Our Top 20 Luxury Honeymoon Destinations in 2018

Your honeymoon destination may well be the most important holiday you and your partner ever take, so you don’t want to make the wrong decision. With so many countries, cities and islands in the world, it can be hard to choose the right place for the 2 of you to bask in the afterglow of your wedding. Luckily, we at 5 Star Wedding Directory are here to make things easier. If you’re looking for a magnificent location with fine food, lavish accommodation, and plenty to see and do, take a look at these top 20 honeymoon destinations. You’re bound to find one that works for you and your new husband or wife.

Dubai, UAE

Best For: Cosmopolitan Couples

Don’t Miss: Madinat Jumeirah – a luxury mock-Arabian city.

Hotel and The-Dubai-Fountain - Luxury Honeymoon Destinations
Hotel and The-Dubai-Fountain

Dubai is fast becoming one of the most luxurious travel destinations in the world. This city in the United Arab Emirates offers plenty in the way of plush honeymoon accommodation and delicious food. If you and your partner love feeling the sand between your toes, you’ll love enjoying long, romantic walks across the beaches and deserts. If water is more your thing, you can get involved in a dinner cruise through the Dubai Marina or Dubai Creek. The Emirati cuisine is exactly what you’d expect from a modern, prosperous Arabian country: flavourful, cosmopolitan, and served in opulent restaurants.

Of course, you must remember Dubai’s laws. Certain clothing (like bikinis and short skirts), nudity (including bare male torsos), and showing affection in public (including kissing, hugging, or holding hands) are all considered inappropriate or illegal. However, this shouldn’t stop you from having a special, romantic honeymoon in this city. You can enjoy the sites by day, then retire to your hotel suite for couples fun in the evening.

Italy

Best For: Clashing Couples

Don’t Miss: Wine bars & vineyards – Italy’s having a wine revival right now.

Florence-luxury honeymoon destinations
Florence

With so many cities to visit, from Milan to Rome to the islands, Italy is one of the best places to spend your honeymoon. The setting of Romeo and Juliet, this country exudes love and romance from its very core. Don’t worry if you and your new husband or wife have completely different tastes.

wedding-in-italy Florence-honeymoon destinationsItaly is one of the most eclectic destinations around. Hire Vespas and tour the landmarks (including the majestic Colosseum and Tower of Pisa). Sample the local cuisine (who doesn’t love pizza and pasta?) and visit a vineyard. Sale through Venice or trek through the Abruzzi mountains. Italy is the perfect honeymoon location for having a great time and falling deeper in love.

France

Best For: Hopeless Romantics

Don’t Miss: Châteaux of the Loire – magnificent river palaces.

Travel-to-france-paris-louvre-museum
France Paris Louvre Museum

They don’t call Paris “the City of Love” for nothing! It’s impossible to honeymoon in France and not have a great time. This country is home to gorgeous 5-star hotels, intimate restaurants, and romantic stone streets to stroll down. Who better to get your first taste of frog legs and escargot with than someone who will still love you even if your breath smells like garlic snails later that night? Paris, the French Riviera, and the Loire Valley are 3 of the best French locations to solidify your marriage in. Each one features cultural delights, delicious (if not unusual) foods, and stunning scenery.

Ibiza, Spain

Best For: Millenial Couples

Don’t Miss: Amnesia – this superclub blasts dry ice clouds into the crowd.

alvarezmoxy.bravesites.com - Ibiza-Spain-luxury-honeymoon
alvarezmoxy.bravesites.com – Ibiza-Spain-luxury-honeymoon

Many people think of Ibiza as somewhere for singles to let loose and go wild. In reality, it’s also a great place for newlyweds to enjoy. You can, of course, dedicate time to some of the best nightlife in the world, but there’s so much more than that on offer. Ibiza’s beaches are the perfect place for a romantic walk or splash. The white sands and clear seas are nothing short of gorgeous. The food is delicious, too – it combines Spanish favourites like paella and tapas with influences from Asia, Italy, and Mexico. Bare in mind that Ibiza becomes rather crowded in the peak summer months (July and August). If you want intimacy and privacy, you’ll need to honeymoon off-season. Luckily, that’s the most cost-effective time to visit too.

Budapest, Hungary

Best For: Trendsetting Couples

Don’t Miss: The Danube River – it’s especially beautiful at night.

Parliament_Budapest_Hungary
Parliament_Budapest_Hungary

It may be an unexpected choice for a honeymoon city break, but Budapest is fast becoming an unusual, untapped contender in the luxury destination pool. The Corinthia Hotel in Budapest is one of Europe’s most opulent accommodation offerings, with a six floor atrium and no less than 5 eateries on site. Hungarian food is simple, heavy on meat, and often spicy. After eating, you and your partner can relax in the hotel’s spa. Then, travel the city by boot or on foot, enjoying the unique cultural sites.

