Travel Experts Reveal the Best Honeymoon Beach Destinations in the World

As a celebration of new beginnings and shared adventures, your honeymoon is much more than a vacation; it’s the kickstart to your lives together. While there are enticing destinations of all types, a beautiful beach can provide the perfect base for romantic moments.

Whether you’re dreaming of barefoot sunset strolls along palm-lined shores and cozing up together in secluded coves watching the waves, taking part in all sorts of activities, or all of the above, there are many romantic coastal escapes to consider. To help narrow down the options, we also gathered insight from travel experts and destination insiders on the beach spots they recommend most for honeymooners.

Among these top honeymoon beach destinations, from places that may be closer to home to more exotic locales on the other side of the world, you’ll find an ideal blend of relaxation, romance, and stunning natural beauty, setting the tone for memories of a lifetime. 

Maui offers many beautiful beaches and luxurious resorts that are ideal for honeymooners, although the resort community of Wailea is a top pick. Not only are there plenty of picturesque stretches of sand here, but you’ll be just 10 minutes from one of the world’s most spectacular: Makena Beach. Its pale golden sand is silky soft, and one of the island’s best sunrises can be enjoyed from here if you’re willing to heed an early wake-up call. 

“Maui is a rare destination where natural beauty, adventure and romance come together in perfect balance,” says Stephen Hinck, Area Managing Director at Highgate Hawaii on behalf of Royal Lahaina Resort. “It’s a true tropical escape, yet for U.S. travelers, it’s refreshingly simple to reach with no passport required.”

Visiting in the winter, you’ll also enjoy some of the best whale watching on the planet, with 80 percent of the humpbacks that visit Hawaii arriving to the warm, shallow waters of the Auau channel between Maui, Molokai, and Lanai. While you could easily spend your days at the beach or around your resort pool, you might want to make time for the scenic Road to Hana, with over 50 bridges and around 600 hairpin turns, revealing waterfalls, lush rainforest, and postcard-perfect sands. 

“The vibes here truly allow couples to be more present, at peace, and focused on each other,” adds Asia Clark, Wedding Events Manager at Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa. “There’s no better way to celebrate your love in Lahaina than by soaking in the breathtaking sunsets, with gorgeous pink, blue, and orange colors flowing from the nearby island, along with passing canoes, ships, and sometimes whales.”

While Santorini tends to steal the spotlight as the top Greek Island for honeymooners, it doesn’t have the best beaches. Neighboring Naxos, on the other hand, offers long stretches of white powdery sands and water that looks like a big natural swimming pool. It’s also less pricey and less crowded. While you’ll have lots ot choose from, Plaka is a favorite, spanning 2.5 miles, ideal for long, romantic strolls. There are sections with lounge chairs and umbrellas, watersports facilities, beach bars, and restaurants, along with more tranquil, undeveloped areas for tossing down your beach towels. 

In Naxos Town, wander the maze of narrow, marble-paved alleyways lined with whitewashed buildings brightened by bougainvillea and blue-painted doors. The promenade along the harbor offers many shops and sea-view eateries, while the iconic Portara at the entrance, an unfinished temple honoring the god Apollo, provides the perfect spot for sunset watching.

Remote Sumba Island is often compared to Bali 20 or 30 years ago, providing a lesser-known, more tranquil destination for immersing yourself in nature without all the development. Located at the eastern end of a chain of Indonesian islands just an hour’s flight from Densapar, there are only a handful of resorts, but they include some ultra-luxe options like the honeymoon-worthy NIHI Sumba with accommodation in individual villas featuring private pools, outdoor showers and tubs, and stunning sea views. No matter where you stay, you can take advantage of idyllic beaches and opportunities for everything from snorkeling and surfing to horseback riding.

