Gone are the days when honeymoon destinations were the stereotypical dreamy cities, wintery hill-towns or the sleepy countryside. Today newlyweds are open to exploring all kinds of places as long as it has something new to offer. Be it the dreamy locales or cities steeped in history, everyone has a different pick when it comes to where they want to spend their honeymoon. If you are one of those couples who are struggling to choose between captivating landscapes, sublime mountains, old city charm or intricate architecture, we list out some of the honeymoon destinations that will help you decide what you want. There is a place for any and every type of honeymoon-goer. It is up to you and your partner whether you decide to escape to a secluded beach or head to a country to try out the best wines or party in a city that never sleeps. Here is our pick of some of the most idyllic, quirky, picturesque and upbeat honeymoon spots around the world. Get set to let the sparks fly by choosing the right honeymoon destination.
1. Bora Bora, French Polynesia
The ever-changing landscape and seascape of Bora Bora islands will appeal to the romantic in you. Every picture of this island taken from your camera will turn out to be a post card material. Bora Bora is the perfect setting to sip wine and have lengthy discussions about your ‘happy future’ with your partner.
Must Do:
A lagoon tour, snorkel in the warm azure crystal colored lagoons and the resplendent sun set from Bora Bora Yacht Club which happens to be a historical landmark in Bora Bora. Do not forget to say hello to the sharks. One visit and all your fears about sharks are magically going to transform into pure admiration for them.
Where To Stay:
Four Seasons Resort is one of the finest and most popular stay-ins at Bora Bora. It is the kind of hotel where you can tick all boxes, be it the service, the ambience, food and the view. A stay at the over-water bungalows is an experience by itself.
Photo credits
http://blog.parachutehome.com/redefining-the-wedding-registry-with-newlywish/
Photo credits
http://www.fourseasons.com/borabora/
2. Srinagar, Jammu & Kasmir
If there ever is heaven on earth, then it is in Srinagar. The mesmerizing landscape, lush green meadows, lucid lakes, snow-clad mountains is so pleasing to the eye that you will want to go here on a honeymoon every year. While you are here, take in all the fresh air possible because there is plenty of it.
Must Do:
A ride on the houseboat which is also called Shikaras in Dal Lake is a completely out-of-the-world experience. There is no better way to unwind and knock-off all the wedding stress. A visit to the apple orchards is a must if you are planning to get there in the summers. The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden houses around 20 lakh tulips with a multitude of colors that are beyond beautiful.
Where To Stay:
Give the luxury hotels and suits a miss. Choose to stay in a house boat on the river. You could try the Peacock houseboat, Gurkha houseboats, Royal Group of Houseboats or any houseboat that provides accommodation facility and is quite decent. One of the important things you need to consider while choosing the houseboats is the location. It is up to you whether you would want a houseboat in a peaceful place or a place close to action and bustle.
Photo credits
http://www.makemytrip.com/travel-guide/kashmir
Photo credits
http://www.go2india.in/jnk/houseboat.php
3. Cape Town, South Africa
A city which is a good mix of both nature and modernization has everything to offer. The table mountain which is now a new 7th wonder of nature is a home to bounty of flora and fauna that makes it a romantic spot like no other. The view from the table mountain will make for perfect instagram square sized photos. Also the friendly nature of Capetonians is more than welcoming and hospitable.
Must Do:
Go up the mountain table. Hike around or take a cable car. Just do it. You could re-propose to your love on this iconic spot. Believe us, there is no better place in the world to do it. Take a swim with the sharks. There is no better way to watch a shark from such close quarters. Head out to the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront to cruise along the canals, cycle around, and watch the sunset from a Ferris wheel.
Where To Stay:
Cape Town’s award winning hotel, Cape Grace is strategically located close to the best markets and boutiques. It is also hop skip jump from the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. All the rooms in the hotel offer an impressive view of the Table Mountain.
Photo credits
http://www.africanadventuretravel.org/7-outdoor-adventure-activities-in-cape-town/#sthash.fBkkxjU8.dpbs
Photo credits
http://digest.bellafricana.com/a-blend-of-leisure-and-work-victoria-and-alfred-waterfront/
4. Ibiza, Spain
Ibiza is your ultimate honeymoon destination if you are a beach lover as it is a home for plenty of them. Every beach has a different seascape to offer, making it a completely different experience when you beach hop from one to the other. While Ibiza is more popular for its rave parties and clubbing, it also boasts of a peaceful countryside. The balance of an enthusiastic nightlife and poignancy of the unruffled beaches makes it an enviable honeymoon destination.
