From action-packed adventure holidays, to ultimate relaxation on a secluded beach, we round up the best long-haul honeymoon destinations.
The Best Long-Haul Honeymoon Destinations for a Perfect Post-Wedding Escape
It’s your first holiday as a married couple – of course your newlywed getaway should be special! And if you’re searching for long-haul honeymoon destinations, here’s a few of our favourite far-flung retreats that you and your partner are sure to love.
Best long-haul honeymoon destinations
Having spent months planning a wedding, your honeymoon is the first chance for you to spend some quality time together as a married couple. It’s no surprise then, that many couples want to jet away as far as possible, for the opportunity to revel in marital bliss for a little while longer. With that in mind, a long-haul honeymoon is a very popular choice!
Planning a honeymoon
Before you start cashing in those Avios points or packing your new bikinis, the first thing to consider is where you want to go on your honeymoon, and when. After all, even the most beautiful long-haul destinations can vary drastically, depending on when you want to visit.
If you’re travelling from January to March and hoping for sunshine, the UK Alliance of Wedding Planners suggests that long-haul honeymoon destinations, such as the Bahamas, Caribbean, Maldives, South Africa or Thailand, are best. However, if you’d rather a honeymoon in the summer, keep in mind that it’ll be hurricane season in the Caribbean.
Or, how about a winter break? If you and your new husband love the snow, skiing at Whistler in Canada or Vail in the USA offers a truly spectacular experience.
Luxury long-haul honeymoon destinations
Serenity at Coconut Bay, Saint Lucia
Set in a luscious enclave on Saint Lucia’s picturesque south coast, Serenity at Coconut Bay is a couples-only haven of all-inclusive luxury. Picture white sandy beaches stretching along the coastline and perfectly preened palm trees lining pristine pathways and green lawns. It’s the kind of place smiling staff greet gorgeous couples as they emanate marital bliss and meander from pool to cabana, cocktails in hand.
Serenity is made up of thirty-six private plunge pool villas, each boasting an outside bar area, plunge pool and mahogany king-sized four-poster beds. The huge walk in shower, en-suite bath and his-and-her sinks, all adorned with gorgeous Saint Lucia granite, and a
Bose sound system and wall-mounted HDTV complete the air of opulence. Each room comes with bespoke butler service. Think hand-delivered breakfast in bed and golf buggies to the beach at the press of a button.
There’s also a dedicated concierge team on hand to curate your unique Serenity experience. Whether you’re the type to fill your holiday with excursions or wile away the days at the beachfront cabanas, the guest team will have your dream honeymoon planned from the moment you arrive.
Book your honeymoon at Serenity At Coconut Bay
Constance Tsarabanjina, Madagascar
With its ‘Robinson-Crusoe-chic’ experience, Constance Tsarabanjina is simply paradise. Set on an uninhabited private island off the Madagascan coast, the 25 individual thatched beach villas are surrounded by tropical jungle and back onto a powder-soft white-sand beach.
The pared-back rustic villas make for effortlessly glamorous honeymoon accommodation. Relish romantic barefoot beach days looking out over the azure blue Indian Ocean over a freshly-caught seafood supper, cocktail in hand.
Book a long-haul honeymoon to Madagascar
Azura Benguerra Island, Mozambique
Located in a Marine National Park in Mozambique is Azura Benguerra Island. With deserted beaches of pure white sand that extend for miles, this honeymoon haven boasts 20 luxury villas.
A place of award-winning luxury, the upgraded Honeymoon Heaven package at Azura Retreats also includes a romantic outdoor baobab bath. You’ll also be treated to a complementary signature barbecue lunch, a candlelit dinner on your last evening, and a honeymoon gift from Azura.
Book a honeymoon to Mozambique
Le Taha’a Island Resort and Spa, Tahiti
The Islands of Tahiti ooze serenity, and is the perfect place for newlyweds to relax, unwind and enjoy each other’s company, surrounded by crystal-blue waters. Private island, Le Taha’a, is the ultimate hideaway destination.
Overlooking the shores of Taha’a on one side and Bora Bora island on the other, it’s home to 58 suites and villas, which have been constructed using traditional Polynesian architecture.
