When a beach is all you need for your first getaway as newlyweds, you have a bucket list full of choices. Here we focus on the best honeymoon destinations in tropical places around the world to help find the right beach for you to share candlelit dinners and make romantic memories.
Maldives
This Indian Ocean archipelago southwest of India is the place for an ultra-luxurious, over-the-water, lifetime-memory-making honeymoon. The luxury accommodations, the clear turquoise water and the intimate feel of the Maldives make it the quintessential tropical honeymoon destination.
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.
The Maldives is a world-class scuba diving destination and many resorts offer dive packages and programs so you can get dive certified on-site.
Hawaii
Warm ocean breezes, sultry hula dances and gorgeous white sand beaches make the Hawaiian islands a top honeymoon destination. But which Hawaiian island is right for your special trip?
Kauai
- Known as the Garden Isle, Kauai is covered in lush rainforest.
- Sun on the famous Poipu Beach, hike the Napali Coast or splurge on a helicopter tour for epic views!
- Stay at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay to laze in luxury at this new wellness resort in an unbeatable location.
Maui
If you want a true “White Lotus” experience, sans murder, try the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea on Hawaii’s second-largest island. This island is known for farm-to-table cuisine and spotting humpback whales. It’s also the most expensive island to plan your visit.
- Take the road to Hana to see the black sand beaches and swim in a waterfall.
- Book a dolphin watching tour. If you visit during whale migration season from November to May, you might also see humpbacks.
- Walk the Kapalua Coastal Trail.
Oahu
Home to Hawaii’s capital city, Honolulu, Oahu is the place to go if you want to pair that laid-back beach vibe with some sizzling nightlife.
- Snorkel with sea turtles off Waikiki Beach or, if you prefer an adrenaline rush, cage dive with sharks.
- Take a surfing lesson on the island’s famous North Shore or hike the strenuous 0.8-mile trail up to see Diamond Head Crater.
- Book a stay at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa and find your Zen with a couples massage at the spa.
Belize
Belize is a hot spot in Central America that’s just right for a low-key tropical honeymoon destination.
- Explore Mayan ruins like Caracol, located throughout the country.
- Snorkel or dive along the Belize Barrier Reef, the largest coral barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere.
- Stay at Cayo Espanto, a private island and resort along the Caribbean coast of Belize. Or try Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort, which offers specials such as candlelit dinner packages and treehouse or beachfront suites, with an intimate ambiance.
The Caribbean
The Caribbean is vast and diverse, offering snorkeling, kayaking, majestic turquoise waters, island hopping adventures, and wide, white sand beaches. The islands are filled with romantic couples-only resorts that make the best tropical honeymoon destinations.
The Bahamas
- Head to Harbour Island for pink-sand beaches.
- Visit Grand Exuma to commune with the famous swimming pigs.
- Stay at Sandals Royal Bahamian to experience a new level of luxury where the all-inclusive resort caters to newlyweds – and spring for the butler-level room.
Turks & Caicos
This is the go-to spot for photo shoots for tropical calendars, thanks to the insanely clear turquoise waters.
- Busy and popular Grace Bay Beach is great, but for quiet luxury, opt for the western shore of Providenciales by booking the uber-luxe Amanyara.
- Book a couples massage at one of the island’s luxurious spas.
- Bonefishing is a popular sport here, for the couple who wants some action on their honeymoon. The key to success is a great guide!
Barbados
You could spend your life visiting all the islands of the Caribbean and trying to choose a favorite. Barbados is a definite contender for the top spot.
- Stay at Turtle Beach Resort all-inclusive for a luxury honeymoon that promises a more bespoke experience than a typical all-inclusive resort.
- Take a local rum tour and enjoy liming (not the fruit, a local Bajan term for being social).
St. Lucia
Saint Lucia is a Caribbean island with the iconic Pitons mountain range on its west coast. Here, honeymooners can explore volcanic beaches, luxury resorts and rainforest hiking. Hike to waterfalls or laze around in an infinity pool at your beach resort.
St. Lucia is all about the gorgeous setting around you. It is a very romantic atmosphere with several resort options, all poised to make newlyweds feel pampered and welcome.
- Stay in a romantic open-wall suite at Ladera Resort.
