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You’ve handled all the wed-min and it’s been years of hard work. The greatest day of your life should now be matched with a fantastic Honeymoon with your new spouse. But, where are the best places to go? What makes them stand out as prime Honeymoon destinations? And where should you stay? We’ve got the answers.
To be honest with you, I have notes about 20 different Honeymoon locations. Yep. 20.
And that’s because choosing your Honeymoon destination isn’t a ‘one country fits all’ kind of thing. It depends massively on who you are as a couple and what you consider to be ‘perfection’.
So, I’ve made sure to give you as much information as possible about the specific places on our top 12 list.
And, because of the amount of info I’m about to drop on you, we’re splitting it into 4 parts. Trust me: this is for your own good.
This way, you’ll be able to take in the 3 honeymoon destinations on our list, select a favorite from each part and pick out of the 4 you have remaining.
See? I’ve got your back. So, let’s take a flight to our first best 3 honeymoon destinations.
1. The Maldives
You knew the Maldives was going to make the cut on our ultimate honeymoon destinations countdown.
And, though predictable, it is so for very, very good reasons.
The Maldives have everything newly-weds need for a honeymoon to remember. We’re talking sparkling oceans, private white-sandy beaches, overwater bungalows and sunsets that could melt a snowman’s heart.
These islands are bang in the heart of the Indian Ocean. The crystal water alone is a spectacle. Kanuhura states that: “divers can spot anything from mantas, whale sharks and hammerheads to turtles, dolphins, whales, eagle rays, Napoleon wrasse, reef sharks and many other sea creatures.”
If you’re leaning toward the Maldives as your honeymoon destination, make sure you book a snorkelling session. It’s the closest thing you’ll get to experiencing true magic.
But, don’t be fooled. The Maldives can be a honeymoon which consists of lounging on the beach, sipping cocktails, (although alcohol is technically illegal there. We’ll get to that in a sec), and soaking up the 84 degree fahrenheit average.
But it can just as easily be action packed. There’s a range of water sports available and tonnes of yoga sessions taught on the beachfront.
When booking your honeymoon in the Maldives, you can choose from either the Private Islands or the Local Islands. The private islands are the islands you see on vacation brochures with overwater bungalows and shimmering luxury. You can drink alcohol and wear your swimsuit wherever you fancy.
However, if you select the more affordable alternative: the local islands, you’ll be unable to consume alcohol as it’s illegal. Further, you’re required to keep covered up to appreciate and respect the culture.
There are benefits to both honeymoon options. It very much depends on what you class as ‘the perfect honeymoon.’
The private islands are luxurious and the classic honeymoon destination. However, they come with a pretty hefty price tag.
But is it worth it? Yes. 100%.
Going to the Maldives on your honeymoon is a sure way to escape reality all around the clock. By day, you’ve got the belting sun topping up your tan, tooty-fruity cocktails, (depending on your island choice), and snorkeling to the magical underwater coral cities. By night, you’ll be mesmerized by the starry spectacle that bounces off the Indian Ocean. It’s romance 24/7.
Where shall I stay in the Maldives for my honeymoon?
I’m so glad you asked. There are a number of stunning hotels you can call home for your honeymoon, but I’ve narrowed it down to the 2 places that scream out ‘romance’.
Shangri-La Villingili Resort + Spa
There’s no other term to describe this resort other than ‘super-luxury’.
You’ll get your own private villa which is standing on the edge of the crystal shoreline.
After check in, you’ll have the island Host cater to your every need.
With a massive range of island dining destinations to pick from, you’re going to be dining in style. And, if you want the ultimate romantic meal in the Maldives, you can book the Dine By Design experience.
The Dine by Design experience at the Shangri-La Villingili Resort and Spa is the ultimate. The resort chefs prepare you a private meal at the most exclusive and ultra-romantic locations on the islands. Private 5* dinner on the beach? Count me in.
Unleash your inner Tiger Woods and play a round at the only 9 hole golf course in the Maldives. Or, explore the tropical forest and find your inner wild-thang.
The Shangri-La Villingili Resort + Spa is a perfect choice for newly-weds to enjoy their honeymoon in the Maldives.
The St Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
Part of the Marriott chain, the St Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is a literal island paradise. Their website states that the resort is “nestled between verdant rainforest and white-sand beaches on an exclusive private island...The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort overlooks the alluring waves of the Indian Ocean”
You can choose between villas with a garden view, beachfront bedrooms or over-water villas with their own private pools. Yep. Private pools. If you’ve been scrolling vacation TikTok and you’ve seen a luxurious Maldives villa above the ocean, it’s likely to have been filmed at The St Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort. The hype is nothing on the reality.
Oh! And did I mention that you’ll be assigned a personal butler for your entire stay? The perfect way to start your adventure as a married couple.
We love this honeymoon destination because:
Sparkling oceans with underwater fairytales of marine-life.
Over-water villas. Enough said.
The warmth. With an average of 84 degrees fahrenheit during the peak month of March.
What activities can you do as newlyweds at this honeymoon destination?
