Image courtesy of the Four Seasons Bora Bora
While your honeymoon — a chance to connect, unplug and celebrate your nuptials with your new spouse — is one of our favorite wedding traditions, choosing exactly where to honeymoon can be a challenge.
We turned to a few advisors to make the honeymoon decision that much easier based on what type of wedding you’re planning. Read on for Fora’s honeymoon matchmaker, revealing the very best honeymoon spots based on your wedding style.
Your Fora Advisor is more than just a destination matchmaker. They can help choose your perfect hotel, plan your trip from top-to-bottom, curate a stellar itinerary and unlock travel perks along the way. Reach out to Fora to get started.
1. For the fairytale wedding couple … Ireland
Image courtesy of Ashford Castle
For the couple throwing a classic, ballroom wedding with all the traditional, fairytale touches (white roses, seven-layer cake, etc.), head to a honeymoon in Ireland. You’ll be able to relive your happily-ever-after moment amidst ancient castles, romantic gardens and old-world ambiance. Plus, the high tea services and A+ hospitality are fit for kings and queens.
In terms of where to stay, a castle resort like Ashford Castle makes a 10/10 honeymoon. Recommended by Fora Advisor Megan Stout, Ashford is known for superlative service, its storybook setting and award-winning cuisine.
Fora Perks at Ashford Castle: $100 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
2. For the vineyard wedding couple… Tuscany or Sicily
Image courtesy of San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel
Keep the vino flowing with a trip to the Tuscan countryside or Sicily. Newlyweds can enjoy the same gorgeous landscapes and sense of place that comes with a vineyard wedding, plus tons of cultural exploration and exquisite dining.
“Enjoy the lush green rolling vineyards of Tuscany while indulging in winery tours in Chianti or Montalcino. Or, fly to Sicily to explore the wineries on Mount Etna as you live up your inner White Lotus at the Four Seasons San Domenico,” said Fora Advisor Anny Chen.
Set in a 14th-century former convent overlooking the Ionian Sea, the Four Seasons San Domenico is one of our favorite hotels from TV worth a real-life visit.
Fora Perks at the Four Seasons San Domenico: When you book Four Seasons through Fora, you will enjoy exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits. Your advisor will be pleased to give you more details.
3. For the foodie wedding couple… San Sebastián, Spain
If your wedding vibe was all about wowing guests with the food – whether you featured farm-to-table cuisine, international flavors or street-style food trucks – a trip to San Sebastián is a great way to keep those taste buds entertained.
“The foodie couple should head to San Sebastián for loads of Michelin-starred-restaurants, local Rioja wine and Spanish pintxos (small bites),” said Fora Advisor Laura Allen. “Aside from the amazing food, the area has stunning vistas, hiking and rugged beaches with an old-world-meets-surfer town vibe.”
For elevated luxury, Nobu Hotel San Sebastian brings once-in-a-lifetime sushi and sleek hospitality to the foodie hub.
Fora Perks at Nobu Hotel San Sebastian: $100 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
4. For the low-key wedding couple … Panama
Courtesy of Nayara Bocas del Toro
If your wedding was chic and understated, a beach destination of the same style is perfect for you. Panama is an unsung tropical paradise that allows newlyweds to relax in pure, crowdless bliss. Check out the vibrant art of Panama City, explore the lush rainforests and unwind (piña colada in hand) on the untouched Caribbean beaches.
The adults-only Nayara Bocas del Toro, the Bali-inspired luxury resort situated on its own private island, features stunning al-fresco design and a commitment to sustainability.
Fora Perks at Nayara Bocas del Toro: $100 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
5. For the elopers… Japan
For those interested in skipping the heavy lifting of planning a wedding (we don’t blame you), take this opportunity to truly “get away from it all” with a bucket-list-worthy honeymoon to Japan.
“Some may not realize that Japan is incredibly romantic, with exclusive ryokan experiences, quaint towns, forest bathing, waterfalls, beautiful bridges and serene onsens,” said Fora Advisor Cindy Rhee. “It’s an incredible destination for stunning cultural, historical and spiritual [exploration],” she added.
Japan is also home to some of the most memorable dining experiences (perfect for honeymooners of all types) imaginable, from Michelin-starred to street food.
Pro tip: honeymoon to Japan during cherry blossom season for once-in-a-lifetime vistas (and photo opportunities!).
“To really feel a sense of place, opt for the Hoshinoya in Tokyo,” advised Cindy. “A luxury modern Ryokan in the city center, it has a rare natural hot springs onsen which opens to the sky.”
6. For the boat wedding couple… a cruise
Image courtesy of Coquelicot, A Belmond Boat
Fresh seafood, epic views and a timeless ambiance — boat weddings are intimate and ultra-romantic. Boat wedding couples should continue to embrace their luxe, maritime style with a romantic river cruise.
Our pick? Outside of Paris, the newest addition to the fleet of Belmond river boats is the Coquelicot, A Belmond Boat. Aboard, couples glide through the ultra-romantic Champagne region, staying in opulent suites and sipping bubbly (and more bubbly) in a lavish indoor salon with views of the bucolic countryside.
7. For the beach wedding couple… Bora Bora
Image courtesy of the Four Seasons Bora Bora
If you’re hosting your celebration on a beach (locally or out of town), we recommend kicking the tropical vibes up a notch with a trip to Bora Bora, which — as many would argue — is one of the most spectacular beach destinations on the planet. The pristine paradise of crystal-clear waters, luxe resorts and overwater bungalows is one of those places you have to see to believe. It’s also a favorite for scuba-divers.
"For honeymooners, there's nothing better than the Four Seasons Bora Bora,” gushed Fora Advisor Lauren Ruehl. “Their luxurious overwater bungalows are perfect for a private and romantic celebration. I highly recommend upgrading your bungalow to a Mountain View. Just imagine waking up with a view of the famous Mount Otemanu, before heading off for a couple's treatment at their unreal overwater spa suite."
Fora Perks at the Four Seasons Bora Bora: When you book Four Seasons through Fora, you will enjoy exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits. Your advisor will be pleased to give you more details.
Interested in planning your honeymoon? Your Fora Advisor can handpick your perfect destination and hotel, plus help with logistics and arrange special surprises along the way. Reach out to Fora to start planning today.