The best honeymoon destinations in the month of October offer just the right mix of romance and memory-making. These exotic bucket list spots share several traits – warm weather, a lush setting and abundant options for activities. They all are terrific vacation destinations any time of year, but they’re optimal for an autumn honeymoon.
Whatever your newlywed pleasure – lazing away the days on the beach, exploring urban attractions or opting for more active endeavors – this list of October honeymoon destinations has something for the way you want to vacation.
And, because it matters where you stay on a romantic getaway, we offer hotel recommendations, all of which garnered top reviews on third-party hotel booking sites.
Read More: The Ultimate Honeymoon Packing List
Santorini, Greece
Our stop in Santorini was the highlight of my honeymoon cruise through the Greek Islands. We were mesmerized by the bright whitewashed buildings edged in a rich blue that matched the sky. It was easy to see why Santorini is such a popular honeymoon destination – we spent most of our lunch on the island convincing ourselves we really should get back on the ship, versus booking a room and spending the rest of our honeymoon exploring this gorgeous island.
My honeymoon was in April – the air was cool and the sun was warm – similar to the weather you can expect on an October honeymoon in Greece. And because it’s the shoulder season, the crowds will be much smaller, adding to the feeling that this island was put there just for you and your new spouse.
Where to Stay on a Honeymoon in Santorini
There are a number of resorts that offer spa treatments, couples massages and other romantic treats. While hubby and I did not end up staying, the lure of a honeymoon suite at the Santorini Princess Spa Hotel with its hot tub and view of the caldera was oh so tempting! Or there’s the Homeric Poems with its sea view rooms and the promise of an in-room massage.
Bali
Bali is a warm and welcoming place for an October honeymoon. The rainy season hasn’t yet begun and the lush greenery invites outdoor adventures. You can relax on some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, surf, hike or explore the island’s many temples and villages. Or just head to one of the many spas that offer couples massages.
Honeymoon Resorts in Bali
The Bandha Hotel & Suites offers some serious honeymoon must-haves, including rooms with private plunge pools, and rooms with a spa bath and included massage.
Or try the Samata by Lifestyle Retreats, a boutique hotel near the beach. We recommend the spa suite that comes complete with a daily massage.
Morocco
The sights! The sounds! The tastes! Morocco is a country to be experienced with all of your senses – exactly the sort of trip you want for a honeymoon.
This exotic North African country was my last stop before the pandemic shut down travel. Memories of the bright colors of the medina (pronounced med-ee-na, the word means “walled city”), the sounds of the souk (pronounced sook, it means street market) and the exotic and delicious cuisine sustained me through the many months of not traveling.
October is one of the best months to visit Morocco. The weather is not so hot and the crowds are not so big. Pack layers, wear sunglasses and lather on the sunscreen, especially if you plan a camel ride through the Sahara (and you should!). And don’t miss the chance to book a treatment at a traditional Moroccan hamman (spa) for a body scrub and massage.
Where to Stay on a Honeymoon in Morocco
For an urban adventure, stay in the heart of Marrakech at the Riad Andalla Spa. If you head to Tangier, try the Banyan Tree Tamouda Bay where every room has a private pool. For a Sahara experience, book a luxury tent at Sahara Desert Luxury Camp. (Yes, the tents have a private bathroom and shower.)
Kauai
Hawaii’s “Garden Island,” Kauai is the place for nature lovers. Hike to majestic waterfalls, take a boat ride to watch the entertaining spinner dolphins or splurge on a helicopter tour over the untamed interior of the island.
Where to Stay on a Honeymoon in Kauai
Choose an oceanfront room with a lanai at Ko’a Kea Resort on Po’ipu Beach. You can surf, swim and sun on beautiful Po’ipu Beach, then book a body wrap or Swedish massage at The Spa at Ko’a Kea.
St. Barts
If you want a beach honeymoon fit for the rich and famous, consider booking your romantic tropical getaway to the island of Saint Barthélemy (a.k.a. St Barts or, sometimes, St. Barths) in the French West Indies. You can spend the day doing all your favorite tropical things – swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing – and then while away the evening watching some of the world’s most beautiful sunsets.
