The Ultimate Honeymoon Destination Guide—From Minimoons to Bucket-List Trips

Whilst we may go on many holidays in our life, none can quite compare to the magic of a honeymoon. Giving the true meaning to a "once in a lifetime" trip, some of us will venture far and wide for our honeymoon, whilst others may opt for a small getaway or "minimoon." Regardless, it’s the opportunity to tick off something on your bucket list and, so long as your partner is an ideal travel companion, revel in your newfound marital bliss.

However, when the world is your oyster, sometimes it can be hard to pick a destination. It sounds spoilt, but when you know it’s something you’ll (hopefully) only do once, there can be some pressure to get it right. Some couples might want off-grid adventures or romantic city breaks. Others—especially those exhausted from wedding planning—may just want to lie horizontal for a week. But one thing I’ve noticed lately on my daily doomscroll when looking for travel inspiration is that there are certain destinations that keep cropping up on the 'grams of the coolest industry insiders and hot couples. And some are not as far-flung as you may expect.

Post-pandemic, there’s been a huge shift in travel trends and specifically for honeymooners. Where once the ultimate getaway destination was a luxury remote island, think the Maldives, Mauritius or the Seychelles (which are all still pretty fabulous, FYI), now places like Mexico, Australia’s Gold Coast and culture hubs in the Caribbean and Central America (think Costa Rica, Jamaica and Cuba) offer excellent beaches as well as a plethora of adventure and culinary delights. A boom in the wellness industry has also changed our motives when it comes to planning holidays and honeymoons. I’ve noticed places with a more rugged "outdoorsy" offering appealing to the millennial and Gen Z traveller. The Nordic region, Scotland and the Dolomites offer untapped scenic hiking trails or luxury spas and experiences that speak to self-care aficionados and Gorpcore enthusiasts who seek adventure more than lazing round the pool.

So with that, I’ve put my journalistic scrolling to good use and compiled the five It destinations for honeymooners in 2025. Enjoy, lovers!

The Ultimate Honeymoon Destination Guide for 2025

1. The South of France

Destination weddings are becoming more and more popular, especially for those from the UK who will (literally) go the extra mile for guaranteed sunshine. Planning celebrations in the South of France, Spain, Greece and Italy is getting easier each year, with wedding planners, photographers and all else in the wedding business willing to travel globally to make your dream day come true. As such, the towns and neighbouring islands in these areas are a great choice for a quick post-wedding getaway. When it comes to France, Paris has always been a lover’s paradise, and Provence, Saint-Tropez, Nice and Cannes have long been adored by couples for city breaks. If this is your vibe but you wish to try something new, I recommend heading west to Biarritz—the highly chic surf town that is a little subtler than the glitz and glamour you find in Cannes and Saint-Tropez. It has stunning sandy beaches (a small win over the pebbles in Nice) and, along with neighbouring town San Sebastián, has a top-tier, world-famous food scene. Adding to this, Biarritz is home to Villa Magnan—possibly the chicest hotel in all of France, fit with divine interior design (think postmodern and mid-century antiques), the greatest cook’s kitchen as well as a roaming donkey and golden retriever. What more could you ask for?

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2. Kenya

Anyone who is lucky enough to have done a safari will tell you just how truly magical it is. Sunsets over the Maasai Mara plains, baby elephants in the wild, candlelit bush dinners—there’s nothing more romantic. Kenya’s landscape is vast, and as such, there are multiple areas geared up for safari. For ease, many fly to the capital, Nairobi, and then take the short(ish) drive (from 30 minutes up to a few hours) to Nairobi National Park. Here, you’ll find all kinds of wildlife, views of Mount Kenya and some truly amazing accommodation, including The River Camp in Ol Pejeta Conservancy and the world-famous Giraffe Manor. Another favourite is Maasai Mara, ideal for zebra spotting during the Great Migration, but be aware it can get busy and, as you’d expect, quite expensive. If you are looking to splurge on your choice of stay, however, the Fairmont Mara Safari Club is stunning, as is Elewana Sand River, but if you want to see some of the world’s last big tuskers, head to the Tsavo region, where you’ll find lots of places to stay and can be slightly less expensive. Whilst it’s great to stay in luxury, especially on your honeymoon, do try to fully commit to immersing yourself in nature and enjoy the lower-key services—think breakfasts cooked on the back of the Land Rover and self-serve cocktails from the mini bar. Whatever way you do it, get ready to live out your Out of Africa fantasy.

