The honeymoon is often the first big vacation after the wedding. No matter how lengthy or close to home your first honeymoon is, it will be an unforgettable experience. This is especially true if you plan to start a family soon after the wedding. It’s a chance to relax and enjoy your newlywed bliss without worrying about the future. It’s a precursor to the exciting experiences to come. And maybe most importantly, it helps you make memories that will last a lifetime.
There is something on this list for everyone, from those who want to laze on a beach with a coconut to those who seek extreme sports or the best meal of their lives. Of course we’ve included the usual suspects like Hawaii, Fiji, and Italy, but we also made a point to include more offbeat options like Scandinavia and Montana.
Check out this list of the top 50 honeymoon spots worldwide in 2018.
Taormina, Sicily
In Sicily, you may enjoy the best of both worlds: island life and Italian culture. Fans of White Lotus will already be familiar with Taormina’s enchantment and magic. Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean and hangs off the toe of Italy like a sore thumb, straddling the continents of Europe and Africa. Not only can you have some very out-of-this-world cuisine, but you can also marvel at some truly out-of-this-world buildings, works of art, and even ancient ruins. Make Taormina your base as you explore this fabled corner of the Mediterranean; we recommend a waterfront suite at the exquisite Atlantis Bay.
Mexico City, Mexico
Aesthetes, art enthusiasts, and foodie couples will find common ground in the 2018 World Design Capital. The popularity of Mexico City has skyrocketed in recent years as the city’s restaurant and club scenes, as well as its art gallery and museum offerings, have blossomed. World-famous eateries like Pujol, Sud 777, and Merkavá are only accessible through careful planning (and by securing reservations in advance). Las Alcobas, a charming boutique hotel, is the ideal place to curl up with a good book after a day of indulging. Other top luxury hotel chains with locations in the area include the St. Regis and the Four Seasons.
Fiji
What could be more traditional than a honeymoon on the islands of Fiji? The 300+ islands of the South Pacific are a traveler’s paradise, with white sand, palm palms, mountains, and azure lagoons at every turn. Tokoriki Island Resort Fiji is an adults-only paradise that encapsulates the spirit of love in a far-flung locale. A total of 36 private beachfront villas, each with its own infinity pool overlooking the ocean, make guests feel right at home in this South Pacific paradise. The honeymoon of a lifetime may be had at this award-winning, all-encompassing spa, which features nightly champagne and fresh seafood, ample opportunities for romantic encounters (including dinner on the property’s own jetty), and more.
Morocco
Do you and your significant other have an insatiable hunger for knowledge? A trip to the beach probably won’t cut it. You should visit a faraway place like Morocco. Marrakech is a mediaeval walled city that dates back to the time of the Berbers; here you may enjoy delicious food, wander the souks hand in hand, listen to musicians and storytellers, and marvel at the city’s stunning architecture. In the stunning city of Fes, you may either live like a king at the pink Amanjena or opt for something a little more traditional at the stylish Riad Fes. Essaouira is the most delightful seaside resort with camels on the beach and plenty of twisting cobblestone paths to explore, and Richard Branson’s Kasbah Tamadot is a beautiful home base for exploring the Atlas Mountains.
Rwanda
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda, replete with stays at a truly exquisite lodge, is an ideal way to have the honeymoon of a lifetime. Safaris in general are transformative experiences, but getting up close and personal with gorillas in their natural environment is on a whole other level. The ancient rainforest of Volcanoes National Park is home to Bisate Lodge and Singita Kwitonda Lodge, where newlyweds can enjoy spa treatments and adventure activities. Magashi Camp in Akagera National Park is a great place to see lion prides and black rhinos up close and personal. And if you want a resort experience in Kigali with access to the city’s best artisanal and cultural attractions, look no further than The Retreat at Heaven.