Choosing where to go on your honeymoon is no easy task, and the destination you choose depends on factors including how long you're looking to honeymoon for, the time of year you'll be travelling, and how you want to spend your first holidays as newlyweds. The easiest place to start? One of several incredible destinations known for their five-star accommodation, romantic atmosphere, and once-in-a-lifetime allure. Some, such as the Maldives and Santorini, are synonymous with romance. Others, from Sri Lanka to Botswana, are for those newlyweds looking for something a little more adventurous, but no less paradisal.
This is our pick of the best luxury honeymoon destinations in the world, and the best place to stay on each…
Mauritius
For couples looking for a bit of everything, Mauritius is the small but remarkably versatile island that will stay with you long after you've boarded the plane home. Here, you'll find the sort of beaches that cover glossy luxury travel magazines, with sapphire waters and cloud-like sand. But there's much more to Mauritius than its beautiful coastline. Explore the natural wonders of Chamarel, The 7 Coloured Earth, and Black River Gorges National Park; climb to the top of La Morne mountain and marvel at the sea views while learning about the escaped slaves who hid here during the 18th and 19th centuries; and sample a melting-pot of flavours influenced by African, Chinese, French and Indian cultures.
- Where to stay? Perhaps the most romantic hotel on the island, Oberoi Beach Resort is set in lush gardens on a stretch of honeyed sand on Turtle Bay, in the north-west of Mauritius. For the ultimate couples' retreat, book one of the luxury thatched villas with a private pool and courtyard garden. Order breakfast to your own raised dining area which offers sea views stretching to the mountains beyond. When you can tear yourself away from your secluded sanctuary, the dining at Oberoi – along with the service – is second to none, with different eateries serving everything from fresh seafood to authentic creole cuisine. Don't miss the award-winning spa or the boathouse offering complimentary watersports. Prices from £600 per night.
Turks & Caicos
With an average of 350 days' sunshine a year, the Turks & Caicos islands, sitting just south of the Bahamas, are home to seemingly endless miles of brilliant white sand and still, turquoise waters. This is the honeymoon destination for those who dream of one thing post-wedding: relaxing. Seriously, the vibe here is the very definition of laidback, and no one would blame you for spending your days simply reading, napping or cocktail-sipping on the beach. But if you do want to, the waters here are home to some of the most diverse marine life in the Caribbean, so it's well worth strapping on your snorkel fins or scuba kit.
- Where to stay? Pine Cay, a secluded, 800-acre private island, is a dream-like haven of tranquility and barefoot luxury. Here, you are encased by miles of sparkling white sand and water so blue it looks like a permanent photo filter. Choose from 10 beachfront rooms or two free-standing beachfront suites, each just mere steps from the sand, and enjoy meals and cocktails at the poolside restaurant and beachfront tiki bar. There are two spa treatment rooms for blissful massages – you guessed it – on the beach. Prices from £1,150 per night all-inclusive.
Greek islands
Perhaps not the most surprising destination on the list, but if you're looking for a short-haul honeymoon – less time travelling; more time enjoying your first holiday together as newlyweds – then the Greek islands should definitely be at the top of your list. Santorini is the most well-known honeymoon destination in Greece, with its tumble of white-washed, blue-domed houses, fiery red sunsets and postcard-perfect Aegean views, but perhaps best visited in shoulder season of April-May or September-October when the crowds begin to subside. If your honeymoon falls in high season of July and August, opt for one of the lesser-known – but still just as breathtaking – islands, such as Skiathos, Milos or Naxos.
- Where to stay? Santo Pure has an immaculate honeymoon suite with a private pool, sea and sunset views, and an open plan living area in typical Cycladic decor of calming whites, creams and wood. Find contemporary Greek-Mediterranean cuisine at Alios Ilios Restaurant, while the impressive spa – if you can tear yourself away from the hotel's five swimming pools – offers heavenly olive oil-infused treatments. Location-wise, Oía village is just a five-minute walk away. Prices from £500 per night.
Botswana
For couples looking for a more adventurous honeymoon, Botswana comes highly recommended for its private reserves teeming with wildlife, including the Big Five. Indeed, Botswana is often cited as one of best safari countries in the world. The remoteness of its parks and its small but luxurious offering of lodges make it one of the more intimate options for African safari, ideal for honeymooners. Many couples combine their Botswana trip with some time in Mozambique, Zimbabwe, or the islands of Mauritius or the Seychelles, to get the best of both worlds: safari and beach.
- Where to stay? Wilderness boasts some of the most exquisite luxury camps and lodges across Botswana. The just-opened Wilderness Mokete is the only accommodation in the remote Mokete region and is the only lodge for 50,000 hectares, ensuring a truly wild and exclusive game-viewing experience. Though there is nothing wild about the nine canvas tents, each with its own plunge pool and a retractable roof (nothing says ‘honeymoon’ like sleeping under the stars). Plus, in the heart of the Okavango Delta, one of Africa's most famous wildlife areas with some of the highest concentrations of big game on the continent, Wilderness has also just opened the Tubu Tree and Little Tubu camps (pictured above), in the iconic Jao Reserve. Prices from £900 per night.
Mozambique
Speaking of Mozambique, it would be remiss not to highlight its powder-white beaches, rolling sand dunes, gently swaying palms and beautifully abundant coral reefs. Most honeymooners opt for the Bazaruto archipelago – accessible via a short transfer from Vilanculos on the mainland – where Bazaruto and Benguerra islands are home to some of the best hotels in the world.
