The best places around the world to honeymoon are ever-changing, which is why we update this guide every year. After all, a lot can change in a year.
“Happiness consists of living each day as if it were the first day of your honeymoon and the last day of your vacation.” – Leo Tolstoy
Are you planning a honeymoon for 2022? We’ve got some ideas to get you started. Using our firsthand knowledge of the best overseas destinations in the world, we’ve put together a guide on the top places to visit for a fantastic honeymoon in 2022.
What Makes A Great Honeymoon?
We understand that everyone has a different view on what makes a great honeymoon. For some, relaxing at a luxury resort might be the ideal way to recover from stressful wedding planning, but this list is dedicated to pathfinders on a hunt for something different. We’ve compiled a list of unique outdoor honeymoon destinations around the world for newlyweds seeking an exciting adventure, including the best time of the year to visit each one.
Before You Leave
Firstly, some advice: When booking flights, rooms, or anything else, be sure to mention that you are on your honeymoon. Sometimes an upgrade or complimentary gift is given in honor of your big day.
Once you have booked your dream vacation, take a look at our list of24 Best Travel Appsto help you get the most out of your stay.
To help you navigate your choices, we have divided our honeymoon destinations into three main categories: Luxury, Undiscovered (Hidden-Gems), and Romantic. Among these groups, you’ll most likely find a destination that calls to you…
Luxury Honeymoons
First up, we have our luxurious destinations. These are places where you’ll be treated like a royal, with the care and pampering that a newly married couple deserves.
Riviera Maya, Mexico
The Riviera Maya offers miles of white sandy beaches on an unspoiled coastline. It is perfect for seaside lounging, sipping margaritas, and soaking up the sun. Riviera Maya is located on the Yucatán Peninsula on the Caribbean coast. Known as the “Cancun-Tulum corridor” until 1999, the rebrand signaled the start of a significant change for the area. Expensive hotels and designer stores were built, and the tourists changed from backpackers tocelebrities. The Riviera Maya has accommodation to suit all tastes; modern all-inclusive hotels and exclusive luxury villas are plentiful along this stunning stretch of coastline.
Things To Do In The Riviera Maya
The Riviera Maya has an impressive number of activities you can do during your stay, from exploring ancient ruins to sailing, snorkeling, and scuba diving. One of the biggest draws to this area is the chance to swim with dolphins.
This part ofMexicohas two main seasons: rainy and dry. The dry season runs from mid-October to April and it is the best time to visit. However, if you don’t mind risking a couple of rainy days, the prices in November are attractive.
Recommended Hotel –Mi Amor Hotel, Tulum
A small boutique hotel with only 18 rooms, Mi Amor is away from the hustle and bustle of the Riviera Maya’s main strip, making it perfect for a relaxing stay. Mi Amor prides itself on its high standard of customer service… the hospitality is truly remarkable.
Recommended Activities –Swim With Dolphins
The chance to swim with dolphins in their natural environment does not present itself too often, so this could be your opportunity to tick this off the bucket list on your honeymoon. This website runs different promotions throughout the year, so check it regularly to ensure you get the best deal.
Gulf Of Papagayo, Costa Rica
Costa Rica has some of the most stunning coastlines anywhere in the world. The Gulf of Papagayo is on Costa Rica’s northwest Pacific coast. Here you can find a range of luxurious 5-star hotels, including the Four Seasons, where you can spend your honeymoon relaxing in a private pool or on one of the many white sandy beaches.
If you are more of an adventure seeker, worry not; Papagayo benefits from excellent surfing as well as snorkeling, swimming, and diving. The crystal-clear waters provide some of the best diving locations in the world.
Discover Costa Rica’s Incredible Wildlife
Costa Ricais a hot spot for animal lovers, and the biodiversity at Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is some of the best in the world. Nearby is the lush, green Arenal volcano, which sits on a stunning lake.
The dry season in Costa Rica is from late November through May. Outside of this window is when you could find a bargain stay.
Recommended Hotel –Four Seasons Hotel, Peninsula Papagayo
The hotel has recently benefited from significant upgrades and it shows. It’s set in one of the most spectacular locations you can find—close to the water, where the jungle teems with wildlife, including monkeys and sloths.
