JANUARY
Costa Rica
Starting the New Year with a honeymoon calls for something life enhancing, right? If there’s one destination that encapsulates our deep human need for connection to nature, it’s Costa Rica. When I was lucky enough to be there in January, watching the sun rise over the Pacific on a new millennium (yes 23 years ago!), I knew this green land was something very special. Costa Rica was one of the first countries to genuinely embrace eco-tourism, pouring resources into preserving and enhancing local flora and fauna and creating social opportunities too. Now it’s a blueprint for other countries. More reason to invest your precious honeymoon budget there, blending rustic adventure with five-star lodges. January is one of the best times of year to visit when the tropical weather is at its brightest and driest. The 13-night Volcano and Cloud Forest of Costa Rica private itinerary with Rainbow Tours encompasses all the highlights from the moody Arenal volcano to white water rafting and chilling out on the secluded Pacific beaches of the Nicoya Peninsula.
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South Africa
In my experience no one ever comes back from a trip to South Africa without raving about how awesome it is. Push the honeymoon boat out and book a bespoke safari, city and coastal experience with Mahlatini, taking in Cape Town, the Winelands and game reserves with off-the-scale romantic places to stay. You also get to swap the northern hemisphere winter for blissful mid-summer rays.
FEBRUARY
Curaçao
The Caribbean in February is always a good idea with beautiful sunny weather and calm turquoise seas. For something a little off the beaten track and totally memorable, head to the Dutch island of Curaçao, part of the ABC islands (alongside Aruba and Bonaire). Way down south, off the coast of Venezuela, this island is a blend of Caribbean, European and South American heritage from its candy-coloured colonial buildings in capital Willemstad, to its high-octane carnival which you can catch in the first two weeks of February. I recommend a stay at the new Sandals Royal Curaçao, for its all-inclusive, couples-only philosophy. Awa Seaside Butler Bungalows have their own private pool, whilst Kurason Island Butler Bungalows are situated around a heart-shaped pool. Both come with complimentary use of a white open-topped Mini Cooper for one day to explore the island in style, or you can borrow matching Dutch-style bikes.
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Canary Islands
When I first discovered Tenerife and Lanzarote I was blown away by how different they were to my perception of them as a mass market tourist trap. Both islands offer incredible volcanic landscapes with mesmerising star-gazing, quirky attractions from cactus gardens to artists such as Cesar Manrique, along with black sand beaches and tasty cuisine. For a sunny February mid-haul honeymoon with a touch of adventure, you can’t go wrong. Book with Classic Collection, a tried and tested operator who will lead you to the best luxury hotels.
MARCH
Morocco
It never fails to astound me how somewhere just a three-hour flight away from London can be so thrillingly exotic. I always feel Morocco has a similar assault on the senses as India, without the expense of a long-haul flight. My no-brainer honeymoon city of choice is Marrakesh where you still see donkeys wandering the old narrow streets of the medina, piles of spices and leather slippers in the souq, and whirling dervishes in the Djemaa El Fna (the main square). There are wonderful museums and gardens to explore including the Musée Yves Saint Laurent, the Jardin Marjorelle and the Koutoubia Mosque. Book with the specialist Fleewinter and they will find you a romantic riad - a traditional merchant’s house converted into a boutique hotel - often with a rooftop terrace and intimate hammam. March is the perfect month to visit before the oppressive heat sets in.
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The Seychelles
The castaway archipelago of The Seychelles in the Indian Ocean is a magical honeymoon escape. March is a good time to go when temperatures hover around 26ºC and rainfall is low. If your honeymoon budget allows, book a private island resort such as Denis Private or North Island for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, or head to the main island of Mahe with day trips to the islands of Praslin and La Digue. Check out Inspiring Travel for a guide to the best resorts for you.
APRIL
Brazil
Brazilians have a phrase, ‘Deus é Brasileiro’, meaning ‘God is Brazilian’- one that makes perfect sense when you see the scale and beauty of this vast South American land. To make the most of your precious honeymoon time, I recommend an itinerary curated by the insiders at Dehouche, whether you desire barefoot chic on the sands of Trancoso, or a journey deep into the Amazon on a private riverboat. And of course, no honeymoon to Brazil would be complete without the full-on Rio experience with its Christ the Redeemer statue, art immersions and underground nightlife. April is a great time to go when the weather is still sunny and warm.
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Venice-Simplon Orient Express
For a short but sweet honeymoon that celebrates the current renaissance of train travel, the three-night Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is a winner in my book, taking you from the heart of London to the heart of Venice. It’s also a perfect choice for a mini-moon before a longer honeymoon later in the year, and spring is a wonderful time to experience this iconic journey.
MAY
Greece or Turkey
When you’re thinking of a honeymoon, it’s easy to get bamboozled by the exotic, long-haul choices out there when in fact, some of the most magical places are within a short-haul hop. I’m talking about Greece and Turkey, where Simpson Travel has a very cool range of adult-only hotels such as Purple Apricot on Paxos and Kalkan Regency in Turkey. When the late spring/early summer climate kicks in, it’s hard to think why you’d head anywhere else. Plus it’s the perfect time to go before the summer crowds arrive. All Simpson’s adult-only hotel recommendations spoil honeymooners with special treats and upgrades and are all close to great restaurants, a beautiful beach and traditional villages.
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Dominican Republic
May is low season in the Caribbean when prices are more affordable, but happily the weather is usually perfect with blue skies and sublime temperatures hovering around 30ºC. Check out Tropical Sky’s choice of tried and tested all-inclusive resorts for value-for money romance such as the Breathless Punta Cana Resort.