The resort’s spa is nestled in a beautiful exotic garden featuring bamboo trees, with massages, facials, body scrubs and wraps all on offer. Ideal for thrill-seeking newlyweds, mark the occasion with a deep-sea dive and explore all the tropical underwater world has to offer. You can swim with manta rays and sharks, or hike around exploring the island, before heading out on a romantic canoe with nobody else in sight.
Book a honeymoon to Tahiti
Grand Isle Resort, Bahamas
Nestled in the glorious Emerald Bay on the island of Great Exuma is the Grand Isle Resort & Spa. The beach is mile-long and pristine, and the vast menu of spa treatments is sure to help you to unwind after a hard day of swanning between the beach and the private pool.
The perfect place to begin married life, you’ll have all the privacy you need in one of the many spacious villas, with plenty of activities to keep you busy. As well as a golf course, the resort also offers a host of trips and excursions; try a private boat tour, where you can explore the many secret islands of the Bahamas, and visit the famous swimming pigs.
Book a honeymoon to the Bahamas
Nobu Hotel Los Cabos, Mexico
Nobu Hotel Los Cabos has a stylish aesthetic of contemporary Japanese minimalism, using locally sourced materials. Upon arrival, guests will be greeted by their personal butler, who will be on hand to organise luxury experiences throughout your stay.
Whether it’s snorkelling with whale sharks in the Pacific Ocean, tequila tasting with the resident award winning mixologist, or exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of The Arch of Cabo San Lucas during a private yacht tour, there’ll be a host of unforgettable experiences to try.
Foodie couples will undoubtedly delight in the famed Nobu Restaurant. Dine in the intimate 10-seat teppanyaki room, create sushi yourselves, or chill out in your room with 24-hour room service.
Those hoping to properly unwind can book a rejuvenating in-room massage using Natura Bissé products, relax in the outdoor hypnotherapy circuit, or swim in one of the Instagram-worthy infinity pools, before joining a yoga class on the beach.
Book a honeymoon to Mexico
Long-haul honeymoon destinations for active couples
Hoshinoya Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture, Japan
Japan is an underrated honeymoon gem, and when it comes to variety, adventure, relaxation and serenity, it delivers again and again.
While the country is typically known for its unique traditions, beautiful temples, castles and cultural values, it’s also home to sub-tropical climates, white-sand beaches and natural hot springs.
Enjoy a few days in the futuristic capital of Tokyo, where you’ll have the chance to discover the Japanese culture. Then, wander off the beaten track and into undiscovered territory!
Located in the Nagano prefecture is Hoshinoya Karuizawa, a luxury eco-friendly resort bedded in the mountains. Enjoy the surrounding views from the Shiraito Falls to the Karuizawa Wild Bird Sanctuary. The Tombo-no-yu baths and the resorts private gardens also provide a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere.
Book a honeymoon to Japan
South Lake Tahoe, California
South Lake Tahoe is a nature-lover’s paradise, and a great adventure destination. Located on the shores of South Lake Tahoe, The Lodge at Edgewood is home to 154 luxury rooms and suites.
This is ideal for honeymooners, as each boasts its own fireplace and private deck or terrace. The year-round lakefront heated pool and hot tub are the perfect place to unwind, with views of the mesmerising waters of Lake Tahoe – one of the clearest lakes in the world at 99.7% purity.
Book a honeymoon to South Lake Tahoe
Long-haul honeymoon destinations for winter sun
SAii Lagoon, Maldives
The island nation of the Maldives is hot and sunny all year round. However, the best time to visit is between November and April, to avoid the rainy season.
The down-to-earth lux Curio Collection by Hilton hotel features 198 guest rooms, beachfront and overwater villas, with a modern yet artisanal touch. Perfect for honeymooners looking for winter sun in a stylish yet serene location, the resort is just a 15-minute speedboat ride from Male International airport.
The SAii Lagoon journey begins as guests hand-select their own bathroom amenities on arrival at the on-site Aroma Lab. An array of fresh and exotic dining experiences include Cafe del Mar to enjoy daily gourmet breakfasts, seafood feasts at Miss Olive Oyl, Thai-inspired snacks at Mr Tomyam, as well as artisanal coffees at bean/Co Cafe & Bakery.
