The Best Honeymoon Destinations for Every Type of Couple – How to Pick a Honeymoon Destination!

Every couple is different, which is why there’s no one-size-fits-all honeymoon destination. Some couples want to completely unwind after months of wedding planning and simply relax somewhere beautiful. Others want their honeymoon to feel like a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, checking off bucket list experiences like a luxury safari in South Africa, an overwater bungalow in the Maldives, or exploring romantic cities in Europe.

When planning honeymoons for my travel agency clients, instead of starting with a specific destination, I always recommend starting with the type of honeymoon experience you want to have together. Do you want something adventurous? Relaxing? Ultra-luxurious? A little bit of everything?

Your honeymoon is one of the most memorable trips you’ll ever take, so it should feel completely tailored to the two of you.

Below, I’m breaking down the best honeymoon destinations by type of couple. Whether you’re dreaming of five-star luxury, romantic road trips, beach escapes, or adventure-filled trips around the world, these are some of the best honeymoon destinations for every kind of couple.

Wearing our matching Kenny Flowers outfits

The best honeymoon destinations for:

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The First-Class, Five-Star Couple

If you’re the type of couple who appreciates the best of the best, and you don’t mind splurging on it for a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience, then choosing a destination that can provide top-of-the-line luxury is a must! Think: the sun-drenched and glamorous Amalfi Coast, the secluded powdery white sand beaches of the Maldives, or the over-water bungalow of your dreams in Bora Bora!

Amalfi Coast

Classic elegance, luxury, and romance converge on the coveted Amalfi Coast where you can spend your days soaking up the European sun, boating to Capri, and indulging in ALL the pasta you can eat!! For Kenny and my honeymoon, we did three days in Amalfi, three days in Capri, and four days in Sardinia. Another option is adding a few days in Positano or Ravello!

My favorite hotel in Amalfi is Hotel Santa Caterina (this is where Kenny and I stayed on our honeymoon!). I mean how dreamy is this set up?

In Positano, if money is no object, stay at the breathtaking Il San Pietro Di Positano – one of the few hotels in Positano with sea access!!

And definitely get over to Capri – we stayed at the stunning Punta Tragara, and I would LIVE at La Fontelina Beach Club if I could.

Whichever hotel you choose, reach out to me at this email to help you book, I get preferred rates as a travel advisor and can get you all kinds of free VIP perks as well for your honeymoon!!! (like free resort credits, complimentary breakfasts and a room upgrade!) shoot me an email with your dates and what hotel you’re interested in! or learn more about how it works to work with a luxury travel agent here.

The Maldives

If you’ve both done Europe and are wanting to go to a far-flung destination for completely secluded luxury, the Maldives are the perfect spot for you! During our stay at the Six Senses Laamu, we even spent a day on a private sandbank off of the resort, complete with a cooler, umbrella, and lounge chairs!! Such a cool and unique activity, and it was one of our FAVORITE days!

Scuba divers also say the Maldives is an absolute MUST! It’s the perfect wintertime luxury escape because the best/driest months of the year in the Maldives are December through April. I mean…THAT WATER!!!

We also had the most magical time at the unbelievably luxe St. Regis Maldives Vommuli. It is located on a somewhat smaller island, but the upscale food, service, and spa really set it apart!! Plus, the overwater bungalows each had their own pool!! Spend your days yachting around the islands on the St. Regis’s private yacht, snorkeling, swimming with sharks and rays, and of course, hitting the spa!! The Maldives is a bit of a trek to get to, especially from the U.S., so make sure you give yourself ample time to enjoy it!

Bora Bora

Bora Bora in French Polynesia is as dreamy as it gets!! Luxury dinners on the water, swimming with sharks, jet-skiing, ALL the water activities, plus exploring the island makes for an unforgettable honeymoon! One good thing to note is that winter is the rainy season in Bora Bora, so it’s best to go anywhere from April through November!

In my opinion, for the best experience that is worth EVERY PENNY, you must stay at the Four Seasons Bora Bora. The Conrad is a close runner-up and slightly less expensive (Paris Hilton stayed here for her honeymoon!), but the Four Seasons is TOTALLY worth it IMHO.