Snorkeling
Golf
Watersports
Sunbathing, swimming + relaxing.
Eating + drinking. Lots of it.
Best time to go to the Maldives?
Book your honeymoon in the Maldives for March. With average temperatures of 84 degrees fahrenheit, (which is 29 degrees celsius), the heat isn’t ‘too hot’ and makes the ocean the ideal temperature for snorkeling.
Perfect for couples who:
Are exhausted from all the wed-min and need to rejuvenate and relax. These couples are romantics at heart and enjoy the traditional things in life. They’ll be totally into sunbathing, scenic landscapes and private dinners by the beach.
Where will I have seen the Maldives before?
The Maldives played host to the filming crew of Star Wars: Rogue One back in 2016. “For just under two weeks in late 2015, the coral atoll of Laamu in the Indian Ocean was transformed into the Outer Rim tropical planet of Scarif for the filming of ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’.”
2. Italy
If you’re all about booking a European honeymoon, Italy is one of the best honeymoon destinations. Everything about it screams ‘Europe’.
Italy is rich in culture. From pastel-painted houses scattered across cliff tops to fresh pizza and pasta wherever you turn and delicious Italian wine to that oh-so-romantic accent, Italy is prime honeymoon material.
But we get it. Italy is a whole country. You can’t go everywhere. So, where are the best places?
Sorrento is a super popular choice for honeymooners. With super easy access to places like Amalfi, Positano and Capri for day trips, Sorrento is a great home base. With cobbled streets that twist around the coastline, you can’t ask for a more ‘fairytale-esque’, romantic setting. Sorrento is perfect for couples who want to do a little exploring rather than lounging in the hotel all day.
It’s jam-packed with cultural nuggets, like Sorrento Marina, the views from the top of Ravello and SO. MUCH. LOCAL. FOOD.
That said, if you’d rather the Italian countryside, check out Tuscany. Just as romantic as Sorrento, you can wander the Tuscan towns with your new spouse, take couples cooking classes and take in the luscious green landscape of the Italian countryside.
(Plus, your life will transform when you learn how to make fresh pasta from the pros. I’m telling you - I make fresh Tuscan pasta at least once a week now and it’s a whole new way of life.)
And while you’re there, you should definitely book a vineyard tour. Some of the best wines in the world originate from Tuscany, and it’s an ultra-romantic, (somewhat boozy), date. Perfect to show your appreciation for Italian culture and get a little merry at the same time.
Where shall I stay in Italy for my honeymoon?
We’ve already mentioned your 2 main choices from coastal Italy to the Tuscan countryside. But, zoning in more: what’s the best accommodation type and why?
Hotel la Fortezza - Florence
Before we go any further, I need to say this:
When I go on vacation, my main priority is the food. When I book a hotel, I am super focused on the breakfast options.
Hotel la Fortezza in Florence is the place for a breakfast buffet.
Usually, breakfast buffets leave me disappointed. This one, though? It’s got the wow-factor. Seriously. Breakfast game is on point.
The bedrooms are full of natural light and are decorated contemporarily. And, unlike the accommodation in The Maldives, it’s pretty damn affordable.
Hotel la Fortezza is in the heart of Florence, a stone through away from the hustle and bustle, but in it’s own quiet location. If you and your new spouse are culture-soakers, this is a fantastic hotel for your honeymoon in Italy.
Monteverdi Tuscany - Tuscany
If you’re all about the Tuscan countryside, it doesn’t get more luxurious than the Monteverdi Tuscany. With our luxury scale being broken from the dazzle of this hotel, you’ll be able to soak up the Italian culture in style.
The Monteverdi Tuscany is a boutique hotel which is snuggled on the top of a Medieval hilltop. Take a look around and you’ll see no paved roads or sidewalks. If you’re a lover of all things green, this is for you. Perfect for couples who want to escape, who are craving some peace and quiet after the chaotic bliss of their wedding day.
The views from the Monteverdi Tuscany quite literally take your breath away. With rolling hills of gold and green, Italian vineyards and walled cities, the view is like something out of a fairytale.
Every room in this hotel is styled differently to reflect the history and strong sense of character within each of the walls. 100% chic with a spice of Tuscan lifestyle - my favorite kind.
We love this honeymoon destination because:
It’s like something out of an old, European fairytale. It’s a slightly more unique choice and symbolizes the culture-lovers that choose Italy as their honeymoon destination. And the food. So much food.
What activities can you do as newlyweds at this honeymoon destination?
Eat. Eat. And eat again.
Walk the cobbled streets of quaint, Italian towns.
Cookery classes.
Vineyard tours.
Best time to go to Italy?
Book your honeymoon in Italy from April to June. May, in particular, is a lovely time to go because the temperature is comfortably warm without the flocks of tourists. On average, it’s about 73 degrees fahrenheit in May. The peak times are June to August, which is obviously hotter, but comes at a price of thousands of tourists.
Perfect for couples who:
Don’t want to stay in the hotel for their entire trip. Couples who want a taste of European culture will find it in abundance in Italy. Also, if you’re foodies, you don’t get better than authentic, Italian cuisine.
