconce you.
Santorini, Greece
If you have more of a tropical getaway in mind, then it’s off to the Aegean Sea. Santorini has countless all-inclusive resorts that will sweep you away. Dream Island Hotel, for example, has a lovely selection of modern rooms and spacious villas to choose from if you’re looking for a little more privacy. But, no matter where you go, the views over the sea from the pool will stagger you. Indulge in some spa services before and after those long walks on the beach as you celebrate your love.
Positano, Italy
Moving over to the Amalfi Coast, the dappled sunlight and colorful facades that adorn the hills of Positano personify romance. And Le Sirenuse will help you relax into the simple pleasures of this picture-perfect setting with unbeatable views. You’ll find luxury dining options onsite, but you might find yourself strolling hand-in-hand through town come evening light, sampling the savory wines and sensational seafood dishes.
Bali, Indonesia
If health and wellness are important to you as a couple, then a wellness retreat of sorts is a great way to start your life together. There’s a five-star hotel tucked delicately into the forest, Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape. As a luxury no-walls, no-doors retreat with a central pavilion where like-minded couples unite; this takes on a bit of a twist to the classic vision of a honeymoon. Still, you’ll find no shortage of wonder here. You’ll also savor many a moment in their insatiable infinity pool that extends all the way into the valley of wonder.
Lankanfushi, Maldives
One look at the photos tells you why couples are happy to make the long journey to The Maldives to celebrate their new life together. It’s heaven’s doorstep. And the castle in the sky at heaven’s doorstep is Gili Lankanfushi. You’ll find those quintessential tiki huts that merrily line the shorelines, except here, they’re full-blown villas. Privacy abounds, and the clear blue sea views from your bed, balcony, or hot tub will dazzle and delight you – and stay with you forever.
Kyoto, Japan
If warm, peaceful, relaxing waters seem like a nice way to savor the magic of this moment in your life, then the healing waters of Kyoto’s onsens, or hot springs, will seal the deal. Here, you’ll watch the morning mists gently rise off the mountains, and, at night, the stars will speak to your soul.
Since this will be one of the hallmark trips of your life, see if you can spend a few nights at the Ritz-Carlton Kyoto. You’ll be sure to spend many a night in their onsens, given the insatiable views. Nestled into the blossom-fringed banks of the Kamogawa River, you’ll never forget these moments.
Malibu, California
Imagine the clean, white lines of a pristine hotel overlooking the robust waves of the Pacific. The Surfrider Hotel in Malibu will be happy to spring all those dreams to life. Whether you’re lounging in the hammock on your balcony or raising a glass to one another on the terrace, this will feel like heaven’s doorstep just as much as The Maldives. Not far from The Pier, there are plenty of seaside walks to be had, hand-in-hand, as the wind sweeps through your hair and you make plans for the best that is yet to come.
Maui, Hawaii
The lush shorelines of Maui will also be happy to embrace you after all the wedding festivities are over. And, if you don’t make it to The Ritz in Kyoto, then why not The Ritz in Kapalua? You’ll be treated like royalty the moment you arrive. This line on their website encapsulates the entire experience: “A luxury resort that doesn’t just take your breath away. It helps you breathe deeper.” After all the excitement from your wedding day, this is the perfect place to relive every moment, walk into the setting sun, and dine in delight as you savor every moment.
Key West, Florida
How does a private island off Key West sound? There’s a glorious resort called Sunset Key Cottages that will fulfill your dreams. Their pool sits under a canopy of palm trees. Their onsite restaurant, Latitudes, prepares the finest meals. The cocktails crafted at the poolside bar, Flippers, are the perfect way to savor the moments, relive your memories, and dream your biggest dreams. The warm breezes that will blow over your skin while you’re here will put you immediately on island time and be cherished for as long as you both shall live.
Telluride, Colorado
If, instead of island time, you’d like to retreat to the snowy mountains for a few days, Telluride will be happy to deliver, specifically the Madeline Hotel & Residences. With decadent guest rooms and showstopping private suites, everything is at your doorstep when you’re here. In nearly every direction, you’ll find yourself gazing upon the snowy peaks of 14,000-foot mountains. Whether you order your meals to your room, savor the delights of their restaurants, or sip on a cocktail beside their heated pools, there will be no shortage of ways to enjoy each other’s company when you’re here.
Stowe, Vermont
For another snowy escape, you can also visit the Northeast for a town that looks like it’s straight out of a Hallmark movie. The Lodge at Spruce Peak will be happy to welcome you home before you start to make your home together. Located at the base of Mount Mansfield and Stowe Mountain Resprt, these rooms are the epitome of luxury with full ski-in and ski-out privileges, an outdoor heated pool, and an all-natural Spa to melt into. Everything about Stowe, including The Lodge, will charm you.
Cape Neddick, Maine
We’ll end with one more fairy tale setting: Maine. If lighthouses, pristine shorelines, and and bright pink skies sound like the perfect way to seal the deal after a happy wedding day, Cliff House Maine will deliver, wave upon wave. Here, the guest rooms offer sweeping panoramas of the sea, complete with roaring fireplaces for that nighttime glass of whiskey. The Tiller Restaurant will serve up some of the finest seafood dishes, paired with champagne toast after champagne toast. It’ll be very easy to relax into your nights under the stars at Cliff House Maine.
Cheers to the Start of Your New Life Together
Allow us to raise a glass to the start of your new life. Let’s celebrate the fact that, in a sea of billions of people, you have found your way to one another and are about to build a family and a home together.
We hope any of these destinations will help you celebrate these special moments. And, before you go, take a look at our library of destination guides. Perhaps there’s something in there to help you round out your honeymoon with a thrilling activity or two.