World’s 20 Best Honeymoon Destinations

Your honeymoon is meant to be a celebration of love and one of the most memorable vacations of your life. Of course, the most important thing about your trip is the person you’re with…but the location is pretty key, too.

Whether you’re seeking adventure, beachfront R&R, rich culture, fine wine or all of the above, figuring out where to go can seem daunting. To help you decide on the perfect place, U.S. News & World Report has compiled a list of the top honeymoon spots for the upcoming year, as determined by expert analysis and traveler reviews.

Head to one of these destinations, and you’re all but guaranteed to have the most romantic few days of your life.

20. Corfu, Greece

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The gem of the Ionian sea, Corfu offers striking coastlines, cultural attractions, and aromas of olive and citrus floating through the air. This Grecian island is home to a UNESCO historic center, pebbly beaches, verdant landscapes and turquoise water. Honeymoon bucket list: check, check, check!

Most Romantic Stay in Corfu: Corfu Imperial

Corfu Imperial / Facebook

Your honeymoon hideaway in Corfu must live up to expectations, and Corfu Imperial does not disappoint. Set on a private peninsula, the hotel’s rooms look out onto the sea or gardens, ensuring romantic vistas either way.

There are also seven onsite dining options and a welcome drink provided upon arrival. Is there any better way to kick off your honeymoon?

19. Turks and Caicos Islands

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Turks and Caicos is the ultimate remote, rugged paradise. With powdery white sand and azure water, its beaches alone are enough to warrant a honeymoon booking. Combine that with luxurious hotels and one of the largest reef systems in the world — spanning 340 miles — and you can see why newlyweds often move this spot to the top of their list.

Most Romantic Stay in Turks and Caicos

COMO Parrot Cay / Facebook

Turks and Caicos is a network of 40 islands and cays, one of which is home to the dreamy COMO Parrot Cay. Couples will never get bored here, with private yoga classes and hot river-stone massages on the menu for post-wedding-planning R&R, and kayaks and snorkeling gear available for romantic adventuring.

The Caribbean-style cuisine is fresh and organic (when possible) and accommodations include beach houses tucked into sand dunes facing the sea.

Can you bring us in your suitcase?

18. Maldives

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We’re not sure why you would ever want to leave your private overwater bungalow, but if you so choose, the Maldives has plenty of activities to keep you occupied on your honeymoon.

For one thing, this is one of the best scuba-diving and snorkeling destinations in the world, thanks to the presence of dolphins, sea turtles, lobsters, manta rays, whale sharks (don’t worry, they don’t bite!) and hundreds of species of colorful fish. This remote island chain also offers world-class spa treatments and serves up the most delicious catches of the day at its seaside restaurants.

It’s not the easiest to access the Maldives (there are no direct flights from the United States), but for honeymooners, this isolation is also a key selling point.

Most Romantic Stay in the Maldives

Adaaran Prestige Water Villas / Facebook

Did we mention “private overwater bungalows”? Adaaran Prestige Water Villas All Inclusive, located on Raa Atoll, will let you enjoy married life as you enjoy the gentle sound of water caressing your villa from morning until night. Make sure to get a room with a private jacuzzi — this is your honeymoon and you deserve it. The resort also includes four restaurants and a highly rated full-service spa.

17. Phuket, Thailand

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A potent mix of culture, scenery and relaxation makes Phuket a very appealing choice for a honeymoon. In addition to the typical getaway itinerary — frolicking at the beach, cruising the turquoise seas, pampering yourself with a spa treatment — you can explore spectacular Taoist and Buddhist temples and indulge in some of the best cuisine on Earth (you haven’t tried Thai food until you’ve tried it in Thailand).

Best yet, you won’t have to drain your joint bank account to enjoy it all, as this is one of the more affordable destinations on the list.

Most Romantic Stay in Phuket

Andara Resort & Villas / Facebook

Andara Resort & Villas provides a luxurious escape from the perch of a lush hilltop overlooking the Andaman Sea. For your honeymoon, you’ll want to opt for one of the villas, offering breathtaking sea views, a private infinity pool and breakfast prepared daily by a private in-villa chef.

Want to explore the coastline and nearby islands? Don’t worry, Andara Resort’s two private yachts are available for you to charter — a day fit for a couple of newlyweds indeed.

16. British Virgin Islands

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What form of transportation is more fitting for a pair of honeymooners than a sailboat? A private yacht, perhaps?

Both floating vessels are available to traverse the turquoise waters surrounding the British Virgin Islands (or BVI, as their friends call them). Whichever you choose, you’ll come across white-sand beaches, rolling mountains and scenic grottoes.

In addition to the best seafaring you could dream of, this island chain offers some of the Caribbean’s finest cuisine, from local Anegada lobster to conch stew.

