Image courtesy of Palmaïa
With most weddings taking upwards of a year to plan, that’s months of stress, organizing and financial strain that couples endure before they say “I do.” Thankfully, newlyweds have the honeymoon to look forward to, an opportunity to unwind and relax once the Champagne has been poured and the bouquet has been tossed.
Once upon a time, the idea of a honeymoon was limited to an adults-only resort on a trip to Hawai'i, a beach bungalow in Jamaica or a Caribbean resort boasting plunge pools. Today, honeymoons can go further, and reflect the newly married couple and their travel style.
Whether seeking relaxation on a private island, overwater bungalows in the Maldives, world-class accommodations while vacationing in Thailand or a glamorous trip to Africa, these honeymoon destinations are as romantic as they are unique. Offering everything from infinity pools to award-winning cuisine, the following all-inclusive honeymoon resorts are the best destinations for newlyweds to unwind after their big day. Read on to get inspired for your post-nuptial bliss, and to discover the best honeymoon destinations you should add to your list.
1. The Brando - Tetiaroa, French Polynesia
Image courtesy of The Brando
Located in French Polynesia, The Brando sits on the pristine private island of Tetiaroa, reachable only by private plane. Tetiaroa is just 30 miles from Tahiti and was once the go-to vacation spot for Tahitian royalty, and then for the actor Marlon Brando (for whom the resort is named), who used the island as his personal getaway. This all-inclusive resort offers 35 one- , two- and three-bedroom villas on white-sand beaches where wild sea turtles frequently scuttle to the surf. Each of the lavish villas comes with an open-air terrace, a private swimming pool and access to the beautiful beaches right outside your doorstep. And lest you fear a private island in French Polynesia means being disconnected from family, each villa is fully equipped with Wi-Fi and a full media room.
Even when flying to a private island, you can still have plenty of options for dining, wellness and entertainment — and The Brando does not disappoint. Beyond the on-site spa, shopping and bevy of entertainment options, you’ll find six restaurants and bars offering everything from classic French Polynesian fare to vegan menus and Japanese cuisine. The different restaurants vary in theme and decadence. Les Mutinés, for example, is perfect for a special occasion, and Bob’s Bar (named for Marlon Brando) is ideal for a casual beachfront cocktail.
Fora Perks:
$100 hotel / resort credit.
Breakfast daily.
Extended check-in/out whenever possible.
2. Jumby Bay Island - Antigua & Barbuda
Antigua, Antigua and Barbuda
Considered one of the best beach resorts in the Caribbean, Jumby Bay Island sits on a private island north of Antigua. This luxury spa resort is exactly what you want after a year of stressful wedding planning, replete with soft white-sand beaches, lush gardens, three swimming pools and a spa voted one of the best in the entire Caribbean. There are many perks to making Jumby Bay Island your all-inclusive honeymoon destination, such as being booked into one of the resort’s luxurious villas. Beyond accommodations, an all-inclusive reservation will have you sipping complimentary wine, cocktails and Moët & Chandon Champagne poolside. You'll also enjoy rum tastings and cooking classes, and can choose from various water sports like kayaking, paddle boarding, scuba diving and snorkeling. (Looking to extend your trip to the Caribbean? Check out some of the best hotels in Turks & Caicos.)
Fora Perks:
$100 hotel / resort credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
3. Royal Malewane - Greater Kruger National Park, South Africa
Image courtesy of Royal Malewane
This five-star hotel in South Africa is a bush lodge in the heart of the Thornybush Private Game Reserve, in Kruger National Park. As part of the Royal Portfolio, Royal Malewane is a luxury safari camp and an ideal honeymoon destination marked by its exemplary service, thrilling game drives and breathtaking views of the African plains. Newlyweds can treat themselves to one of the luxury suites, which come with a working fireplace, indoor and outdoor showers, private terraces and private pools. Beyond the romantic accommodations, the real draw of Royal Malewane is the numerous opportunities to connect with South Africa’s abundant natural beauty. Of course, there are game drives, but there are also walking safaris, cruises down the Blyde Canyon, helicopter tours and conservation-focused activities to educate guests on endangered animals and the efforts to protect them.
Fora Perks:
$100 gift or donation.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
4. Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle - Chiang Rai, Thailand
Image courtesy of Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle, Thailand
The Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle is about as magical a honeymoon destination as one can find. Don’t be deterred by the word “camp,” as this is luxury camping at its finest. Located in Northern Thailand, on the borders of Myanmar and Laos, tented rooms come equipped with private terraces, outdoor showers and wooden hot tubs that overlook the Ruak River and surrounding jungle. For larger accommodations, book the Explorer’s Lodge, which houses up to six people, and features a lamplit veranda and a private tree-lined infinity pool. (See more of the best hotel swimming pools.) Beyond the glamorous tents and beautiful views, what makes this hideaway a unique honeymoon experience are the various activities to choose from. Spend a day with rescued elephants, watching the pachyderms splash about in a pond or travelling to Chiang Rai to visit the stunning temples of Wat Huay Pla Kung, the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) and the Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten) with a private guide. You can even venture beyond Thailand for a guided half-day tour to nearby Burma, where you’ll visit a Chinese market along the Mekong Delta and sample the local cuisine.
Fora Perks:
When you book Four Seasons through Fora, you will enjoy exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits. I will be pleased to give you more details.