- Visit a UNESCO world heritage site or just relax and be in the moment.
Jamaica
Jamaica is a special part of the Caribbean. While all of the island nations are friendly and filled with luxury resort options, Jamaica also has a vibrant nightlife and a mix of laid-back vibes with elements of adventure.
- If you come alive at night, choose the adults-only Sandals Ochi Beach Resort in Ochos Rios and take an excursion to climb Dunn’s River Falls.
- Waterfalls are plentiful with easy hikes and day trips to explore.
- Get your hearts racing by cliff jumping in Negril at Rick’s Cafe.
Bali
Another quintessential tropical honeymoon destination, Bali is the place for coral reefs and crystal clear waters. And the Indonesian island is a budget-friendly destination; you can eat local food for only a few dollars a day and tours are incredibly affordable.
Bali is the westernmost of the Lesser Sunda Islands and includes Bali proper as well as a few smaller offshore islands. No matter which coastline you choose, you’ll have ocean and beaches nearby. Bali’s wonderful any time of the year, but it’s one of our favorite October honeymoon destinations.
- Splurge on the Viceroy Bali, it’s one of the most expensive options there, but still half of what you would pay in other destinations for this level of luxury.
- Enjoy jungle landscapes in this lush rainforest destination.
- Visit the Ubud Sacred Monkey Forest, Goa Gajah, Elephant Cave, Palace and traditional Art Villages.
French Polynesia
French Polynesia, like all of the best tropical honeymoon destinations, includes several islands and options for newlyweds. If you can’t decide on an island, you can explore the region by island hopping!
Tahiti
Tahiti is the largest island in French Polynesia and the place to visit black sand landscapes in addition to beautiful sandy beaches with crystal clear waters. Rangiroa is the largest atoll of the Islands of Tahiti, and the second-largest atoll in the world.
- Lafayette Beach, Taharuu Beach and Papenoo Beach are all beautiful options.
- All kinds of active tours including ATV, snorkeling, sailing and jet-skiing.
- Swim in the famous Blue Lagoon.
- Splurge on a villa with a private pool at Hotel Kia Ora Resort & Spa.
- Couples who dive and are serious about time underwater together can try a liveaboard vacation.
Bora Bora
Bora Bora is one of the most popular honeymoon resort destinations for good reason. Located in French Polynesia it’s paradise in the South Pacific Ocean.
- Take a Jeep safari together.
- Gaze at the majestic Mount Otemanu while you have a romantic dinner.
- Book the awe-inspiring Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora or the ultra-luxe overwater bungalows of the St. Regis Bora Bora Resort.
Thailand
Phuket appeals to couples searching for the perfect honeymoon destination because of its sandy beaches, ocean views, tasty Thai food and ornate Chinese temples.
- Travel between November and April to lessen the chances a monsoon will drench your honeymoon.
- Book your stay at the idyllic Napasai Hotel on Baan Tai Beach.
- Visit Viking Cave.
- Take a longtail boat ride down the River of Kings near Bangkok.
Santorini, Greece
The white buildings trimmed in blue make Santorini an Instagram-worthy Mediterranean island destination and the stuff of which romantic honeymoon dreams are made.
- Book a tour at a winery.
- Explore the Ancient Thera archeological site.
- Stay at the stunning Art Maisons Luxury Santorini Hotels Aspaki & Oia Castle.
Fiji
Here, you’ll find white sand beaches backed by sky-high palm trees and turquoise waters, as well as romantic overwater bungalows. Romantic honeymoon options include Fijiian resorts on private islands with private plunge pools.
- Stay at the all-inclusive Namale Resort and Spa.
- The main island of Viti Levu has the best beaches along with urban adventures.
- The Yasawa Island of Fiji’s Western Division is known for its low-key ambiance in a desert island paradise.
- The Mamanucas are best for surfing and white sand beaches.
- Book a day cruise to see the islands’ beauty from the water.
Mauritius
This small African island just east of Madagascar is a less frequented spot for romantic honeymoons but it’s got everything for a newlywed getaway.
- Wine and dine at one of many gourmet waterfront restaurants
- Splurge on a bucket list stay at One&Only Le Saint Géran surrounded by coral reefs, clear waters and a crescent-shaped stretch of white sand beach.
