Your honeymoon is not just a vacation -- it is the first trip you take as a married couple, and the memories you make will become part of your shared story for decades. The right destination depends on what kind of experience you are looking for, when you are traveling, and how much you want to spend. This guide covers 30 destinations across three budget tiers, with specific resort recommendations, best travel months, and the details that make each place romantic.

How to Choose Your Honeymoon Destination

Before diving into the list, consider these factors:

Timing: When is your wedding? Some destinations have distinct wet/dry seasons that determine whether your trip will be paradise or a washout
Travel style: Do you want to lie on a beach, explore cities, hike through mountains, or combine activities?
Duration: A 5-day honeymoon calls for a different destination than a 3-week one. Factor in jet lag for long-haul flights
Post-wedding energy: Many couples are exhausted after the wedding. If that sounds like you, prioritize easy logistics and relaxation over complex itineraries

Luxury Tier ($500+ per night)

These destinations represent the pinnacle of honeymoon indulgence -- overwater bungalows, private plunge pools, butler service, and settings so beautiful they seem digitally enhanced.

1. Maldives

The Maldives is the quintessential luxury honeymoon destination. Twenty-six atolls containing over 1,000 islands, many occupied by a single resort, scattered across the Indian Ocean.

Best months: November through April (dry season)
What makes it romantic: Overwater villas with glass floors, private dining on sandbars, bioluminescent plankton on certain beaches at night
Resort pick: Soneva Fushi ($1,500-3,000/night) for barefoot luxury with an open-air cinema and astronomical observatory. Anantara Veli ($500-900/night) for a more accessible luxury option
Budget note: All-inclusive packages often make financial sense since individual meal and activity pricing on remote islands is steep

2. Bora Bora, French Polynesia

The iconic overwater bungalow was invented here. Mount Otemanu rising from a turquoise lagoon is one of the most recognizable landscapes in travel.

Best months: May through October (dry season)
Resort pick: Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora ($1,200-3,000/night) and Conrad Bora Bora Nui ($800-1,800/night, bookable with Hilton points)
What makes it romantic: Glass-bottom floors, private decks over the lagoon, sunset cruises with champagne

3. Santorini, Greece

White-washed buildings cascading down volcanic cliffs above the Aegean Sea. Santorini's caldera views, particularly at sunset from Oia, are legendary.

Best months: May through October (September is ideal -- warm, fewer crowds)
Where to stay: Canaves Oia Epitome ($600-1,200/night) with private infinity pools. Mystique ($500-1,000/night) carved into the cliff
What makes it romantic: Sunset dinners overlooking the caldera, wine tasting at volcanic vineyards, private catamaran cruises

4. Amalfi Coast, Italy

A 50-kilometer stretch of Italian coastline with vertiginous villages, lemon groves, and Mediterranean waters.

Best months: May through October
Where to stay: Belmond Hotel Caruso in Ravello ($700-1,500/night) with an infinity pool seemingly suspended above the sea. Hotel Santa Caterina in Amalfi ($400-800/night)
What makes it romantic: Lunch at a cliffside restaurant in Positano, a boat ride to Capri, limoncello tasting

5. Seychelles

An archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean with granite boulders, coconut palms, and some of the most pristine beaches on Earth.

Best months: April through May, October through November (transitional periods with calm seas)
Resort pick: North Island ($5,000+/night, one of the most exclusive resorts on Earth) or the more accessible Four Seasons Seychelles ($700-1,500/night)
What makes it romantic: Giant tortoise encounters, deserted beaches, island-hopping by helicopter

6. Fiji

Fiji combines South Pacific beauty with a culture centered on warmth and hospitality. The Fijian concept of "bula" (welcome) is not just a greeting -- it is a genuine attitude.

