Whether you want to drift through turquoise lagoons, trek along otherworldly coastlines or simply do nothing at all, your honeymoon is all about doing what you and your loved one want to do.
There is no better place in the world to celebrate love than on an island.
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The group of small isles is ideal for people who want a Caribbean boat experience but don't want to spend a lot of money. Public ferries hop up and down the Grenadines island chain, delivering on-deck local culture and the chance to find the island that suits you best. It's perfect for honeymooners who want to bring their own flair to their Caribbean vacation.
Anyone who is committed to sustainable travel.
The easternmost point of Spain is a jewel of an island washed by the sparkling Balearic Sea, where sustainable tourism has been the cornerstone of local tourism for many years. Menorca was declared a Unesco Biosphere Reserve in 1993 and is home to inspiringly designed hotels, Bronze Age ruins, rippling wetlands, pine- scented coastal trails and a string of the country's most exquisite beaches. This go-slow island is making waves as a responsible travel destination and is the perfect spot for a sustainable honeymoon.
Dhow cruising and history are included.
You can have as many as 30 islands for your honeymoon. There are a lot of white sand in the Indian Ocean archipelago. The 16th-century Portuguese trading settlement of Ilha de Moambique is a must-see. After a bit of history here, sail between the islands and stop for lobster barbecues on the way back. It is a great place for a couple to get off the beaten path.
Wine tasting and glamour.
Hvar is a favorite of the smart set who flock here in the summer. Hvar appeals from the first moment. This is a wonderful place to hang out, from the marble streets and Gothic and Renaissance palaces of Hvar Town to the quiet fishing villages and hidden coves. Outside of the busy summer months, it's easy to find a deserted beach along the coast. A honeymoon is incomplete without visiting a winery, eating like a king and soaking up some sun.
It's for a taste of everything Australian.
Some of the country's best food and wine can be found in Australia's lush southern island state. MONA is a world-class museum that will blow your mind, and it even has its own in-house brewery, winery and restaurant complex. There is an award-winning eco-lodge in the Bay of Fires.
Hikes, hills, haute cuisine and hidden sands are what you can find.
The rugged part of France is known as L'le de beauté. The craggy, maquis-cloaked interior tumbles to perfect golden beaches, some of which are not well known. The hiking is some of Europe's best, but also fine food and luxurious retreats, and perhaps the most romantic hideaway on the planet.
Local life and sand for waterfalls.
Pulau Tioman is located off the coast of Peninsular Malaysia and is one of the best beaches in Malaysia. The island has a local feel due to the laid-back fishing villages and the warm, crystal-clear fringe waters. After a lot of wedding planning, it is the perfect place to get away.
Escape from Cancn.
The tiny island off the coast of Cancn feels like a world away from the hubbub of Mexico's largest beach resort. The island was revered by the Maya as a sanctuary for Ixchel, the goddess of midwifery and medicine, because of its turquoise waters, white sands, and coral reef. Devotees are drawn by the sun and sand. The scuba diving is excellent, the mood is laid back and the only transportation is a golf cart.
It was a great escape to the coast.
It's an East African destination that's beloved by travelers looking for a multi-tiered Indian Ocean escape. It's an island of swaying palm trees, perfect sunsets and incredible fun, both on and under the water.
For blissful beaches.
It takes 40 minutes to fly from Tahiti to Huahine. This is what you imagine a honeymoon to be like, with a lot of tropical abundance sinking into blue lagoons. There is a high density of marae in the territory. There are many opportunities for snorkeling, horse riding, surfing and other activities.
You will remember for a Caribbean island experience.
Dominica is the exception to the rule when it comes to Caribbean islands. It is home to nine active volcanoes that can be seen from the island. There are two parrots that live in dense forests. There are waterfalls that tumble over cliffs into hot pools on the island. A remote lake that bubbles with boiling water is the most famous attraction in the country. Even the rum tastes different, with each bottle infused with various botanicals meant to cure any ailment. The perfect honeymoon destination is this one.
A taste of paradise is what I want.
The powdery, boulder-strewn strands of the islands of the Seychelles are some of the best beaches in the world. Multi-isle honeymoons with a bit of local interaction can be achieved with the help of ferries. Car-free, Little La Digue is a great place to explore by bike or on foot. The Vallée de Mai nature reserve is located in Praslin and is home to good restaurants.
For a nice relaxing trip.
The Garden Island of Kaua'i is both an adventure seeker's playground and a destination for travelers who want to explore a variety of cuisines. After a day of kayaking, cycling and exploring, oceanside restaurants and food trucks are the focus of the next day's activities. One of the island state's most traditional destinations is Kaua'i, with regular events and festivals showcasing both hula and Hawai'ian slack-key guitar.
The article was first published in January of this year.