5. The Green O - Greenough, Montana
Image courtesy of The Green O
Montana might not immediately scream honeymoon destination, but adult-only Green O is a romantic woodland hideaway that should not be overlooked. If you’re looking for a honeymoon getaway that is quiet and remote every day, then look no further than The Green O, which is tucked deep in the woods of the 37,000-acre Paws Up Ranch, surrounded by towering pines. Accommodations at The Green O are found in the various houses (called haus), each offering a unique design. Take the Tree Haus, for example. This two-story living space stands 23 feet off the ground and is a stunning space with floor-to-ceiling windows and a master bedroom with a large soaking tub. The Round Haus, on the other hand, has a different look entirely, with curved walls and windows offering panoramic views of the Montana wilderness. There is arguably no better place for newlyweds to settle into marital bliss than this romantic getaway. But should you miss the company of other humans, there is a Social Haus, with a stellar restaurant and bar.
Fora Perks:
$300 hotel / resort credit.
Complimentary bottle of wine.
Breakfast daily.
Extended check-in/out whenever possible.
6. Palmaïa, The House of AïA - Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Image courtesy of Palmaïa
A veritable wellness sanctuary, Palmaïa, The House of AïA is the equivalent of stumbling across El Dorado in the middle of the jungle. Far from other beachfront all-inclusive resorts, Palmaïa is tucked away amidst Mexico’s verdant foliage, offering a level of seclusion not often found at other sprawling luxury resorts. Palmaïa’s Eco Spa offers everything from massages and spa treatments to healing ceremonies and specialized retreats focused on improving the mind, body and soul. Beyond seclusion and wellness, Palmaïa prides itself on being dedicated to ethical and sustainable practices. Its suites, for example, are guaranteed cruelty-free, devoid of animal-made or animal-tested products such as leather or feather-filled bedding. Unsurprisingly, the resort’s gourmet restaurants mirror this commitment by serving vegan and plant-based dishes that are so delicious they’ll inspire you to ditch meat altogether. Far removed from the party hotels that dot Cancún, this is a Mexico honeymoon destination for true relaxation and self-care.
But if Cancún is still calling, check out some of the other best hotels in Cancún and Tulum.
Fora Perks:
$100 hotel / resort credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
7. Forte Village Resort - Sardinia, Italy
Image courtesy of Forte Village Resort
Awarded one of the best resorts in the world, Forte Village is a luxury island resort in Sardinia, a must-stop on any trip to Italy. Forte Village is made up of eight different hotels, each with its own distinct offerings and style. The Hotel Castello Suites, for example, are luxurious accommodations by the sea, with private suites served by a private lift and reception. On the other hand, Villa del Parco Hotel & Spa is flanked by foliage, home to a stellar spa and fantastic bungalows nestled in the woods. Some options, like the Hotel Bouganville, are family-friendly and conducive to larger groups, while others, like Hotel Le Dune, beckon couples. Beyond the dizzying number of accommodation options, you’ll find swimming pools and plenty of activities to acquaint yourself with Italian cuisine and culture. For honeymooners coming to this island resort, take advantage of the romantic package, which promises VIP treatment in the form of gourmet dinners, daily access to the spa and use of the Thalasso pools, essentially elevated versions of a jacuzzi.
Fora Perks (at Hotel Castello):
$100 food / beverage credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Additional exclusive offers.
8. The Farm at Cape Kidnappers - Hawke's Bay, New Zealand
Image courtesy of The Farm at Cape Kidnappers
A Relais & Chateaux property, The Farm at Cape Kidnappers can be found in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand, perched atop oceanfront cliffs and rolling hills. Unlike some of the all-inclusive tropical resorts on this list, The Farm at Cape Kidnappers is a rural escape boasting a golf course and a working farm, which sources veggies and fruits for the onsite restaurant. Choose between suites and a four-bedroom cottage offering uninterrupted views of the shimmering Pacific Ocean surrounding the farm and the expansive golf course. Whether or not you’re a golfer, there’s plenty on offer at The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, including a luxurious spa, an infinity pool and over 6,000 acres of idyllic hiking and mountain biking trails, ensuring you get the most out of your New Zealand vacation. Aside from its ocean views and award-winning fare, you can choose from myriad activities such as Art Deco tours, fishing, horseback riding, rafting and more.
Fora Perks:
$100 hotel / resort credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
9. Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge - Vancouver Island, Canada
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Vancouver Island, Canada
Canada is another country often left off the honeymoon destination list, but a trip to Vancouver Island deserves your consideration. Clayoquot is a luxury wilderness lodge on Vancouver Island amidst Canada’s remote natural beauty. Reachable only by seaplane, this stunning lodge is nestled in a forest of towering conifer trees. The lodge’s 25 tented rooms, each decorated in refined minimalist style, feature ensuite bathrooms, a king-sized bed and a private veranda with Adirondack chairs perfect for lounging and soaking in the surrounding rainforest. While Clayoquot offers various packages for guests to choose from, your stay will always include gourmet dining with locally-sourced ingredients, plus premium wine, beer and spirits. You can also partake in guided experiences such as hiking and horseback riding. For newlyweds, don’t skip Clayoquot’s Healing Grounds Spa, where you can book facials, massages, body treatments or energy healing sessions.
Fora Perks:
$100 helicopter credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
10. Six Senses Laamu - Laamu Atoll, Maldives
Image courtesy of Six Senses Laamu
With beautiful beaches and gorgeous views, the Maldives are the dream honeymoon spot for good reason. At the Six Senses Laamu, newlyweds will find over 90 overwater bungalows and beachfront villas. The Ocean Water Villa at this honeymoon destination is a secluded overwater room with access to the surrounding sea and luxurious amenities, such as a glass overwater bathtub, outdoor rain shower and panoramic dining area. While it may be tempting to spend the entirety of your trip in this perfect villa, make sure to take advantage of the various experiences on offer at Six Senses Laamu. Enjoy a myriad of water sports, go on a “Finding Nemo“ snorkeling trip, enjoy a lobster barbecue on the beach or channel your inner Robinson Crusoe for a picnic on a deserted island.
Fora Perks:
$100 food / beverage credit.
Complimentary 50-minute massage for two.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.