The best honeymoon destinations for:

The Adventurous-Meets-Romantic Honeymoon Seekers

If you’re the active type of honeymooning couple that wants to use your honeymoon as an opportunity to explore a country you might not normally get the chance to, and check some seriously incredible experiences off of your bucket list, but also have plenty of time to relax together, these are the destinations for you.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is known for its eco-conscious approach to luxury. Here, you’ll find jungle, volcanos, and long stretches of beach! If you’ve always wanted to take a surfing lesson, head to the Pacific Coast on the west side. Then, take some time to explore the cloud forest and the Arenal volcano (where you can sit in hot springs heated from the geothermic activity!! How freaking cool!!).

For luxury, stay at Hacienda AltaGracia, an Auberge Resort in Santa Teresa, The Four Seasons Papagayo, or Casa Chameleon at Las Catalinas before heading to a super unique stay near the volcano, the Tabacon Thermal Resort and Spa is a MUST!! Lounge in the volcanically heated mineral pools with a fresh rum cocktail in hand!

Bali

Ah, Bali… my home away from home. While it is a long haul from the United States, it has SO MUCH to offer! From the zen jungle vibes in Ubud where you can find magnificent waterfalls and ancient temples, to the turquoise shores and luxe beach clubs of Uluwatu and the trendy surf town of Canggu!! Give yourself a full two weeks to explore, and maybe even hit Nusa Pineda or the Gili Islands while you’re there.

You can’t go wrong staying in the honeymoon-heaven in the jungle, Ritz Carlton Mandapa is my favorite for honeymooners, as well as Four Seasons Ubud, and I definitely also recommend heading to the beach for part of your trip – I love The Six Senses Uluwatu! For more ideas, check out my Bali Honeymoon Guide.

I also plan custom honeymoon itineraries for Bali! Complete with a day-by-day itinerary, amazing experiences you won’t find anywhere else, and a thoughtful flow and logistics planning to make it white-glove-service from start to finish. Reach out to me here and we can chat about yours!

Japan

Japan is one of the most magical honeymoon destinations in the world. It’s a place where ancient traditions meet cutting-edge cities, and every moment feels beautifully intentional. One day you’re wandering through centuries-old temples in Kyoto, sipping matcha during a traditional tea ceremony and walking beneath cherry blossoms, and the next you’re in Tokyo, dining at one of the best restaurants in the world and exploring neon-lit neighborhoods that feel straight out of a movie.

Japan is a dream for couples who want a honeymoon that blends culture, incredible food, and unforgettable experiences. Ride the bullet train between cities, soak in an onsen overlooking the mountains, explore historic shrines, and eat some of the best sushi and ramen of your life.

The best time of year to visit Japan is either in the fall (to see the gorgeous changing leaves) or in the spring (to catch the blooming cherry blossoms!). For a taste of the refined luxury I’m talking about, you can’t miss the Ritz-Carlton Kyoto or the Aman Tokyo!

And of course, when you book through me, I can secure complimentary VIP perks like daily breakfast, hotel credits, room upgrades when available, and special honeymoon touches during your stay.

The best honeymoon destinations for:

The Wine-Lovers

Wine holds a special place in my heart, especially incredible wine. Why not explore the best of the best on your honeymoon?! Hop from tasting to tasting in the gorgeous Napa Valley for your honeymoon, or head down to South America and get off the beaten path in the Mendoza wine region of Argentina, or sip your days away exploring the oldest wine regions of Champagne, Bordeaux and Burgundy in the quaint and romantic French countryside!

Napa Valley

Taste the best wine of your life, bike around, indulge in good food… what could be better, am I right?? If you want to add a little adventure into your wine escape, spend a few days hiking in Yosemite National Park, or maybe road trip down Highway 1 along the rugged California coast! Stay at the Auberge Du Soleil for the ultimate honeymoon experience, and reach out to me to help book your stay because as a partner of Auberge and a travel advisor, I get you free perks like resort credits, free breakfast, upgrades and more!

Mendoza, Argentina

A gateway to incredible wine at the foothills of the Andes Mountains, this destination is perfect for the couple that wants a bit of adventure as well as some luxury wine experiences! Maybe even spend a few days in Buenos Aires as well!

Vines Resort and Spa is a chic 22-room hotel with sweeping views of the vineyards and an infinity pool with snow-capped mountain views!