Must Do:
Explore the off-beat beaches such as Cala Salada and Benirras beach that flaunt the glorious sandy shores and crystal clear waters. Catch the sunset at Es Vedra which is a phenomenal experience. The limestone rock that towers up from the crystal clear sea adds to the mystery and intrigue.
Where To Stay:
Palladium Hotel Cala Llonga, set on the hillside overlooking Cala Llonga bay is a room with all facilities. An upgraded room provides for a breathtaking sea-view and a private terrace with a hot-tub.
Photo credits
http://www.edmlounge.com/mixes/jamie-jones-live-paradise-villa-takeovers-download.html
Photo credits
http://www.ibiza-spotlight.com/night/ibiza_clubs_i.htm
5. Hay Long Bay, Vietnam
Vietnam is one of the less spoken but most amazing places you need to strike off your travel bucket-list. The UNESCO listed Hay Long bay as a world heritage site, which is a home for rocky lime stones jutting from the middle of the emerald waters is a close to perfect honeymoon destination. Surprisingly, it also makes for a budget-friendly locale too. The scarcely inhabited island makes it all the more intriguing and alluring.
Must Do:
Kayaking along the Haylong bay is one of the ideal ways to befriend nature. A two day and one night cruise is about the best thing you can do on your honeymoon. While you are there, indulge in a sea buffet and soak in the bay’s idyllic scenery. Try out the local Vietnamese coffee which is known to be popular even among the coffee haters. The Karaoke bars in every corner, will give you ample opportunity to sing your heart out.
Where To Stay:
Novotel Ha Long Bay is a contemporary design hotel with a beautiful view of the bay.
Photo credits
http://pompei-hotels.com/photos-vietnam-halong-bay-tourism-travel-place/vietnam-halong-bay-rock-formation/
Photo credits
http://jessenichols.com/photography/travels/
6. Marrakesh, Morocco
Marrakesh is called the ‘Land of the God’ for a reason. The diversity of places it offers range from bustling souks to huge palaces and its old city charm is enough to make it a front runner for one of 15 best honeymoon destinations in the world.
Must Do:
The souks which sell almost anything from clothing, spices, carpets and bags makes it a good place to take your wife for all the shopping. Indulge in the Moroccan food which is a mixed bag of Arabic, Mediterranean, Andalusian and Berber cuisine. Every street vendor will literally call out to you through their fresh, vibrant food that is hard to resist. Sample Moroccan staples like kebabs and cous-cous from the street vendors.
Where To Stay:
While it is instinctive to choose a luxurious hotel during your honeymoon stay, one of the off-beat ideas would be to choose a Riad, a traditional Moroccan house adorned in typical Moroccan décor with the walls embellished with Moroccan rugs, shelves with colorful glass cutlery that adds pop and color to the room.
Photo credits
http://www.trazeetravel.com/under-100/under-100-marrakech.php
Photo credits
http://www.lamoillehouse.com/2014/09/marrakech-morocco.html
7. Cappadocia, Turkey
A city that is nothing but a result of volcanic eruptions is Turkey’s striking and most impressive landscape ever. With its rich history, unique landscape, splendid panoramas, magnificent hiking trails, rock-cut churches, fresco adorned walls, queer underground cities this place will leave you in bewilderment. Cappadocia has so much to offer that a single trip would never do justice to appreciate its true beauty.
Must Do:
Hot air balloon ride is one of the most popular things to do in Cappadocia. It is an exciting, thrilling, and awe-inspiring experience. Apart from the dramatic landscape you get to baffle at, the feeling you gather after a hot air balloon ride is just other-worldly. Goreme open air museum is another highlight of the place. Kaymakli underground city which is an architectural spectacle and an engineering master-piece should be an essential stop in your itinerary.
Where To Stay:
Esbelli Evi, a boutique cave hotel with a sophistication that can be addictive is an amalgamation of both modern and ancient in equal measures. Walls adorned with creeper plants, draped in vines, this cave hotel in Cappadocia is nothing short of a sweet escapade.
Photo credits
http://www.naturelscavehouse.com/gallery/ballooning-cappadocia
8. Iceland
If you are looking at spending your honeymoon in a pristine, unspoilt habitat, think no further than Iceland. Iceland is indubitably nature’s best creation. A place where waterfalls, glaciers, mountains occupy every corner and rainbows are an everyday affair.
