These romantic honeymoon destinations are the best antidote to the chaos (and excitement) of planning and executing a wedding. I can’t think of a better way for you and your significant other to celebrate your partnership. What better way to wind down and decompress than by hopping on a plane and jetting off somewhere magical?
Extend your celebration of love with the black beaches of Santorini or the rolling vineyards of California’s wine country. Those not your vibe, check out other romantic honeymoon destinations below.
Santorini, Greece
With picture-perfect views in every direction, Santorini is a Greek honeymoon must, and for good reason. Countless boutique hotels perched on cliff walls set the stage for romance. Additionally, whitewashed buildings and cerulean-domed churches face the sea. Splurge for a suite with a plunge pool, overlooking the postcard views and mythical caldera below.
Tip: Stay in Oia, located on the quieter side of the island. While there are still cruise groups and tours passing through, it offers a far more intimate feel than busy Fira.
Maui, Hawaii
The Aloha State greets visitors with a warm temperate climate. You can also look forward to stunning vistas and the lingering scent of plumeria in the air. It’s no wonder it’s a favorite among honeymooners, who gravitate to the luxurious Wailea, home to the island’s finest resorts. Wailea offers an upscale environment to unwind and borders calm beaches. Check out The Four Seasons, The Fairmont, The Grand Wailea, or newly built Andaz for luxury accomdations.
Tip: Explore the islands from the air on a jaw-dropping helicopter tour that showcases the dramatic and lush Hawaiian landscape.
Napa Valley
Thinking of staying a little closer to home? The Napa (and Sonoma) Valley’s are a wine lover’s dream and roughly two and half hours from San Francisco. Stroll the countless vineyards, indulge in gourmet fare at The French Laundry, and take in Napa’s vibrant art scene. The laid-back Sonoma offers visitors a less commercialized alternative, and at almost double the size of Napa, plenty of wineries to choose from. Sonoma’s Fairmont Mission Inn Resort & Spa makes for a great home base to explore the region.
Tip: However kitschy it may feel, the Napa Valley Wine Train is a great way to make stops at the vineyards without the use of a car, and in a more elegant (and romantic) setting than a minibus.
The Amalfi Coast
A popular destination for Italians and world travelers alike, Italy’s Amalfi Coast is romance personified. Pastel-colored buildings perch on steep cliffs over the sparkling Mediterranean ocean. The winding streets and alleys buzz with Vespas zipping past, and the smell of coffee and baked goods emanates from cozy, family-run establishments.
There are myriad options for your home base, from the busy but conveniently located Sorrento (perfect for day trips to Naples and Pompeii) to the luxe Positano (famous for its dramatic scenery and sandy beach). If you’re looking for the glam of Positano without the crowds, consider the more laid-back Ravello, a tiny village lacking direct beach access – but making up for it in luxurious accommodation options.
French Polynesia
Gracing many a traveler’s bucket list is the romantic island of Bora Bora and its surrounding atolls. Known for its towering Mt. Otemanu and luxurious overwater bungalows, Bora Bora is about as romantic as they come.
Travelers seeking that same experience with a slightly lower price tag often opt for the island of Moorea, with a range of resorts offering both hotel rooms and overwater bungalows – all set against a stunning tropical backdrop.
For couples who are ready to go all out, there’s The Brando – a luxurious resort located on the private Tetiaroa atoll and touted “The Most Luxurious Eco-Resort in the World” by Town & Country Magazine. The brainchild of Marlon Brando, the resort not only offers guests intimate access to French Polynesia but also acts as a center for research and education. The Brando weaves sustainability through everything, from the deep seawater air-conditioning system to the coconut oil biofuel power station. However, this being an eco-resort does not mean they have abandoned luxury. Guests arrive by private plane, accommodations are individual villas on their own stretch of white sand beach, and guests have access to biologists and naturalist guides for one-on-one tours and educational sessions.
If you’d like support planning the honeymoon (or romantic getaway) of your dreams, I’d love to help! Schedule a call with me. I’d love to know which of these romantic honeymoon destinations is your favorite. Let’s chat about it in the comments.