As far as milestone trips are concerned, a honeymoon is among the biggest. After all, when else are you encouraged to splash out on a far-flung adventure for the sole purpose of basking in the company of your new spouse? It presents a rare opportunity to choose a bucket list destination and plan a vacation you’ll reminisce about for many anniversaries to come.
The type of honeymoon you take depends entirely on your priorities. If your out-of-office idyll entails lounging by a body of water with nary a commitment, a balmy resort on the coastline of Mexico is sure to dial up the romance. If you’re an active couple who want to go off the grid after months of stressful wedding planning, an escape to New Zealand or the Canadian wilderness will satiate your wanderlust. And for newlyweds with a penchant for something unexpected, why not opt for a snowcapped rendezvous in the Swiss Alps in lieu of the standard warm-weather trip? From African safaris to island hopping in Greece to sipping spritzes on the Amalfi Coast—let your honeymoon be the time to do it up properly. Ahead, a few of the very best locations to get you started.
The Loire Valley, France
Paris might be ranked among the top European honeymoon destinations, but a couple of hours south lies the Loire Valley, which offers a dreamy appeal all its own. This region—nicknamed “The Garden of France”—has all the fixings for a truly romantic sojourn. Culture? Choose from more than 300 châteaux to explore, from medieval fortresses to Renaissance castles (some of which you can even sleep in). Nature? Glide along the river on a traditional Toue boat. And wine? Sip some of the most celebrated styles in the world, including Sancerre and Vouvray. At the risk of sounding cliché, it’s a fairytale destination, and one supremely well-suited for newlyweds.
Where to Stay: Wake up in your very own castle by staying at Hotel Château du Grand-Lucé. This 18th-century neoclassical château has just 19 rooms, promising an intimate experience for honeymooners. It s also less than an hour by train from Paris (in case you’d like to add a few days in the City of Light to your honeymoon).
The Sacred Valley, Peru
A honeymoon is the perfect time to check off a bucket list trip that you might not otherwise take the initiative to do—and there are few destinations that offer the same jaw-dropping, once-in-a-lifetime experiences as Peru. And at the top of any itinerary will be Machu Picchu, the mysterious Incan citadel listed as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. If you want to do Machu Picchu in style, your best bet is to book yourself in at Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort Spa, which sits next to a roaring river within the charming town of Urubamba: not only does it offer some serious tranquility for any honeymooners landing off of a long-haul flight (the couples’ treatmens in the expansive spa are universally delightful) but it even has its own on-property train station that will whisk you all the way to Aguas Calientes, the town that serves as the jumping-off point to exploring Machu Picchu. There are few experiences more romantic than a luxurious train ride through the Andes, after all.
Where to Stay: The hotel to beat in the Sacred Valley is Tambo del Inka, which offers a luxurious take on classic Peruvian hospitality: think alpacas wandering the grounds, patterned Incan textiles hanging from the walls, and coca tea on tap, but also an impressively well-appointed spa and gourmet food. (The tasting menu at the hotel’s flagship Hawa restaurant features delicacies like Nikkei-style tuna ceviche or an elevated riff on lomo saltado, and no visit to Peru or the Sacred Valley would be complete without sipping on an artfully mixed Pisco sour.)
Banff National Park, Canada
Banff National Park, Canada’s oldest, showcases the Rocky Mountains in all their rugged glory. Honeymooners looking to spend quality time in nature will be teed up well; this striking setting has hundreds of glaciers, rich blue lakes, and over a thousand miles of hiking trails. If you re particularly keen to go off the grid, consider one of the park s legendary backpacking trips, followed up with a few nights in a luxury lakeside retreat.
Where to Stay: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise was built over 100 years ago as an alpinist base and is now a member of the Historic Hotels of America. In its early days, the resort attracted the likes of Alfred Hitchcock and Marilyn Monroe, earning it the nickname of the “Hollywood of the North” during the early 20th century.
