Honeymoon
Honeymoon Hot List
Your better half will thank us later
Vows are exchanged, cake is cut and now you’re off to a romantic, relaxing, utterly deserved honeymoon. Do you see sapphire waters with you and your beau clinking champagne flutes on the beach? Or maybe you’re an adventurous duo—say, a steep, scenic hike at dawn and shark cage diving in the afternoon? Lucky for you, we researched the ultimate honeymoon destinations around the globe, from remote crystal shores to indulgent urban retreats—so you can focus on more important things like… frosting and flowers.
Bali, Indonesia
Bali’s lush, exotic landscape feels extravagant in itself. Its shades of sand range from volcanic black to heavenly white, or opt to bunk up inland, where fervent green rice paddies and waterfall-laced jungles are just a stroll away.
Bodrum, Turkey
This port city on Turkey’s southwest coast borders the Aegean Sea, and comes with a dose of medieval history. Make time to visit the 15th-century Bodrum Castle and Museum of Underwater Archaeology within, before staring deeply into each other’s eyes over a candlelit dinner of fresh fish and meze at one the many seaside restaurants.
Gili Trawangan, Indonesia
One of three tiny islands in the Gili archipelago, Gili Trawangan is surrounded by clear, warm waters housing over 3,500 species of marine life, including turtles, seahorses, coral reefs and more. Scuba dive to discover a whole new world together beneath the Bali sea.
Koh Samui, Thailand
Calm, picturesque beaches like Choeng Mon and Silver Beach leave plenty of room to laze around on snow-white sands. But don’t miss out on Koh Samui’s surrounding temples and turquoise-hued marine parks to take in all that Thailand has to offer.
Solta, Croatia
Nestled in the Adriatic Sea on the central Dalmatian archipelago, this secluded spot boasts beautiful scenic bays, bike-friendly villages and family-run farms with fresh, pure olive oil and light, drinkable wines. Stick to the summer high season when visiting this Adriatic hideaway, as most locals (and their businesses) shutter up during low season.
Santorini, Greece
We all know the Instagram shot: true-blue waters juxtaposed with stark white Cycladic buildings—and it never gets old, especially not as a backdrop for your honeymoon pics. Soak in that Mediterranean sun on the cliff-side beach of Amoudi, then catch a dreamy sunset from the coastal village of Oia, glass of the region’s eponymous wine in hand.
Isla Holbox, Mexico
While it doesn’t ring a bell like Tulum, that’s exactly the point of this intimate island escape. This mini-paradise is a 20-minute ferry ride off Mexico’s northern coast, and is home to boutique hotels crafted for lovebirds (think candlelit flower baths, private dinners under the stars). Stay put in the luxurious bliss, or venture out of the resorts in search of wild flamingos and the Disney-like magic of the island’s bioluminescent waters.
Cape Town, South Africa
Don’t be fooled by the Mother City’s nickname—this coastal metropolis on Africa’s southern tip is hip, spirited and stunning. Five-star properties like the 12 Apostles Hotel & Spa line Cape Town’s world famous beaches, and the vibrant region lends itself to everything from a sunrise hike up Table Mountain, to a sultry day at Camps Bay or an evening wine tasting amidst Stellenbosch’s mountainside vineyards.
