When planning your honeymoon, keep this in mind: a beach-based honeymoon is usually a can’t-lose proposition. There’s that romantic stroll, those breathtaking hotel suites, those romantic candlelit dinners, and everything in between. Some destinations are definitely better than others, and the further you trek across the globe, the more memorable (and Instagram-worthy) your honeymoon will be. We hope you like long walks on the beach…
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Bora Bora
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Bora Bora in Tahiti is the ultimate beach destination for newlyweds. In fact, 90 percent of visitors are honeymooners, so you can expect every romantic beach activity possible and romantic, luxury-drenched suites to shack up in. It’s one of the world’s most remote beautiful places known specifically for crystal-clear lagoons and overwater bungalows (which were invented here), and trust us, if you’re looking to save a buck, you’re not going to find anything like this at the Jersey Shore.
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Maldives
Maldives
Break out the AmEx because The Maldives is super expensive. This set of islands (in the middle of the Indian Ocean) is one of the most exclusive beach destinations in the world. There’s hardly a million visitors a year because it’s remote and a bit of a trek even for the one-percenters (the rich kind, not the biker kind). Be prepared to be blown away. The Maldives is known for overwater bungalows, but they are significantly more luxurious than Bora Bora. The pristine beaches are blindingly white, the sea is Kool-Aid blue, and considering the type of people who visit (uh… one more time: rich) you can bet spas, restaurants and other amenities will be luxury drenched.
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The South of France and The French Riviera
French Riviera, France
Europe is packed with beautiful beach towns around the Mediterranean Sea (Greek islands, Spain, Croatia) but the motherlode of honeymooners will head to the South of France. Here in the French Riviera, they get the best of everything. Fancy French food to be wined and dined, luxury resorts, chilling on yachts, close proximity to wine regions, the works. The South of France is so glam and chic, it attracts A-listing power couples (name any, they’ve been here). You’ll definitely feel like a true jetsetter. The area around Nice is stunning, and Cannes is obviously world renowned. The mother of all beach towns, Saint Tropez, has seen plenty of champagne bathes, so get used to the finer things in life.
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The Carribean
St. Barths, Saint Barthélemy
The Caribbean is perfect for newlyweds who don’t want to fling themselves far in order to save a little money for a new car, extra guac, a tandem bike, or whatever. The beauty of the Caribbean is that there are 28 breathtaking island nations to choose from, so options abound. Picking the right island is crucial, as no islands are alike. If you want something high-brow and glam, head to St. Barths. If you want white beaches, culture, and nightlife then head to Aruba. If you’re looking for old-school Caribbean, head to Nevis (where Alexander Hamilton was born, and where monkeys still roam, and there are no streetlights). If you want to get on a boat, the British Virgin Islands is the sailing capital of the Caribbean. And if you don’t have a passport, then get romantic in Puerto Rico. Â
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Mexico
Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Mexico beach towns are a magnet to honeymooners and destination weddings because they have the perfect setting. Luxury resorts line incredibly beautiful beaches with trademark, electric-blue sea, often with lush foliage and tropical jungles in the backdrop. The service in Mexico is famously backbending, and you obviously won’t find better Mexican food. This makes beach towns like Playa Del Carmen, Tulum, Los Cabos, Punta Mita and Puerto Vallarta a playground for newlyweds who want the best of amazing beaches without spending a fortune.
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Thailand
Thailand
The beaches of Thailand are legendary. Hugging the Andaman Sea, alluring beach towns like Phuket, Koh Samui and Krabi are famous for backpackers, jetsetters, celebrities, and everyone in between. Honeymooners flock here because they’re exotic, cheap and there’s plenty to do outside the beaches, including jungle treks, bustling markets, exploring street food, nightlife and hopping to smaller islands for secluded beaches. Plus: authentic Pad Thai and $10 massages every day? Dreams do come true.
