Your honeymoon is likely the most important trip you’ll ever plan. With expectations at an all-time high, choosing the perfect destination (or destinations) is a must! But how, with so many incredible options? The world is your oyster! And Wedaways helps you select the perfect pearl for you. We’ve searched the world to select the summer honeymoon hotspots you’ll want to visit now. All you have to do is spend a glorious week (or two or three) with the one you love on the summer honeymoon you’ve been dreaming about.
1 – SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
Year-round sunshine makes beautiful cliffside San Diego the perfect destination for those who don’t want to travel internationally from the US. And, of course, a great choice for those in the rest of the world who want to celebrate their love in the Golden State. With an array of relaxing activities to pick from – such as sailing, golfing, and sunbathing – you will never have a doll moment. With marvelous accommodations, beautiful seaside scenery, and crystal-white sandy beaches, America’s brightest city is the “it” location for a relaxed, intimate, and luxurious summer honeymoon. Start packing your bathing suit, hats and sunscreen – San Diego awaits!
Where to stay: Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa, Hotel Del Coronado
2 – MALDIVES
The Maldives are THE summer honeymoon spot. The exotic islands have been refered to as a honeymooner paradise over and over again by countless sources. And there’s a reason for it! With its signature overwater accommodations that lead right into the vast turquoise ocean, lush private isles and world-renowned luxury properties, the romantic ambiance is palpable. Enjoy intimacy like never before, in a beachside oceantop cocoon of your own. And if you ever leave the oasis of your lavish private villa and want to get a little more adventurous, there’s no lack of water sports to try out!
Where to stay: Joali Maldives, COMO Cocoa Island, Sun Aqua Iru Veli, The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, Olhuveli Beach & Spa
3 – SICILY, ITALY
This vibrant island may not be the first place on your list when you consider visiting Italy, but it should be! The birthplace of La Dolce Vita, there is an energy here unlike anywhere else. The scenery is breathtaking. Mornings are lazy, food is rich, music is vibrant. If you drive here, it’s a thrill ride!
Arriving by ferry from the mainland to Catania and driving up to Taormina on the east side of the island, is a great point of entry. While you are in this petite but dynamic city we strongly suggest a boat ride along the coast. For private luxury cruises and day boat tours, our go-to is Tripping Sicily. You’ll be in great hands with Simona Ferro, the dynamic owner of this incredible boating company!
Drive west along stretches of highways and tunnels to Sciacca, a gorgeous sea-level resort town. Going north brings you to iconic Palermo, the capital city of Sicily. The island’s archeological sites and nature reserves in addition to its cities and towns will definitely make your summer honeymoon one of the most memorable trips of a lifetime.
Where to stay: Capofaro Locanda & Malvasia, Monaci delle Terre Nere, Villa Igiea, a Rocco Forte Hotel, Verdura Resort, A Rocco Forte Hotel
4 – YUCÁTAN, MEXICO
The Yucatan peninsula’s diverse cultural experiences vary from a visit to an ancient Mayan ruin to a horse-drawn carriage ride in a colonial town, or a tour of an old hacienda followed by a cool swim in a freshwater swimming hole. All of this, and a bonus of sublime golden sands and turquoise waters make it the perfect summer honeymoon spot.
The region may be evolving and gentrifying, but the traditions of the past are honored in every aspect of daily life. You can enjoy delicious cuisine that integrates the international cultural influences of Yucatan, yet also represent today’s developed sensibilities and tastes. Music and dance are happening everywhere and both are part of the rich culture. Whether you watch and listen or join the fun, you’ll always be greeted with warm Mayan smiles. To experience an amazing tequila collection, visit our favorite hotel: Chablé Yucatan Resort & Spa.
Where to stay: Chablé Yucatan Resort & Spa
5 – THE DOLOMITES, ITALY
The Italian Alps should definitely be on your summer bucket list! The fresh air is crisp, clean, and invigorating. Jan Clemens Von Wieser, the third generation to work at Ciasa Salares, his family’s boutique hotel, and one of Italy’s youngest sommeliers tells us summer sports enthusiasts can play outdoors all day and enjoy wine, cheese, and chocolate in the evening, overlooking the vast mountain ranges from the comfort of their hotel.
Hiking, cycling, picnics, and even luxury shopping in Cortina D’Ampezzo are all possible, with a backdrop of the spectacular panoramic views of the Dolomites in South Tyrol. This is one of the world’s special places that are spectacular year-round.
Where to stay: Hotel Ciasa Salares, Alpina Dolomites, Gardena Grödnerhof, Castel Fragsburg
6 – SANTORINI, GREECE
Soak up the sun in one of Greece’s best-loved getaways, an island with a history dating back at least 4,000 years. Some say this island is the best place they’ve ever been, with the most incredible sunsets. Let us know if you agree!
Lounge by the sparkling pool with the sun reflecting off the sugar cube structures that surround you. Sip brightly colored cocktails served by sun-tanned locals. Stroll to the shore through winding alleyways- take hundreds of Insta-worthy pics along the way, to the boat waiting for you to sail around the island. Paradise. You have arrived!