St. Lucia is sometimes referred to as the “Jewel of Romance,” offering the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and spectacular resorts in a breathtaking tropical setting. The island’s Pitons, twin volcanic spires that rise majestically from the sea, are an iconic symbol. You’ll find clifftop resorts that offer awe-inspiring views of those emerald-covered mountains and the Caribbean, while romantic activities like private guided horseback rides, catamaran cruises, and candlelit dinners all await.

There are even chocolate farms to tour and mud baths to soak in together at the Sulphur Springs drive-in volcano. More adventurous couples can embark on a challenging trek up Gros Piton for panoramic views of the dramatic coastline and lush landscapes.

The ultimate honeymoon destination for those seeking unparalleled luxuries and romance, The Maldives includes nearly 1,200 islands, spread out like gems across the Indian Ocean. You’d be hard-pressed to find a better place for starting your life together, with many private island resorts designed specifically for couples. Think overwater bungalows where you can step right into the crystal-clear turquoise water and be surrounded by marine life like dolphins, manta rays, sea turtles, and colorful fish.  Your days can end by toasting to glorious sunsets, perhaps followed by candlelit dinners on a deserted beach beneath a canopy of stars.

“Six Senses Laamu is one of the few places in the Maldives where couples can surf, snorkel, and dive all in the same day,” says Freddie Khoo, Resort Manager at Six Senses Laamu. “Barefoot luxury meets adventure, where couples can start their day surfing or snorkeling and end it with sunset cocktails and stargazing.”

You might recall hearing about an underwater hotel, and the Maldives is where you’ll find it. The Muraka is a two-level accommodation with one above and one below the ocean. It includes 24/7 butler service, an outdoor deck with an infinity pool, and a master bedroom submerged 16 feet below sea level, accessed via a spiral staircase or an elevator.

Grace Bay Beach is a popular honeymoon destination with its sands some of the most spectacular in the world. Set along the north shore of Providenciales, it’s a true beach paradise with crystal-clear aquamarine water, ideal for snorkeling with a long coral reef inhabited by all sorts of marine life just offshore. Sailing, paddleboarding, and kayaking are just a few of the other popular activities—and, of course, you can always wile away your days on a comfy lounge chair just enjoying the view. 

The many luxe beachfront resorts here typically include beach service for sipping cocktails on the sand, sea-view pools, pampering spa treatments, gourmet restaurants, and entertainment like live music.

No matter where you stay in Sardinia, you can expect a locale that offers a lot for all types of honeymooners, but along the ultra-glam Costa Smeralda on the island’s northeast coast, you’ll find the very best resorts. The area is well-known for attracting VIPs, including celebrities, who come to enjoy idyllic beaches like Spiaggia del Principe and Capriccioli.

As you might expect, visitors can also indulge in shopping at upscale boutiques and look forward to unforgettable foodie experiences at fine dining venues, particularly in Porto Cervo, which happens to be home to a unique beach with orange sands. But there is a wide range of beaches, with something for everyone from sunbathers to swimmers, surfers, and divers.

There are plenty of other things to do on the island beyond the sand and the surf too. You’ll find interesting museums, lively markets, and scenic hiking trails that wind through the mountainous interior. History enthusiasts can witness the mysterious nuraghi, Bronze Age stone ruins shaped like beehives, and visit intriguing archaeological sites such as Nora and Tharros with ancient Roman streets, temples, and theaters. 

Vis Island is perfect for a secluded, romantic escape. The furthest permanently inhabited island from the Croatian mainland, many refer to it as “The way the Mediterranean once was,” with the limited tourist development and remote location helping to keep the crowds away. It also boasts some of the most stunning beachesm like iconic Stiniva Cove, tucked between two dramatic cliffs and lapped by water in surreal shades ranging from brilliant turquoise to emerald. Swimming or snorkeling here, you might even find yourself staring into the eyes of a loggerhead sea turtle or even a dolphin. This is also an ideal spot to admire the colors of a sunset, with the sky often filled with vibrant hues.