Must Do:
You can’t go to Iceland and not watch the Northern Lights. It is one of nature’s most bewitching spectacles. Catching this spectacular nature’s display with your spouse is like a dream honeymoon. To your surprise there is free WiFi everywhere, so you could go social media crazy and upload picturesque Icelandic scenes instantly. A dip in the Blue lagoon Geothermal spa is highly recommended. While you are in Iceland, do not miss 90-minute Icelandic horse adventure with The Icelandic Horse Company.
Where To Stay:
What better place to stay where you can witness the resplendent Northern Lights from the comforts of your hotel room. The hotel is located in the country side making it a vantage point to view the Aurora Borealis. The hotel staff is kind enough to give you an update on when you could expect to see the Northern Lights.
Photo credits
http://www.rsvlts.com/2015/02/16/aurora-borealis-as-seen-from-iceland-53-high-quality-photos/
Photo credits
http://www.trover.com/d/zzA2-blue-lagoon-iceland
9. Bali, Indonesia
Bali makes for an ideal place for the newlyweds with its innumerable cliff-top temples, magical landscapes, historical sites, abundant wild-life and never-ending rice paddies. The laid back life in Bali is surely going to sting you and make you want to go back for more.
Must Do:
Visit the temples such as Uluwatu temple, Tanah Lot temple, Besakih temple to admire and marvel at the architecture. The expansive Tegallalang Rice Terraces in Ubud is a testament to the local’s incredible handiwork and talent. If you are an admirer of art, a visit to the Ubud market is a must where you can buy anything hand-made from bags, baskets, hats and kites. Goa Gajah, also known as Elephant caves which is a UNESCO world heritage site deserves a visit. With ancient bathing pools, relics and a mysterious cave, this place is known for its history and archaeology.
Where To Stay:
While Bali has both high-end luxury hotels and cozy cottages, it is up to you where you would like to stay. Amongst the swanky hotels, you could choose Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort which is a five star luxury hotel located very close to the main attractions in Bali. If you prefer a more homely Bali type of cottage, go for Poppies which is a boutique hotel that is situated amidst a garden full of scented jasmine, hibiscus and frangipani.
Photo credits
http://www.media24by7.com/monkey-madness-in-bali-indonesia-charmian-chen/
Photo credits
http://www.ydcbalitour.com/ubud-tour
10. Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto is a highly recommended honeymoon destination if you are planning a trip during the spring season. Kyoto is in its full glory with cherry blossoms literally in every cranny. The pop of colors and the tranquil atmosphere sets just the right mood to start your new chapter in life. This is a city thronged with so many UNESCO World Heritage sites that you need a lot of time in hand to finish all the sight-seeing. Apart from the temples and shrines, there are a lot of hip cafes too. Soak in and get a taste of all of it.
Must Do:
Marvel at the splendor of Kinkaku-ji’s golden reflection shimmering across the surface of the pond. Jishu shrine is a must-visit especially on your honeymoon. Legend has it that there are two fortune stones in this shrine if crossed successfully with your eyes closed, your love will come true. Make sure to take your wife to the 400 hundred old Nishiki Market where you will find all things Japanese from food to all household stuff.
Where To Stay:
Hotel Kanro Kyoto, is a highly rated stay in Kyoto with contemporary design straight out of a fairy-tale. The perfect location, uber-chic décor, excellent staff, makes Hotel Kanro Kyoto an ideal honeymoon stay.
Photo credits
http://travel.allwomenstalk.com/gorgeous-places-to-visit-in-springs-full-bloom
Photo credits
http://gallerygogopix.net/japan+kyoto+cherry+blossoms?image=356509387
11. Florida
There are a hundred reasons to make Florida your honeymoon destination. Florida has everything from spectacular beaches, theme parks, museums, shopping markets and an active nightlife. You name it, it has it all. The year round perfect weather makes it all the more sought-after destination. This magical city conspires in every way to convert your honeymoon destination into a place you want to settle down for the rest of your life.
Must Do:
Climb the historic lighthouse on Key Biscayne holding the hands of your lover. It can’t get more romantic than this. The imposing panoramic ocean view is spectacular in every sense of the word. A kiss in the underwater in Florida Keys is what honeymoon dreams are made of. Explore the magic and charm of Florida in a horse-drawn carriage.