- Visit Black River Gorges National Park and enjoy the large, rainforest park hiking and lush waterfall scenery.
Australia
The plane ride is long, but oh so worth it when you are rewarded with Australia’s bounty of beautiful beaches, blue waters and exciting adventures.
- Take a tour to SCUBA or snorkel and be awed by The Great Barrier Reef.
- If you and your sweetie are more interested in terrestrial adventures, tour the famous Australian Outback.
- More privacy in mind? Private island romance is attainable on Hayman Island (one of the 74 Whitsunday Islands) and 5-star luxury can be found at the InterContinental Hayman Island Resort.
- Basing out of Queensland? The Kewarra Beach Resort is for you!
New Zealand
Honeymooners can find mountains, ocean, beaches, luxury and quietude on the South Island of New Zealand. This is not your typical fancy hotel, all-inclusive-resort stay. New Zealand is for lovers looking for once-in-a-lifetime bucket list experiences. The North Island features well-known Auckland and a much denser urban population. Head to the South Island for a true getaway.
South Island
- Check out the Cape Farewell Seal Colony and book a horse trek along the coast.
- Book your stay at the luxurious and romantic Otahuna Lodge.
- Heli touring is super popular in this region due to the landscape extremes.
- Enjoy stunning views of the Tasman Sea.
- Explore the Paparoa National Park.
- Stay at Eichardt’s Private Hotel in Queenstown for breathtaking views of Lake Wakatipu.
- If you are movie buffs, venture out on a Lord of the Rings tour to see where the movies were filmed.
Seychelles
The Seychelles are a group of islands located east of Kenya and Tanzania, in the middle of the Indian Ocean and west of the Maldives. The feeling of seclusion from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the world makes it a perfect hideaway for honeymooners.
- Book a boat tour to Curieuse Island and spend time looking for gentle Giant Aldabra tortoises.
- Stay at the ultra-luxe Raffles Praslin Seychelles Resort, on Praslin, the island that was once declared the rediscovered Garden of Eden.
- Visit Anse Source D’Argent beach with giant rock outcrops and sandy beaches.
Mexico
Mexico is an easy international getaway from most of the USA. And there are many options for all-inclusive resorts and beachfront villas, from budget-friendly to sparing-no-expense for the ultimate luxury resort stay.
Riviera Maya
- Stay at UNICO Hotel Riviera Maya and take a mixology master class together at this adults-only all-inclusive resort.
- Visit the nearby Tulum ruins, see turtles, and explore cenotes with a combo tour.
Los Cabos
This super-popular tourist destination for travelers of all kinds has a ton of tours, urban nightlife, culinary experiences, and day trips to allow for a lot of activity choices during your getaway.
- Le Blanc Spa Resort is the luxury all-inclusive resort by which you will judge all future high-end tropical resort experiences.
California
You don’t need a passport to enjoy a romantic honeymoon in California. Your dream honeymoon can be city chic or a weekend in the woods, California has the full range of fun for new spouses to explore:
- Catalina Island offers nature, peace and an island hideaway.
- Los Angeles has playful spots for dates and upscale dining.
- Plan a seaside romantic brunch with table champagne bottle service and an array of berries at SALT in Marina del Rey.
- Napa Valley is the place to go for wine and romance.
- Head south of LA to Newport Beach and enjoy the luxury Resort at Pelican Hill.
- Yosemite, Sequoia, and Redwoods are options for a National Parks road trip honeymoon.
Florida
You can have the best tropical honeymoon destination in your backyard with all the Sunshine State offers.
Florida has many of the best beaches in the country and even in the world. Flights are easy to connect from all corners of the United States. It’s tropical and also convenient to plan. Florida is a vacation paradise and that doesn’t exclude honeymoon destinations!
- Florida Keys — for a real luxe experience stateside, book at Little Palm Island Resort and Spa, a private island with a once-in-a-lifetime view and price tag.
- Miami can be a blast for a couple with plenty of nightlight and beach vibes. Try the Ritz-Carlton, Bal Harbour in North Miami for a luxury stay in the big city.
- Pensacola and Destin are romantic beach towns to enjoy sunsets and long walks on the beach.
- And, of course, we can’t forget Disney World, where you can book a magical dinner in Cinderella’s Castle.
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