Riviera Nayarit, Mexico
Whittling down which region in Mexico to spend your honeymoon is harder than it sounds. There’s the Caribbean coastlines of Tulum, the Sonoran desert landscapes of Baja California Sur, and the cultural charms of destinations like San Miguel de Allende. If you’ve done all of the above and are ready for something new (and less busy), head for the soul-stirring Pacific coastline of Riviera Nayarit.
Where to Stay: No longer a best-kept secret, this region is attracting some of the best names in hospitality. For an adults-only experience, check into one of the 15 luxury tented bungalows at Naviva, A Four Seasons Resort. The property sits on 48 acres of jungle, and the absence of pre-set menus allows for honeymoon-worthy experiences, like impromptu beachside dinners.
Côn Đảo, Vietnam
Vietnam is the travel destination on everyone’s lips for 2026, and for those eager to experience the Southeast Asian country’s most marvelous landscapes, minus the crowds, Côn Đảo is just the ticket. This tiny archipelago off the southern coast (just a 45-minute flight from Ho Chi Minh City) is honeymoon fodder: dense jungle, pristine beaches, and five-star luxury resorts.
Where to Stay: Channeling the spirit of a traditional fishing village, Six Senses Con Dao is a breathtaking beach getaway made up of 50 villas, each with private infinity pools. Even better: the property recently unveiled a major transformation on its 15,000-square-meter spa.
The Swiss Alps
If your attitude toward tropical vacations is a bit been there, done that, why not opt for something unexpected, like a wintry honeymoon? You can’t do better than the Swiss Alps, with historic villages and iconic peaks at every turn. Enjoy days of skiing and sledding, capped off with Champagne and fondue for two.
Where to Stay: Seeing as the Alps cover around 65% of Switzerland, choosing where to base yourself requires a discerning eye. If a high alpine village built around two glacial lakes sounds enticing, book your stay at the Tschuggen Grand Hotel in Arosa. It has its own private mountain funicular and an impressive spa built right into the mountain (designed by architect Mario Botta).
The French Riviera
Picasso and Matisse painted it, F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote about it, and for centuries, bon vivants of all stripes have flocked to the Côte d’Azur’s dazzling coastline. As befits the setting, honeymooners find plenty to do when traveling to the French Riviera, whether it’s sunbathing in Juan-les-Pins, or hiking the red rocks of the Massif de l’Esterel.
Where to Stay: The French Riviera is in no short supply of spectacular hotels for honeymooners. If you prefer a low-key stay in a cush setting, head for Château de Théoule in the sleepy village of Théoule-sur-Mer. The hotel occupies a 17th-century soap factory that’s transformed into a luxury 44-room accommodation complete with a private beach and a fabulous waterfront bar where you can spend afternoons sipping regional rosé.
Tuscany, Italy
We all love the thrill of discovering a lesser-known destination, but this is your honeymoon. If you secretly yearn for a classic romantic getaway—like Tuscany—don’t let its popularity deter you. The best approach is to rent a car and leisurely explore the vast countryside, stopping at vineyards for impromptu tastings and family-run osterias for regional fare.
Where to Stay: The very best hotels in Tuscany embrace the art of Italian hospitality: warm, generous, familial. If you’re spending your honeymoon driving around, consider kicking it off with a stay at Follonico in the heart of the region. With just six guest rooms, this agriturismo is as authentic as it gets. If you want a few days in Florence to soak in Renaissance art and architecture, there’s nowhere better for honeymooners than in one of the 20 rooms at The Place Firenze. The property skews more private residence than hotel, and is decorated with pieces crafted by local artisans and artists. And for an all-out luxury experience among the vines, situate yourself in Como Castello del Nero for a few days of pampering.
South Africa
If the idea of rising before dawn to catch the early morning light cast its rays on a pride of lions sounds romantic, consider an African safari for your honeymoon. Though it’s a trip that requires complex logistics—long flights, visas, and the occasional malaria pill—the payoff more than outweighs the effort. Relish the thrill of following wild animals in their natural habitat, and enjoy all the luxurious touches that come with a safari, from wine-fueled sundowners to al fresco spa treatments.
