Not all honeymoon destinations are created equal—and every year, more destinations pop up (some timeless, some trendy) that we love to highlight for newlyweds in the process of planning their dream honeymoon vacation.
Earlier this year, we learned from honeymoon trend experts that bucket list, luxury, and once-in-a-lifetime trips are back in fashion (think safari vacations, adventure trips to far reaches of the world, and ultra-luxe wellness getaways). Experts report that, in 2023, couples want to book trips to places they've never been and have new experiences; they want to be trailblazers.
And while jetting to a far-flung destination seems like the key to having a bucket list honeymoon (don't worry; we've included plenty of those), keep in mind that there are lots of special places closer to home (like Arizona, or Rhode Island) that offer incredible accommodations, food, experiences, and scenery.
Below, find our 10 favorite honeymoon destinations for 2023.
U.S. Destinations
Rhode Island
In the summertime, Rhode Island is a veritable dream come true. Couples looking for a coastal New England honeymoon should consider this tiny state, which, despite its size, boasts some of the finest accommodations in the region, some of the freshest seafood, and pristine beaches ideal for romantic walks and days in the sun.
Stay at the Ocean House for a few nights, a New England icon on the shores of charming Watch Hill (fun fact: You can spot Taylor Swift's house from the croquet lawn). Recently reconstructed to preserve its beauty, this five-star hotel's sumptuous suites epitomize coast elegance.
Book several nights at the Weekapaug Inn, which sits on the shores of Quonochontaug Pond and the Atlantic Ocean. The Inn weds casual comforts with luxurious accommodations and feels like a home away from home, with everything you could possibly need or want at your fingertips.
Arizona
While it may not come to mind as a top honeymoon spot—for U.S. travelers, Arizona isn't exactly far-flung or a beachy, tropical destination—this western state is actually the stuff of dreams for couples in search of an ideal wellness getaway. And the proximity to outdoor adventure is just as appealing.
Head to Sedona and book a suite for several days at Enchantment Resort, which is just as alluring as it sounds, nestled into the Red Rocks with epic views and even more epic wellness offerings at the on-site spa, Mii amo.
L'Auberge de Sedona should also be on the accommodations list; this luxury hotel boasts an array of accommodation styles, but we recommend booking a creekside cottage for ultimate privacy (there are spacious decks and woodburning fireplaces). In every direction you look, there is something exquisite to experience, whether it's the babbling creek or the stunning red rocks—and it's worth noting that the food is phenomenal.
Caribbean Destinations
Tulum
Want to enjoy the tropical forest, relaxing beaches, incredible food, and fun nightlife? Consider a trip to Mexico’s Eastern coast for a visit to Tulum. The travel hotspot is an easy trip from the states and provides so many opportunities for a breadth of fun and rejuvenating experiences.
For honeymooners wanting a quiet and relaxing stay (and the opportunity to enjoy the nightlife with a quick taxi ride), consider booking a room at the romantic Mi Amor Hotel & Spa. The boutique hotel is designed for couples with beautifully bohemian rooms complete with ocean views, plunge pools, and private balconies. From couples' spa experiences to private cabanas along the water exclusive to hotel guests, the destination is perfectly curated for newlyweds to get some TLC after wedding planning. The hotel also recently welcomed Chef José Luis Hinostroza, co-owner of the award-winning Tulum restaurant Arca, as their executive chef to curate a delicious menu that combines Mexican classics with a contemporary twist.
Adventurous honeymooners should definitely make a trip to the Mayan Ruins of Tulum and take a guided adventure into the calm pools of the Cenote Caves. Other fun activities around the area include trying out the cuisine at the town’s incredible restaurants like Hartwood, taking a salsa-making class at La Zebra Hotel, and enjoying the party at beach clubs like Gitano and Papaya Playa Project.
Turks and Caicos
With picture-perfect white sand beaches, bright blue waters, and that reliably beautiful Caribbean weather, Turks and Caicos is a timeless honeymoon destination that has something for every kind of honeymoon couple.
This year, though, we're particularly excited about the wellness offerings at Amanyara, a luxury all-inclusive resort perched on the edge of the island nation's largest island, Providenciales. While the central part of the island will be busy with tourists and locals, Amanyara sits on an 18,000-acre nature reserve right on the edge of the sea, which means that it's the ultimate intimate getaway. And while the property boasts an array of incredible experiences and amenities, its wellness offerings are what really set it apart. An on-site team of wellness specialists will help curate the perfect wellness journey for guests, essentially creating bespoke itineraries (think the usual offerings, like massage, pilates, and yoga, but also extensive and individualized treatments surrounding mindfulness and meditation, nutrition, and fitness).
European Destinations
The Loire Valley, France
Ever the wine lover's dream, France's Loire Valley is ideal for couples who want to spend days wandering through charming French towns and rolling vineyards while sipping some of the world's best vintages and soaking up everything this region has to offer.
Stay at Château Le Prieuré, a magnificent 10th-century castle turned hotel that offers guests terraces with 360-views of the Loire Valley, a wine cellar housing 25,000 bottles and an elegant bar, a 60-acre wood park, and a stand-out French restaurant on-site.
