After all the planning that goes into a wedding, the honeymoon is your chance to simply be together and celebrate. It's a once-in-a-lifetime trip, so it deserves just as much care as the big day itself. Whether you dream of an overwater villa, a sunset over a volcanic caldera or a road trip with a few surprises along the way, here are some of our favourite honeymoon ideas – and a few tips to help you choose.
First, a few questions to ask each other
- When are you going? The month you travel will rule some destinations in and others out, so start here.
- How long do you have? A week suits short- and mid-haul; ten days to two weeks or more opens up long-haul and two-centre trips.
- What's your ideal day? Total relaxation, exploring, adventure, or a mixture?
- Do you want to dress up for dinner, or kick off your shoes?
- Is all-inclusive appealing, or would you rather discover local restaurants?
The Maldives: the ultimate barefoot luxury
For many couples, the Maldives is the dream: a private island resort, an overwater villa with steps straight into the lagoon, and nothing to do but swim, snorkel and watch the sunset. Many resorts offer romantic touches such as dinners on a sandbank. The dry season, roughly December to March, offers the most settled weather, while the summer months bring better value and the occasional tropical shower. Read our guide to the best time to visit the Maldives.
Perfect for: couples wanting pure relaxation and seclusion.
St Lucia: romance in the Caribbean
With the twin Pitons rising from the sea, rainforest, waterfalls and hillside hotels with private plunge pools, St Lucia is one of the world's great honeymoon islands. You can laze on the beach, take a mud bath in volcanic springs, or hike through the rainforest. Antigua and Barbados are wonderful Caribbean alternatives. Compare them in our Caribbean islands guide.
Perfect for: couples who want scenery, a little adventure and Caribbean warmth.
Santorini and the Greek islands
Whitewashed villages on the edge of a caldera, cave suites with private hot tubs and some of the most famous sunsets in the world – Santorini is pure romance, and only a short flight from the UK. Combine it with a quieter island such as Naxos, Paros or Milos for an island-hopping honeymoon. Early summer and September are often ideal. Explore more in our Greek islands guide.
Perfect for: summer honeymoons, foodies and couples who like a little life in the evenings.
Mexico: all-inclusive indulgence
Mexico's Riviera Maya has some of the most impressive adults-only, all-inclusive resorts anywhere, with multiple restaurants, swim-up suites and spas. Between lazy days, you can swim in cenotes, explore Mayan ruins at Tulum or Chichén Itzá, and snorkel the reef. See our Mexico all-inclusive guide.
Perfect for: couples who want everything taken care of, with culture on the doorstep.
Italy: la dolce vita
From the clifftop villages of the Amalfi Coast to the lakes of the north, the rolling hills of Tuscany and the canals of Venice, Italy is endlessly romantic. Pair a city with the coast – perhaps Rome and Positano, or Venice and Lake Como – and enjoy long lunches, wine and wonderful views.
Perfect for: food and wine lovers, culture and short-haul romance.
Mauritius and the Seychelles
In the Indian Ocean, Mauritius combines beautiful beaches and elegant resorts with a lush, mountainous interior and a rich mix of cultures and cuisine. The Seychelles are famous for their granite boulders, jungle-covered islands and beaches such as Anse Source d'Argent on La Digue. Both are fantastic alternatives to the Maldives for couples who want a little more to explore.
Two-centre honeymoons
Can't decide? You don't have to. Two-centre honeymoons combine contrasting experiences: a city and a beach, or an adventure followed by relaxation. Popular pairings include Dubai and the Maldives, Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Las Vegas and Hawaii, New York and the Caribbean, or a South African safari followed by Mauritius. A few days of excitement followed by a beach to unwind can be the best of both worlds.
Adventure and once-in-a-lifetime trips
For some couples, the honeymoon is the perfect excuse for a truly epic trip: a safari in Kenya, Tanzania or South Africa, a road trip through California, the temples and islands of Thailand, or the wilderness of New Zealand. These trips take more planning but create unforgettable memories.
Honeymoon tips
- Book early, especially for peak season and popular villa types.
- Let the hotel know you're on honeymoon – many resorts love to add special touches.
- Book in your current name if your passport won't be updated before you travel; your tickets must match your passport.
- Don't over-plan. Leave time to do absolutely nothing together.
- Arrange travel insurance as soon as you book.
- Consider a mini-moon straight after the wedding, with the big trip later in the year when the season is right.
Weddings and honeymoons with JDM Everafter
Planning a destination wedding as well as your honeymoon? Our sister brand, JDM Everafter, specialises in weddings abroad and honeymoons, from the first idea to the last dance. Whether you're saying "I do" on a beach or simply planning the trip of a lifetime afterwards, we'd love to help make it unforgettable.