Where is your perfect honeymoon hideaway?
Walking down the aisle is serious business (not to mention a little stressful), which is why a honeymoon is the perfect way for couples to celebrate their newlywed status and unwind after the big day. Since it’s the first trip as a married couple, picking the right honeymoon spot is essential. To help you and your new spouse kick off married life, U.S. News took into account accommodation options, activities and the overall romance factor of various destinations to determine the best honeymoon getaways. From tropical paradises to cultured metropolises, these postnuptial hideaways are sure to suit a variety of couples.
Read more: Best Honeymoon Destinations in 2015-16
20. Anguilla
Anguilla is perfect for newlyweds looking for an authentic Caribbean experience. With an embargo on cruise ships, casinos and big-name resorts, there will be nothing in the way of enjoying the low-key beachfront with your spouse.
Read more: Best Things to Do in Anguilla
19. Madrid
Honeymooners seeking a culture-filled European getaway should look no further than Madrid. Spain’s largest city may not give couples much seclusion, but the tapas are meant for sharing and flamenco dancing will ensure newlyweds stay close.
Read more: Best Things to Do in Madrid
18. St. Vincent & The Grenadines
With secluded hideaways and small secret bays, this network of 32 islands makes the perfect playground for newlyweds. Another plus: The region’s off-season coincides with prime wedding season — May and June — which means lower room rates and fewer crowds.
Read more: Best Things to Do in St. Vincent & The Grenadines
17. St. Martin – St. Maarten
Couples looking for an adventure should head straight for St. Martin — St. Maarten. The dual-governed island (by the French and Dutch) has a “live and let live” philosophy that includes semi-nude beaches, heart-pumping water sports and casual open-air restaurants called lolos.
Read more: Best Things to Do in St. Martin – St. Maarten
16. Florence, Italy
Florence serves as the ideal springboard for a honeymoon set in the Tuscan hills of Italy. Teeming with history and art, the city overflows with romantic charm. Couples can spend their days roaming the cobblestone streets, dining on the robust cuisine and sipping fine wines.
Read more: Best Things to Do in Florence
15. Seychelles
For many couples, it doesn’t get more remote and secluded than Seychelles. This group of 115 islands set in the Indian Ocean off the eastern coast of Africa is known for the enormous boulders that scatter the postcard-worthy beaches. But newlyweds beware — this dream honeymoon won’t be cheap. Stick to exploring one island to save in this expensive destination.
Read more: Best Things to Do in Seychelles
14. Turks & Caicos
Turks & Caicos is well-suited for honeymooners seeking a higher-end Caribbean getaway. The crystal clear waters are lined with luxury resorts, but you and your better half will likely spend more time below water than above it thanks to the island’s superb snorkeling and scuba diving. Don’t forget to try the conch fish that are farmed here.
Read more: Best Things to Do in Turks & Caicos
13. Crete
Couples looking for a vacation that boasts plenty of diverse options should look no further than the Mediterranean island of Crete. The largest Greek isle offers beaches, mountains, forests and modern cities, all with breathtaking views and friendly locals.
Read more: Best Things to Do in Crete
12. Venice, Italy
Venice has long been known for its romantic atmosphere. This Italian city urges newlyweds to get close — whether it’s on one of the gondolas, along the narrow cobblestone pathways or at Piazza San Marco, known for being one of the world’s best places to watch the sunrise.
Read more: Best Things to Do in Venice
11. Kauai
Honeymooners looking for quiet relaxation on the Hawaiian islands should settle on Kauai. The northernmost island in the chain offers astonishing natural beauty without the tourist traps. Couples can cuddle up on expansive beaches or explore Waimea Canyon or Kalalau Trail on foot.
Read more: Best Things to Do in Kauai
10. Martinique
This French-Caribbean island is known for its natural beauty: from more than 100 species of orchid to an active volcano on the horizon, there is no place quite like Martinique. Honeymooners can explore the rugged landscapes of the north, the romantic beaches in the south or the historic sites on the west coast of the island, but be warned — all this luxury comes with a high price tag.
Read more: Best Things to Do in Martinique
9. Paris
Many couples have the City of Light at the top of their dream honeymoon list. And it’s easy to see why: Paris’ indescribable ambiance is practically made for amorous duos. Although lovebirds can no longer place a lock on the Pont des Arts bridge, those looking for a sophisticated metropolis have found their match.
Read more: Best Things to Do in Paris
8. British Virgin Islands
Those looking for exclusivity — and those with deep pockets — should head to the British Virgin Islands. The duty-free group of 60 islands is known for its private luxury. If an entire honeymoon on BVI is out of your budget, many find it’s perfect for a daytrip from neighboring Caribbean islands like Anguilla and the U.S Virgin Islands.
Read more: Best Things to Do in British Virgin Islands
7. Fiji
Located more than 2,500 miles southwest of Honolulu and 1,700 miles from New Zealand, Fiji offers newlyweds ultimate seclusion in the middle of the South Pacific. The main island is famous for its bures — beachfront and over-the-water wooden huts with thatched straw roofs — but there are more than 300 isolated islands for couples to explore.
Read more: Best Things to Do in Fiji
6. Bali
Bali is the honeymoon answer to a real life paradise. Well-appointed accommodations in huts above turquoise waters, exotic landscapes with green forests and volcanic mountains, and a welcoming culture all combine to satisfy couples looking for a serene postnuptial getaway.
Read more: Best Things to Do in Bali
5. Tahiti
Twosomes looking for an off-the-beaten-path, yet romantic, getaway should head to this island in French Polynesia. Well-known for its aquamarine coastline and lavish resorts, Tahiti also boasts delectable French cuisine.
Read more: Best Things to Do in Tahiti
4. Maui
The most-visited of the Hawaiian Islands for the newly married, Maui is home to popular five-star resorts and world-class beaches, plus authentic island experiences like hidden forest waterfalls and cultural activities. Couples can take a drive on the Road to Hana for photo ops of breathtaking views.
Read more: Best Things to Do in Maui
3. Maldives
Honeymoons in the Maldives are all about luxury. The islands are made up of 26 unique atolls formed by coral in the British Indian Ocean. Resorts here promise personalized service and unique cuisine, but keep in mind that all this pampering doesn’t come cheap.
Read more: Best Things to Do in Maldives
2. Bora Bora
Tahiti’s sister island is smaller (it’s only 6 miles long and 2 miles wide), but despite its size, Bora Bora still offers a one-of-a-kind experience. Outside of your romantic overwater bungalow, you’ll find pristine lagoons, 4×4 excursions and a natural aquarium dubbed the “lagoonarium.” The main industry here is tourism, so expect to be treated like royalty — for a price.
Read more: Best Things to Do in Bora Bora
1. Santorini
The No. 1 place for sweethearts to get away is Santorini. Offering the perfect mix of peaceful island culture, mouthwatering cuisine, fine homemade wine and a nearby metropolis, the Greek isle will help you create lasting memories as a newly married couple.
Read more: Best Things to Do in Santorini
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The Best Places to Honeymoon in 2015-16 originally appeared on usnews.com
