After falling in love, it’s finally time to begin your new life with your second half. The memories of this sweet beginning will last a lifetime — so when it comes to picking your honeymoon destination, be sure to choose wisely.
Make your decision based on what you want to do. You might book a private hotel on a remote island, where all you’re expected to do is relax and celebrate your love. Adventurous types, meanwhile, might prefer to move around a little and visit exciting sightseeing destinations.
The following list features travelers’ top-ten honeymoon destinations worldwide:
Barbados:
A warm welcome awaits you and yours on this exotic Caribbean island. You can swim or snorkel on one of the island’s many white-sand beaches, sail on a catamaran, dive down to see sunken ships or take a submarine tour.
You can also stroll along the quaint streets of Bridgetown, the island’s historic capital, and take advantage of the duty-free shopping. If you have any energy left, enjoy the island’s variety of bars and nightclubs, including the famous Harbor Lights.
Highly-rated Hotels:
Sugar Cane Club Hotel & Spa
Little Arches Hotel
Southern Surf Beach Apartments
Beach View
Peach and Quiet
Prices range from $500 to $300 per night per couple.
Activities: Sightseeing, nightlife, surfing adventures
Honeymooners’ review: “Perfect for honeymooners and couples looking for a romantic getaway.”
Best time to go: From September to February, when temperatures range between 29C and 23C.
Thailand, Phuket
Phuket offers a spectrum of stimulating vacation sites, from blue lagoons and pink sunsets to orange-robed Buddhist monks. Three-wheeled Tuk Tuks, taxis, buses and long-tailed boats transport visitors from one marvel to the next.
Phuket’s most popular beaches are found on the south coast, while the north coast is known for its tranquility. Forested hills, mountains and cliffs, meanwhile, wait to be explored further inland.
Koh Phi Phi, Phang Nga Bay and Patong Beach are all highly popular spots. Diving, snorkeling, wind surfing and sailing are only a few of your many options.
Highly-rated Hotels:
Indigo Pearl
Mom Tri’s Villa Royale
Pacific Club Resort
Boomerang Village Cottages
Kantary Bay Hotel
Prices range from $120 to $220 per night per couple.
Honeymooners’ review: “The room was gorgeous and always smelt of delicious lemongrass. The bed was huge and the room had a balcony looking out to the blue sea.”
Activities: Massage and spa, scuba clubs, cultural museums
Best time to go: between September and February, when temperatures range between 30C and 23C
Nice, France
Nice’s signature attraction is the Promenade des Anglais, a bustling walkway along the Mediterranean Sea. A walk up to Castle Hill is rewarded with a spectacular view of the city and the azure water that gives the Cote d’Azur its name.
Nestled into the hills that rise up from the shore are narrow streets, red-tile roofs, churches, outdoor markets, al fresco restaurants, parks and dozens of museums. The bay lights up after dark to usher in Nice’s vibrant nightlife.
Highly-rated hotels:
Nice Garden Hotel
Hotel Villa Les Cygnes
Palais de la Mediterranean
Massenet Hotel
Prices range from $150 to $250 per night per couple.
Honeymooners’ review: “The hotel was the best we ever stayed in. It’s not so much the hotel, which was excellent, but the hospitality that the owners show their guests.”
Activities: Shopping, day trips to the Old Town (Vielle Ville) and Castle Hill
Best time to go: in the spring and fall, so as to avoid the rainy season.
Marbella, Spain
In the chic, sun-drenched Costa del Sol town of Marbella, Moorish influences mingle with all the amenities of a modern-day resort. Bask on the famous La Fontanilla beach or enjoy the area’s vibrant nature and wildlife.
Experience the Andalusian charm of the historic quarter, teeming with whitewashed buildings, remnants of ninth-century Arab fortresses and fragrant orange trees. End your day with a dish of chilled almond soup and the region’s famous dessert wine.
Highly-rated Hotels:
La Villa Marbella
The Marbella Heights
Marriott’s Marbella Beach Resort
Hotel Villa Padierna
Apartamentos Turisticos Puerta de Aduares
Prices range from $200 to $300 per night per couple.
Honeymooners’ review: “No words can describe the hospitality we experienced; everyone was so kind and helpful. I loved staying there with my wife. We would definitely visit again.”
Best time to go: in the summer season between April and September.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Puerto Vallarta on the Mexican Riviera offers the visitor gold-sand beaches, while indigo waters invite carefree relaxation bayside. The lush Sierra Madres, which can be explored on horse, mountain bike or foot, rise in the distance. The city’s bustling malecón, or esplanade, also invites exploration.
Ecotourism is big here, so don’t miss the chance to swim with the dolphins, humpback whales and manta rays. The town’s ancient history is visible on its quaint cobbled streets, which feature whitewashed buildings, graceful cathedrals and the occasional pack mule.
Highly-rated hotels:
Playa Fiesta Beachclub & Hotel
Casa Velas Boutique Hotel
Villa Premiere Hotel & Spa
Vallarta Shores International Hotel
Dreams Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa
Prices range from $150 to $250 per night per couple.
Honeymooners’ review: “From beginning to end, my daughter’s experience could not have been more enjoyable, thanks to the amazing owners and staff at Playa Fiesta.”
Activities: The New Verana day spa, Los Tuertos beach, deep-sea fishing and Puerto Vallarta’s famous botanical gardens
c`Best time to go: in the summer season between April and September
Miami Beach, Florida
South Beach, or SoBe, is Miami Beach’s star attraction. The vibrant area — with its pastel-hued buildings, hip nightclubs and trendy shops — attracts socialites and their hangers-on all year round. Other attractions include the art deco district and Haulover Beach, home to the city’s only legal haven for nudists.
The Beach can be affordable, depending on where you stay, eat and play. Plan to spend some time in SoBe’s cool bars, where things heat up after the sun sets.
Highly-rated hotels:
The Tides Hotel
The Angler’s Boutique Resort
The Betsy Hotel
Sense South Beach Hotel
The Hotel
Prices range from $180 to $280 per night per couple.
Honeymooners’ review: “An oasis of calm, class, style and comfort.”
Best time to go: in the summer season between April and September
Don’t feel limited to the above suggestions. The following websites can provide you and your future spouse with yet more spectacular honeymoon locales all around the world.
Tripadvisor — for travelers’ reviews, tips and things to do
Kayak — for comparing prices and helping you find the best deals on flights, hotels and tour packages
ebooking — for great early booking discounts and last minute deals
ِAsiarooms — for good trips to Asia, Asian hotels and all things Asiatic
Travel companies:
Emirates Holidays offers comfortable flights and convenient planning, especially for holiday venues in the Middle East. Emirates Holidays will help tailor your trip to your particular needs. It offers generous discounts for early bookings.
Into Egypt offers a number of excellent deals at reasonable prices, both inside and outside Egypt. You can find good tour packages for London/Paris or Rome/Madrid for LE 8000 each.