Recommended Activities –Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Over half of Costa Rica’s plants and animal species are found within the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Expert guides will educate you and help you find some of the more elusive animals.
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
One of the most popular honeymoon destinations in the world, Bora Bora is known as the “romantic island,” and it’s not hard to see why. Located in the South Pacific, Bora Bora is famous for the beautiful turquoise hue of its waters. It also boasts some of the world’s finest luxury resorts. Popular accommodation amongst honeymooners is Bora Bora’s unique over-the-water houses. These small bungalows are built on stilts standing out in the ocean. Try to book a resort that features views of Mount Otemanu from your room for the optimum Bora Bora experience.
Exploring The Crystal Blue Ocean
You can expect to see dolphins, turtles, manta rays, and even humpback whales in the seas here. There is also an enchanting array of tropical fish in the atolls. As you might expect, scuba diving is excellent here. It is also a great place to go hiking and mountain climbing.
Bora Bora is warm all year, with the average temperature being 80℉. The best time of the year to visit is between May and October. This is when it rains less frequently and humidity is at its lowest.
Recommended Hotel –The St. Regis Resort (Marriott Hotels)
Stay in a luxury cabin over the clear, blue waters that offer unimpeded views across the bay and to the volcano. Enjoy the excellent butler service and dive straight into the ocean from your bedroom door.
Recommended Activity –Whale Watching
If you’re in Bora Bora between July and November, take a boat trip to see humpback whales. The warm waters off Bora Bora create an ideal nursery for the whales, who come here to reproduce during this time of year.
Phuket, Thailand
Beautiful sunsets and some of the most opulent hotels in the world have madePhuketa honeymoon hot spot in recent years. Based 850 km south of Bangkok in the Andaman Sea, the island of Phuket is carpeted with tropical rainforest. Phuket has some of the most luxurious resorts for honeymooners anywhere in the world. As you would expect, all the usual facilities of a 5-star resort are present, with local specialties such as yoga instructors and Thai boxing classes available.
Partying In Phuket
Honeymooners should try to stay near Patong if they are looking to party, as this is where you can find most of the best nightlife.Thailandis famous for its superb cuisine, and in Phuket, you can take some lessons to learn to cook authentic Thai-style dishes. Museums, temples, shows, and cultural tours abound to fill your days here, and if that isn’t enough, there is a wide range of water sports to try.
The climate is hot all year round, but avoid September and October, which is the height of the monsoon season in Thailand. Visit in June or July for reasonable out-of-season prices.
Recommended Hotel –Hotel Trisara
Trisara has some of the best dining options you can find in the whole of Thailand. There is a Michelin-star restaurant on-site that uses local, organically grown produce. Trisara also has a seafood restaurant that serves world-class seafood fresh from the ocean. With a private beach and a pool that overlooks the sea, Trisara is honeymooning at its finest.
Recommended Activity –Learn To Cook Thai Food
Thai cuisine is one of the most popular in the world. English-speaking chefs can teach you how to cook the best of Thai cuisine, a skill you can use throughout your marriage.
An Undiscovered Honeymoon
Next we have our “hidden-gem” destinations, where you and your new spouse will be able to have a truly unforgettable adventure… whether you leave the hotel or not.
Belize
Any place where you can rent your own private waterfall has to make it onto this list.Belizeoffers that and much more. Belize is relatively undiscovered, so visitors get to truly experience the local culture, which isn’t always the case in the Caribbean. Another benefit of this lack of tourism is that prices are lower than you would pay for your honeymoon elsewhere in this region. For accommodation, consider staying at one of Belize’s many luxury lodges, which provide privacy and anauthentic Belizean experience.
Dive Into Adventure
Belize has pristine white sand beaches perfect for relaxing but plenty to do for honeymooners who need to be more active. Diving at Glover Reef Atoll is a well-known tourist activity, but there are reefs all along Belize’s coastline if you prefer somewhere quieter. A day trip to the Blue Hole, a 125-meter-deep sinkhole with stunning dark blue water is a must-do. Belize is also a great place for hiking, with tons of jungle trails and Mayan ruins to explore.
Belize’s main dry season is from February to May, with a secondary, shorter dry season popping up between August and September. These are the best times to visit this Caribbean paradise. Belize is a tropical country, and so you can expect to see a lot of rain during the rainy season.