Douro Valley, Portugal

Thanks to moving some of our business to Porto, Kenny and I recently got to explore the Douro Valley and we were BLOWN AWAY. Did I mention one of my favorite hotels, The Six Senses, opened a pristine location there?? It’s the full-on wine-centric Portugal experience we were looking for, plus, the surrounding countryside is absolutely gorgeous!! Spend some time in Porto while you’re at it!

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The Adrenaline Junkies

If you’re the type of couple who doesn’t like to follow in other people’s footsteps, consider a unique and thrilling destination like New Zealand or Switzerland!

New Zealand

What’s great about New Zealand is the drastic change in scenery (ever seen Lord of The Rings?) and culture, while still having the convenience of everyone speaking English! New Zealand is a great honeymoon destination because you can still have the luxury experiences you’re craving, but also get a bit more, like sky diving, bungee jumping, rafting, speed boating, and glacier helicopter tours!

Get your adrenaline fix in Queens Town on the South Island, then make your way up to Mount Cook and the infamous Marlborough wine region!! If you have time for the North Island as well, you can explore Hobbiton and Waiheke Island. For a full-on luxury experience in Queenstown, go with the Azur Lodge!

Switzerland

Interlaken is known for its extreme activities as well as its extreme beauty! Nestled in the infamous Swiss Alps, Interlaken is surrounded by beautiful lakes, dramatic valleys, and all the traditional Swiss charm.

If hiking, paragliding, bungee jumping, mountain coasters, and adorable villages sound good to you, this might just be the honeymoon spot you’ve been looking for! Stay in the most gorgeous five-star hotel, Victoria Jungfrau, for the best luxury experience! I mean, just LOOK at this spa!

The best honeymoon destinations for:

The Road Trip Romantics

There’s something whimsical about renting a car (or a chic antique convertible, anyone?!!) and exploring the countryside on your own time. Stop in all the small villages that catch your eye that would otherwise be overlooked, or in the case of Iceland, stop at any and every waterfall you pass by!

Portugal

A road trip through Portugal gives you the opportunity to take your time admiring all that this unique country has to offer. From Porto and the Douro Valley, to the colorful and vibrant city of Lisbon, to the rocky coastlines of the Algarve! Ah, I’m already mentally here. Plus, did I mention the FOOD?? In the Algarve Coast, the Bela Vista Hotel is the perfect spot to post up!! As for Porto, go with the Yeatman!

Iceland

Iceland is a great honeymoon choice for those couples looking for something a little different and out of the ordinary! The main highway encircles the island, lending to the perfect leisurely road trip where you are certain to encounter some magical, mystical views.

Go in the summertime to get the best, most mild weather. Chase waterfalls, swim in the Blue Lagoon, go hiking, and even experience the other-worldly geothermic activity from the island’s volcano! For a honeymoon, splurge on a stay at Retreat at the Blue Lagoon!

The best honeymoon destinations for:

The All-Inclusive Sun Seekers

There is something amazing to be said for an all-inclusive honeymoon. No worrying about the bill, no searching for the best restaurants and trying to get reservations, no back-and-forth with tour companies. Just you, your boo, bottomless piña coladas, and everything you could want at your fingers tips, ALL INCLUDED! You’ll find the best all-inclusive resorts in favorite Caribbean destinations like Jamaica and Mexico!

Jamaica

My sister-in-law RAVES about their stay at Sandals Montego Bay for their honeymoon!! Spend your days paddle-boarding, lounging in a cabana, sipping fruity cocktails, taking a sailboat tour through the crystal clear waters, or getting your sweat on at the tennis courts! There are unlimited included land activities!! When you need a break from the sun, head to their award-winning Red Lane Spa!

Mexico

Mexico is a great destination to get all the luxury of a faraway, exotic destination, but close to home! If you have limited PTO or don’t want to hop on an around the world flight, Mexico is a fabulous honeymoon spot. For the best bang for your buck, Mexico is known for having some of the best all-inclusives. Whether you’re heading to the warm waters of the Yucatan on the east side, or prefer whale watching and fine dining on the West Coast, we’ve got options!! Plus, a major reason to choose Mexico is obviously the FOOD.

For Cabo, go for luxury at one of the best luxury hotels in Cabo (I rank them here)

And for all-out luxury, check out the One & Only Mandarina! One of the most beautiful hotels I’ve ever stayed in.

The best honeymoon destinations for:

The Food & Culture Lovers

These honeymoon locations are for the foodie couple that also appreciates a bit of history and culture with their relaxation, places like France, Italy, and Greece provide the best of both worlds. They all have incredible cultures, incredible museums, and arguably the best food in Europe!