JUNE
Corsica
The mountainous Mediterranean island of Corsica is at its best in June, when its French-meets-Italian culture of lazy days in the sun, discovering hidden coves and swimming in the clear blue sea gets into full swing. Corsican Places has a curated range of couples-only villas, hotels and apartments, perfect for intimate getaways. One of my favourites is Casa Acciani. Just a short drive away from Calvi, this contemporary villa for two has a private pool with gorgeous sea views, and although it’s modern, it has a cool rustic feel. It’s the kind of place you’d come back to year after year for your anniversary.
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Iceland
For a honeymoon with heaps of drama (from the natural landscapes, hopefully not your relationship!), Iceland is high up there on my list. Come summer, this land of fire and ice will woo you both with midnight sun, mighty waterfalls, geothermal lagoons and ‘Game of Thrones’ locations. I recommend a Superjeep touring honeymoon with Regent Holidays to make the most of the adventure.
JULY
Tuscany
How could the birthplace of the Renaissance be anything other than magical? Tuscany is quintessential honeymoon territory with spellbinding cities, countryside and coastline, along with incredible food from porcini mushrooms to truffle-infused dishes. Visit in July and you’ll be swept up in the celebratory mood of summer. I recommend Abercrombie & Kent to create a seamless tailor-made luxury honeymoon for couples staying in classic hotels such as the Hotel Savoy in the heart of Florence and the intimate Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco in the UNESCO-listed Val d’Orcia Natural Park.
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Scotland
I can genuinely say with hand on heart that Scotland in July has the potential to be the most magical honeymoon ever. Head to the Western Isles to stay in gems like Kinloch Lodge on Skye, owned and run by the MacDonald clan, and you’ll experience the natural beauty and unique culture of these isles that people come across the globe to experience. Let specialists McKinlay Kidd take you to all the best places.
AUGUST
The Italian Lakes
The Italian Lakes are steeped in romance and recognised as one of the most beguiling places on earth by everyone from the 19th poets such as Shelley and Keats to modern movie stars like George Clooney who tied the knot at his villa on Lake Como. August is a sublime time to honeymoon here when summer vacationing on the lakes is in full swing and the weather is glorious. Curate your honeymoon with luxury Italian specialists Citalia, and stay in your choice of iconic hotels such as the Albergo Lenno or the Hotel Belvedere.
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The Lake District
For an alternative lake-based honeymoon, our very own Lake District can be just as inspiring, especially if the weather holds out for August. Treat yourselves to a stay at a top hotel such as The Gilpin which has three new stunning spa suites with stone-built hot tubs in your private garden and your very own spa room.
SEPTEMBER
Islands of Tahiti
If you’re seeking a honeymoon that will blow your mind, Tahiti is well worth the long-haul schlep. If ever there was a definition of paradise, these lush mountainous islands with iridescent blue lagoons are it. It’s no surprise they seduced artists like Paul Gaughin. I remember sitting down to a sumptuous banquet in the shallow lagoon with my feet in the cooling water. These isles are full of memorable experiences like this. Island hopping is a great option to make the most of your time here either by air or sea, according to honeymoon specialist, Turquoise Holidays. June to August is high season in Tahiti, so September is the perfect time to come when it’s quieter and slightly more affordable.
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British Virgin Islands
For a more tropical alternative, Richard Branson’s Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands offers Celebration Weeks in September when this incredible hideaway is available to book by the room.
OCTOBER
Mauritius
Mauritius is an Indian Ocean island I’ve had the pleasure of heading back to again and again over the last 30 years and it never fails to impress. It’s also much more than white sand beaches and blue lagoon. It’s a heady cultural mix of European, Chinese, Indian and African, and there’s plenty to do here from botanical gardens to mountain hikes in one of the protected domaines where wild boar and deer roam. Mauritian hotels have led the world in five-star luxury. Beachcomber Tours has the pick of the hotels including Trou aux Biches where beachfront suites have private pools.
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Mallorca
For an easy October honeymoon, Mallorca will be quieter and cooler than high summer, but still beautifully warm and sunny. Let Vintage Travel lead you to some of the most romantic hideaway villas for two with private heated pool.
NOVEMBER
The Maldives
This Indian Ocean archipelago is classic honeymoon territory with its lavish private island hideaways, all outdoing themselves to be the most romantic and indulgent. The Maldives is all about overwater bungalows, rejuvenating spas and creative cuisine, along with a love and respect for its incredible marine environment, which hopefully your resort is striving to conserve. Wexas has the low down on the best honeymoon resorts. My personal favourite is Niyama Private Islands where highlights include white push bikes for two with rustic name tags on the front and torch-lit private dinners on the beach. March is a perfect time to go with temperatures hovering around 28ºC.
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Cape Verde
For an affordable, mid-haul island honeymoon, Cape Verde is made up of 10 islands off the west coast of Africa. Cape Verde Experience will find you the best hotels or plan an island-hopping adventure.
DECEMBER
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is one of those countries that has it all – national parks, wildlife, authentic heritage, incredible cuisine, stunning beaches and memorable places to stay. It has landscapes to blow you away and culture to hook you in so you yearn to return and explore more. December is a great time to come for good weather, This country lends itself to a touring honeymoon. To get the most out of your time, consult with the specialists at Selective Asia who will plan the best honeymoon for your budget. And if you fancy a two-centre combination with a some indulgent R&R at the end in the Maldives, check out ideas with Barefoot Traveller.
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Scandinavia
If you’re the type of couple that adores snowy getaways, you might like to snuggle under reindeer skins in an Ice Hotel sipping ice cold vodka and looking out for the Northern Lights. If so, check out Best Served’s choice of Arctic honeymoons in winter. My favourite is the jaw-droppingly cool mirrored cube Treehotel in the snowy forests of Swedish Lapland.
Find more ideas at 101 Honeymoons.
By Jane Anderson
June 2023
