Best Countries for Honeymoon: Paradise Found, Lessons Learned

I spent my own honeymoon huddled in a bathroom in Bora Bora as a tropical cyclone raged outside our overwater bungalow. Not exactly the romantic start to marriage I had imagined.

The irony? I had spent months planning the “perfect” honeymoon but failed to check one crucial detail: cyclone season.

Your honeymoon deserves better planning than mine had. This once in a lifetime trip often costs more than any other vacation you will take, and the memories will last decades longer than that destination wedding cake your cousin insisted you needed.

💡 Tip: The best honeymoon destinations balance romance with YOUR specific interests. If you are both adventure seekers, the most luxurious beach resort might bore you to tears by day three.

What Actually Makes a Perfect Honeymoon Destination

After helping dozens of friends plan better honeymoons than my own and visiting over 60 countries, I have discovered what truly matters:

Privacy When You Want It

Nothing kills romance faster than paper thin walls or overcrowded beaches.

Memorable Moments Beyond the Bedroom

The best honeymoons include stories you will still be telling at your 25th anniversary party.

Stress Free Navigation

You just planned a wedding. The last thing you need is complicated transportation logistics.

Photo Worthy Backdrops

Yes, I know it sounds shallow, but those honeymoon photos will be displayed in your home for decades.

Weather You Can Count On

The difference between “atmospheric rain showers” and “complete washout” is massive.

💡 Tip: Whatever your budget, splurge on at least ONE ultraspecial experience during your honeymoon. We still talk about our private dinner on a tiny sandbank in the Maldives more than any other travel experience.

The Most Magical Honeymoon Destinations (And When to Visit Them)

1. The Maldives: That Iconic Overwater Paradise

Those overwater bungalows floating above impossibly blue water? They live up to the hype. I visited the Maldives three years after my ill fated Bora Bora honeymoon, and the experience was transformative.

Stepping off your private deck directly into a coral reef teeming with tropical fish feels like accessing a hidden portal to another world.

Best For: Ultimate privacy, world class snorkeling, and that bucket list overwater bungalow experience.

Weather Sweet Spot: December to April. Avoid May to November (monsoon season).

Splurge Worthy Experiences:

• Private sandbank picnic surrounded by 360° ocean views
• Underwater restaurant dining with marine life swimming around you
• Nighttime bioluminescent beach walks (one of the most magical experiences of my life)

Budget Reality: The Maldives is undeniably expensive, with typical honeymoons ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 for a week. The key cost factor is the resort you choose, as you will likely eat all meals there.

Hidden Gem: Most visitors never leave their resort island, but local island tourism has opened up in recent years. Consider splitting your time between a luxury resort and a guesthouse on a local island like Thoddoo or Maafushi for an authentic glimpse of Maldivian life.

Photography Gold Mine: The seaplane arrival shots overlooking the atolls are Instagram dreams. Wake up early to catch the sunrise hitting the shallow lagoons.

💡 Tip: When booking the Maldives, pay close attention to transfer costs. Seaplane transfers can add $500+ per person to your trip, but the aerial views are worth every penny.

2. Italy’s Amalfi Coast: Timeless Romance

The Amalfi Coast combines everything honeymoon dreams are made of: impossibly romantic cliffside towns, world class food and wine, crystal Mediterranean waters, and a sense of dolce vita that reminds you life should be savored slowly.

My wife and I spent five days in Positano and came home with a shared obsession for lemon everything and a commitment to two hour lunches.

Best For: Food lovers, history buffs, and couples who want romantic ambiance without having to try.

Weather Sweet Spot: May to June and September to early October. July and August bring crushing crowds and soaring prices.

Splurge Worthy Experiences:

• Private boat tour around Capri with swimming stops in secluded coves
• Cooking class in a family home overlooking the coastline
• Dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant carved into the cliffside

Budget Reality: A 7-day Amalfi honeymoon ranges from $3,000 (shoulder season, boutique B&Bs) to $10,000+ (luxury hotels with sea views).

Hidden Gem: While everyone crowds into Positano and Amalfi, the tiny town of Praiano offers the same stunning views with half the tourists and lower prices. The sunset views toward Positano are unbeatable.

Photography Gold Mine: The view of Positano from the water is iconic, but for something special, hike the Path of the Gods early morning when the light bathes the coastline in gold.

💡 Tip: The Amalfi Coast is not a budget destination, but eating your main meal at lunch instead of dinner can save significantly without sacrificing culinary experiences.