Most Romantic Stay in the BVI

Scrub Island Resort / Facebook

Park your yacht, sailboat or chartered boat at the on-site marina, and settle into Scrub Island Resort for some serious R&R. As the name suggests, this resort takes up most of Scrub Island, which is located in the middle of the BVI, making it an ideal launchpad for exploring the islands.

It’s also home to one of the most beautiful infinity pools in the world — the perfect spot for your “just married” selfies. Trust us, your spouse loves selfies!

15. Mauritius

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Africa’s iconic wildlife isn’t limited to its game parks; head over to the small island of Mauritius to continue your animal-viewing by observing endemic animals like the Mauritius pink pigeon and colorful Mauritius gecko. And that’s to say nothing of the 430 distinct marine animals you’ll find by sea.

This amazing paradise is off the tourist track enough to allow for some serious disconnecting from reality back home. Mark Twain once quoted an islander who called Mauritius the inspiration for heaven, so you know it’s good enough for your honeymoon.

Most Romantic Stay in Mauritius

@angsana.balaclava.mu / Instagram

The Thai-themed Angsana Balaclava Mauritius fosters romance with its posh amenities and seaside setting. Even better, it offers special packages designed for lovebirds, including discounted stays and special itineraries focused on spa treatments, sunset cruising and starlit dinners on the beach.

14. Tuscany, Italy

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Okay, so you’ve recently hosted the biggest party of your life (your wedding, in case you forgot) for all of your closest family and friends…and their family and friends…and those relatives you never talk to…Now it’s time to kick back and relax with nothing but a glass of wine, a view and your honey — and Tuscany’s rolling vineyards and sun-soaked ambiance is exactly the setting you deserve to decompress.

This is also the place to go if you consider nothing so romantic as classical art. The region is home to gorgeous sculptures and paintings dating back centuries, spread across galleries, churches and museums. Add in the best cuisine of your life and, as they say, that’s amore.

Most Romantic Stay in Tuscany

Belmond Castello di Casole / Facebook

Converted from a castle built in the 10th century, Belmond Castello di Casole offers a modern-day royal experience. The suites are spacious and elegant, with details like heated towel racks, double showerheads and free minibars.

Plus, the estate offers exhilarating on-site activities including biking, horseback riding, golf, hiking, truffle hunting, and art and cooking classes. The expansive property and historical charm make for a truly memorable stay in Tuscany.

13. Paris

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It’s not difficult to understand why Paris is on the list of the best honeymoon destinations in the world. With its lamp-lit streets, gold-adorned bridges and artistic architecture, the City of Love more than delivers on its nickname.

Here, you’ll find lovers whispering sweet nothings to each other on park benches and café stoops. Want the ultimate date night? Share a bottle of vino and a baguette as you watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle into the night.

Most Romantic Stay in Paris

La Reserve Hotel / Facebook

Paris is all about elegance, class and romance, all of which you’ll find in spades at La Réserve Paris – Hotel and Spa. The amenities are modern, but you will be transported back in time thanks to the 19th-century Parisian decor marked by brocade taffeta, velvet drapes, rich oak floors and antique furniture.

This hotel is home to not one, but two Michelin-starred restaurants, plus private bars, an extensive wine cellar and balconies offering Eiffel Tower views.

12. St. Barts

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A hotspot for the rich and famous, St. Barts is a fantastic choice if you’re seeking a honeymoon of luxury. But while those looking to splurge can find accommodations haute enough for royalty, the island can also be enjoyed at a less intimidating price: All 14 of its beaches are free to visit, which can’t be said for all Caribbean islands, and there are some surprisingly affordable accommodations.

Moreover, St. Barts is both appealingly laid-back and culturally resonant, mixing Caribbean and French influences for the best of both worlds.

Most Romantic Stay in St. Barts

Christopher St. Barth / Facebook

St. Barts has no shortage of gorgeous accommodation options, but if a healthy mix of luxury and seclusion is what you’re after, Hotel Christopher is a prime choice. Its isolated location, full-service spa and seaside infinity pool make it a magnificent place to unwind and disconnect from your hectic lives back home — this is your chance to connect on a deeper level with your new spouse, after all.

11. Florence, Italy

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For art and history buffs, Florence is the pinnacle of Renaissance romance. Its charming streets are home to artistic displays such as Michelangelo’s statue of David, impressive grand architecture like the Duomo, and some of Italy’s tastiest dishes, topped off with a scoop of the best gelato in the country.

If these aren’t honeymoon goals, we don’t know what are.

Most Romantic Stay in Florence

Four Seasons Hotel Florence / Facebook

The combination of Four Seasons hospitality and quintessential Italian charm makes for an incredible stay at Four Seasons Hotel Firenze. If honeymooners are able to drag themselves out of their cozy and elegant rooms, they can enjoy the onsite spa, seasonal outdoor pool, year-round whirlpool, e-bikes for rent and private, 11-acre Florentine gardens.