Recommended Hotel –Green Parrot Beach Houses
The Green Parrot Beach House and Resort is a collection of private cabins perched on the beach. Fall asleep to the sound of the ocean, and spend your days sipping rum cocktails in a hammock with a view over a glittering bay. Offshore, you can find some of the best fishing and snorkeling in the world.
Recommended Activity –Visit The Blue Hole
A two-hour boat ride from the Green Parrot resort is the world-famous Blue Hole sinkhole, a fascinating natural phenomenon of the darkest blue hue. Diving down into the Blue hole reveals an eerie world of limestone stalactites and winding caves.
Rovinj, Croatia
This hidden gem is fast becoming one of Europe’s go-to holiday destinations, as well as one of the best places to go for your honeymoon. Situated on the North Adriatic Sea, Rovinj is a busy fishing port and popular tourist resort. The city dates back to pre-Roman times, and since Croatian independence in 1991, the town has become one of the most important in the country. The evocative Venetian-style architecture of Rovinj gives you a feeling of stepping back in time when exploring the city. In fact, for one day a year, Rovinj does time travel and is entirely lit by candlelight, during the festival of Saint Lawrence in August.
Travel Back In Time
May to September is the best time to visit this part ofCroatia. You can expect more than 10 hours of sunshine per day and an average temperature of around 75℉. The waters are clear, great for swimming, and there are many smooth rock coves to dive from. Honeymoon here in August and bask in the candlelight during Rovinj’s most romantic weekend of the year.
There is an abundance of museums and galleries containing works of art and religious artifacts for you to see in Rovinj. St. Euphemia’s Basilica, which overlooks the town, offers some amazing views over the city. The climb up the steps to the summit builds an appetite you can satiate at one of the city’s many excellent restaurants. Rovinj has it all, but get a visit in before everyone knows it, and the tourist trail hits.
Recommended Hotel –Hotel Adriatic
Ideally situated right on the harbor, Hotel Adriatic is an elegant boutique hotel. Taking its name from the beautiful sea it looks out at, the Adriatic Hotel has a traditional exterior, while the interior is filled with modern, local art. The Old City is within a short stroll, with its many restaurants and bars ready for you to enjoy.
Recommended Activity –Batana Eco-Museum
Get acquainted with the region’s history at the Batana Eco-Museum. Much of the museum’s exhibitions are dedicated to Rovinj’s traditional wooden boats, known as batana boats. The museum also promotes the local heritage and hosts different shows throughout the year.
Iceland
Iceland doesn’t have a tropical climate or the most historically quaint architecture, but there’re plenty of reasons why it’s a solid choice for a honeymoon. For starters, Iceland is the land of the midnight sun, with the sun shining for 24 hours throughout summer. During winter, Iceland is one of the best places to see the magical Aurora Borealis—the Northern Lights. These unique experiences are what make a honeymoon truly special.
It’s easy to imagine Iceland as a remote place, but it’s closer to the United States than you may think. The flight to Iceland can take as little as six hours from the United States to the international airport in Reykjavík, its capital city. From Reykjavík, you can venture out and explore the many intriguing sights of Iceland.
Make The Most Of Your Trip To Iceland
The best way to experience Iceland is to head onto Route 1, a vast ring road that encircles the whole country. Along the way, you can stop at the famous Blue Lagoon, a natural hot spring (pack a swimsuit), black-sand beaches (pack a very warm wet suit), spectacular waterfalls, mountain ranges, glaciers, and looming basalt rocks. Iceland is perfect for honeymooners looking to tread new ground and experience nature in all its glory.
Recommended Stay –Hotel Kriunes
Forty minutes outside of Reykjavík is a family-run hotel nestled next to the picturesque LakeElliðavatn. During winter, you can watch the Northern Lights dance above the lake from the comfort of your room, it is a perfect location to enjoy the magical Icelandic countryside.
Recommended Activity – Northern Lights
Arrive between October and March for the best chance to watch the Northern Lights. Completely free to enjoy, just remember to bring warm clothes, and get ready to make memories that’ll last a lifetime.
