How to Select the Right Honeymoon Destination for You

A guide to choosing the ideal location for your post-nuptial vacation.

How to Select the Right Honeymoon Destination for You

a-guide-to-choosing-the-best-location-for-your-post-wedding-honeymoon-vacation
Photo: Steve Steinhardt

Just as your personal style plays a major role in your wedding-day decisions, these pertinent aspects play an equal role in selecting a honeymoon destination. Some couples want an island getaway with all of the trimmings, while others crave the intimacy of a secluded log cabin. No matter your particular preferences, there is a post-nuptial location out there for everyone.

To help you decide on your perfect spot, we’ve complied a list of destinations to fit the specific needs and desires of these newlyweds:

For the Party Animals: Puerto Rico

San Juan is known as the nightlife capital of the Caribbean. If you and your beloved are looking to dance the night away, this is the place to be. There are plenty of celebrations throughout the year to take advantage of: The San Sebastián Festival in January – a Mardi Gras-esque party – and Noche de San Juan in June – an all-nighter on the beach. Bars and clubs are abundant in the country’s capital city, and most can be found at the top hotels in the area, so you won’t have to travel too far from your room for a lively evening. 

For the Sophistication Seekers: New York City, USA

NYC is often considered the fashion and trend hub of the world – Manhattan being considered as the headquarters. If you’re seeking opulence and extravagance, chances are, you’ll be able to find it in heaps here. While on your vacation in the city, you can hire a personal shopper to collect updated ensembles for your closet, order one of the most expensive pizzas in the world, see all of the top-notch shows on Broadway, and even charter a yacht to sail circles around Lady Liberty whilst you sip on top-shelf Champagne. 

For the Relaxed Pair: Bali

This country has an incredibly laid-back attitude – perhaps because of its sprawling, dreamy landscapes and its taste for the arts. It is one of the world’s most scenic islands, and if that notion alone doesn’t have you sinking into your office chair, what will? With countless luxury hotels with some of the best spas around, you’ll feel the wedding stress melt away immediately. In this space, you’ll be able to clear your mind as you gaze out across the lush hills, jungles, and beaches of a location fit for a desktop screen saver.

For the Trend Setters: Belize

If you want to stay off the beaten path of typical honeymoons, this small Central American country is a definite contender. The name of the game in this location is “variety” – finding something for all of your adventurous hankerings will not be difficult. You can easily spend one day lounging on a beautiful beach and the next hiking up an ancient temple at the site of grand Mayan ruins. For those ready to take a different kind of plunge, check out the Great Blue Hole: a giant underwater sinkhole off the coast of the country perfect for recreational scuba divers who want to get up close and personal with tropical sea life.

For the Big Spenders: Maldives

Often noted as one of the more expensive places to vacation, the Maldives archipelago is an idyllic destination for pairs looking to spend a little extra on a private getaway in the Indian Ocean. Luxury beach resorts often include half on-land and half over-water accommodations: many private villas are built over the crystal clear water that you can dive into from your own balcony. The Maldives is home to one of the most expensive restaurants in the world: a European dining experience at 16.5 feet below the water – with a 180-degree view of the sea life around you, of course. 

For the Outdoorsy Couple: Georgia, USA

Secluded forest locations are plentiful in this gorgeous state. If you’re looking to retreat into a lodge or cabin for your honeymoon, you’ll adore the accommodations available in the rustic areas outside the hustle and bustle of Atlanta. You can travel to the Golden Isles on the coast for a special trip that marries the experiences of forest and beach living in an upscale manner. Get a taste of southern hospitality with the warmth of the environment and its friendly inhabitants. 

For the Celebrity Obsessed: Turks and Caicos Islands 

If you want to travel like the stars, consider booking your vacation at a resort on the chic islands of Turks and Caicos. A favorite destination for celebrities such as Jenna Dewan Tatum, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, the ladies of The Real Housewives of New York City, and many more including Justin Bieber, this premier getaway spot has a cool Caribbean vibe with a sophisticated twist, making it a prime location for star sightings – Sofía Vergara and Joe Manganiello spend their honeymoon there!

For more honeymoon tips, be sure to check out our travel and honeymoon section and see some of the craziest honeymoon hotels in the world. Find additional advice on all wedding topics here.

Opening photo by Steve Steinhardt