- Where to stay? Kisawa Sanctuary, perched on 300 hectares of picture-perfect sand dunes and coastal forest on the southern tip of Benguerra island, is a first-of-its-kind standard of luxury hospitality in Mozambique. Since its opening in 2021, Kisawa has consistently featured in lists of ‘Best Hotels in the World’, and it isn't difficult to see why. There are eight beachfront residences, each with their own private beach, outdoor living area, infinity pool and kitchen, occupying at least one acre, all just steps from the Indian Ocean. Facilities and experiences are top-tier, from a luxury spa and personal butler service to sunset dhow sailing, humpback whale watching, and impeccable Mozambican and European fare at one of the hotel's three restaurants. Environmental conservation sits at the heart of Kisawa, and guests are welcomed to explore the property's sister research facility, Bazaruto Centre for Scientific Studies, one of Africa's most significant marine research facilities.
Zanzibar
This East African archipelago, just off the Tanzanian mainland, is an idyllic honeymoon destination. The island is famed of its sugar-white beaches, easily some of the finest in the world, ringed by impossibly blue water. Spend your days swimming, snorkelling or simply relaxing on the beach, dotted with swaying coconut palms as traditional dhow boats bob on the water ahead. For days non-beachside, take a stroll around historical Stone Town, where the island's fusion of African, Indian, Arabic and Persian cultures shine, or take a spice tour to see the wonderful array of fruits, spices and herbs that grow on the island.
You'll find many holidaymakers and honeymooners come here post-safari on the mainland, with Zanzibar's dry season of June to October coinciding with safari high season.
- Where to stay? Just a 15-minute speedboat away, honeymooners looking for an exclusive retreat should book And Beyond Mnemba Island, an idyllic beach paradise that is consistently voted one of the best island retreats in the Indian Ocean. 12 completely private beachside bandas accommodate just 26 guests, with dedicated staff for each, making this a true secluded island escape. Prices from £1000 per night.
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Maldives
There's a reason the Maldives is a firm favourite on everyone's honeymoon bucket lists. The sun-drenched beaches, pristine white sand, blue waters lapping at luxurious over-water bungalows, some of the most breathtaking marine life-spotting in the Indian Ocean – and of course, an incredible roster of five-star hotels.
- Where to stay? When we think of paradise, most of us probably conjure images closely resembling Soneva Fushi. This high-class, eco-luxury escape has everything you could think of for the perfect honeymoon: enormous over-water villas, some with slides and private pools; candle-lit private picnics on the white-sand beach; swimming with a whole host of marine life; stargazing sessions in the observatory; top-notch cuisine at one of the resort's 11 restaurants; and an attention to detail that can only be expected from one of the best hotels in the Maldives. Soneva Fushi was also one of the country's first to go carbon-neutral, and has been a pioneer of sustainability since. Prices from £1,600 per night.
Bali
While not exactly a hidden gem of a destination, Bali is one of those places everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime, and with romance ingrained in its hospitality scene, a honeymoon is the perfect time to do so. While it may be tempting to spend your time in one area, Bali is worth exploring. Plan an itinerary that allows you to explore Ubud, Seminyak, Uluwatu, and if you have time, the nearby Gili Islands and Lombok. This diverse landscape will take you from sweeping, mist-covered rice fields; volcanoes offering staggering views; towering temples; powdery sands and turquoise waters. Whether you want to spend your days trying watersports, chilling on the beach, hiking and exploring or dancing the night away, Bali has something for everyone.
- Where to stay? You're not short on incredible luxury properties across Bali, but Raffles Bali has got to be one of the most romantic and peaceful retreats on the island, offering the sort of five-star luxury you'd expect from one of the best hotel groups in the world. Overlooking Jimbaran Bay, each of the 32 oceanfront villas come with a private pool and lush garden, plus spectacular sea views. Elsewhere, there's a beachfront infinity pool, a remarkable spa, two restaurants and a Secret Cave for private dinners – perfect for honeymooners. Prices from £980 per night.
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Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka boasts beautiful coastline – from Unawatuna and Mirissa beaches in the south to the coves of Trincomalee in the north – ideal for romantic sunset strolls, or those more adventurous newlyweds who want to try their hand at surfing. The island's rich culture can be enjoyed at ancient temples, UNESCO sites like Sigiriya (an ancient rock formation located in the northern Matale District), and at Nuwara Eliya's tea plantations. Foodies will undoubtedly love the Sri Lankan cuisine (think: fresh, succulent seafood and the most fragrant curries), while the train ride from Kandy to Ella – one of the most scenic in the world – isn't to be missed.
- Where to stay? Cape Weligama, a Relais & Chateaux property, offers spectacular Indian Ocean views from its lush headland, with clifftop viewpoints offering breathtaking photo opportunities. Private suites and villas resemble a traditional Sri Lankan village with terracotta roofs, impressive outdoor verandas and tropical gardens. Prices from £550 per night.
Amalfi Coast
For a taste of la dolce vita, the Amalfi Coast is one of the best honeymoon destinations in Europe. Breathtaking cliffs soaring above the sparkling Med, pastel-hued houses dotted along the coastline, romantic pursuits from sunset boat rides and wine tastings to strolls through the perfectly-manicured gardens of Ravello – not to mention the fresh seafood and pasta to the backdrop of the glittering sea – and you've got an idyllic honeymoon straight out of a luxury travel guide. Positano can get admittedly crowded during its high season in the summer, but escape to one of the area's high-end hotels, and you'll both feel as though you're in your own little world.
- Where to stay? Adored by the A-list and often voted one of the best hotels in the world, Il San Pietro di Positano, a Relais & Châteaux property, is a private and oh-so glamorous retreat perched on a Positano cliff edge, surrounded by the bluest sea. The ultra-glam rooms come with outdoor terraces to enjoy the superb sea views, decked out with hand-painted tiles and antiques, while meals are served in the impossibly romantic sea-view restaurant, whipped up by Michelin-starred chef Alois Vanlangenaeker. Prices from £660 per night.
