After making what feels like a million decisions:
the venue, the dress, your flowers, the seating
chart, the list goes on–it's possible that the last
thing you and your fiancé want to do is make yet
one more choice about where to spend your first
vacation as newlyweds.
Honeymoon pressure is real, and we've got you covered–here are our picks for this year's hottest destinations and romantic getaways.
1.
Serengeti National Park,
Tanzania
For the couple seeking more of a once-in-a-
lifetime experience than an easy, direct flight to
an all-inclusive, the adventurous activities and
safaris in the Serengeti make for the ultimate in
honeymoon bragging rights. To top it all off, your
travels will also contribute to the region's ability
to keep up its conservation efforts, which are
largely funded by tourism revenue.
Where to Stay : Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti.
Wake up every morning to a parade of elephants
at the watering hole before a dip in the pool, a
visit to the spa, or heading out on a game drive
across the Plains. The recent launch of their
Honeymoon Package, which includes upgrades
like a candlelit dinner and complimentary
massage, makes this top notch stay that much
sweeter.
Best Time to Go: June-October, the region's rain seasons typically fall between March and May, November and December.
2.
Lagos, Portugal
The chic cosmopolitans of Lisbon head to the
Algarve for surfing and its beaches, and Lagos
likely sits at the top of their lists. A seafood mecca,
this town's low-key vibe walks the fine line
between catering to visitors and remaining
unaffected by tourism, resulting in a fun nightlife
scene, high-quality eateries and hotels, and an
English-speaking population that is rife with chic
ex-pats.
Where to Stay: Casa Arte . A small, boutique hotel
and villa comprised of only five rooms, this
respite from the typical resort scene is well worth
being a bit farther from the beach. While the food
at the hotel is top notch, heading into town for
the nightlife after-hours and the chicken piri-piri
at Mullen's is a must.
Best Time to Go: This is is truly a year-round
destination. While Spring and Summers' surf
draw a a bigger crowd, the Winter months are the
best time to score off-season rates.
3.
Croatia
Beyoncé and Jay-Z traveled here before it was
cool, and we know why: it's by far one of the
most romantic destinations out there. The scent of
pine trees pervades the mountainous beaches of
Vis, whose clear water astounds most of its
visitors. Other towns, like Rovinj, will have you
sipping champagne at sunset on its rocky cliffs.
You'll appreciate Croatia's lack of major must-see
landmarks that in any other European city would
make traveling there just for the beaches
something your friends would hold against you.
Where to Eat: Fort George . A gallery, restaurant, bar,
and venue, this converted military fort in Vis
speaks to all your senses. For wine lovers, this city
is home to some of the region's most distinctive
varietals, and the Fort is a beautiful spot to sip
them.
Best Time to Go: July and August are high-season
on the Adriatic Coast, but extending your dates to
some time between June-September will allow
you to experience the country when it's less
crowded and temperatures are milder.
4.
British Columbia, Canada
The unexpected trip for the couple that wants a
quick flight, British Columbia is best known for its
landscape, food scene and adrenaline-junkie
appeal. Whistler's slopes and Vancouver Island's
artsy vibes are main attractions, while chartering
a boat to take in it's natural beauty is a romantic
activity worth splurging on.
Where to eat: Tojo's . The Asian influence on this
region comes to life in fine eateries like this one,
and those in-the-know recommend trusting the
chef entirely and opting for the Omakase menu.
Best Time to Go: March through May and
September to November are when the weather is
tepid, and Summer is popular due to the nice
weather. But–if you're a snow bunny–head there
mid-Winter when the slopes are at their prime.
5.
Israel
Start your trip in the bustling-metropolis-meets-
beach-town of Tel Aviv, or touring the historic
sites of Jerusalem. Then, choose your own
adventure: head north to experience jeep rides
and hikes in the mountains of the Golan, or south
to the world renowned dead sea spas and to take
in the serenity of the desert.
Where to Stay: Hotel Beresheet, Mitzpe Ramon. Located
800m above sea level on sky-high cliffs that slope
down into the desert lands of the Ramon crater,
this luxury resort-meets-natural-phenomenon is
the kind of experience that will have you wanting
to stay there forever.
Best Time to Go: Spring, May in particular, is the
best time of year to visit Israel. In April through
mid-June, the weather is not too hot (important
when traveling in the desert) and not too cold or
rainy.