Pack more upscale clothes. St. Barts is more heels and cocktail dresses than flip-flops and coverups.
Honeymoon Resorts in St. Barts
Head to Eden Rock – St Barths in St Jean Bay. Originally the home of French Caribbean aviator, adventurer and treasure-seeker Rémy de Haenen, Eden Rock has long attracted the celebrity set, from Greta Garbo to the Rockefellers. Today, it’s a gorgeous resort located on a rocky promontory surrounded by white sandy beaches, clear turquoise sea and colorful coral reefs.
Antigua
Home to hundreds of gorgeous beaches and an array of luxury resorts, many of them all inclusive, Antigua is a Caribbean island about 325 miles east of Puerto Rico. While away the days relaxing on the beach or get active and go sailing, windsurfing, snorkeling, diving or hiking.
Where to Stay on a Honeymoon in Antigua
Cocobay Resort in St. Mary’s is an adults-only all-inclusive resort, so you won’t have to worry about dodging kids during your vacation in paradise. Amenities at this beachfront resort include a pool, wellness spa, fitness studio with nature walks and beach workouts, waterfront hammocks and complimentary water sports such as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and snorkeling.
Tuscany, Italy
Tuscany is the place you think of when you think of the beautiful, verdant rolling Italian countryside. It’s a romantic spot for newlyweds in search of a laid-back honeymoon in Europe that will be filled with long walks, quiet talks and lots and lots of wine. Or head to Florence to visit Michelangelo’s statue of David or Pisa to see that leaning tower.
In October, the weather is lovely, the leaves are changing and the crowds are much smaller than during the summer high season and there are a number of fall festivals to visit.
Where to Stay on a Honeymoon in Tuscany
With just 50 individually furnished rooms, COMO Castello Del Nero is a charming boutique hotel in rural Tuscany. The room rate includes a free breakfast buffet, 18 holes of golf and a roundtrip airport shuttle. There’s an onsite spa and two restaurants.
Inside a national park in Montalcino is where you’ll find Castello di Velona Resort Thermal SPA & Winery. a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World and the Leading Hotels of the World. A cooked-to-order breakfast is included, there’s an attached winery, poolside bar, spa and three restaurants serving Italian food and al fresco dining.
Maldives
The Maldives is at the top of our list of the best tropical honeymoon destinations for a reason: luxurious overwater bungalows set atop the aqua blue waters of the Indian Ocean. Staying there can make you feel like you two are alone on your own private island. The warm air and warm water make this the perfect honeymoon destination for swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling and a variety of water sports.
Where to Stay on a Honeymoon in the Maldives
The country employs a “one hotel, one island” concept, which means each resort is located on its own private island. Stay at one of these gorgeous over-the-water resorts: Meeru Island Resort & Spa, the Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa or the Fihalhohi Island Resort Kaafu Atoll.
Tahiti
Perhaps the best known of the islands in French Polynesia, Tahiti caters to honeymooners with a variety of honeymoon packages that include such memory-making wonders as luxury overwater bungalows, staying on your own private island, jet skiing in crystal clear South Pacific lagoons and romantic dinners on the beach.
Where to Stay on a Honeymoon in Tahiti
Choose an overwater suite or a beachside villa with a private pool at Le Taha’a by Pearl Resorts. Or head to nearby Bora Bora for a luxe stay at the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora in a 5382-square-foot three bedroom, four-bath beachfront villa estate.
Australia
Few things can beat a trip Down Under for a memorable honeymoon. On my visit, I found those Aussies to be a welcoming bunch and the country doesn’t lack for beachy spots or long days filled with sunshine. October is the middle of springtime in Australia so the weather is pleasant for outdoor adventures and sightseeing in the cities.
Where to Stay on a Honeymoon in Australia
- The Whitsunday Islands: The Whitsunday Islands are a group of 74 islands located off the coast of Queensland. They are known for their white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, lush vegetation and proximity to the Great Barrier Reef. Stay at the Whitsunday Sands Resort located on its own private peninsula or the Elysian Luxury Eco Island Retreat.