3. Bali: Spiritual Luxury

Bali offers perhaps the most diverse honeymoon experience on this list. One day you can be lounging at a beachfront resort in Seminyak, the next exploring ancient temples in Ubud, and the day after that, hiking through emerald rice terraces.

When I finally visited Bali after years of skepticism about its “Instagram fame,” I was humbled by how wrong I had been. The island delivers both spirituality and luxury in perfect balance.

Best For: Couples seeking variety, spiritual experiences, and luxury for less than Western prices.

Weather Sweet Spot: April to June and September to October. Avoid December to March (rainy season).

Splurge Worthy Experiences:

• Private villa with infinity pool overlooking the jungle in Ubud
• Traditional Balinese blessing ceremony with a local priest
• Sunrise hike up Mount Batur followed by breakfast overlooking the caldera

Budget Reality: Bali offers exceptional value. A week long honeymoon ranges from $1,500 (nice guesthouses, local food) to $5,000+ (luxury villas, fine dining).

Hidden Gem: Most tourists never make it to Northern Bali. The black sand beaches near Lovina offer dolphin watching without the crowds, and the mountain town of Munduk has Bali’s most spectacular waterfalls.

Photography Gold Mine: The Gates of Heaven at Lempuyang Temple provide that classic Bali shot, but for something more unique, try the jungle swings in Ubud at sunrise before other tourists arrive.

💡 Tip: Split your Bali honeymoon between beach (Seminyak/Uluwatu), cultural center (Ubud), and one offbeat location (Munduk/Amed) to experience the island’s true diversity.

4. Japan: Unexpected Romance

Japan rarely tops honeymoon lists, which is precisely why it should be on yours. My wife and I visited during cherry blossom season and found ourselves repeatedly speechless at both the natural beauty and the perfectly orchestrated experiences.

From private hot spring baths to Michelin starred sushi counters with just six seats, Japan excels at intimate moments that feel designed just for you.

Best For: Couples who want a blend of city exploration, natural beauty, and unparalleled service.

Weather Sweet Spot: Late March to early April for cherry blossoms, November for autumn colors. Avoid July to August (hot, humid) and January (cold).

Splurge Worthy Experiences:

• Night in a traditional ryokan with private onsen (hot spring bath)
• Kaiseki dinner where each course is a work of art
• Private tea ceremony with a master in a Kyoto garden

Budget Reality: Japan can be surprisingly affordable or astronomically expensive. A 10-day honeymoon ranges from $4,000 (business hotels, ramen lunches) to $15,000+ (luxury ryokans, fine dining).

Hidden Gem: The island of Naoshima is Japan’s art island, with museums designed by Tadao Ando and outdoor sculptures including Yayoi Kusama’s famous pumpkins. Stay overnight when the day trippers leave to have the museums nearly to yourselves.

Photography Gold Mine: The bamboo forest in Arashiyama at dawn before the crowds. Get there by 6:30 AM, and you will have one of Japan’s most photographed scenes all to yourselves.

💡 Tip: Book a Japan Rail Pass before arriving in the country to save hundreds on bullet train travel between honeymoon destinations.

5. Greece: Island Hopping Romance

Greece offers what I call “choose your own adventure romance.” Want vibrant nightlife after days on perfect beaches? Mykonos. Seeking those blue dome churches and sunset views? Santorini. Craving authentic village life and hidden coves? Milos or Naxos.

I spent two weeks island hopping and discovered the perfect Greek honeymoon combines one famous island with one lesser known gem.

Best For: Beach lovers, history enthusiasts, and couples who enjoy village strolls and fresh Mediterranean food.

Weather Sweet Spot: May to June and September. July and August bring intense crowds and heat.

Splurge Worthy Experiences:

• Private catamaran sunset cruise around Santorini’s caldera
• Cliffside private dinner with Aegean views
• Villa with infinity pool overlooking the sea

Budget Reality: A 10-day Greek honeymoon ranges from $3,000 (boutique hotels, island hopping) to $10,000+ (luxury caves in Santorini, private tours).

Hidden Gem: While everyone flocks to Santorini and Mykonos, the island of Milos offers equally stunning scenery with a fraction of the crowds. The moon like landscape of Sarakiniko and the colorful fishing village of Klima rival anything on the more famous islands.

Photography Gold Mine: Everyone wants the Santorini blue dome shot. Get it at sunrise when the cruise ship crowds are still asleep. For something different, capture the colorful boat garages of Klima in Milos at sunset.

💡 Tip: Ferry schedules between Greek islands can be inconsistent. Always build in buffer days for potential weather delays, particularly if visiting outside peak summer months.