Maasai Mara, Kenya
If you want to make your honeymoon an unforgettable experience, consider a safari trip to Maasai Mara. This large nature reserve in Narok, Kenya, is named after the Maasai people, who share the reserve with the animals and help to protect the animals against poachers.
Maasai Mara is the ideal honeymoon destination for the nature-lovers out there, but there is plenty to do here as well as viewing the animals. Bushwalks, quad bike tours, and trips to local towns will fill up your days. You can even take a trip on a hot air balloon to take in the amazing views across the plains. Choose whether to stay at one of the luxury lodges with swimming pools or in a tranquil camp for the authentic safari feel.
What To Look Out For
The Maasai Mara reserve lies on the route used by wildebeests, gazelles, and zebras on their migratory paths. Between August and October is the best time to arrive as you will be able to observe the migratory animals as they try to navigate a path through the big cats. During the rest of the year, the park is home to lions, leopards, crocodiles, giraffes, elephants, buffalos, and an extraordinary variety of birdlife.
Recommended Hotel –Keekorok Lodge
Keekorok Lodge is an open lodge, which means the animals can, and do, wander through the grounds. Don’t worry though, the staff is well-trained, and security is high. The lodge features a Hippo Bar that serves cold drinks near a lake filled with hippos, a true once-in-a-lifetime experience to share with your partner.
Recommended Activity –Hot Air Safari
The most impressive way to take in the Kenyan plains is from the sky as the sun rises. The most experienced company in Kenya, Africa Eco Adventures Ltd, has a balloon specifically intended for honeymooners.
Romantic Honeymoons
Last, and perhaps the most sought after, are the destinations for a truly romantic getaway. These destinations are sure to ignite that honeymoon spark and give you memories that you’ll cherish for the rest of your lives.
Bruges, Belgium
Lose yourself amongst the medieval spires and canal-lined avenues of Bruges. Located in the Flemish northwest Belgium, Bruges was once occupied by the Dutch, the French, and the Austrians. Its location made it the wealthiest city in Europe for a large chunk of history, and it’s even said to have the highest concentration of castles anywhere in the world. In the 1960s, Bruges went through a renovation period culminating in it being named “European Capital of Culture” in 2002. It is one of the best-maintained medieval towns in Europe and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Wine And Dine In Romantic Bruges
Bruges is home to some of the world’s best beers, and perhaps as a consequence, the world’s best French fries. If this doesn’t sound very romantic, consider that it is also home to the world’s best chocolate and waffles, and it’s a city of swans, horse-drawn carriages, and champagne breakfasts. It is not yet a famous honeymoon destination, but 2022 could be the year it breaks out. Bruges makes a great base to explore the rest of Belgium, with France and Holland also within easy access.
Recommended Hotel –Hotel Jan Brito
A historic manor house located in the center of Bruges, Hotel Jan Brito is simple but elegant in a traditional European way. It’s centrally located, and perfect for exploring the many attractions of Bruges. During the summer months, the well-maintained garden is ideal for enjoying a late-afternoon drink.
Recommended Activity –Horse Drawn Carriage Tour
A romantic tour that you can take under the moonlight during summer. Book in advance to ensure you’re not disappointed.
Paris, France
Honeymoon in the original City of Love. Also known as the City of Light,Parisis one of Europe’s major players in the world of romance, fashion, and fine dining. Paris has the most beautiful and iconic sights in the world and multiple world-class museums and galleries. The Louvre is the most visited museum globally, while the Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the finest examples of French architecture. A honeymoon in Paris is the stuff of fairytales.
The Home Of Fine Dining
French cuisine has long been considered the gold standard, and there is no better place than Paris to sample it. Throughout the city, you will find traditional fine dining side-by-side innovative new restaurants, plus an abundance of courtyard eateries and bars providing enchanting views across the city. You will find anything you could ever dream of regarding accommodation, from furnished apartments to quaint bed and breakfasts, through to the most regal and decadent of luxury hotels.
The best time to visit Paris is during spring and autumn when the weather and parks are at their best. During July and especially August, the heat can become oppressive, and crowds of tourists somewhat take over the city.