Where To Stay:
Pink Palace located on the sand beaches of Florida’s Gulf Coast in 38,000 square feet of space is nothing short of a paradise-like experience. With deluxe pools, foot spa service, complimentary WiFi, beyond excellent service; you are sure to be in for a royal treat.
Photo credits
http://thefabweb.com/63211/30-best-city-pictures-of-the-week-nov-4th-to-nov-10th-2012/attachment/63236/
Photo credits
http://captainkimo.com/cape-florida-lighthouse-seaoat-key-biscayne/
12. Switzerland
Well, there are no prizes for guessing this country makes it one of the 15 best honeymoon destinations in the world. Switzerland is just love at first sight. If there is a place that can cast a spell on you, it definitely is Switzerland. It is the kind of place that is prepossessing, a place that will grow its magic on you. There is no particular city in Switzerland we have picked because every city is picture-perfect.
Must-Do:
There is no itinerary you should follow while in Switzerland. Just absorb the clean pure air, watch the lofty Alps in awe, traverse on the off-beaten trails, ponder by the sparkling lakes, revel in the countryside of Zurich and ski in the snow-capped mountains of Zematt.
Where To Stay:
While in Switzerland, it would be a great idea to stay in a Swiss Chalet. A chalet offers the warmth and coziness of a home which you may miss staying miles away from your country. Geneve Chalet in Geneva has a homely décor and is also a budget accommodation.
Photo credits
http://blognews.am/arm/news/296806/2015t%E2%80%A4-i-ashkharhi-amenaharust-10-erkrnery.html
Photo credits
http://duhocvietsing.edu.vn/du-hoc-thuy-sy-vi-sao-thuy-sy-la-dat-nuoc-dang-song-nhat-gioi/
13. Florence, Italy
Florence is the most romantic place in the whole world that will leave you beyond mesmerized. It is a city known for its sprawling gardens, huge parks, beautiful churches, splendid architecture. Florence is best experienced when explored on foot.
Must Do:
Take a leisurely walk to the Ponte Vecchio bridge with your partner and be a part of the ceremonial ‘Padlocks of Love’ where the couple gets to attach a padlock on the bridge, make a wish and toss the key over the bridge. People of Italy believe that indulging in this ceremony locks their love forever. Indulge in wine and cheese tasting and devour the finest Tuscan wines and learn about the culinary history.
Where To Stay:
Experience what it is like to stay in a Florence Palazzo. Palazzo Niccolini al Duomo is a beautiful little place which has frescoes all over the walls. The room has a homely feel and the friendly owner leaves no stone unturned to make your stay comfortable.
Photo credits
http://handluggageonly.co.uk/2015/04/09/the-italian-riviera-cinque-terre-pisa-and-florence/
14. Las Vegas
Whoever said Vegas is a pre-honeymoon destination didn’t get it completely right. If you are looking for a quirky and an unconventional honeymoon, Vegas is the place. Bring out the crazies and go mad in this outlandish city.
Must Do:
What you cannot do in this wonderfully odd city?! You can practically do anything here. It has something for everyone. Get crazy and jump off the stratosphere and conquer your fear for heights forever. Get lost in the glittery lights of Vegas and enjoy a gondola ride. Gape at the towering Bellagio Fountains and of course gamble.
Where To Stay:
Wynn Las Vegas lives up to the insanity that Vegas is. With mini-bars in the room, remote-controlled drapes and a TV in the bathroom this hotel is more than a luxury.
Photo credits
http://www.maxisciences.com/las-vegas/wallpaper
15. Boracay Island, Philippines
With Boracay’s white sandy beaches, swaying palm trees and beautiful skies, you would not doubt its beauty even for a minute. With Boracay, Phillipines truly has something to boast about.
Must Do:
If you are an adrenaline junkie, Boracay has a wide range of water sports you could try. Helmet diving is something that you don’t find in most places, but here. It allows you to get to the bed of the ocean and witness the colorful vibrant life undersea. Do the Cliff diving at Airel’s Point. People who have done it can’t stop raving about the thrill they get from diving at Airel’s Point. Having said that, cliff diving here is known to be risky. So be careful.
Where To Stay:
With Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort and Spa set on a 12-hectare tropical garden near a beach, this is a place to explore by itself. The rooms mostly use everything eco-friendly which will make you feel a tad bit close to nature when you aren’t outdoors.
Photo Credit http://www.forwallpaper.com/wallpaper/background-beach-life-original-wallpaper-widescreen-wallpapers-screensaver-628799.html