Best months: May through October (dry season)
Resort pick: Laucala Island ($5,000+/night, ultra-exclusive) or Likuliku Lagoon Resort ($600-1,200/night) -- Fiji's only overwater bungalow resort
What makes it romantic: Private island picnics, kava ceremonies, coral reef snorkeling

7. Safari Honeymoon (Kenya/Tanzania)

A safari honeymoon combines wildlife encounters with luxury bush camps in the African savanna.

Best months: July through October for the Great Migration in the Masai Mara/Serengeti
Lodge pick: Singita Grumeti in Tanzania ($3,000+/night, all-inclusive) or Angama Mara in Kenya ($1,200-2,000/night) overlooking the Great Rift Valley
What makes it romantic: Sundowner cocktails watching elephants at a waterhole, hot air balloon rides at dawn

8. Turks and Caicos

The Caribbean's most beautiful beaches (Grace Bay is regularly ranked number one in the world) with luxury resorts and calm, clear water.

Best months: Year-round, peak season January through April
Resort pick: COMO Parrot Cay ($800-2,000/night) on a private island, or Grace Bay Club ($500-1,000/night) directly on the beach
What makes it romantic: Snorkeling the barrier reef, private beach dinners, spa treatments

9. Kyoto, Japan

For culture-loving couples, Kyoto offers an unparalleled honeymoon: ancient temples, geisha districts, kaiseki cuisine, and ryokan stays.

Best months: March-April (cherry blossoms), October-November (autumn foliage)
Where to stay: Aman Kyoto ($1,000-2,000/night) hidden in a forest, or a luxury ryokan like Tawaraya ($500-800/night)
What makes it romantic: Private tea ceremonies, bamboo grove walks at dawn, onsen (hot spring) baths

10. Patagonia, Argentina/Chile

For adventurous couples who want drama over relaxation.

Best months: November through March
Where to stay: Explora Patagonia ($600-1,000/night, all-inclusive with guided excursions) or Tierra Patagonia ($500-900/night)
What makes it romantic: Hiking to glacial lakes together, stargazing with zero light pollution, shared sense of adventure at the end of the world

Mid-Range Tier ($150-500 per night)

Exceptional honeymoon destinations that deliver romance and beauty without the ultra-luxury price tag.

11. Bali, Indonesia

Bali manages to be both affordable and luxurious, with villa resorts, terraced rice paddies, Hindu temples, and a wellness culture that makes it perfect for post-wedding recovery.

Best months: April through October
Where to stay: The Kayon Jungle Resort in Ubud ($150-300/night) with rice paddy views. AYANA Resort in Jimbaran ($200-400/night) for a beachside option
Daily budget: $100-250/day including meals, activities, and spa treatments

12. Portugal (Lisbon, Algarve, Azores)

Portugal combines coastal beauty, world-class food and wine, and a genuinely romantic urban atmosphere in Lisbon.

Best months: May through October
Where to stay: Memmo Alfama in Lisbon ($200-350/night) with rooftop terrace views. Vila Vita Parc in the Algarve ($250-450/night)
What makes it romantic: Sunset from a miradouro in Lisbon, wine tasting in the Douro Valley, hidden beach coves in the Algarve

13. Thailand (Koh Lipe, Koh Lanta, Chiang Mai)

Thailand's combination of stunning beaches, incredible food, and affordable luxury makes it one of the highest-value honeymoon destinations on Earth.

Best months: November through March
Where to stay: Rayavadee in Krabi ($300-500/night) set among limestone cliffs. Zeavola Resort on Koh Phi Phi ($200-350/night) for an eco-luxury option
Daily budget: $80-200/day for mid-range comfort

14. Croatia (Dubrovnik, Hvar, Split)

Croatia's Dalmatian coast has the beauty of the Amalfi Coast with significantly lower prices.

Best months: May through September
Where to stay: Hotel Excelsior in Dubrovnik ($250-450/night) with views of the old town. Adriana Hvar Spa Hotel ($200-350/night) on the island of Hvar
What makes it romantic: Kayaking the Dubrovnik walls at sunset, wine tasting on Hvar, swimming in hidden coves

15. Costa Rica

Rainforest, volcanoes, Pacific and Caribbean coastlines, wildlife, and a pura vida attitude that encourages slowing down.