Where will I have seen Italy before?
Have you seen ‘Inferno’ (2016)? Or ‘Hannibal’ (2001)? Both these films use the stunning surroundings of Florence to set their stories.
3. Bali
Perfect for those who love to party, grab your honeymoon in Bali!
(I know that was lame. And there’s so much more to it. But, I thought it was a fun little way to introduce our third honeymoon destination on this week’s list.)
Bali has boomed in popularity since 2009 and continues to be on the shortlist for the ultimate honeymoon destination for newlyweds.
And for very good reason.
Bali’s beautiful beaches, booming nightlife and unique culture makes it one-of-a-kind. It’s a vacation you will never ever forget, because being there is unlike anything else.
Bali has an area of just over 2000 square miles, making it an ideal setting for newlyweds who want to roam a little without having to travel for hours on end. And, oh, the things you’ll see!
Ubud is in the heart of the island and home to the hustle and bustle of Bali. It’s known for traditional Balinese dancers, rice terraces, monkey forests and markets that’ll blow your mind. If you’re looking for somewhere to have adventures, get in your daily steps and see something you’ve never seen before, Ubud is for you.
On the other side of the coin, though, we’ve got Canggu and Seminyak, which are both located on the coast. It’s the absolute opposite of Ubud. With hundreds of beach bars to order cocktails, prosecco or fruit juices, brunch spots and sunsets that are worthy of your Instagram page, Canggu and Seminyak are your more ‘traditional’ honeymoon settings.
The Gili islands of Bali are stunning. You can get there in just under 2 hours from Padang Bai Port, and you can cycle the entire diameter of the island in under an hour. So, you’re sightseeing on your own terms.
The Gili islands hosts beach-bar galore. So, hop on your bike, cycle for a while, soak up the sun and then stop for a drink or two. Or five. It’s your choice.
But, what I love most about the Gili islands is that there won’t be a car in sight. It’s like you’ve been plonked right in the middle of Cinderella with sun, as the mode of transportation here is horse-drawn carriages.
Where shall I stay in Bali for my honeymoon?
Bali is romantic by its very nature, so finding a hotel to host your Bali honeymoon is easy. But, to make it even easier, here are the 2 hotels we recommend most.
The Akasha Luxury Villas - Seminyak
Looking for idealistic luxury where you wouldn’t have to leave the villa if you didn’t want to? Look no further. The Akasha Luxury Villas are super private villas, situated only a 2 minute walk from Batubelig Beach.
(Plus, they offer a free drop off shuttle service to the town center.)
Each private villa has a separate living room, a wonderfully spacious bedroom, an outdoor shower and a private pool. It’s like a home away from home.
Not to mention that you can order in-villa spa treatments.
With no real reason to leave your villa unless you wanted to explore, The Akasha Luxury Villas in Seminyak is an ultra romantic choice for your honeymoon in Bali.
Alamdini Resort - Ubud
Animal lover? Knew that you had an inner-Tarzan and Jane? Then the Alamdini Resort is the ideal choice for you. This resort is the ultimate jungle escape.
There’s an on-site restaurant and a massive outdoor pool which overlooks shimmering, emerald greenery. You’ll even see families of monkeys who live in the trees nearby. And don’t get me started on the birdsong. You don’t get much more romantic than this.
Plus, you can grab the WiFi code on the house to post your photos to the Gram. Trust me, you’re going to want to.
If you and your new spouse are cycling-lovers, this resort is the perfect place for you. The resort even offers bike hire so you can explore the time at your own pace whilst getting in your daily exercise.
We love this honeymoon destination because:
It’s so incredibly versatile. There’s something for everyone here. While other places on our list are picturesque and quaint, Bali also has active, bustling nightlife. In stark contrast, within minutes you can feel like you’re in the center of a jungle. The sunsets are beautiful and it’s a one-of-a-kind experience that you’ll never forget.
What activities can you do as newlyweds at this honeymoon destination?
Have dinner on the Indian ocean.
Stroll through the vivid colors of the flower fields.
Visit and relax in the local rock pool at Tegal Wangi Beach
Discover the wilderness at the Bali Safari and Marine Park
Best time to go to Bali?
The best times to go to Bali on your honeymoon should fall between the months of April to October, during the dry season. There’s very little rain, low humidity and tonnes of sun, making getting a tan an easy task.
Perfect for couples who:
Are looking for true adventure and versatility. You can have moonlight walks on the beach by night and wander around with monkeys by day. Bali has something for everyone, so it’s perfect for newlyweds with a packed to-do list and bucket list.
Where will I have seen Bali before?
I mentioned that Bali has boomed in popularity since 2009. That’s no real surprise, because Bali’s beauty was showcased in ‘Eat, Pray, Love’, which aired in 2009.
The best honeymoon destination
And there you have it. That’s part 1 of 4. Which of our 3 honeymoon destinations have you got your heart set on?
Is your dream honeymoon destination not on this list? If so, don’t panic. We have 3 more parts to go through.
Make sure you sign up for blog updates below so we can shoot you a message when we’ve published part 2.