With a Michelin-starred eatery and pool decks shaded by trees, this property will be hard to leave.

10. Cinque Terre, Italy

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The five cliffside towns of Cinque Terre make up a honeymoon destination that is too dreamy to put into words…but we’ll give it a shot.

Pastel buildings. Cobblestone streets. Rugged shoreline. Limoncello. Wine. Pizza. Pasta. Gelato. Have we painted a picture yet? You’ll just have to go for yourself to truly understand the magic of Cinque Terre, yet another Italian destination than lovers can’t get enough of.

Most Romantic Stay in Cinque Terre

Hotel Porto Roca

Monterosso is the biggest of Cinque Terre’s five towns and boasts an assortment of romantic resorts to choose from, but your best bet is Hotel Porto Roca. The property features a restaurant, outdoor pool, bar/lounge, buffet breakfast and free pick-up from the train station.

Best yet? Most of its 43 rooms include a balcony overlooking the sea.

9. Bali, Indonesia

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In Bali, you can live like kings and queens at a relatively affordable price point, which can’t be said of every destination on this list. Watch the sun set over the sea in a beach area like Seminyak or Uluwatu, or embrace your adventurous side by exploring the terraced rice paddies and rainforest of Ubud. And don’t forget to make time for cultural immersion by strolling through a local market or exploring some of the island’s 20,000 (yes, 20,000) temples.

No matter what you choose, Bali is pure bliss.

Most Romantic Stay in Bali

Four Seasons Resorts Bali / Facebook

Nestled in the jungles of Ubud lies the stunning Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan. This lush, luxurious oasis features an outdoor swimming pool, restaurant overlooking the jungle and gorge, and spa with indoor and outdoor treatment areas.

It’s a see-it-to-believe-it kind of setting that promotes zen at every turn.

8. Santorini, Greece

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Santorini sunsets are nothing short of breathtaking, and soaking in the pink and orange tones illuminating the white cliffside is the perfect way to ring in your new life as a married couple. Enjoy fresh Greek cuisine, dip your toes into red or black sand at a tranquil local beach, and stroll the cobblestone streets of Oia as you pick out trinkets to bring back home. Santorini is one for the memory books.

Most Romantic Stay in Santorini

Katikies Santorini / Facebook

Santorini is known for its stark white buildings set against the cobalt blue sea, and this color scheme is gorgeously on display at Katikies Hotel. Aside from being the quintessential Santorini cliffside abode, this resort is ideally suited to photo-ops thanks to its three infinity pools, open-air sunbathing deck and two Jacuzzis — one indoor, one outdoor. When it comes to honeymoon essentials, you’ll want for nothing.

7. Kauai, Hawaii

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Kauai has a more off-the-beaten-path vibe than Maui or Oahu, making it the ideal choice for Hawaii honeymooners looking to get away from the tourist track.

The oldest and smallest of the main Hawaiian islands, it’s home to epic waterfalls, the spectacular Waimea Canyon (aka “the Grand Canyon of the Pacific”), the staggering sea cliffs of the Na Pali Coast, a prime surfing beach at Hanalei, and the seaside getaway of Poipu, where you can sunbathe with Hawaiian monk seals.

This is the greenest and most lush island in Hawaii, which is saying something, making it a true oasis for those seeking a romantic escape.

Most Romantic Stay in Kauai

Princeville Resort / Facebook

Kauai is all about its striking views and natural landscapes, which take center stage at Princeville Resort. The lobby looks out onto the ocean and verdant mountains, providing a jaw-dropping entrance to a luxurious stay.

You won’t find any tacky tropical decor here, as the Princeville Resort is adorned in a rich and earthy colour palette. Craving an infinity pool? Don’t worry, the property has this too, and it happens to be one of the most beautiful in the world, overlooking the world-famous Hanalei Bay.

6. Tahiti, French Polynesia

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While many newlyweds head to Bora Bora, French Polynesia’s largest island makes for an ideal honeymoon destination in itself. Tahiti is actually composed of two islands connected by a land bridge: Tahiti Nui is the larger section and home to the capital, Papeete, while Tahiti Iti is a smaller, less developed spot ideal for beating the crowds.

With sandy shores, warm water, lush jungles and next-level luxury, Tahiti has all the makings of a swoon-worthy vacation.

Most Romantic Stay in Tahiti

Manava Suite Resort Tahiti / Facebook

No honeymoon is complete without an infinity pool, and Manava Suite Resort Tahiti features the largest on the island — with a swim-up bar to boot.