Recommended Hotel –Hôtel Signature Saint Germain des Près
Close to the metro and within walking distance of Paris’ most iconic venues, the Signature Saint Germain Hotel is on a surprisingly quiet street. Cute balconies overlooking the street reveal the authentic side of Paris, and despite being in the middle of the city, the neighborhood is far from touristy.
Recommended Activity –Notre Dame Cathedral
One of the most famous cathedrals in the world, the UNESCO World Heritage masterpiece offers 360-degree views of Paris from the bell tower. Construction is currently underway to rebuild the cathedral after a devastating fire destroyed part of the famous monument in 2019. At the moment you may not be able to climb the bell tower to see the famous views, but it is well worth visiting the cathedral to admire this work of art from the outside.
Bali, Indonesia
Bali offers something to appeal to every honeymooner. There are budget-friendly options that allow you to enjoy the honeymoon of your dreams without breaking the bank. There are undiscovered towns and fishing villages if interested in a quiet honeymoon away from the tourist hoards.
Bali is a romantic destination. With tropical sunsets, lush rainforests, and turquoise oceans, how could it not be? It’s easy to find a luxury destination to relax in style and have your every need taken care of.
The Best Time To Visit
The best time for a honeymoon in Bali is during April, May, September, and October. This will allow you to get the best of the weather and avoid the busiest months. Flights and accommodation are cheaper during these months, so if you’re planning an early, or late, summer getaway, Bali is well worth considering.
Things To Do In Bali
You won’t have a chance to get bored in Bali. For active pursuits, Bali has some of the world’s best surf breaks, with waves suitable for all abilities. Novices can take lessons, making it easy to return from your trip with a new skill. A hike up Mount Batur Volcano will reward you with one of the best views in Bali. Plus, you’ll burn off any excess calories you might have consumed since your wedding. If you’re looking for something more sedate, there’re lots of restaurants and cocktail bars with superb views of the sunset turning the ocean a fiery orange.
Recommended Stay –Warrick Ibah Luxury Villa
Located close to Ubud but set amongst the thick, tropical, jungle, the hotel feels like it could be in the middle of the wilderness. Great views from the rooms, and swimming pools that lookout across the valley. The hotel is also close to beaches.
Recommended Activity – UP2U Surf School Bali
The number 1 ranked surf school on Tripadvisor, UP2U will get you into the water, and surfing in just one 2.5 hour lesson. Individual tuition is available as well as group lessons.
Marrakesh, Morocco
Watch the stars come out over the desert in spellbinding Morocco. One of Morocco’s four major cities also known by the French spelling of Marrakech, it means “the land of God”. Also known as the ‘Red City’ after the walls which surround the old district. From the moment you arrive at the stunning Marrakech Menara Airport you find amazing views around every corner. At the heart of the city you will find the Dejemma el Fna square. During the day the square is full of orange juice and water stalls, snake charmers, story-tellers and magicians. It is an authentic, living glimpse of Marrakesh’s heritage. You may have to take a leaf out of their book and remember this by memory though as they always charge for pictures! At night the square is full of food stalls serving delicious Moroccan Street food.
Rich Cultural History
Marrakesh is a place where traditional life has been preserved and was granted UNESCO Masterpiece status to protect this during the changing economic climate. Marrakesh is perfectly located for seeing all Morocco has to offer. It is an hour’s drive away from the Atlas Mountains, and around 3 hours away from the Sahara Desert and Essaouira on the coast. The recommended time to visit during the ‘shoulder seasons’ between March and April and October to November. The summer brings very hot weather which can be uncomfortable. One reason to visit in the summer is the Festival of Popular Arts. The festival celebrates Marrakech’s folk traditions and attracts performers from across the globe.
Recommended Hotel – Riad Ajebel
Riad Ajabel will take care of you from the moment you get off the plane by organizing transfers from the airport. Riad Ajabel is located just outside the old town. This means you’re close to the heart of Marrakech, but far enough away to ensure you aren’t disturbed by the noise and commotion.
Recommended Activity – Luxury Camp In The Desert
The fully customizable tours allow you to head out into the Sahara Desert and sleep in a luxury campsite under the stars. Transfers are included as well as camel trekking and other desert activities.
We hope you enjoyed this article on the best places to honeymoon. Please let us know your favorites in the comments section.
Oliver Lovett