Lofoten Islands, Norway
The Lofoten Islands are one of those bucket-list destinations that feel perfect for a honeymoon. And whether you go in the summer and enjoy watercolor sunsets and epic hikes, or you choose to celebrate your love there in the winter, cozied up among the fjords after a ski day, this special corner of Norway won't disappoint—especially those interested in adventure travel.
If you go during the Northern Lights season, book a north-facing cottage at Lofoten Links (which, for the record, is a phenomenal golf course) for cozy accommodations and the best views of the elusive lights when they do come.
Located in the fishing village of Nusfjord in Lofoten, Nusfjord Arctic Resort is the perfect spot to call home during your summer or winter vacation, with cozy, modern cabins, an open-air sauna, and plenty of guided activities available to book.
Sicily
If you, like us, watched the most recent season of White Lotus and have been dreaming of Sicily ever since then this Mediterranean paradise is the honeymoon spot for you in 2023. Just picture wandering through the winding streets of Taormina, motorbiking up steep roads for mountain-top views of the ocean, and candlelit, seaside meals under the Italian moonlight with your new spouse.
Book a suite at San Domenica Palace, Taormina, a Four Seasons Hotel where, of course, the series was actually filmed. The hotel sits high above the Ionian Sea, with sweeping views of the water, and an infinity pool to die for, and suites have their own plunge pools, terraces, and generally palatial furnishings.
Asian Destinations
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has become more and more popular as a luxury travel destination in recent years; the southeast Asian island nation, located off the tip of India, brings together an immense array of Asian cultures and history. From ancient temples to palm-lined beaches, Sri Lanka offers something for honeymooners in search of wellness, outdoor adventure, incredible cuisine, perfect beaches, and more.
Surrounded by a verdant jungle with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, ÀNI Sri Lanka (which is all-inclusive) is the place for honeymooners to book. With accommodations for up to only 30 people, this intimate, luxurious resort puts travelers at the center of what Sri Lanka has to offer, while giving couples anything they could possibly need (from top-tier wellness experiences to delicious local food and tailored excursions).
Udaipur, India
It feels like love is in the air in Udaipur, known as the City of Lakes, a striking Indian destination dotted with grande palaces, serene bodies of water, and charming pebbled streets.
Book a stay at Taj Lake Palace, an iconic and stunning jewel of the region, floating in the middle of Lake Pichola. This marble palace is nothing short of ornate, and honeymooners can look forward to breathtaking views, exquisite cuisine, the Jiva Spa, and top-tier service from this five-star establishment.
African Destinations
Tanzania and Zanzibar
If a safari vacation is the stuff of your dreams, look to Tanzania this year for your safari honeymoon. From the Serengeti to the Ngorongoro Crater, Zanzibar to Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania is a prime spot to experience so much of this African region during the span of your trip.
If witnessing Tanzania's wildlife is at the top of your list, stay at Singita Sasakwa Lodge, a luxury icon in the area. The light, airy atmosphere is that of a bygone Edwardian area, but the amenities and accommodations are as modern and elegant as can be. You'll witness wildlife on the 350,000-acre Singita Grumeti Reserve in the Serengeti, thanks to the camp's panoramic views, and in the time between guided bush walks and safari excursions, guests can look forward to relaxing wellness experiences and tennis lessons, even.
We highly recommend reserving some time to hop over to Zanzibar, the semi-autonomous island just off the coast of Tanzania, for the ultimate seaside retreat before or after your safari experience. Matemwe Lodge is an ideal home base, offering sweeping views of the Indian Ocean, a famously relaxing atmosphere, chalets with private plunge pools, and plenty of on-site outdoor activities.
South American Destinations
The Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
Widely known as one of the most incredible bucket-list destinations in the world, the memories from a honeymoon in the Galápagos will last a lifetime. This unique South American destination, located 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, is ideal for wildlife lovers and those who like to go off the beaten path. Diving, snorkeling, swimming, and hiking are just some of the exploratory activities couples can partake in here, and there are plenty of opportunities for sun-and-sand relaxation and, of course, luxury hotels and resorts ideal for a honeymoon.
Consider booking a cruise, if you'd like to call the ship home while you explore all the different islands over the course of your trip. Or you could cozy up in a luxury resort like Galapagos Safari Camp, which offers honeymooners stunning glamping accommodations and safari excursions to discover all that the destination has to offer. Pikaia Lodge, on Santa Cruz Island, is an especially unique experience, putting travelers in luxurious accommodations on the edge of an extinct volcanic crater. With sweeping views of the natural surroundings and its own giant tortoise natural preserve, this resort is perfect for those who really want to get away from it all and discover the incredible wildlife of the Galápagos.
It might feel overwhelming to narrow down your top honeymoon destination choices—we understand that the options feel endless. But when it comes down to it, this trip is ultimately about your love and starting your life together as newlyweds. Sit down and make a list of priorities (the types of experiences you want, the climate you'd like to visit, excursions that feel important to you), consider your budget and timeframe for travel, and pick a destination that checks all or most of the right boxes for you and your partner. No matter where you go—near or far—you'll be together, and that's what matters the most!