Paris, France

The city of light and the city of love... what could be a more perfect honeymoon destination?! Picnic under the Eiffel Tower, wander through the Lourve (and many other incredible museums), or take a day trip to the Palace of Versailles or the region of Champagne. The activities are endless!!! For the true luxury Paris experience, splurge on one of my 3 favorites: the George V Paris, the Ritz Paris, or Mandarin Oriental Paris.

At any of these, reach out to me here so I can help book you – I get preferential rates as a preferred partner and travel advisor, and I can get you free perks at no cost to you (like complimentary breakfasts, room upgrades, resort credits, late check outs and more!)

Greece

Is there anywhere dreamier than Greece?

In Milos, charter a boat to the infamous Kleftiko Cliffs, lounge on the lunar-landscape beach Sarakiniko, and eat as much feta cheese as you possibly can!! While there aren’t massive luxury hotel chains in Milos, the boutique, family-owned hotels add to the charm! The only five-star hotel on the island is Milos Cove, and man, is it gorgeous!!

Kleftiko Cliffs

Italy

Italy has always felt like the ultimate honeymoon destination to me because it’s one of those places where romance isn’t manufactured, it’s just part of the air. You wake up to church bells echoing through old stone streets, spend slow mornings over cappuccinos and pastries, wander hand-in-hand through vineyards or along the sea, and end the day with long candlelit dinners that somehow stretch for hours. Whether it’s boating along the Amalfi Coast, getting lost in the hill towns of Tuscany, or watching the sunset over Lake Como with a glass of wine in hand, Italy has this effortless way of turning even the simplest moments into memories you’ll never forget. It’s beautiful, indulgent, a little magical, and the kind of place that just feels made for celebrating the start of a life together.

Where to stay in Italy for a honeymoon:

Hotel Santa Caterina

Hotel Santa Caterina is one of my very favorite hotels in the world and actually where we chose to stay on our honeymoon. It has this effortless Italian charm that’s hard to describe until you’re there, perched above the sea with the most incredible views and that dreamy Mediterranean magic everywhere you look. Honestly, you may find it hard to leave the property, especially once you see their iconic seaside beach club carved into the cliffs below. But when you do venture out, you’re just a short 10-minute walk into the center of Amalfi, where you can hop on ferries to explore the rest of the Amalfi Coast, like Capri.

It’s also one of those rare hotels that truly feels historic. Hotel Santa Caterina has been a favorite for celebrities and old-Hollywood travelers for decades, and you can feel that timeless glamour and character the moment you arrive.

If you book your stay here through me, you’ll also receive complimentary VIP perks like the best rate + daily breakfast for 2, hotel credits, room upgrades when available, and extra special touches during your stay! All at zero cost to you!

Ravello

Perched 1000 feet up into the cliffside, with some of the most stunning views of anywhere in the world, Ravello is Italy’s biggest hidden gem. Stay at the magnificent Belmond Caruso.

if you’re interested in booking this hotel (or any on this list), email here! I get preferred rates + free VIP perks for my clients as a luxury travel advisor! If you shoot me an email with your preferred dates or a range, I can quickly send you the best rates and offers I can find!

The best honeymoon destinations for:

The Beach Lovers

If your dream honeymoon involves salt in your hair, warm sun on your skin, and long beach days that turn into sunset dinners by the water, this category is for you. Some of the most unforgettable honeymoons I’ve ever planned (and taken myself) revolve around beautiful beaches. Think Hawaii for year-round sunshine, Anguilla for that impossibly turquoise Caribbean water, island hopping in Greece for summer romance, Bora Bora or the Maldives for the kind of overwater-villa magic that feels straight out of a dream.

Hawaii

I love Hawaii so much that it’s where Kenny and I chose to get married! For your honeymoon, I’d go with happening Maui or remote Lanai.

Maui is one of my all-time favorite islands in general, and it couldn’t be a more perfect honeymoon destination, especially if you choose to stay at the Four Seasons Maui at Wailea. It has the best of both adventure and luxury, and as much relaxation vs activity as you’d like!

(check out my Ultimate Guide to Maui here)

Or, hop on over to Lanai for one of the most remote, relaxing romantic experiences in the world.

