One of the most memorable holidays you’ll ever go on is your honeymoon! As well as exploring amazing sites and experience extraordinary cultures, it’s also the time to celebrate the beginning of an exciting new chapter with the love of your life.
For most couples, wedding planning often takes precedence, leaving little time to organize that all-important post-marriage escape. To give you a helping hand, our travel experts have put together a few inspirational trip ideas. From idyllic Pacific Island beaches to glamping trips in the African savannah, we reveal the best honeymoon destinations around the world for every month of the year.
January – Phuket, Thailand
Thailand’s makes it onto our list of best honeymoon destinations thanks to its stunning islands that provide endless opportunities for relaxation. Phuket, the largest, has universal appeal and you’ll find it’s typically blessed with bright blue skies and low humidity in January.
Embrace a slower pace of life at a low-key beach resort or stay at the center of the action in lively Phuket Town. Mouthwatering Thai cooking classes, soothing spa treatments and diving expeditions in the glittering Andaman Sea are just some of the incredible activities you can look forward to with your other half.
February – Costa Rica
A blend of lush rainforests and glorious white-sand beaches makes Costa Rica one of the best honeymoon destinations for nature lovers. If you’re getting married around Valentine’s Day, you’re in luck! February falls in the middle of the dry season and is the best time to admire the country’s diverse landscapes.
Spend a few days soaking up the vibrant markets and elegant Colonial architecture in the capital, San Jose, before heading into the verdant wildernesses of the surrounding Central Valley. Costa Rica’s vast North Pacific Coast is flecked with picture-perfect beaches where you can snorkel through vibrant coral reefs. Alternatively, head inland to national parks criss-crossed with hiking trails and dotted with hot springs.
March – Sri Lanka
Surrounded by the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka never fails to entice travellers with its stunning countryside. March is prime time for trips to Sri Lanka’s western and southern regions – both of which provide plenty of things for couples to do.
Immerse yourself in ancient spiritual and cultural traditions in Kandy or revel in the feeling of having golden sand between your toes on the beaches of Galle. Those who want to spot leopards, elephants and Sri Lankan sloth bears in their natural habitats should plan a visit to Yala National Park. The vast area of grasslands is best in the dry season when animals flock to the watering holes.
April – Charleston and Savannah
With over 88,000 miles of coastline, 400+ national parks and countless fascinating cities, the USA is never a bad place to visit! If you’re searching for a honeymoon location full of character and a romantic atmosphere, consider the country’s south east.
Charleston, South Carolina, and Savannah on Georgia’s spectacular coastline are two underrated US cities worth a visit. Both are dripping in history and blessed with charming restaurants serving up wholesome Southern cuisine.
For the ultimate romantic activity, why not take a horse-drawn carriage around Savannah’s historic neighborhoods or spend a days on the beaches just outside Charleston? These two elegant cities are two hours apart by car, making the perfect honeymoon road trip!
May – Kyoto, Japan
Food obsessed couples will be in heaven on a honeymoon in Japan. It’s a land of dramatic mountain landscapes, intriguing cities and tastebud tingling gastronomy. While Tokyo offers up a chance to experience contemporary Japan, Kyoto is a sublime option for a more romantic getaway.
The former capital has UNESCO World Heritage status and is packed with amazing attractions, from spiritual sites like sacred Shinto shrines to grand royal palaces. May marks the end of the city’s peak tourist season and usually has wonderful weather conditions for strolling hand in hand around tranquil temple gardens.
June – Fiji
If two weeks on the beach sounds like your ideal honeymoon, jet off to Fiji. The tropical archipelago in the South Pacific features over 300 islands, from the mesmerising Mamanuca Islands to cosmopolitan Viti Levu.
As well as being one of the most popular months for weddings, June falls within Fiji’s dry season. Look forward to warm yet manageable temperatures and low humidity as you lounge around on blissful beaches, snorkel in crystal-clear lagoons and indulge in lazy lie-ins in your luxury hotel. You could also take a trip to a Fijian village to witness local traditions like fire walking and kava ceremonies.
July – Bali
Beautiful Bali’s laid back vibe has long made it a destination for those seeking rest and relaxation. If that fits your honeymoon criteria, visit in July during the middle of Indonesia’s dry season.
For those who want to soak up the island’s colorful culture and creativity, Ubud is a great base. It’s also just a stone’s throw from the breathtaking Tegenungan Waterfall and verdant Tegalalang rice fields – perfect honeymoon selfie backdrops.
Alternatively, you could venture to Uluwatu, Bali’s serene southern tip which features plush resorts, epic ocean panoramas and some of the best surfing beaches in Asia.
August – Kenya and Tanzania
Few wildlife experiences can top seeing huge herds of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles crossing from one country to another in search of sustenance! Known as the Great Migration, the incredible phenomenon really is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The annual event is considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa and it can happen any time between May and October (the region’s dry season). August is a good bet for seeing the animals cross the Mara River and you can witness it from either Kenya or Tanzania. Combine the spectacle with visits to fascinating Maasai villages or private game drives through the Serengeti.
September – South Africa
Couples with wildly different honeymoon goals will find common ground in South Africa. Holidays to this diverse country provide a fascinating combination of wonderful wildlife encounters, to jaw-dropping coastlines and culture-packed cities.
Foodies will find endless exquisite restaurants in trendy Cape Town, while wine tasting and tours of iconic Cape Dutch houses are what’s in store in Stellenbosch. Those seeking the ultimate safari experience can choose between the monumental Kruger National Park or smaller game reserves like Gondwana which offers eco-conscious glamping experiences.
October – Seychelles
A destination on most people’s travel wish lists is Seychelles. Situated off the east coast of Africa, the collection of 112 islands have more than their fair share of gorgeous beaches, beautiful botanical gardens and five star resorts.
October is one of the best times for a honeymoon in Seychelles thanks to the incredible underwater visibility. Swim with stingray rays and nursing sharks straight off a white sand cove or join an organized diving expedition.
Back on land, why not seek out giant tortoises on lovely La Digue or trek among the tropical flora and fauna in the heavenly Vallee de Mai on Praslin?
November – Maldives
Always wanted to wake up in an overwater bungalow with views of the azure Indian Ocean? The Maldives ticks all the right boxes!
The small yet serene island nation is famously one of the best honeymoon destinations on the planet. Its luxurious villas provide the perfect backdrop for your first few days of wedded bliss. November hails the start of the dry season, so you can expect sunny days and plenty of blue skies.
Activities in the Maldives require very little energy; think leisurely swims alongside shoals of bright trumpetfish and peaceful paddleboarding at sunset. Those craving a little culture could enjoy a day trip to the capital, Male, where you’ll discover lively markets and cafes serving up delicious local cuisine.
December – Patagonia, Chile
Chile honeymoons couldn’t be a better match for adventurous couples – particularly if you plan an intrepid trip to Patagonia!
Encompassing a huge area of land in southern Chile (including the legendary Andes Mountains), it’s a playground for hikers, mountain climbers and horseback riders. Torres del Paine is the jewel of Chilean Patagonia and offers enchanting vistas from turquoise lakes to rich forests.
There’s plenty of scope for relaxation on a honeymoon in Chile, too. Sip on delicious wines at a vineyard in the Casablanca Valley or head for San Pedro de Atacama for an evening of spectacular stargazing in one of the world’s least light-polluted places.
12 of the best honeymoon destinations
You have enough on your plate planning a wedding, so let us handle planning a honeymoon you’ll never forget.