6.
Tasmania, Australia
Australia's smallest island state, this heart-shaped
(apropos, we know....) region is simply
breathtaking, and boasts the world's cleanest air.
The last stop before Antarctica (another one of the
world's up and coming places to visit), this
certainly fits the bill for adventurous couples
looking to travel to the world's end.
Where to stay: The Saffire Freycinet. What was once a
multi-million dollar development overlooking
white-sand beaches and deep blue bays is now
Tasmania's 20-room attraction for guests seeking
body cocoon and scrub treatments that utilize the
natural resources of the area. The chance to wine
and dine in Great Oyster Bay as oysters are freshly
shucked and prepared for you is not to be missed.
Best Time to Go: December through February are
Australia's summer months, perfect for a warm
weather escape during our polar vortex.
7.
Guadeloupe & Martinique
East coasters can now fly directly to the French
Caribbean via Norwegian Air 's direct flights, and
heading to one of these chic getaways to start
gives you easy access to island-hop to the other
after a few days. The blend of cultures and
cuisines on these breathtaking shorefronts makes
them top picks for those looking for the best of
both worlds, and the food on these abundant
islands is said to be just as good as their stellar
beaches.
Where to Stay: Le Jardin Malanga . Breathtaking
lookouts and the scent of citrus trees are two
features of this charming property.
Accommodations range from a renovated colonial
house from the 1920's to quaint cottages. The
hotel restaurant, Le Panga , serves up French
cuisine using only local ingredients.
Best Time to Go: Get away from the winter weather
any time between December-April, when the
French Caribbean is at it's best.
8.
Kas, Turkey
The Greek islands, beautiful as they are, have a
sort of "been there, done that" feel. Head to this
less tourist-y beachfront town on the Turquoise
Coast (named for the gorgeous hue of its horizon)
that offers equal parts luxury and authenticity.
Scuba-diving in this town is unparalleled and
sunbathing on Patara Beach, the longest beach on
the Mediterranean, gives visitors a chance to
simultaneously view the ancient ruins that run
along its nine-mile stretch.
Where to stay : The Peninsula Gardens Hotel . Kas is all
about easy-going days and breathtaking ocean
views–and there is no better one than from the
coastal cliffs that this five-star property sits in.
Odds are, you'll also be able to take in the sunset
from your room's private plunge pool; 13 of this
boutique hotel's 18 rooms have them.
Best Time to Go: Summers can be humid and
winters here are not swimsuit weather–stick to
May, June, September and October.
9.
San Pellegrino Terme
We're always on the hunt for Italy's hidden
treasures, and this one stood out for the couple in
need of some well-deserved pampering. Located
at the foot of the Alps, this quaint town's main
export is, no surprise here, the most refreshing
mineral water out there. That locally sourced,
free-flowing H20 is also the main resource for the
area's best spa, making it the go-to spot for
treatments you can't find anywhere else.
Where to stay: QC Terme San Pellegrino. Thermal
experiences, like a string of pools, saunas, and
treatments with the area's renowned mineral
waters make this spa otherworldly; and its
proximity and connection to the once-open Grand
Hotel San Pellegrino and still-in-use San
Pellegrino Casino are a treat for the architecture
and décor-obsessed.
Best Time to Go: Like most of Europe, heading to
this locale in the Spring is your best bet.
11.
Ireland
Known best for its cultural landmarks, music
scene, and craft beers and cocktails, Dublin is a
fun start to a honeymoon that is better when
wrapped-up with a road trip through Ireland's
bucolic countryside. Is spending a night or more
in a historic castle on your bucket list? This trip is
the chic way to feel like a princess for the day.
Where to Stay: Ashford Castle. For the Downton
Abbey-obsessed, this thirteenth-century castle
turned luxury hotel was once the home of the
Guinness family. It's furnishings live up to your
(and their) high expectations.
Best Time to Go: Despite the beautiful weather,
Spring and Summer are the busiest months in
Dublin, resulting in crowds and high rates.
Heading here as the leaves change in Fall is the
secret to getting the best out of this trip.
Is there anywhere from this list that tickles your fancy? And you're most welcome to share with us in the comment section the most romantic honeymoon destination you've ever seen
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