Top 5 Romantic Honeymoon Destinations

The best antidote to the chaos (and excitement) of planning and executing a wedding is jetting off on a romantic honeymoon, just you and your significant other. What better way to wind down, celebrate your partnership, and decompress than by hopping on a plane and jetting off somewhere magical? From the black beaches of Santorini to the rolling vineyards of California’s wine country, here are the top 5 romantic honeymoon destinations to extend your celebration of love.

white concrete house near body of water under white and blue cloudy sky

Santorini, Greece

With picture-perfect views in every direction, Santorini is a Greek honeymoon must, and for good reason. Setting the stage for romance are countless boutique hotels perched on cliffs, whitewashed buildings, and cerulean domed churches – all facing the sea. Splurge for a suite with a plunge pool, overlooking the postcard views and mythical caldera below.

Tip: Stay in Oia, located on the quieter side of the island. While there are still cruise groups and tours passing through, it offers a far more intimate feel than busy Fira.

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Maui, Hawaii

Visitors to the Aloha State are greeted with a warm temperate climate, stunning vistas, and the lingering scent of plumeria in the air. It’s no wonder it’s a favorite among honeymooners, who gravitate to the luxurious Wailea, home to the island’s finest resorts. From The Four Seasons and The Fairmont to The Grand Wailea and newly built Andaz, Wailea, therefore, provides an upscale environment to unwind and is bordered by calm beaches.

Tip: Explore the islands from the air on a jaw-dropping helicopter tour that showcases the dramatic and lush Hawaiian landscape.

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Napa Valley

Thinking of staying a little closer to home? The Napa (and Sonoma) Valley’s are a wine lover’s dream and roughly two and half hours from San Francisco. Stroll the countless vineyards, indulge in gourmet fare at The French Laundry, and take in Napa’s vibrant art scene. The laid-back Sonoma offers visitors a less commercialized alternative. At almost double the size of Napa, there are plenty of wineries to choose from. Sonoma’s Fairmont Mission Inn Resort & Spa makes for a great home base to explore the region.

Tip: The Napa Valley Wine Train is a great way to make stops at the vineyards, without the use of a car. More romantic than a mini-bus.

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The Amalfi Coast

A popular destination for Italians and world travelers alike, Italy’s Amalfi Coast is romance personified. Pastel-colored buildings are perched on steep cliffs over the sparkling Mediterranean ocean. The winding streets and alleys buzz with Vespas zipping past. The smell of coffee and baked goods emanates from cozy, family-run establishments.

There are myriad options for your home base, from the busy but conveniently located Sorrento (perfect for day trips to Naples and Pompeii) to the posh Positano (famous for its dramatic scenery and sandy beach). If you’re looking for the glam of Positano without the crowds, consider laid-back Ravello, a tiny village lacking direct beach access – but making up for it in luxurious accommodation options.

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French Polynesia

Gracing many a traveler’s bucket list is the romantic island of Bora Bora and its surrounding atolls. Known for its towering Mt. Otemanu and luxurious overwater bungalows, Bora Bora is about as romantic as they come.

Travelers seeking that same experience with a slightly lower price tag often opt for the island of Moorea. With a range of resorts offering both hotel rooms and overwater bungalows – all are set against a stunning tropical backdrop.

For couples who are ready to go all out, there’s The Brando. A luxurious resort located on the private Tetiaroa atoll. Listed as the “The Most Luxurious Eco-Resort in the World” by Town & Country Magazine. The brainchild of Marlon Brando, the resort offers guests intimate access to French Polynesia. It also acts as a center for research and education. Sustainability is weaved through everything at The Brando. However, just because this is an eco-resort does not mean that luxury has been abandoned. Guests arrive by private plane. Accommodations are individual villas on their own stretch of white sand beach. Guests also have access to biologists and naturalist guides for one-on-one tours and educational sessions.

If you have questions about these top 5 romantic honeymoon destinations, or if you’d like support planning the honeymoon (or romantic getaway) of your dreams, I’d love to support you! Chat with me here.

The Dominican Republic: More Than Just Resorts

When many people think of the Caribbean, they think of great resorts, and places like Jamaica, Aruba or the Bahamas. But what they don’t realize is that the most popular destination in the Caribbean is the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Republic is on an island that is shared with Hispaniola and Haiti. It sees over 6 million visitors a year. According to most experts such as a Tourism marketing agency, this Caribbean destination has a lot more to offer than your run-of-the-mill resorts. The Dominican Republic: more than just resorts.