Book a long-haul honeymoon to SAii Lagoon Maldives
Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi, Maldives
Known as the ‘secret water island’, Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi is the pinnacle of barefoot bliss and boho beach luxury. From castaway picnics on uninhabited islands, to spectacular snorkelling and a private cinema experience under the stars, here you’ll discover romantic paradise.
Located on the Shaviyani Atoll, which features one of the country’s largest resort lagoons, this luxurious resort offers 120 luxury villas. Each has a private pool, as well as the largest, 200m infinity pool in the Maldives.
A unique alternative to overwater accommodation, newlyweds can hide away in this resort’s new luxury Tented Jungle Villas. Boasting a chic, bohemian vibe and a private pool in the middle of the Maldivian jungle, this is a harmonious balance of adventure, space and seclusion.
Couples can enjoy fresh seafood barbecues, safari-style in-villa spa experiences, watch private cinema screenings of romantic classics, sleep under the stars and stroll to their private beach cabana.
Book a long-haul honeymoon to Fairmont Maldives Sirru en Fushi
Half Moon, Jamaica
For newlyweds dreaming of white sands and waking up to crystal turquoise waters Half Moon, a luxury hotel in Montego Bay, offers an idyllic honeymoon destination. The best time to travel to Jamaica is over the winter months, from November to February. There are two rainy seasons, May/June and October.
The resort is set on two miles of private beach, wrapped around a half moon shaped bay that was once home to the loading dock for the historic Rose Hill Sugar Plantation. From galloping through the warm Caribbean ocean on the resort’s horses, to indulging in a marine inspired massage in the overwater spa pavilions, Half Moon fully embrace the barefoot, beach lifestyle.
Book a long-haul honeymoon to Half Moon, Jamaica
LUX le Morne, Mauritius
If you imagine an island paradise, Lux Le Morne ticks every box. Set on a white beach surrounding a turquoise lagoon, together you can snorkel, hike and do yoga. Or, if you’re really just looking to chill, head to the spa by one of the resort’s five pools or grab a beanbag for a sunset movie screening on the beach.
And, with restaurants boasting everything from Creole to Thai cuisine, there’s no need to leave the resort. The icing on the cake, however, has to be the local dolphins, which swim into the lagoon to play and feed – now that’s an experience you can’t put a price on.
Book a long-haul honeymoon to Lux Le Morne, Mauritius
Most romantic long-haul honeymoon destinations
Velaa Private Island, Maldives
Hidden away among islands known as the Noonu Atoll, at the most Northern point of the Maldives, is The Romantic Pool Residence at Velaa Private Island. Possibly the most private over water villa in the world.
Accessible only by boat and suspended above a lagoon with uninterrupted views of the ocean, this villa takes the aspirational escape to an entirely new level. Velaa is of course not without its own private chef and butler.
A Jacuzzi, pool sundeck, personal gym and spa treatments are also to be discovered. This honeymoon destination is tailored to a unique experience beyond expectations.
Find more romantic destinations for a winter honeymoon.
V Villas Hua Hin, Thailand
Set in a completely secluded area of the resort discover paradise at V Villas Hua Hin. Each villa houses a uniquely terraced private pool, plush furnishings, Hérmes amenities and 24-hour butler service, on hand to cater to your every need.
Here, newlyweds can experience undisturbed bliss with an array of luxurious in-villa experiences. When hungry, enjoy a lavish floating pool breakfast and sophisticated high-tea.
Or later, be served an intimate private barbecue where your favourite seafood can be prepared on demand and brought directly to your sun lounger. In-villa spa experiences are also available and customisable down to the scents, oils and treatments used.
This is as well as private yoga and Pilates sessions on the sun-dappled deck, inviting guests to unwind in this Thailand paradise.
Book a honeymoon at V Villas Hua Hin
How long should your honeymoon be?
If you’re planning a long-haul honeymoon, it’s going to take you a bit longer to get there and you may have to deal with some jet leg. Remember, this is a once in a lifetime holiday, so don’t panic or rush it. Take some time to relax in your new couple.
We wouldn’t recommend long-haul travel if you’re going away for less than five days. It may take too long to get over the jetlag, and you’ll be tired after the wedding in any case. Also, because long-haul flights are generally more expensive, you’ll be making more of an investment in your honeymoon, so it’s worth taking a bit more time over it.