Wine enthusiasts will be interested to know that the island’s winemaking history dates back to at least 300 BC, when a Greek writer wrote about its most famous grape, Plavac mali, noting that “compared to all others it was the very best wine he’d ever tried.” Today, there are multiple wineries for tasting that same savory red alongside others like the honey-flavored white wine, Vugava. While there are no sprawling luxury resorts here, you will find small historic hotels with lots of charm and personalized service, along with private vacation rentals.

Los Cabos (referring to Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo collectively) is home to many romantic beachfront resorts and upscale sea-view restaurants. Los Cabos is nestled at the southernmost tip of Baja California where the desert, mountains and sea converge: a beautiful setting for a romantic honeymoon getaway,” says Rodrigo Esponda, Managing Director of the Los Cabos Tourism Board. “Travelers can find vibrant energy and a bustling marina in Cabo San Lucas; a charming art, culture and architectural oasis in San José del Cabo; and a tranquil, secluded and off-the-beaten-path experience in the East Cape.”

Couples can enjoy a wide variety of watersports and even take to the sky in a powered hang glider for a panoramic view that includes the region’s famous rock formations. The short water taxi ride from Medano or the marina to Lovers Beach is obviously a must. Watch for all sorts of wildlife on your way out, including whales in the winter, and once there, enjoy the calm turquoise waters of the Sea of Cortez for a memorable swim or snorkel. 

“Cabo is the meeting point between the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez and it really offers some of the best sunrises and sunsets imaginable,” adds Gabriel Ibarra Macías, Director of Sales and Marketing at Mexico Grand Hotels. “A sunset sailing excursion around Land’s End is truly special — it’s a slow and authentic experience that offers a memory that will last a lifetime.”

Mustique is a private island fit for royalty. In fact, Prince William and Kate Middleton have frequently stayed here while the villa Les Jolies Eaux was built for Princess Margaret. It’s also drawn rock stars and Hollywood celebrities of all types, so you know it’s going to be on par for a honeymoon. That said, it has an unpretentious atmosphere, allowing high-brow visitors to let loose, spending their days lounging on white sandy beaches, swimming and snorkeling, golfing, and sipping cocktails at Basil’s, the island’s iconic local bar. Plus, fresh lobster and live music can be enjoyed here as well.

Despite being a private island, anyone can book a room at the Cotton House, Mustique’s only hotel, made up of private villas that come with butlers, chefs, and pools. 

Lush landscapes, unspoiled beaches, and plenty of opportunities for romantic seclusion are what you’ll find on Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands. Getting there is a bit of a trek as you’ll need to fly to another island like Tortola or St. Thomas in the USVI and then take a ferry, but you’ll be rewarded for the effort. It offers total serenity without having to sacrifice luxury, as there are high-end hotels with top-notch restaurants well-suited to honeymooners.

“Virgin Gorda is one of the few places in the Caribbean that still feels profoundly untouched,” says Dinesh Kissoon, General Manager at Oil Nut Bay. “Couples can spend their days pivoting from a morning navigating hidden coves by boat to an afternoon lost in the tranquility of our overwater Sundara Spa.”

This is the ultimate nature lover’s paradise—The Baths is its world-famous geological wonder, made up of massive granite boulders which form protected sea pools at the edge of the beach. You can also enjoy the usual activities like swimming, snorkeling, and hiking in Gorda Peak National Park while watching for bromeliads, Christmas orchids, and hummingbirds.

One of the world’s most famous honeymoon beach destinations, Fiji is renowned for its pristine white sandy beaches. There’s a vibrant coral reef just offshore for snorkeling among a parade of tropical fish, manta rays, sea turtles, and even hammerhead sharks. You’ll also find many luxurious resorts for your trip of a lifetime, offering special experiences like sunrise horseback rides and private beach dinners with tiki torches under the stars.

For those seeking the best of the best, Turtle Island is a private island resort and one of the country’s most exclusive. It captures the romance of the South Pacific, complete with a dozen private beaches, while providing an intimate stay for up to just 14 couples.