After Months or Even Years of Planning a Wedding, the Honeymoon Destination Decision Might be a Little Daunting
The first thing many couples do after their wedding is take the ultimate fairytale vacation with their new loved one. And why shouldn't they? A honeymoon is one of the only times in most people's lives where the sky is the limit when booking a getaway.
We've put together a list of our top honeymoon destinations of 2019 to help guide and inspire you romantics and dreamers. From the tropical white sand beaches of the Maldives to the luxurious bustling city of Dubai, let's worry about the cost and logistics later. Now is the time to start planning.
The Maldives
The Maldives is one of the world’s most iconic honeymoon destinations; a country of incredibly stunning natural beauty complete with bucket-list experiences. Consisting of a thousand pristine islets and painted on an infinite canvas of blue and turquoise, their white sandy beaches serve as the perfect backdrop from which to relish in this intimate world of serenity.
The islands of the Maldives are equipped with world-class hotels that offer the highest standards of sophistication. Unique to the destination is their 'one resort per island' policy, meaning that wherever you stay, you'll feel as though you have been hidden away on your own private piece of paradise. These resorts provide their guests with the perfect setting to relax on their pristine beaches and watch a vivid sunset with a cocktail in hand. We invite you to experience the beauty, serenity, romance, and exclusivity of this exotic destination.
Where to Stay: Soneva Jani, Maldives
The award-winning Soneva Fushi sets the standard for desert island barefoot luxury hideaways in the Maldives. Hidden among dense foliage in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the resort pairs Robinson Crusoe fantasy with intelligent luxury. The resort features 57 private villas with their own stretch of pristine beach. Designed to offer ultimate privacy and a pure connection with nature, each retreat features open-air bathrooms that extend into a private garden and personal butler service.
Dining becomes an exhilarating experience with 6 restaurant options (including a restaurant in the treetops), home-made chocolate and ice cream rooms, and over 500 wines to choose from in the resort's extensive wine cellar. Romantic escapes, playful leisure, island adventures, glassblowing lessons, or stargazing - Soneva Fushi's imaginative experiences cater to every kind of traveler. The experiences are magical and the philosophy is simple: no news, no shoes.
Los Cabos
On the Sea of Cortés in Baja California, at the edge of the horizon, a modern dreamscape promises anything but the predictable.
Playa El Médano, or Médano Beach, is a big spring breaker destination in March. But it’s bustling just about any time of year. In fact, you could say it’s the center of social life in Cabo San Lucas. At nearly two miles long, it will lure you with restaurants, bars, souvenir shops, and water sports. Go ahead – rent a wave runner or kayak, go parasailing, or have a water taxi take you out to Land’s End or Lover’s Beach. It’s very safe to swim here, especially in the roped-off areas, although you won’t find any lifeguards in Cabo San Lucas.
Should you wish to delight in what lies beyond, head to the historic colonial streets of San José del Cabo. Beyond the beach, immerse yourself in the sensations of Baja California: a land that is mystical and ethereal, majestic and untamed.
Where to Stay: Viceroy Los Cabos
Surrounded by wraparound water, Viceroy Los Cabos is a modernist dreamscape. Explore it all as nature intended -- via elevated walkways, with the cool blue beneath you and the blazing sun overhead.
Wherever you turn, a new discovery waits, be it the state-of-the-art fitness center, the full-service spa, or the myriad of restaurants that showcase local ingredients. It’s a journey. And it’s a vibe -- equal parts serene (don’t miss the ocean-view terraces) and social (gather at the beach bar and pools).
Your room or suite is an idyllic universe unto itself. Each space is fashioned to evoke a sense of well-being and harmony with the water and sky and inspire the idea that anything is possible. Among the highlights: indoor/outdoor living spaces with unobstructed views of the ocean, large soaking tubs on the terrace, and sunlight streaming through floor-to-ceiling windows.
Kick off 2019 at a Wellness Retreat in Los Cabos.
Dubai
Dubai is a fascinating chequerboard that sets chic blocks of gravity-defying skyscrapers alongside charming historic neighborhoods harking back to the metropolis’ mercantile history. Both contribute to Dubai’s rich and unique identity. From where to shop—take your pick from slick designer malls or vibrant souks—to how to uncover the city’s varied range of entertainment, allow us to introduce the best districts in Dubai.
In and around Dubai boasts some of the most tranquil beaches in the Middle East. Azure seas and golden sands combine to create a serene honeymoon atmosphere.
Couples can also find a range of diving spots in Dubai and its neighboring emirates that are suitable for beginners and experienced divers. For a spectacular tour of the Arabian desert, choose a guided desert safari that includes a romantic dinner at sunset.
Where to Stay: Burj Al Arab Jumeirah
The iconic sail-shaped silhouette of Burj Al Arab Jumeirah stands tall as a beacon of modern Dubai, characterized by the finest hospitality you can ever experience.
