Here Are the 17 Best Summer Honeymoon Destinations
Happy honeymooning!
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Where to Go After Saying "I Do"
While honeymoons are a time to kick back and relax, deciding where to go can be tricky. Most couples want to savor their time together while also taking in some sights. That said, after planning a wedding for the past few months, many couples feel this isn’t the ideal time to throw together a jam-packed itinerary. We’ve rounded up some destinations that will keep you and your honey relaxed and entertained.
Cape Town, South Africa
When it comes to Cape Town, South Africa, beautiful is an understatement. The town has a thriving culinary and resort scene, as well as plenty of options for experiencing both nature and the city. One&Only Cape Town is a super luxury hotel that is located right next to the city, but also offers personalized expeditions to Table Mountain, Cape Town’s 3,560-foot summit. They’ll even have the resort chef create a personal picnic for you to take on your journey.
Montevideo, Uruguay
Take a journey of a lifetime down south to Montevideo, Uruguay. The town features some of Latin America’s best restaurants, including Jacinto and la huello. Stay at the Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco and Spa for a beautiful hotel experience that features the area’s leading spa, as well as restaurants and bars. The town will stun you with its colorful buildings and lighthearted culture.
Glamping in the Grand Canyon
Love to camp, but worried it’s not quite luxe enough for your honeymoon? Glamping with Under Canvas is the perfect solution. Under Canvas offers its guests an opportunity to experience the Grand Canyon by foot, bike or Jeep—and, of course, there are plenty of opportunities to hike. The packages also include all of your meals, so you can focus on what’s important: spending time with your boo.
Wolgan Valley, Australia
Wolgan Valley is located between two stunning national parks and offers some of the world’s most beautiful scenery and wildlife experiences. We recommend the Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley Australia resort, which offers a guided horseback tour of the 7,000-acre reserve, as well as hikes up Donkey Mountain. The resort also offers nocturnal safaris, where guests will get the chance to see all of the wildlife the Australian countryside is known for.
Amelia Island, Florida
This paradise on Florida’s northeastern shore is truly an oasis. The Ritz-Carlton here can only be described as a fairy-tale. It features on-site restaurants, shops, a humongous pool and a stunning, pristine beach. The resort also offers yoga, star watching and some delicious on-site bars (make sure you try the smoked old fashioned). Though you wouldn’t need to leave the resort, nearby Fernandina Beach features an adorable downtown area with beachfront restaurants and bars.
Newport Beach, California
Newport Beach is the perfect seaside town to kick back and relax with your new honey. Lido House features a stunning pool with cabanas, a beautiful rooftop bar and delicious food at the Mayor’s Table, which pays homage to the city’s heritage. It’s also a quick walk or bike ride to the beach, shopping and dining.
Honolulu, Hawaii
Of all the places on the list, Hawaii might offer the most laid-back vibe. The Waikiki Beachcomber by Outrigger just completed a huge renovation on their resort and the results are stunning. They offer locally-sourced dining from Maui Brewing Co., Hawaiian Aroma Caffe and much more.
Los Cabos, Mexico
Not only does Los Cabos personify paradise, it’s a fairly quick flight for honeymooners no matter where you live in the U.S. We recommend the One&Only Palmilla, which is located on the cusp of the Baja Peninsula and offers lots of opportunities for both outdoor adventures and pool or beach side relaxation. Guests can take Jeep adventures through the deserts of Baja California Sur, go deep sea trophy fishing or surfing in the crystal blue waters surrounding Los Cabos.
Grand Cayman
Grand Cayman is a tropical paradise that offers such unique experiences that you’ll be aching to go back the minute you leave. Check out Stingray City, where you’ll meet and swim with dozens of friendly southern stingrays. You can also explore Crystal Caves, a natural underground cave that will leave you stunned by its beauty. Don’t worry, there are also plenty of options for kicking back and relaxing. The Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa is located on the gorgeous Seven Mile Beach and offers fitness classes, on-site dining and an incredible spa.
Lake Como, Italy
There’s perhaps no better place in the world to focus on the one you love than at Lake Como. The stunning mountain and lake views coupled with the romantic, relaxed Italian culture will have you swooning throughout your entire trip. Stay on the western shore at The Grand Hotel Tremezzo, which faces the stunning Grigna mountains. The resort also has three pools, a lakeside private beach, a private park and the option to rent out entire villas.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
Head to The Shore Club, which is located on Long Bay Beach in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, for a stunning honeymoon. The resort features a luxury spa, four pools, three restaurants and views that will truly take your breath away. It’s also located near the Providenciales town center so that you can soak up all of the culture the island has to offer.
Queenstown, New Zealand
If you ski, this is the honeymoon for you. Queenstown is the best ski destination in New Zealand during the months of June and August. The QT Queenstown offers gorgeous views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountains—making it the best place to lounge in front of a fire after a fun day on the slopes.
Western Ireland
How about an 800-year-old castle for your honeymoon? That’s completely possible at the Ashford Castle, located in western Ireland. Not only is it the perfect getaway to avoid the hot summer in the U.S., it’s the perfect opportunity to experience centuries of Irish history through the castle’s gorgeous interior and cuisine.
Kruger National Park, South Africa
Spend your honeymoon on the safari trip of a lifetime at Kruger National Park. The Royal Malewane sits on private land within the national park and offers luxury suite accommodations that have their own private pool, large living area, Victorian rain showers, outdoor showers, a plunge pool and a vast deck. Couples can opt for treatments together at the spa, as well as candlelit dinners under the African stars.
St. Michaels, Maryland
If you don’t picture this Chesapeake town when you think of honeymoon destinations, think again. St. Michaels is an idyllic beach town perfectly infused with New England charm. Perry Cabin Resorts & Golf is our resort pick: It sits right on the marina and offers sailing on their vintage sailboats, golf and tennis to guests—making it the perfect choice for the active couple.
Santorini, Greece
Santorini is one of the more stunning locations in the world and, from June through September, they host the Andronis Gastronomy Festival, making it the perfect honeymoon choice for the foodie couple. The festival features Michelin-star chefs from around the world. Book a stay at the Andronis Arcadia, a new lifestyle resort with stunning views, three restaurants and two bars on-site. They also have a cutting-edge spa and offer daily yoga classes. You’ll seriously never want to come home.
Monterey, California
California’s central coast is a stunning option for a stateside honeymoon. The area offers plenty of places for the perfect hike or scuba diving adventure. It’s also an idyllic place for whale watching. The Quail Lodge & Golf Club is a stunning resort choice that offers on-site dining, golf and spa experiences that are top-notch. They also have a really fun Land Rover Experience Driving School, where you can take customized off-road driving lessons!
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