New York City, USA

Best For: Metropolitan Couples

Don’t Miss: Rockefeller Centre – skate hand-in-hand with your loved one.

vacations.aircanada.com - New York City USA
vacations.aircanada.com – New York City USA

There’s never a bad time to go to New York. However, if you can brave the cold, the most romantic time to honeymoon there is winter. Nothing beats snuggling with your new husband or wife in the snowfall. New York City is one of the most popular city break destinations for a reason. It has everything a great city needs – fancy hotels, cool restaurants, and plenty of cultural activities. Take a walk together in the fairytale-like Brooklyn Botanical Garden, where beautiful cherry blossoms fall all around in spring. Then head to the top of the Empire State Building for a kiss at 1250 ft. If you feel like splashing cash, treat your loved one to jewellery from the famous Tiffany & Co.

Los Angeles, USA

Best For: Glamorous Couples

Don’t Miss: Santa Monica Pier – what’s more romantic than a day at the fair?

Alik Griffin - Santa Monica Pier
internetbillboards.net – Alik Griffin – Santa Monica Pier

Los Angeles is one of the best city honeymoon destinations for couples who want sun and fun. Part of L.A.’s appeal is its hustle and bustle, so don’t be worried about honeymooning there in the peak summer months. It’s a big city, so you’ve got plenty of accommodation options. Some of the most exciting spots are on the Westside – Beverly Hills, Venice Beach, and Bel Air. As the home of Hollywood, L.A. is the ideal place to celebrate your marriage if you’re both celebrity fans or movie buffs. You can stroll down the Walk of Fame together, then spend a day at Universal Studios. If you really want to see everything the city has to offer, don’t hesitate to take a helicopter tour. After all, you can always hold your partner’s hand if you get scared of heights!

London, England

Best For: High Fliers

Don’t Miss: London Eye – the best view you’ll ever kiss in front of.

vlondoncity.co.uk - London Attractions
vlondoncity.co.uk – London Attractions

If you’re from the UK, London may seem a very domestic choice for a honeymoon. However, that doesn’t mean it’s boring. It’s one of the most opulent destinations in the world, with no shortage of romantic adventure options. London has a reputation for having poor food, but over the last few decades it’s become home to some of the world’s best international cuisine. Check out French restaurant Clos Maggiore, named Harden’s most romantic restaurant several years running. London also has a penchant for skyscrapers. If you agree that when the moon hits your eye “that’s amore‘, you’ll love touring The Shard and climbing the O2 arena at night.

Hainan, China

Best For: Cultural Couples

Don’t Miss: Daxio Dongtian – some of the world’s most beautiful scenery.

Ritz-Carlton plans second resort, with golf club, for Hainan Island
Ritz-Carlton plans second resort, with golf club, for Hainan Island

Love Chinese food? Are dragons or giant pandas your favourite animal? If so, Hainan could be the honeymoon destination for you. Sanya in Hainan province has been called the “Hawaii of China” due to it’s lush beaches and year-round sunshine. If you want your new marriage to last forever, join thousands of other couples by leaving a lucky padlock at the top of Luhuitou Park. Then take a trip to Tianya Haijou (天涯海角). The name of this resort translates to “edges of heaven“, and it’s been immortalised in romantic poetry and literature.

Maldives

Best For: Aquaphiles

Don’t Miss: Banana Reef – rays, sharks, and caves galore.

blog.ezeego1.co.in - maldives-resort-island
blog.ezeego1.co.in – maldives-resort-island

Thinking of honeymooning in the Maldives? You’re not alone. The breathtaking sun, sea, and sand make this island in the Indian Ocean is one of the most popular destinations for newlyweds. Despite its popularity, there are plenty of places to spend time alone with your lover. The Maldives is made up of almost 1,200 islands, most of which are uninhabited. Many of these deserted islands have become spots for couples day trips. Why not boat to one of them? Just try not to argue with your new husband or wife over who’s doing the most paddling!

India

Best For: Colourful Couples

Don’t Miss: Lake Palace – romantic, floating castle in a shimmering lake.

businessinsider.my - The Taj Mahal
businessinsider.my – The Taj Mahal

India is full of honeymoon locations for newlyweds with all kinds of interests. If you want a relaxing trip, why not rent a houseboat in Kerala? The scenery in this town is comprised of vibrant green tea and coffee plantations – perfect for a photo-perfect walk. If you want more of a classical Indian atmosphere, you won’t want to leave the palaces and museums in Rajasthan. For the ultimate luxury experience, Kashmir is the place to go. Take a trip on the Gulmarg cable car (the world’s second highest), then feed each other berries in Kashmir’s strawberry valley.

Maui, Hawaii

Best For: Sweet-Toothed Couples

Don’t Miss: Hāna Highway – it’s a day-long trip, but it’s well worth it.