Best months: December through April (dry season)
Where to stay: Nayara Gardens near Arenal Volcano ($300-500/night) with volcano-view hot springs. Lapa Rios on the Osa Peninsula ($250-400/night)
What makes it romantic: Hot springs under the stars, zip-lining through cloud forest together, howler monkeys as your alarm clock

16. Morocco

An intoxicating blend of medinas, desert, mountains, and riads (traditional courtyard houses converted into intimate hotels).

Best months: March through May, September through November
Where to stay: Riad Yasmine in Marrakech ($150-250/night) with its famous green-tiled pool. Kasbah Tamadot in the Atlas Mountains ($300-500/night, Richard Branson's property)
What makes it romantic: Rooftop dinners above the medina, desert glamping under the stars, hammam spa experiences

17. New Zealand

For active couples, New Zealand offers fjords, mountains, glaciers, and wine regions in a country that feels purpose-built for adventure honeymoons.

Best months: November through March
Where to stay: Blanket Bay in Queenstown ($400-700/night) on Lake Wakatipu. The Farm at Cape Kidnappers in Hawke's Bay ($350-600/night)
What makes it romantic: Milford Sound cruise, helicopter landing on a glacier, wine tasting in Central Otago

18. Tulum, Mexico

Tulum combines Caribbean beaches, Mayan ruins, cenotes (natural swimming holes), and a bohemian-chic aesthetic.

Best months: November through April
Where to stay: Nomade Tulum ($250-400/night) or Be Tulum ($300-500/night)
What makes it romantic: Swimming in cenotes, ruins overlooking the sea, mezcal cocktails at beach clubs

19. South Africa (Cape Town and Winelands)

Cape Town is one of the world's most beautiful cities, and the nearby winelands of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek offer world-class wine at remarkably fair prices.

Best months: October through March
Where to stay: Ellerman House in Cape Town ($350-600/night) with art collection and views. Babylonstoren in Franschhoek ($250-400/night) surrounded by vineyards
Daily budget: $120-250/day including wine tasting, meals, and activities

20. Cinque Terre, Italy

Five colorful fishing villages connected by hiking trails along the Italian Riviera.

Best months: May through September (avoid August for crowd reasons)
Where to stay: La Torretta Lodge in Manarola ($200-350/night). Base in Manarola or Vernazza for the best atmosphere
What makes it romantic: Hiking between villages hand-in-hand, seafood dinners on harbor terraces, swimming off the rocks

Budget Tier (Under $150 per night)

Proof that an unforgettable honeymoon does not require a trust fund.

21. Hoi An, Vietnam

A UNESCO-listed lantern-lit ancient town with some of the best food in Southeast Asia, silk tailoring, and beautiful beaches nearby.

Best months: February through May
Where to stay: Anantara Hoi An ($100-150/night) on the river, or boutique guesthouses from $30-60/night
Daily budget: $50-100/day for excellent dining, tailored clothing, and cooking classes

22. Sri Lanka

Beaches, tea plantations, ancient temples, leopards, and elephants -- all on an island you can cross in a day.

Best months: December through March (west coast), April through September (east coast)
Where to stay: 98 Acres Resort in Ella ($80-140/night) with mountain views. Jetwing Lighthouse in Galle ($100-150/night)
Daily budget: $60-120/day

23. Budapest, Hungary

One of Europe's most romantic cities, with thermal baths, Danube views, ruin bars, and exceptional dining at prices far below Western Europe.

Best months: May through September, or December for Christmas markets
Where to stay: Aria Hotel Budapest ($150-250/night, high-end), or Hotel Rum ($80-120/night) in the Jewish Quarter
Daily budget: $80-150/day including fine dining

24. Colombia (Cartagena and the Coffee Region)

Cartagena's walled old city is one of the most romantic urban settings in the Americas, and the coffee triangle offers a lush, mountainous alternative.