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3. Scotland

Okay, if you’re a little skeptical reading Scotland as a honeymoon suggestion, please just hear me out. It’s my job to spot trends—be it in the world of fashion, beauty or lifestyle—and never have I noticed such a booming travel destination as Scotland. With its stunning, whimsical landscapes in the Highlands, breathtaking coastlines and the impeccable hotels in Fife, Edinburgh and beyond, those who want something cosy or in nature should really consider a Scottish road trip. Start your journey in Edinburgh, where a stay at Gleneagles is a must. Can’t get a reservation? No problem. Check in to Penicuik Estate instead—it’s just outside the city and has beautifully decorated rooms and spectacular grounds for a pretty reasonable rate. After this, head north through Fife and on to Inverness, where I recommend driving so you can do the famous North Coast 500—a coastline road trip that, as its name suggests, covers just over 500 miles. If you wish to venture further, or have the time, head to the Isle of Skye and other islands on the Inner and Outer Hebrides. Not many places are this charming and unspoilt by social media, thus making it a great option for couples who love nature.

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4. Australia's East Coast

If you’re considering a far-flung destination, you’d be hard pressed to find one further from Europe than Australia. Whilst many from the UK have ventured there, some during gap years, others on extended holidays, it’s no secret that the east coast offers some of the most stunning beaches, exotic wildlife and beautiful landscapes in the world. Not only this, but the cities and beach towns—from Sydney to Byron Bay, not forgetting Melbourne on the south side—anywhere along the shores of New South Wales and Queensland are hubs of art galleries, boutique hotels and a plethora of truly sublime eateries, coffee haunts and wine bars. Lately, my Saved folder has been awash with crystal-blue waters, top-notch Aussie dishes and bikini-clad influencers lazing on the beach or enjoying surf camp. Am I jealous? Maybe. Am I inspired? Most definitely. Of course you don’t need to be on your honeymoon to take a trip to Australia, but with its wildly diverse offering, not only on the coast but further inland to experience some of the lush bushland, it makes for an epic destination for those wanting a road-trip adventure that is three weeks or over. Thinking about where to stay? Check out Spicers Sangoma Retreat, Blackbird Byron and Capella in Sydney.

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5. Jamaica

Islands in the Caribbean have long been a choice for romantic getaways, but I’ve noticed some have been getting more and more visits from stylish editors, influencers and tastemakers in the know. Destinations like Cuba and Jamaica have all the crystal-blue waters and pure white sands of their neighbouring islands, along with a hugely energetic scene and culture in abundance, thus making them cool honeymoon destinations for those wanting island life with added little spice. It clearly didn’t go unnoticed when Camille Charrière, after one of the chicest weddings of the century, ventured to Jamaica for her honeymoon with her husband in 2022. Since then, my feed has been filled with people every few months holidaying there, and I predict it’ll be an even bigger destination in 2025. Famously laid-back and vibrant, Jamaica is perfect for those that want to relax but also have fun. If you’re looking for something with a boutique feel or consider yourself a movie buff, GoldenEye is a great option. It’s where Ian Fleming famously penned all his James Bond novels. If this is slightly out of your price range but you want something premium yet vibey, take after Iman Leila and book one of Geejam’s cabins. Nestled in the rainforest but on the coast (so yes, there are spectacular views of both), Geejam has its own recording studio, which is a favourite of the likes of Grace Jones and No Doubt. Epic!

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