Where to Stay: Since the 1930s, Singita has been the gold standard for ultra-luxury safari lodges and wildlife reserves. The company operates throughout Africa (Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Botswana, Rwanda), but its very first destination was Singita Ebony Lodge in South Africa’s Sabi Sand, which recently unveiled a renovation. If you can swing it, build out an itinerary that takes you between a few of the different lodges so you can experience multiple habitats and animals.
New Zealand
New Zealand is a destination that epitomizes the term “epic” in just about every way imaginable. The country’s two islands are like a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, with geothermal parks, ancient glaciers, snowy alps, subtropical forests, and some of the most dazzling stargazing you’ve ever seen—and that’s only scratching the surface. When you’re ready to relax, explore the country’s spectacular wine regions, or even hop on a cruise to explore breathtaking fiords.
Where to Stay: Begin your trip at Wharekauha in dramatically scenic Palliser Bay on the North Island. This property is located in Wairarapa wine country and combines the farm stay setting with all the bells and whistles of a star-studded luxury lodge secluded in nature. Rosewood Cape Kidnappers is another wine country favorite on the north island, situated in sunny Hawke’s Bay and perched on a 6,000-acre peninsula that doubles as a wildlife sanctuary (take the nighttime tour to try and spot a kiwi). And if you’ve got Queenstown (South Island) on your bucket list, the villas at Gibbston Valley Lodge Spa are sandwiched between vineyards.
Saint Barthélemy
The upscale glamour of St. Barths is legendary. As one Vogue writer puts it, “the moment you descend onto St. Barths, you know you’re in for something spectacular.” This West Indies island is a favorite among honeymooners in large part thanks to its upscale seafood restaurants, five-star hotels, and see-and-be-seen beach clubs. The natural setting isn’t so bad, either. You can hike to secluded beaches, explore underwater caves via snorkel, and take a boat to nearby islets.
Where to Stay: Stay at Le Toiny if you seek a discreet, romantic ambience while still wanting to experience the social island that is St. Barths. The whole property is surrounded by wild and rugged terrain—to get to the beach club, guests must board an open-air white safari jeep that will navigate several steep dirt curves before reaching its luxurious, tucked-away destination, known for its lobster salad and local tuna tartar. The rooms are airy, crisp, and undoubtedly luxurious—plus, each comes with a private plunge pool with ocean views. Otherwise, Cheval Blanc St. Barths—owned by luxury group LVMH—is the place to stay: shrouded in bougainvillea arches and greenery, it exudes a French Riviera meets-the-tropics energy.
Sossusvlei Desert, Namibia
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It takes at least three flights to reach Soussuveli, a remote region within the vast Namib desert. But those willing to take the long journey will be well rewarded with a landscape that feels more like Mars than Earth, a night sky that’s the second-darkest in the world, and an adventure that’ll stick with you for a lifetime.
Where to Stay: Stay at the andBeyond Sossusvlei, and spend your morning e-biking through the property’s 31,419-acre private sandy reserve, or perhaps take a hot air balloon as the sun rises. Then, cool off in your stone-and-glass studio’s infinity pool as the afternoon temperature rises. When you’re ready to adventure out again, have one of the property’s rangers take you out for a cocktail hour deep in the dunes, or perhaps hike the dunes... and then have a cocktail hour.
The Amalfi Coast
Gazing out at the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea, the Amalfi Coast is the stuff of storybooks. The region wraps around dramatic cliffs, hugged by a coastline of azure water and colorful homes seemingly carved into the hillsides. Positano is no doubt the region’s most famous town, but there’s also Praiano, its quieter neighbor, and Ravello, a hilltop hamlet with sweeping views—among others. Wherever you base yourself, there is no shortage of romantic places to stay in the dreamy, la dolce vita destination of the Amalfi Coast.
