The Best Honeymoon Destinations in the Age of COVID-19

In the age of COVID-19, planning a wedding, let alone planning a honeymoon, may seem like an uphill battle. But I’m here to say that you don’t have to let this terrible pandemic get in the way of your life’s amazing celebrations – you just need to be smart about them!

Sure, maybe you need to reschedule your big Bali honeymoon, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have TWO honeymoons, and do something fun state-side or in the Caribbean, or even Europe (yes, Europe is open!!!) in the meantime. More and more brides are opting for smaller ceremonies (or “micro-weddings”) and a mini-moon that is safe in the age of COVID-19, before doing their big wedding and bigger honeymoon next year or even into 2022. 

Here are the best honeymoon destinations that are open for travel in the age of COVID-19 that you may not have thought of yet!

Napa Valley

I also recently took a trip to Napa with my fiance and it was WONDERFUL! Napa is a perfect place to consider for a honeymoon! By now, you guys know that Napa (and Sonoma) may just be my favorite places not just in the US – but in the world. And, in my opinion, California wine country is the perfect USA honeymoon destination.  There is nothing more relaxing or romantic than cuddling up in Napa Valley with vineyards surrounding you in a luxury resort with nothing to do but soak in the hot tub, head to the spa, or go out wine tasting.

Where to stay in Napa for a honeymoon:

Auberge Du Soleil would be my top pick for a Napa honeymoon, hands down. 

Photo courtesy of the resort

Or go for a romantic wine country, vineyard-views bungalow like this one:

READ MORE: JETSET CHRISTINA’S ULTIMATE NAPA HONEYMOON GUIDE

St. Lucia

You must have a negative result from a PCR test taken no more than 7 days before arriving in Saint Lucia.

Where to stay: Jade Mountain Resort, St. Lucia

This gorgeous secluded resort in Saint Lucia is easily one of the best honeymoon destinations in the world. Jaw-droppingly beautiful rooms all have 15-foot ceilings, unbeatable panoramic views, and private infinity pools. If you stay at Jade Mountain, you can enjoy the exclusivity and privacy of Jade Mountain plus all of its sister resort Anse Chastanet’s restaurants, bars, boutiques, art gallery, spa, scuba, bike and watersports facilities as well as the two gorgeous white sand beaches available to guests at all times.

Santorini, Greece

Yes, Greece is open! In fact, my bestie is on her honeymoon there as we speak!

Is there anywhere dreamier for a honeymoon right now?!! Greece has reopened to many overseas visitors, including from the United States, jumping ahead of most of its European neighbors in welcoming tourism.

As of May 14, 2021, all passengers age 5 years or older traveling within Greece by air or ferry to the Greek islands must provide either:
  • Proof of full vaccination at least 14 days prior to travel; or.
  • A negative PCR test no older than 72 hours; or.
  • A negative rapid or self-test no older than 24 hours

Check with the Greek tourism board’s website on current restrictions.

 

Don’t forget to pack this men’s button-down Greece shirt, with matching dress

Turks and Caicos

Borders are open. U.S. Citizens and residents are welcome to visit Turks and Caicos at this time. 

Where to stay: Amanyara, Turks & Caicos

It’s hard to imagine a place more peaceful and serene for a honeymoon than the hyper-luxurious Amanyara in Turks & Caicos. It feels more Bali than Caribbean, which is no surprise coming from the prestigious Eastern Aman Resorts brand. 

COMO Parrot Cay, Turks & Caicos

A 1,000-acre private island a 30-minute boat ride away from Providenciales, COMO Parrot Cay is Caribbean honeymoon seclusion at its best. Splurge on a swanky beach villa and you’ll spend your day in a private pool with your new husband or wife, exploring the world-class spa for a couples massage together, indulging in sunset cocktails and choosing from beautiful restaurants with Thai, Japanese, Caribbean, and Mediterranean specialties for dinner. 

Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston is the perfect honeymoon or minimoon. With one of the best food and cocktail scene in the US, gorgeous architecture, and of course, the quintessential Southern hospitality and culture, there’s nowhere quite like this beautiful Southern gem for a romantic vacation.

Where to stay in Charleston:

The Hotel Bennett is my go to in Charleston (I mean how chic is this rooftop pool!). I also love Kiawah Island if you’re looking for a little more remote getaway outside of town.

Half Moon Bay, California

With gorgeous cliffs and rolling green hills along California’s Highway 1, Half Moon Bay feels more Irish countryside than California coast. But even though HMB feels a million miles away, it’s actually only about 40 miles North of Santa Cruz and just 28 miles South of San Francisco.. This beautiful town may boast big-time draws like coastal hikes, stunning golf courses, long stretches of beaches, and a famed 5-star Ritz Carlton, but, make no mistake, this is still very much a small town. 

Where to stay in Half Moon Bay for a honeymoon:

The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay – a stunning property nestled between 2 coastal golf courses.