6. Iceland: Adventure Romance

If lying on a beach for a week sounds more torturous than romantic, Iceland offers the perfect alternative.

Imagine soaking in a geothermal pool with views of snowy mountains, chasing waterfalls that dwarf anything you have seen before, and possibly catching the Northern Lights while cuddled under a blanket.

My Iceland trip remains one of my most romantic adventures despite (or perhaps because of) the complete lack of tropical beaches.

Best For: Adventure couples, photography enthusiasts, and those seeking dramatic landscapes without long haul flights from North America or Europe.

Weather Sweet Spot: June to August for midnight sun and accessibility, September to March for Northern Lights potential. Each season offers radically different experiences.

Splurge Worthy Experiences:

• Private helicopter tour landing on a remote glacier
• Overnight stay at the Bubble Hotel to sleep under stars or Northern Lights
• Chef prepared dinner in a greenhouse surrounded by snow

Budget Reality: Iceland is expensive, particularly food and tours. A 7-day honeymoon ranges from $4,000 (guesthouses, shared tours) to $10,000+ (luxury hotels, private guides).

Hidden Gem: The Westfjords region sees only 10% of Iceland’s tourists but contains some of its most dramatic landscapes. The red sand beach at Rauðasandur and the soaring cliffs of Látrabjarg offer solitude rare in modern tourism.

Photography Gold Mine: The diamond beach near Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, where icebergs wash up on black sand, creates otherworldly photographic opportunities, especially at sunrise or sunset.

💡 Tip: Renting a car is essential for an Iceland honeymoon. Tours are expensive and limit your flexibility to enjoy moments alone in nature.

Unexpected Honeymoon Paradises Most People Miss

Mozambique

While honeymooners flock to Seychelles and Mauritius, Mozambique offers equally stunning beaches at a fraction of the price.

The Bazaruto Archipelago features powder white sand, crystal waters, and luxury lodges where you might be the only guests.

I spent a week there in 2019 and still cannot believe more people haven’t discovered this paradise. The dhow sailing boat sunset cruises create romance that manufactured experiences elsewhere cannot match.

💡 Tip: Combine Mozambique with a South African safari for the ultimate dual destination honeymoon.

Slovenia

When everyone else heads to overcrowded Italy or Croatia, slip into neighboring Slovenia. Lake Bled offers fairytale castle views that seem designed for honeymoon photos. The Soča Valley provides emerald rivers and mountain backdrops perfect for active couples.

The food scene blends Italian, Austrian, and Balkan influences, while the wine regions produce world class varieties few people outside the country have discovered.

💡 Tip: Stay at a vineyard in the Goriška Brda wine region, often called “the Tuscany of Slovenia” but without the crowds or prices.

Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit

While Cancun and Tulum grow increasingly crowded, the Pacific coast north of Puerto Vallarta remains blissfully underdeveloped. Sayulita and San Pancho offer surf town vibes with excellent restaurants. Further north, the Four Seasons Punta Mita and nearby Imanta Resort provide five star luxury with Mexican soul.

I accidentally discovered this region when a hurricane diverted my flight, and it has become my favorite Mexican coastline.

💡 Tip: Visit between December and April for perfect weather and the chance to see humpback whales breaching just offshore.

Honeymoon Stats Worth Knowing

Booking Strategy: Timing Is Everything

The perfect honeymoon often comes down to timing. Here is what I have learned about booking windows:

For the Best Value

• Flights: Book 3-5 months in advance for international destinations
• Luxury Resorts: 6-8 months ahead, especially for high season
• Overwater Bungalows: 9-12 months for prime locations
• Special Experiences: 1-2 months before arrival

Weather Timing Strategy

• Shoulder Season Magic: Target the weeks just before or after peak season. The weather is typically still excellent, but prices can be 30-40% lower, and crowds noticeably thinner.
• Avoid School Holiday Periods: Even adult only resorts raise prices during major school breaks.

💡 Tip: When booking a honeymoon package, always check the individual components separately. I once saved $2,000 by booking the exact same flights, hotel, and transfers independently rather than through a package.

Honeymoon Photography: Capturing Once in a Lifetime Moments

Your honeymoon photos will be displayed in your home for decades. Plan accordingly:

Beyond Selfies

• Consider a half day with a local photographer, particularly in photogenic destinations like Santorini or Bali. Services like Flytographer connect travelers with local photographers for rates often starting around $350.
• Schedule the session early in your trip when you are fresh and tan lines have not yet developed.