Where to Stay: Consider the Belmond Hotel Caruso. Located high in the hills of Ravello, its relative remoteness from the busy towns below allows for a more private experience. Wander through the property’s abundant gardens, go shopping in the quaint town of Ravello, embark on one of the property’s complimentary boat excursions, and most of all, eat some pasta. Vogue also loves Le Sirenuse: Positano can get admittedly crowded during its high season, but you ll feel in your own little world at this fireside red property with mosaic terraces, elegant guest rooms, and terraces upon the Tyrrhenian sea. Meanwhile, the Palazzo Alvino is an iconic Ravello hotel housed in a 12th-century pink villa with a Michelin-starred restaurant.
The Greek Islands
When you think of the quintessential honeymoon, the first destination that comes to mind is always Greece. So much so that we’ve even put together a guide on how to plan a Greek honeymoon fit for the gods. One of the most romantic islands? Santorini, of course. Steeped in Grecian beauty with its iconic whitewashed buildings cascading down the cliffside, it is one of Greece’s most famous islands for a reason. If you and your spouse have your sights set on experiencing the ancient caldera, avoid the rush by arriving at Oia just before sunrise, and explore other areas of the island with less foot traffic, such as the hilltop village of Pyrgos.
Where to Stay: Book a stay at Canaves Oia Suites for the plunge pools, Grace Hotel, Auberge Resorts Collection for its impressive location directly in front of Skaros Rock, Andronis Boutique Hotel for its hot-tubbed private terraces, Katikies for its white cave architecture, and Mystique for a restaurant with take-your-breath-away views. To get away even further from the rush of the caldera, consider Vedema Resort in the medieval village of Megalochori.
Umbria, Italy
If you and your partner have experienced Tuscany before and want to try something new, just to the south, Umbria offers a quieter kind of escape. As one Vogue writer explains, “the pace is gentler here, the scenery wilder—a mosaic of forests, olive groves, and ancient hill towns that still feel intimately connected to the land.” And though hoteliers and restaurateurs are beginning to take note of the region’s potential for tourism, the vibe is still charmingly rustic.
Where to Stay: “Old meets new at Reschio, a place where you can feel the heft of centuries in the solid stone ramparts and brush up against the most up-to-the-minute modern comforts,” Vogue editor Chloe Schama wrote of Castello di Reschio, a 1,000-year-old castle-turned-hotel nestled high in Italy’s Umbrian Hills. There’s a strong commitment to sustainability—most of the produce comes from the estate’s own gardens, vineyards, and beehives—as well as design: the interiors are adorned with intricate stucco work, stone-carved fireplaces, antique artworks, and trompe l’oeil ceilings. Also worth checking out? Borgo dei Conti, which offers you the run of a picturesque hilltop village and has a spa complex to boot.
Costa Rica
A country so lush that over half of it is blanketed in forest, Costa Rica is wonderfully wild. Honeymooners can explore it all: dense tropical rainforests, high-altitude ecosystems, and diverse marine habitats. For those in search of adventure, choose from adrenaline-fueled pursuits like whitewater rafting, scuba diving, and zip-lining. And if you’re in need of a mental reset after the wedding, the country’s yoga retreats and wellness spas are world-renowned. Warm all year round, it’s always a perfect time for couples to travel to Costa Rica.
Where to Stay: Eco-adventurers will find a perfect romantic respite at Nayara Tented Camp, a luxurious getaway bordering Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano National Park. Tents are surrounded by guarumo trees and the brightly plumed toucans and howler monkeys that reside in them. Each accommodation’s private plunge pool is fed with water from the volcano. Take a yoga class in their open-air studio, and then go on a hiking adventure through the rainforest.
Benguerra Island, Mozambique
For an under-the-radar alternative to the Seychelles, honeymooners should head for Mozambique’s Benguerra Island in the Indian Ocean. Epitomizing the term “untouched,” this peaceful locale delivers on beaches with powdery white sand, coral reefs teeming with colorful fish, and tropical-hued sunsets worthy of a postcard.
