Image courtesy of HOSHINOYA Kyoto
The best part of getting married (apart from finding a soul mate, of course), is arguably the honeymoon, that special, one-on-one trip spent in a beautiful location with the person you love. Now, you can finally relax.
Perhaps you're craving cultural immersion, or an adventurous getaway. Maybe a cruise is calling your name, or a destination where you can read on the beach all day. With honeymoons, there are no rules.
Regardless of your travel style, marrying the perfect location to the perfect hotel (or cruise) provides the ideal backdrop for a memorable, romantic honeymoon. For some inspiration, here are five incredible places to celebrate endless love this year.
Ready to travel? Connect with a Fora Advisor to customize and book your next romantic getaway.
For a vibrant cultural experience, opt for a Vietnam honeymoon
Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam
For the couple that wants complete cultural immersion, a honeymoon in Vietnam — from Hanoi to Halong Bay to Hoi An — offers a whole new world. This destination astounds at every turn, and people rave about everything from the food (it was the late Anthony Bourdain's favorite place in the world), to the massages and genuine hospitality.
Hot hotel pick: Anantara Hoi An Resort. This French colonial boutique hotel boasts an enviable spot along the Thu Bon River, just a half mile from the UNESCO-designated Old Town.
Fora Perks:
$100 food / beverage credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Best time to go: Vietnam is another year-round destination, but during spring, March and April, it is generally dry and sunny throughout the country.
For a healthy dose of adventure, spend your honeymoon in New Zealand
Milford Sound, New Zealand
Adventurous couples can get their fix on a trip to South Island, from Queenstown to Milford Sound and beyond, on an exciting New Zealand honeymoon.
Hot hotel pick: The Lindis. A unique luxury lodge situated in the breathtaking Ahuriri Valley. Sleep in one of their gorgeous glass pods for a next-level glamping experience. By day, head out for hiking and biking, hop on a horse or take off on a helicopter tour. And if your craving even more adventure, check out some of the other best adventure resorts around the world.
Best time to go: It's all sunny days during New Zealand's summer season, December through March.
(Also check out this guide to multi-gen adventures on New Zealand's South Island.)
For a relaxing (and ultra-chic) getaway, a St. Barths honeymoon will not disappoint
Image courtesy of Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa
For the couple that just wants to collapse on a beach lounger, travel to St. Barths, a glorious island that seamlessly integrates sophisticated glamor and complete relaxation.
Hot hotel pick: Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa. Timeless elegance, warm authenticity and stunning beachfront combine at this luxurious hideaway. (Not to mention it's consistently top-rated and one of Condé Nast's best resorts in the world.)
Fora Perks:
$100 hotel / resort credit.
Complimentary roundtrip private airport transfers.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Best time to go: St. Barths is hot and tropical year round, but its weather is really ideal during the winter months, December through May. Note that the rainy season is from late August to early December. Check out Fora's guide on how to get to the island of St. Barths and when to go.
For a once-in-a-lifetime trip, honeymoon in Japan
Image courtesy of HOSHINOYA Kyoto
For the couple that wants a bucket list destination, a honeymoon in Japan offers the sort of one-of-a-kind experiences you'll be talking about for years. From elegant tea ceremonies to majestic shrines and dramatic scenery, beauty is everywhere, in every moment.
Hot Hotel Pick: HOSHINOYA Kyoto. Tranquility is the name of the game at this stunning resort, which blends seamlessly with nature. Situated on the edge of the Oi River, the property is only accessible by boat. (Looking to extend your trip to Japan? Check out more of the best hotels in Japan.)
Fora Perks:
Complimentary three-course lunch or dinner for two.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Best time to go: As in North America, March through May is Japan's spring (cool, not too hot), and you can enjoy comfortable fall temperatures from September through November.
For a sampling of multiple destinations, set sail on a Virgin Voyages cruise
Image courtesy of Virgin Voyages
For the couple that wants to keep the party going, hop on Virgin Voyages' 7-Day Irresistible Med cruise, which sails from Barcelona and travels to Toulon, Corsica, Sardinia and Ibiza.
Incredible food inspired by Michelin-Starred chefs. Amazing spa. Fitness classes. No buffets. No kids. Epic entertainment... It's the best party at sea! (Learn more about why Fora loves Virgin Voyages.)
The value is outstanding, and there are so many highlights on board. Notably, these cruises also score high marks for seaworthy sustainability.
Feeling more like a trip to the Bahamas? Or perhaps the South Pacific? Virgin's five-star ships have got these routes covered, too.
Best time to cruise: Virgin Voyages offers sailings throughout the year. Spring and fall are ideal for a European tour, while November through March are best for the Caribbean and South Pacific.
Ready to travel? Connect with Fora, and we'll customize and book your next romantic getaway.
Learn more and book a trip with author and honeymoon expert Sara Graham-Baldi.