This stunning resort is designed to provide an authentic Tahitian experience, with local decor touches and service that perfectly captures Polynesia’s famed hospitality. Pass the days with activities such as jet-skiing, snorkeling, kayaking or cruising at sunset. If all else fails, simply sip cocktails and take in the views from that magnificent pool.

5. Maui, Hawaii

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Maui is the quintessential Hawaiian island, offering everything that lovebirds could want out of a sun-soaked vacation. Beach lovers will be spoiled for choice, from the postcard-worthy Wailea Beach to the red-sand Kaihalulu, not to mention the black-sand Waianapanapa, surfer-beloved Hookipa Beach and rugged shoreline of Paia Bay.

Other sights include the charmed former whaling village of Lahaina and the striking Haleakala volcano. You can’t go wrong anywhere in Hawaii, but this is ranked as the most romantic island of all for a reason, offering the perfect mix of pristine beauty and things to do.

Most Romantic Stay in Maui

Montage Kapalua Bay / Facebook

Maui is rife with places to see, but if you stay at Montage Kapalua Bay, you won’t ever want to leave the resort. This 24-acre property has it all — of course, there’s a beautiful beach with complimentary towels and chairs, as well as a pool with a bar and a luxurious spa. But there are also tennis courts, a pair of golf courses and shopping, plus zip-lining, helicopter tours and Hawaiian luau shows.

That should be more than enough to keep you busy on your honeymoon!

4. Amalfi Coast, Italy

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If indulging in pasta and sipping limoncello while gazing out over yacht-dotted shores sounds like an appealing honeymoon experience, then, well, the Amalfi Coast is calling your name. (And also, you have exquisite taste.)

This stretch of Italy is home to 13 towns that embody Italian romance, including Positano (pictured), Sorrento and Ravello. All tout posh boutiques and hotels, as well as restaurants serving Italian favorites and superb seafood, in a spectacular cliffside setting.

Most Romantic Stay on the Amalfi Coast

Le Sirenuse / Facebook

The allure of the Amalfi Coast lies in its breathtaking views, and luckily, most hotels on this coast boast honeymoon-worthy panoramas. Want to splurge on an uber-luxurious stay? Consider Le Sirenuse in Positano.

Almost all of the hotel’s rooms face the sea and come with a terrace. Enjoy the scenery while sipping a glass of bubbly and contemplating the idea of never going home.

3. Fiji

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Located 1,300 miles from New Zealand, Fiji is comprised of 333 islands, one-third of which are inhabited, making it easy for lovebirds to find their private slice of paradise.

Laying out on the powdery white sand while listening to the sound of lapping waves and gently swaying palm trees is a must, of course. But also make sure to indulge in the local cultural traditions, such as sipping kava or watching a fire show.

Oh, and the sunsets here are iconic for a reason.

Most Romantic Stay in Fiji

Wananavu Beach Resort

There are plenty of romantic places to stay in Fiji, but none top Wananavu Beach Resort. The property offers a secluded beach with a private swimming area where you can walk right off the sand and snorkel. And its collection of bures — traditional wood-and-straw huts — includes one specifically designed for honeymooners, with a private plunge pool and outdoor shower in a tucked-away setting.

2. Bora Bora, French Polynesia

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Dubbed the “Pearl of the Pacific” by British explorer James Cook, Bora Bora is a remote island that enchants all who visit. Picture-perfect overwater bungalows perched atop the sea serve as ideal hideaways for lovers, and it’s one of the best places on Earth for snorkeling and scuba-diving.

The resorts here are also over-the-top luxe, but be warned: You may want to ask your wedding guests for cash gifts because booking one will cost you a pretty penny.

Most Romantic Stay in Bora Bora

The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort / Facebook

You don’t go to Bora Bora for your honeymoon to not stay in an overwater bungalow, and the setup at The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort is about as magical as it gets. If your own private cabana situated on the turquoise water isn’t enough to keep you occupied, this hotel also offers two swimming pools, two bars, four restaurants and a day spa.

1. St. Lucia

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Coming in at the top spot for best honeymoon destinations is the unspoiled Caribbean paradise of St. Lucia. This idyllic island caters to every type of honeymooning couple, seducing music lovers with its Jazz & Arts Festival and exciting adrenaline junkies with its epic hiking and zip-lining.

Of course, beach bums will also never be disappointed, thanks to the abundance of white-sand beaches and luxurious resorts.

Most Romantic Stay in St. Lucia

Jade Mountain / Facebook

Jade Mountain is the crown jewel of St. Lucia. The accommodation offerings at this resort are not “rooms” — they’re “sanctuaries.” Each is comprised of three walls, with the space where the fourth would be opening up to blue Caribbean waters. If that’s not enough, the sanctuaries also offer private infinity pools, removing any unwarranted barriers between you and the sea.

Arrange for an in-room massage and dining service and let the romance commence.