- Sydney: The capital of New South Wales, Sydney is a cosmopolitan city with a vibrant nightlife, delicious food and stunning scenery. Stay at the uber luxurious The Langham Sydney to be in the heart of the city with easy access to world-class restaurants, entertainment and the world-famous Sydney Opera House.
- Cable Beach: This Western Australia spot is the place for outdoor lovers. Stay in one of the 31 villas at Bali Hai Resort & Spa with easy access to kayaking, surfing, bodyboarding, hiking, biking and ecotours.
Mauritius
The weather in October in Mauritius is warm and sunny and the scenery is stunning whether you like beaches, jungles, mountains or ancient ruins. There are options for the honeymoon you covet, whether that means spending your days sunbathing and exploring the local area or more active endeavors such as hiking, biking, swimming, diving, snorkeling or fishing. There is no shortage of resorts that offer spa treatments, couples massages, and other romantic activities.
Where to Stay on a Honeymoon in Mauritius
- Grand Baie: Grand Baie is a popular tourist destination known for its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters and luxurious resorts. Stay on the beach at the Canonnier Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa.
- Flic en Flac: Flic en Flac is a resort town located on the west coast of Mauritius. It’s known for its beautiful beaches, calm waters and lively nightlife. Stay at La Pirogue Mauritius in Wolmar, close to shopping and the beach.
- Trou d’Eau Douce: Trou d’Eau Douce is a small town located on the east coast of Mauritius. It’s known for its relaxed atmosphere, stunning scenery and delicious food. Choose a beachfront villa or ocean suite at the LUX Belle Mare, located in a rural area and on the beach.
- Port Louis: Port Louis is the capital city of Mauritius. It’s a vibrant city with a rich history and culture. There are a variety of things to see and do in Port Louis, including visiting the Caudan Waterfront, the Blue Penny Museum and the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden. Stay close to town but on the beach at the Oberoi Beach Resort in Balaclava, five miles from Port Louis.
Thailand
While October can still be rainy in Asia; there is a good chance you’ll experience a shower in the afternoon or evening. But the unpredictable weather means that crowds will be thinner and prices lower so it’s more affordable to visit and you won’t have to compete with so many other sightseers. The cities and sacred temples have plenty of indoor spaces to get out of the rain.
Where to Stay on a Honeymoon in Thailand
- Bangkok: The capital city of Thailand, Bangkok is a vibrant city with a rich history and culture. There are a variety of things to see and do in Bangkok, including visiting the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and the Chatuchak Weekend Market. A honeymoon calls for luxe accommodations and there are plenty of luxurious hotels in Bangkok, including a St. Regis, Mandarin Oriental and Peninsula.
- Phuket: Phuket is the largest island in Thailand and is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters and luxurious resorts. If we were planning a honeymoon in Thailand, it would be hard to pass up a chance to stay at the adults-only TreeHouse Villas, located in a national park and on a private beach.
- Chiang Mai: Chiang Mai in northern Thailand is known for its temples, monasteries and elephant sanctuaries. The Maladee Rendezvous Hotel Chiang Mai has an outdoor pool and is within walking distance of Chiang Mai Night Bazaar.
Cancun
October is the dry season in Mexico, which means you’ll find warm weather with sunny skies and little chance the high humidity or stray rainstorm will dampen your honeymoon. Cancun, where my brother and sister-in-law tied the knot at a luxury resort, is known for its white-sand beaches, calm Gulf waters and luxurious resorts.
Where to Stay on Honeymoon in Cancun
Stay at the Le Blanc Spa Resort Cancun. It’s a 5-acre adults-only all-inclusive where the rooms have 2-person hot tubs and the minibar is always stocked.
Los Cabos
The resort town of Los Cabos at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula is a perfect honeymoon spot thanks to its gorgeous views, hopping nightlife and luxury resorts. It’s known for its water sports, golf courses and deep-sea fishing.
Where to Stay on Honeymoon in Los Cabos
Stay on the beach at The Cape, a Thompson Hotel. Rated 9.6 out of 10 by reviewers on Expedia, this 5-star beachfront resort has a swim-up bar at one of its two pools, 24-hours room service and an onsite spa.
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