DIY Photography Tips

• The golden hour (first hour after sunrise and last hour before sunset) transforms even amateur photos into magic.
• Invest in a compact tripod and Bluetooth remote for your phone to capture better couple shots without asking strangers.
• Create a shared photo album that both of you contribute to throughout the trip.

💡 Tip: Pack one special outfit specifically for photos. While casual beachwear is comfortable, having one elevated look for special dining experiences and photos is worth the packing space.

Insurance Reality: The Honeymoon Safety Net

If there is one trip in your life to splurge on comprehensive travel insurance, it is your honeymoon. The average honeymoon costs more than $5,000 and often involves multiple destinations and activities.

I learned this lesson the hard way when that cyclone hit Bora Bora. With proper insurance, we could have been evacuated and rebooked. Without it, we lost two precious days of our honeymoon.

What to Look For:

• Weather coverage: Ensure it includes natural disasters and weather events
• Medical evacuation: Particularly important for remote destinations like the Maldives
• Trip interruption: Covers the cost of rebooked flights and accommodations if problems arise
• Lost luggage: Nothing ruins a honeymoon faster than lost wedding attire or special outfits

Before finalizing your plans, compare policies that specifically cover honeymoon travel needs. You can check them out here.

💡 Tip: Keep digital copies of your marriage certificate with you. Many resorts offer honeymoon perks but require proof you were recently married.

Honeymoon Mistakes I Have Made (So You Do Not Have To)

1. Booking Too Many Destinations I tried to cram three Greek islands into a week. The result? More time spent in transit than enjoying each place. For a 7-10 day honeymoon, limit yourself to two destinations maximum.
2. Ignoring Time Zone Fatigue Flying from New York to Bali requires nearly 24 hours of travel and crosses multiple time zones. We planned activities for our first full day and were too exhausted to enjoy them. Build in two days of relaxation after long haul flights.
3. Scheduling Every Moment Some of the best honeymoon memories come from spontaneous experiences. Block out free days in your itinerary for serendipitous adventures or simply lounging together.
4. Skimping on Accommodations I once saved money by booking a “partial ocean view” in Hawaii. It should have been called “primarily parking lot view.” For your honeymoon, room category and location matter more than on regular vacations.
5. Forgetting Honeymoon Perks Many resorts offer special amenities for honeymooners, from room upgrades to private dinners, but you need to mention it when booking and again at check-in. Some require proof like a marriage certificate copy.

💡 Tip: Create a dedicated email address for honeymoon planning to keep all confirmations organized and separate from your regular inbox chaos.

FAQs About Honeymoon Planning

When should we start planning our honeymoon?

For most destinations, begin 7-9 months in advance. For highly specialized experiences like overwater bungalows in peak season, start a year ahead.

Should we use a travel agent for our honeymoon?

For complex itineraries or exclusive resorts with limited inventory, a good agent pays for themselves through upgrades, perks, and problem solving. For simpler trips, independent booking gives you more control.

How much of our wedding budget should go toward the honeymoon?

The average couple spends about 14% of their overall wedding budget on the honeymoon. I recommend setting your honeymoon budget independently of wedding costs based on the experience you want.

Is it better to leave for our honeymoon immediately after the wedding or wait?

If your wedding ends in the evening, consider staying overnight locally and departing the next day. Many couples now delay their honeymoon by a few weeks or months to recover from wedding planning and potentially save more money.

Should we create a honeymoon registry?

Absolutely. Most couples already have household items traditionally given as wedding gifts. A honeymoon registry lets guests contribute to experiences you will remember forever.

💡 Tip: If creating a honeymoon registry, break down contributions into specific experiences (“Sunset dinner on the beach: $150”) rather than general funds to make gifting more personal and engaging.

Final Thoughts: Your Honeymoon, Your Rules

The perfect honeymoon has only one non negotiable requirement: it needs to be perfect for YOU as a couple.

The destinations I have shared offer proven romantic settings, but the most meaningful honeymoon comes from aligning the experience with your shared passions, whether that is foodie adventures in Japan, wildlife encounters in Africa, or simply disconnecting on a perfect beach.

After planning countless trips and my own wedding, I have learned that the best honeymoons balance three elements: comfortable luxury that removes daily stress, novel experiences that create lasting memories, and intentional downtime to simply enjoy being newly married.

Whatever destination calls to you, build in buffer days for unexpected magic, research at least one extraordinary splurge experience, and most importantly, remember the company matters infinitely more than the coordinates.

May your honeymoon be the first of many perfect adventures together.