The Four Seasons Lanai

A secluded luxury oasis with 5-star restaurants like Nobu and Malibu Farm, and an out-of-this-world breakfast buffet that will keep you full until dinner! This is one of the most exclusive resorts in Hawaii, and is hands down a favorite among honeymooners.

Greek Isles

Summer in Europe is always a good idea, especially if you’re cruising around the Greek Islands! My favorite way to explore the islands is to charter a boat for a few nights, but even without that, it’s SUPER easy to get around the islands via ferry! To avoid the crowds, go with Milos, or Naxos, but for all-out LUXE, choose an ocean view suite on Santorini or Mykonos!

The Maldives

If you’re looking for a country that is 99% water (that’s right…) and 1% STUNNING beaches, look no further than the Maldives. Planning a honeymoon to the Maldives can be a little overwhelming at first. There are more than 200 resorts to choose from (!!!), and they all cater to a different type of couple. Each resort has different things to offer (some are better for divers, some are better for surfers, some have better food, some have better overwater bungalows, etc, etc), but, don’t worry – the Maldives happens to be my favorite place in the world and I have all of the intel for you. Check out my guide below and reach out to me via email for help planning a trip!

The best honeymoon destinations for:

The Nature Enthusiasts

If you’ve been dreaming about getting up close and personal with elephants, a luxury African Safari might just be in the cards for you! On the other hand, if you’re the type of couple who loves to spend a day out in the mountains hiking, there is hardly anywhere as picturesque as the Italian Dolomites.

Africa

Planning an African safari can feel like an intense trip to plan, but that’s why you hire a luxury travel advisor with a lot of experience and knowledge to make it the BEST possible trip for you, and seamless and white-glove-service from start to finish. Email me here and let’s make your Africa dreams come true! And, for more info about how it works to use a luxury travel agency to help plan your trip, head to this post here!

The best destinations for Safaris in Africa are going to be Kenya, Botswana, Tanzania, and South Africa. If you want an all-out luxe safari lodge experience, the And Beyond Sandibe Safari Lodge in Botswana pulls out all the stops. From their modern eco-lodge design, to customized safari/wine tastings, to helicopter rides around the famous Okavango River Delta!

Another great option for my luxury lovers is the Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge in Botswana! YES, IT’S A THING!!

Italian Dolomites

Craving some small mountain villages, vast vistas, and maybe a plate of raclette? The Dolomites are calling!

The Dolomites are one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the Italian Alps and offer a wide range of activities. Not to mention, they pair perfectly with a few days in Milan and Lake Como for a well-rounded stay! If stepping into The Sound of Music sounds like your own personal heaven, go ahead and book a few nights in the elegant Miramonti Boutique hotel, and soak up some views like these…

Kauai

Known as the “Garden Isle,” Kauai is one of the most breathtaking islands in Hawaii and a dream honeymoon destination for couples who love nature, adventure, and incredible scenery. Think lush emerald mountains, dramatic cliffs along the Na Pali Coast, waterfalls hidden in the jungle, and some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Spend your days hiking along the cliffs of the Na Pali Coast, exploring Waimea Canyon (often called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”), taking a helicopter ride over the island’s untouched landscapes, or simply relaxing on the beach with those iconic Hawaiian sunsets.

For a luxurious stay, I love 1Hotel Princeville for its stunning views over the Na Pali Coast and beautifully designed wellness-focused atmosphere.

If you’d like help planning your honeymoon here, I can also book both properties with complimentary VIP perks like daily breakfast, hotel credits, upgrades when available, and extra special touches during your stay.

Mexico

I bet you wouldn’t guess this resort is in Mexico, right!?

One&Only Mandarina is located 1 hour North of the Puerto Vallarta airport, in a secluded, gated new development called Mandarina. Its focus is on being one with the gorgeous natural beauty that surrounds it, and it is the IDEAL hotel for the nature lover. It sits on the edge of a rainforest and it is very lush and jungly.

All of the suites are modern jungle treehouses stilted up 40 feet in the air!!! One of my favorite things about this resort is the way each modern treehouse villa was constructed to blend in seamlessly with nature. The O&O hashtag is #NatureUnspoiled and it’s easy to see why – the natural beauty and connection to nature here at Mandarina is so special, and the feeling waking up surrounded by birds chirping and crashing waves, sipping your coffee poolside, at your ocean-view jungle treehouse? Unbeatable.