Where to stay: Villa Erossea
7 – ALGARVE, PORTUGAL
This sunbathing paradise in the beautiful southern coastline of Portugal is a summer honeymoon gem. Romance oozes the seaside destination, with its white cliffs, hidden alcoves and long stretches of beach serving as a storybook setting. The region’s unique and diverse culture, long and everpresent traditions, warm hospitality and world-renowned food make it the perfect spot for an unforgettable journey filled with relaxation, adventure and love! And if you’re looking for a fun and vibrant nightlife, nothing beats the Portuguese (and Algarvian) nights. Dancing ’till morning is not an exaggeration – you’ll be expected to shimmy until sunrise!
Where to stay: W Algarve
8 – BRITTANY, FRANCE
Skip the French Riviera and head straight to Brittany. A destination where tradition and heritage rule, where idyllic verdant landscapes marry breathtaking seashores and where imposing castles stand out against nature. The quaint countryside town is no stranger to love stories with many of its castles having been offered as romantic gifts from royal lovers.
There is so much to see. So many things to do. All while enjoying delicious French cuisine and divine scenery. A (uber-luxurious) medieval experience awaits in this charming town of ancient royalty. Bon voyage!
Where to stay: Domaine de la Bretesche
9 – DUBROVNIK, CROATIA
This is a city well recognized by its orange-red roofs. Known for awesome sea activities ranging from water polo to boat trips, kayaking, scuba diving, and cliff jumping. And of course for land lovers, heaven for Game of Thrones enthusiasts. But it is also a destination for romance and indulgence in fine food, spa treatments and luxuriating in an exclusive hotel. You’ll want to visit the historic Old Town, walk the city walls, stroll the outdoor markets, take a cable car ride and bask in the glory of picture-perfect sunsets.
Where to stay: Villa Dubrovnik
10 – PANTELLERIA, ITALY
A beautiful little island between Sicily and Tunisia, where you can actually see more of Africa than Italy from its shores. The influence of cuisine comes from both destinations and is precisely why it is a food lover’s paradise. You’ll arrive by small plane and it’s a very exciting arrival, indeed. As you approach, you’ll see the ground is covered in volcanic rock making the landscape incredibly picturesque. And here the olive trees grow no more than 3 feet high! The winds keep the foliage at bay. Once you’ve honeymooned on this exclusive island, you’ll definitely revisit for luxurious R&R again and again.
Where to stay: Coste Ghirlanda, Sikelia Luxury Retreat
11 – COUNTY KILDARE, IRELAND
Kildare is without a doubt (according to the Irish from Kildare) one of the best counties in Ireland. From charming villages to horse racing, to its proximity to Dublin, it gets our vote, too! And we even found a real Rapunzel castle, with a great story! There once was a man that always dreamed of being the king of his own castle. But because he lived in the USA where there’s no monarchy and few castles actually exist, he decided to find an ancient ruin (900 years old to be exact) that he could buy, renovate, decorate and make his very own. Well, his search brought him to his roots in Ireland where he found the one! It needed some TLC which he happily provided and after several years, Kilkea Castle in Kildare is the result!
Where to stay: The K Club
12 – LAKE COMO, ITALY
Whether arriving by train or driving the winding country roads, you’ll love the approach to this famous destination. Italy is perfection from every vantage point. But when you arrive in Lake Como, the scene will take your breath away. It will be difficult to find the perfect, heartfelt description. The expansive and serene lake is surrounded by gorgeous mountains and colorful villages each boasting their own unique charm. Whether you choose a private boat or public ferry to cross the water, we assure you it will be a magical experience. This is where romance was born.
Where to stay: Hilton Lake Como, Villa Pliniana, Villa Sola Cabiati, Vila Balbiano, Villa Camila
13 – CAPRI, ITALY
This magical island was a favorite destination of Roman Emperors more than two thousand years ago and remains a hotspot today for jet-setters around the world. Once you get off the ferry at the base of the mountain, you’ll be met by dozens of men frantically unloading the luggage off the boat and scurrying it up to your hotel. It’s an orchestrated chaos that will amaze you. The drive up the winding and narrow road to your destination will have you in awe of the guys that took care of your suitcases! Majestic vistas, jagged mountains soaring up from the sea, water so inviting you may actually consider cliff diving! As the sun begins to set, the real fun begins with crowded bars and restaurants open all night long!
Where to stay: Capri Palace Jumeirah, Hotel Caesar Augustus
14 – LUGANO, SWITZERLAND
Here you will find the soul of Italy mixed in with the perfection of the Swiss. Fewer destinations can offer such chic blended with sex appeal. High-end shopping, views that will melt your heart and cuisine that will satisfy even the snobbiest foodie. You must check out the cliffside village of Gandria.
Where to stay: Villa Principe Leopoldo
15 – BELFAST, IRELAND
For a summer honeymoon city-break, Belfast is part of Ireland that is worth a visit. The Emerald Isle is comprised of the Republic of Ireland (an independent state) and Northern Ireland (approximately 1/6th of the country in the northeast) which is part of the UK and the currency, unlike the rest of Ireland (which uses Euros) is the British Pound. You can navigate the city by its designated quarters: the Cathedral Quarter, the Titanic Quarter, the Gaeltacht Quarter. Visit The Titanic Museum (the ship was built here), a glinting, quartz-sharp structure on the original slipway. You’ll hear them say ‘She was alright when she left us.’ The bridges crossing the river are great for evening strolls along the well-lit waterfront. As you leave the city and drive out into the countryside there are lush green landscapes, but far fewer farmland animals than you see in the rest of the country.
Where to stay: Culloden Estate and Spa