Maui Beach Hawaii
Maui Beach Hawaii

Maui is the second largest of Hawaii’s 8 main islands, and the best one to visit on your honeymoon. It’s no surprise that Conde Nast has awarded it the title of ‘Best Island in the World’ for decades. The first thing you’ll want to experience is a sunrise kiss at the top of 10,000 ft high Mount Haleakala. Later that day, enjoy a luau feast. You’ll get to enjoy tropical food made with delicious fruits you’ve never heard of, all while watching a display of Hawaii’s magical culture. If you’re game, don’t forget to have a go on the Piiholo Ranch Zipline for the best views of the island.

Seychelles

Best For: Secret Deekers

Don’t Miss: Mission Lodge – a vantage point once visited by Queen Elizabeth II.

Seychelles
Seychelles

It’s surprising that this sensuous African island isn’t more popular. Many celebrities have chosen to honeymoon here, including Kate and Wills, and George and Amal Clooney. If you have a mountain of cash to burn, Seychelles’ North Island is one of the most exclusive, luxurious resorts in the world. If not, don’t worry. This country has dozens more equally romantic hotels and resorts to stay at. You won’t want to miss a visit to the botanical garden opened by Queen Victoria, or a sailing trip to see the adorable turtles.

St. Barths

Best For: Beach Bums

Don’t Miss: St. Jean Beach – the planes fly over so low you can almost touch them.

Public-Beach-St-Barts
Public-Beach-St-Barts

Short for Saint Barthelemy, St. Barths is a picturesque Caribbean haven. You’ll probably spend most of your time here on the beach with your loved one. From watching the sunset to dining with an ocean view, there are plenty of seafront activities to enjoy together. If that’s not relaxing enough for you, visit one of St. Barths’ spas. Once you’ve enjoyed the land, venture out to sea. You can hire a yacht to sail the waters, or (if you’re feeling very risqué) you can swim nude at the secluded Saline Beach. Some of the restaurants in St. Barths are even more expensive than the ones you’d find in NYC or London, but they offer some of the most amazing food in the Caribbean.

Fiji

Best For: Thrill Seekers

Don’t Miss: Savusavu Bay – the perfect place to cuddle with your partner at sunset.

Expedia.com - Fiji Honeymoons
Expedia.com – Fiji Honeymoons

It’s hard not to find romance in Fiji. If you’re worried an island destination might be boring, Fiji is the spot for you. There’s plenty of fun to be had here. Why not start by experiencing the most marvellous wonders of nature by scuba diving, hiking, or white water rafting? If you’d rather watch nature from afar, Fiji is full of waterfalls and wildlife to look at. Then enjoy a traditional Lovo meal together, cooked on a hot rock barbecue. You may even get a chance to watch fire walkers perform the impossible after your meal. Once you’ve had enough food, enjoy Fijian drink. Kava is a traditional Fiji root beverage with spiritual and sedative properties, and it will make your lips tingle almost as much as kissing does.

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Best For: Private Couples

Don’t Miss: Mount Otemando – a 2,400 extinct volcano.

Bora Bora French Polynesia
Bora Bora French Polynesia

There are plenty of islands on this list, and for good reason. Bora Bora is just one of many beautiful, isolated land masses with a romantic backdrop. Take a safari ride into the mountains for a view of the lagoons. If you like the look of the water, you can take a snorkelling tour to see the incredible marine life. If you really like the water, stay in an over-water bungalow. If you’re interested in modern history, take a trip to some of the awe-inspiring WWII sites around the island. Bora Bora is remote, so it’s nowhere near as crowded as many other island destinations. If you want privacy and intimacy, it’s the ideal spot for you and your new partner.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Best For: Sightseers

Don’t Miss: Street Markets – the best way to see the vibrancy of the city.

Rio-de-Janeiro--weddings
bohen.co.uk/blog/page/3 – Rio-de-Janeiro

About to play host to the 2016 Olympic games, Rio is vibrant, passion-filled, and simply gorgeous. It offers an ideal combination of city travel and beach beauty. Even if you’re not religious, a trip to the feet 38-metre tall Christ the Redeemer (Brazil’s iconic statue) is sure to impress you. If you want to spend time higher up, there are equally amazing views from the Sugar Loaf cable car. Parque Lage, made famous by Snoop Dogg and Pharell’s music video for Beautiful, is a must for a sweet walk and brunch. And, of course, you wont want to miss the chance to see wildlife and enjoy water sports at the beaches.

St. Lucia

Best For: Tropical Couples

Don’t Miss: The Pitons – St. Lucia’s 2 volcanic spires.

Honeymoon-in-st-lucia
Honeymoon-in-st-lucia

Start your honeymoon in St. Lucia by arriving via helicopter, the ultimate choice in luxury travel. Then, wash away all your former cares with a  high-end spa treatment and massage. When you’re ready to absorb everything St. Lucia has to offer, you’ll definitely want to take a look at the island’s rainforestry. If you want an exhilarating activity, brave the Dennery Adventure Park together. If you prefer tranquillity, learn about Caribbean history at the Balenbouche Estate sugar plantation. Whatever you choose, you can end the day with a tram ride over the tropics and a lovely seafood meal at one of St. Lucia’s many restaurants.