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Lake Enriquillo– Lake Enriquillo is the only saltwater lake throughout the Antilles. It is located in the center of the Parque Nacional Isla Cabritos and is a haven for wildlife. It is one of the largest natural reserves for the American crocodile.

Eastern National Park– This World Heritage Sites is one of the largest marine parks in the Caribbean. Rhinoceros iguanas, bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, and manatees are just some of the fantastic wildlife that you will get to experience.

Bahia de las Aguilas and Jaragua National Park– Picturesque turquoise waters line this 6-mile stretch of beach. It is best accessed by boat from the small village of La Cueva. Its’ marine life and incredible views will make for memories that you couldn’t possibly forget anytime soon.

Jarabacoa– Jarabacoa is known as an area ripe for ecotourism and is the location of the Dominican Republic’s only whitewater river. The terrain, rivers, and waterfalls make it perfect for adventurous activities like hiking, climbing, and mountain biking.

Samana Peninsula and Bay– This peninsula and bay are lined with beautiful mangroves. Explore caves, rock formations, and one of the most beautiful beaches in the Dominican Republic. It is also home to the Parque Nacional Los Haitises. Marine life is present in this area year-round, including humpback whales giving birth in January and February.

Start Planning A Romantic Getaway To Explore The Dominican Republic:More Than Just Resorts

Costa Rica Adventure

Costa Rican life consists of endless beaches, rainforests, river valleys, and biodiversity all in one place, for the perfect Costa Rica adventure. Many airlines offer non-stop flights, making the trip easier for you.

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Forest Ziplining

Whether it’s through the evergreen Monteverde Forest with the Arenal Volcano’s view or through the vibrant jungle canopy, ziplining is very common and one of the most popular activities in the Costa Rican jungle.

Wildlife

Nearly 25% of the country is preserved for national parks and wildlife. It is home to 27 national parks and takes up five percent of the world’s biodiversity. The Los Quetzales National Park allows birdwatchers to get a full aerial view of the various species of birds. Monkeys call the jungle home; so keep an eye out to see these amazing creatures in their own habitat. The Corcovado National Park is another prominent place to visit for frequent whale-watching and dolphin sightings.

Surfing

Towns such as Samara, Avellanas, and Tamarindo are great places for year-round surfing on these Pacific and Caribbean coasts. The warm water and steady winds combine to make Costa Rica a surfers paradise. Road trip to pavones costa rica surf is in the bucket list of surfers. Many of the beaches offer boards and lessons for beginners. You may also consider surfing in hawaii if you’re looking for a great place to surf.

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Volcano Hike

The massive Arenal Volcano is one of the most well-known spots in Costa Rica. The surrounding area around the volcano offers kayaking, boating, and paddleboarding. Hot springs and waterfalls are also present, with zip lines and horseback riding available below the volcano summit. Rincon de la Vieja National Park’s centerpiece is another million-year-old volcano that offers views of the Nicoya Peninsula and Lago de Nicaragua.

Waterfall

La Fortuna waterfall by Arenal is an approximated 20-minute hike presenting a massive waterfall with a jungle backdrop. Another favorite is located in Tenorio Volcano National Park in the Northern Plains, offering bright blue waters. Lesser-known waterfalls include Bajos del Tori in the Alajuela province and Catarata del Toro, which plummets into an extinct volcanic crater with aerial views.

Rio Rafting

Named as a Biosphere Reserve, Rio Pacuare offers a white-water Caribbean experience through the safari-like jungle. According to National Geographic, it is one of the top spots for white-water rafting. The highlight of rafting in the Rio Savegre includes sightings of the jaguars, tapirs, and birds that call this biosphere home.

Jungle Drives

A 4×4 is recommended for the best driving experience in Costa Rica. The off-beaten paths offer unique views but require vehicles that can make their own path. Driving on the beach is not permitted. Another way to get explore is via horseback.

Deep Diving

The majority of shore islands on the Pacific coast are the hot spots for scuba and deep diving. Get up close and personal with various species of sharks, dolphins, and much more. A renowned spot for diving is The Gulf of Papagayo in the Guanacaste province.

Yoga Retreats

Aside from the adventurous and bold activities offered in Costa Rica, yoga retreats are available for leisure in the peaceful surrounding. Nosara is a popular spot located in the Nicoya Peninsula, offering a beachfront area for a relaxing yoga session.

Start Planning Your Costa Rica Adventure