Big Sur

Big Sur makes for the perfect USA honeymoon destination for a couple looking for a mix of outdoorsy activity and one-of-a-kind relaxation. Surrounded by breathtaking nature and the swerving cliffsides of the Pacific Coast Highway, Big Sur is a dream. You’ll instantly feel relaxed, and can choose to make your honeymoon as active as you want it to be. If you’re staying at the Ventana, you can wake up among the redwoods, and spend your days in the resort’s breathtaking infinity pool, eating at their incredible restaurant, or getting out and exploring all of the to-die-for hikes and secluded beaches that Big Sur has to offer.

Where to Stay in Big Sur:

Post Ranch Inn for the ultimate in luxury, or Ventana Resort, amazing.

California’s Highway One

This honeymoon destination idea is the ultimate honeymoon road trip – goes along with Big Sur, but California’s Pacific Coast highway would also be the PERFECT honeymoon spot. You can start in LA, grab lunch in Malibu, stay overnight in wine country in Paso Robles, explore Santa Barbara, make your way through Big Sur and end in San Francisco or Napa Valley – talk about an amazing honeymoon!!!

 For my full road trip guide to California’s highway one, click here

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Mexico is one of the few international travel destinations open to US citizens right now, making it a great option for honeymooners looking for something international, but still easy and accessible in the age of COVID-19. 

A trip to Cabo is a choose-your-own-adventure type of trip. Cabo has the majestic Pacific coast, high-end beachfront resorts, tons of golf, deep sea fishing, pampering, and all the all-night fiestas you could ever want if you’re up for it. Whether you’re traveling with your family, your loved one, or a big group of friends, Cabo is always a good idea.

Where to stay in a honeymoon in Cabo:

If budget is no object, this is by far the nicest villa I’ve ever stayed in Cabo. 

 

If you want to go more the resort route,

One & Only Palmilla 

One&Only Palmilla has long been a chic Mexican playground for the rich & famous. It’s constantly ranked as one of the best resorts south of the border, and boasts one of the most relaxing atmospheres anywhere in Mexico. There are 2 beaches, and a world-class spa. If you’re feeling a little adventure, Los Cabos is renowned for its deep-sea fishing, and the resort can set you up with a day trip out to sea, or you can explore the nearby coral reefs and go scuba diving and snorkeling, with visibility more than 100 feet down (!!!). 

The One & Only also owns a 27-hole Jack Nicklaus golf course, and greens fees are significantly lower for hotel guests than the public. Big win if you’re looking for the best golf in Cabo!

2016 © Nickolas Sargent Photography

Esperanza – an Auberge Resort

Set on the dreamy bluffs of the Baja Peninsula, this ultra-chic, five-star, oceanfront resort in Cabo features spacious private terraces, infinity hot tubs, six on-site restaurants, two private beaches, a full-service spa, four swimming pools, and AMAZING restaurants. If you’re looking for the perfect resort for an anniversary trip to Cabo, a romantic getaway, or even a honeymoon, Esperanza is your spot. 

Check the best rates for your dates here.

Or check out one of my favorite Cabo villas on this post here

Florida Keys

Where to stay: Little Palm Island, Florida Keys

The exclusive, recently re-opened, very-honeymoony all-inclusive Little Palm Island is located about one hour by air from Miami and Key West. Far from crowds and ultra-secluded, it’s an island only accessible by boat. Super dreamy, and a perfect safe, secluded getaway in the age of COVID.

 

 

Lake Tahoe

Where to stay for a honeymoon in Tahoe: Edgewood Tahoe

The Lodge at Edgewood Tahoe was ranked Travel & Leisure’s number one rated hotel in the continental US this year, and it is not hard to see why. This spectacular lakeside lodge embodies modern mountain luxury – from its 154 luxury rooms and suites (each boasting its own cozy gas fireplace and private terrace), to its three delicious restaurants and jaw-dropping lobby set amongst the pines, to its beautiful outdoor pool & incredible spa, Edgewood‘s effortless marriage of luxury, serenity and fun is what sets it apart in South Lake Tahoe.

The US Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands

Want to wake up at sea sailing around the dreamiest turquoise blue waters you’ve ever seen?

Rent a sailboat in the BVI, or stay at a luxury airbnb in St. John and just go out for the day! 

St. John Virgin Island – December 24, 2018 beautiful Caribbean island of St. Johns and surrounding islands.; Shutterstock ID 1505815982; Job: –

Joshua Tree, California

Nestled in the Coachella Valley, Joshua Tree is a perfect nature-lovers honeymoon in the USA – from hiking in the National Park, to exploring Joshua Tree Village and even heading to nearby Palm Springs, Joshua Tree’s beautiful rugged natural offerings are balanced by the best beautiful and unique places to stay that will make for the perfect romantic honeymoon or post-quarantine vacation destination.

Check out my list of the best romantic Airbnbs in Joshua Tree here

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Christina is a leading luxury lifestyle and travel blogger with over 2 million readers. Follow her on instagram @jetsetchristina.

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