Repeatedly voted the world's most luxurious hotel, this stunning destination offers you the finest service and experiences throughout - right down to an optional chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royce, private beach access, a breathtaking terrace with pools and cabanas as well as some of the world’s best dining venues, including the highly acclaimed Nathan Outlaw at Al Mahara.
Bringing children? Check out Dubai's luxury family beach resort here.
Luxury Hideaway - Belize
Blancaneaux Lodge is a luxury hideaway hotel in Belize located in the northwest corner of the 107,000-acre Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve in western Belize’s Cayo District. The lodge itself is nestled on the banks of Privassion Creek and is set among tropical pines, oaks, palmetto, craboo, and ancient melastome shrubs. Within a few miles of our boutique hotel in Belize you will find the steep limestone hills and valleys of the 13,000-acre Noj Kaax Meen Elijio Panti National Park. The dense jungle, steep ravines, spectacular waterfalls, and fast-flowing rivers are home to many rare or endangered species of flora and fauna.
Beyond the Mountain Pine Ridge lies the vast uninhabited network of 14 protected areas that comprise the 1.2 million acre Maya Mountain Massif. Less than an hour drive along dirt roads to Guacamallo Bridge, the granite bedrock and red soils of the Mountain Pine Ridge meet the limestone and moist tropical broadleaf forests of the 264,000-acre Chiquibul National Park and the Caracol Archaeological Reserve.
Where to Stay: Blancaneaux Lodge Honeymoon Cabana
Perched over Privassion Creek waterfall, the Honeymoon Cabaña offers the ideal getaway for a romantic Belize honeymoon. The cabaña has a huge private deck overlooking the falls, and stairs allow you to walk down closer and relax in private lounge chairs. Once you reach the banks of Privassion Creek, stop at our Belize spa for a rejuvenating massage. This cabana features a queen-size bed, ceiling fan, sofa, and Guatemalan décor. Find out more about our Belize luxury hideaway package for honeymooners.
Calivigny Islands - Grenada, Caribbean
The ultimate private island destination, Calivigny Island combines opulent accommodation and unparalleled service set in the exotic Caribbean. Spread over 80 lush acres with six sandy beaches and sweeping views of the Atlantic and Caribbean oceans, Calivigny is renowned to be one of the most exquisite and exclusive vacation spots in the world.
Where to Stay: Calivigny Islands
With a beach-side setting, the three two-bedroom cottages provide guests with a more intimate island experience. No expense has been spared and each cottage features a private outdoor jacuzzi and a large outdoor terrace. Located steps from the white sand beach and crystal blue water the unsurpassed splendor truly is heaven on earth.
Sydney, Australia
A scenic 2.5-hour drive from Sydney, located on Australia's Great Dividing Range between the Wollemi National Park and the Gardens of Stone National Park, within the World Heritage-listed Greater Blue Mountains. The resort occupies just one percent of its own 7,000-acre conservancy. The Wolgan Valley is approximately 26 kilometers long and seven kilometers wide. The Wolgan River cuts a deep gorge through the sandstone in part of the valley, forming a bottleneck that is only one kilometer wide. Steep cliffs contrast with the gentle curve of the valley floor and a picturesque road winds along the river to reach the resort on the eastern end.
Where to Stay: Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley
Occupying just one percent of the total land area, the resort features 40 elegantly appointed suites reminiscent of the Federation period, each with its own swimming pool, double-sided fireplace and private verandah with stunning valley views.
The Main Homestead features various dining settings including the magnificent Wolgan Dining Room with panoramic views; The Country Kitchen, a providore-style casual restaurant; the Valley Bar & Terrace; a walk-in wine cellar with over 150 carefully selected wines and the Creekside Room, a private dining area for up to 12 guests.
The resort’s unique blend of native wildlife, dramatic landscapes, and heritage, can be explored through a range of activities including wildlife safaris, nature walks, heritage tours, mountain biking and horse riding. Guests are also invited to take part in conservation work alongside the resort’s expert field guides.
Maui
There’s a saying, “Maui No Ka Oi,” or “Maui is the best.” Whether or not the statement holds true, it’s probably how you’ll feel when you visit this romantic island paradise. From lush rainforests and pristine beaches to the moonlike landscape of its highest peak, Haleakala, “The Valley Isle” offers endless possibilities for adventure and relaxation.
Where to Stay: Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa
Located on 23 lush oceanfront acres at legendary Pu’u Keka’a on Ka’anapali Beach, the newly renovated Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa invites travelers to experience adventure, romance and family fun on the island of Maui. Relax at the resort’s 142-yard lagoon style pool, taste fresh island cuisine, learn indigenous Hawaiian cultural activities and play at the white sandy beach.
Eighty-three percent of the resort’s 508 rooms and suites feature breathtaking views of the Pacific, and sister islands Lanai and Molokai. At sunset, the resort showcases its iconic cliff dive ceremony, a tradition since the resort first opened in 1963. Make lasting memories as you unwind during sunset, snorkel with tropical fish and honu (green sea turtles), learn ukulele with family, or rejuvenate at The Spa at Black Rock. The ideal choice for honeymoons.