Best months: December through March
Where to stay: Hotel Casa San Agustin in Cartagena ($150-250/night). Hacienda Bambusa in the coffee region ($80-130/night)
Daily budget: $60-120/day

25. Greece (Beyond Santorini)

While Santorini is in the luxury tier, other Greek islands -- Milos, Naxos, Crete -- offer similar beauty at lower prices.

Best months: May through October
Where to stay: Melian Hotel on Milos ($100-180/night). Boutique hotels on Naxos from $60-120/night
Daily budget: $80-150/day

26. Montenegro

The "next Croatia" -- a stunning Adriatic coastline with medieval walled towns, mountains, and prices 30-50% lower than its neighbor.

Best months: May through September
Where to stay: Palazzo Radomiri in Kotor ($80-150/night). Aman Sveti Stefan is the luxury exception ($700+/night)
Daily budget: $70-130/day

27. Guatemala

Lake Atitlan, surrounded by volcanoes and Maya villages, is one of the most beautiful lakes in the world and one of the most affordable honeymoon backdrops.

Best months: November through April
Where to stay: Casa Palopo on Lake Atitlan ($120-200/night) with volcano views. Budget options from $30-60/night
Daily budget: $40-80/day

28. Slovenia (Lake Bled and Ljubljana)

Lake Bled -- a turquoise lake with a church-topped island and a castle perched on a cliff -- is one of Europe's most fairy-tale-like settings.

Best months: May through September
Where to stay: Vila Bled ($120-200/night, a former presidential residence on the lakeshore). Budget guesthouses from $50-80/night
Daily budget: $70-130/day

29. Zanzibar, Tanzania

A spice island off the coast of East Africa with white sand beaches, Stone Town's winding alleys, and a blend of African, Arab, and Indian cultures.

Best months: June through October
Where to stay: Baraza Resort ($150-300/night, all-inclusive). Budget beach bungalows from $30-60/night
Daily budget: $50-120/day

30. Oaxaca, Mexico

For foodie couples, Oaxaca is a dream -- mezcal distilleries, mole sauces, tlayuda flatbreads, Zapotec ruins, and some of Mexico's most vibrant markets.

Best months: October through April
Where to stay: Hotel Sin Nombre ($100-180/night) or Casa Oaxaca ($80-150/night)
Daily budget: $50-100/day

Honeymoon Destination Comparison

Destination	Budget/Day (Couple)	Best For	Flight from US
Maldives	$800+	Ultimate relaxation	18-22 hrs
Santorini	$400-800	Sunset romance	12-15 hrs
Bali	$150-350	Wellness + culture	18-24 hrs
Thailand	$120-300	Beach + food	16-20 hrs
Costa Rica	$200-400	Adventure + nature	5-6 hrs
Portugal	$200-400	Food + wine + coast	7-9 hrs
Hoi An	$80-150	Budget luxury	18-22 hrs
Lake Bled	$120-250	Fairy-tale Europe	10-13 hrs

Plan Your Honeymoon with TripGenie

Planning a honeymoon involves balancing romance with logistics -- flight connections, hotel transfers, restaurant reservations, activity timing, and budget tracking. TripGenie can help you build a day-by-day honeymoon itinerary that covers all the practical details so you can focus on enjoying the trip rather than managing a spreadsheet.

Final Thoughts

The best honeymoon destination is the one that reflects who you are as a couple. If you bond over adventure, a Patagonia trek will mean more than any overwater bungalow. If you recover from stress by lying still on a beach, the Maldives will deliver in ways a city trip cannot. Use the budget tiers as a guide, not a constraint -- a $50/night villa in Bali can be more romantic than a $500/night hotel in the wrong destination. Choose the place that makes both of you excited, and the romance will follow.

30 Best Honeymoon Destinations for 2026: Romantic Escapes for Every Budget