Where to Stay: Benguerra Island is home to two five-star resorts. The first is Kisawa, which embraces African modernist architecture and an adventurer’s sensibility. Upon arrival, guests are given keys to a pastel Moke and free rein to roam the property’s over 700 acres (word to the wise: always keep the resort map handy). Food is fresh, local, and seafood-based—many dishes are caught by the island s local fishermen—and the service is impeccable. Better yet: a portion of each stay s proceeds benefits the Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies, Africa’s first permanent marine observatory. Then there’s the tranquil andBeyond, nestled in an indigenous forest that includes over 150 bird species. The beach stretches for miles, without any other structures in sight. (Just off the shores is some of the best snorkeling in the world.) Despite the expanse it’s located on, there s a wonderful intimacy to the property, with only 13 lodging structures.
Douro Valley, Portugal
There’s wine country, and then there’s the Douro Valley. This UNESCO Heritage Region is celebrated for its towering terraced vineyards that produce grapes for Port. Legendary wine aside, it’s a destination you have to see in person to truly comprehend just how spectacular it is—whether that’s by taking a scenic train ride along the Douro River, or hopping on a boat that winds into the valley. Naturally, the whole ordeal is impeccably romantic and a lovely setting for honeymooners.
Where to Stay: Oenophiles will fall in love with the Six Senses Douro Valley, a five-star sustainable retreat set among a rolling Portuguese vineyard. Stroll the grounds—which include a rare 19th-century forest garden abounding in oaks, strawberry trees, cedars, palms, and firs—lounge in the pool, or perhaps indulge in a picnic organized for you on the hotel grounds. But most of all, go explore the region s famous Douro Quintas, or wine estates, via a boat ride down the Iberian peninsula’s river.
The Maldives
The Maldives has built an iconic reputation as both a romantic getaway and for its diverse marine life, including the incredible whale shark. The region is instantly recognizable by its overwater villas and crystal-clear lagoons, and is unique for its coral-sand beaches and traditional dhoni boats. Life here moves slowly, curating a spectacular ambience for a honeymoon.
Where to Stay: Go snorkeling, diving, or simply swim in the clear blue waters of the Indian Ocean while staying at Niyama Private Islands. The resort has a number of dining experiences, ranging from underwater to treetop restaurants and a sultry rooftop bar. If couples have little ones joining them, the resort is known to have the Indian Ocean’s biggest kid’s club, where children can even go dolphin spotting along the white sand beaches.
Marrakesh, Morocco
Craving some culture? Marrakech is unmatched. As one Vogue writer explains, this magical city sits “at the historic crossroads between Europe, Africa, and the Arab world…” offering a near-boundless array of things to do on your honeymoon. Wander the souks to buy objects for your new home, take a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the Atlas Mountains, or even embark on a desert camel trek in the Sahara.
Where to Stay: The magic of Marrakesh is on full display at the Amanjena. Between its gazebo, pools, private gardens, and stunning architecture, outdoor lounging feels positively sacred. The resort was inspired by the rose-colored buildings of old Marrakech, with modern touches like clay tennis courts and a 27-hole golf course sitting beside the dessert where couples can explore the Agafay dunes. Sail the sky by hot air balloon and take in the landscape by day then travel by camel to a private spot for a delicious Berber meal under the stars. For a design-forward bohemian stay, consider El Fenn, long a darling of the fashion and art world.
Big Sur, California
The coastline of Big Sur, California, is one of the most cinematic in the world, with its rocky cliffs that descend into the churn of the Pacific. Naturally, it s a setting where honeymoons hit their stride, and with the 2026 reopening of Highway 1 after landslide repairs, there’s never been a better time to plan a lavish trip to this perfect pocket of California.
Where to Stay: Stay at the Post Ranch Inn, which is known as one of the best hotels in America. Or go into the redwoods to Alila Ventana Big Sur, which offers glamping and s’mores across 20 acres. No matter which one you choose, make sure to stop at Big Sur Bakery for breakfast.