Getting married in October? Congratulations. It is the time of year that has weather warm enough for exploring and provides spectacular wedding photographs with fall foliage. October is a popular honeymoon month, so it is best to plan early. Below are some of the best October honeymoon destination choices.
Cape Town
October in Cape Town, South Africa, is mild and will hover around the mid-70s. It is a wonderful time of year to be in South Africa, and there are few limits to fascinating attractions, from vineyards to museums, and other cultural activities. A hike up Table Mountain is highly recommended.
The One & Only Resort in the midst of Cape Town overlooks the marina and Table Mountain. It promises tranquility and excitement at the same time. The rooms, all with private balconies, have a view of the marina or the mountains.
World-class dining is available at Nobu, while afternoon tea and evening cocktails are served at the Vista Bar & Lounge. The Isola Bar is by the pool with its loungers or cabanas.
Couples can enjoy mixology masterclasses as well as cooking and coffee-making classes. Think how impressed friends and family will be. The resort also leads yoga classes on Table Mountain.
The Romance Package includes breakfast and dinner on your private balcony and in room side by side couples’ massages.
The District Six Museum tells the true story of South Africa’s forced apartheid. October is Heritage Month, so the District Six Museum will hold special events and exhibits.
The Castle of Good Hope was built in the 17th-century and filled with art and artifacts relating to Cape Town’s colonial history. There are fewer crowds in October, so it’s a good time for a visit. Guided tours of the castle are recommended.
Cape Town’s wines have acquired a great reputation. To learn more, couples can join a half day wine tasting tour that includes wine and cheese tastings at two different vineyards. Hotel pick-up and drop-off are included.
Mauna Kea Resort in Hawaii
Most of the US is beginning to feel a chill in October, but Mauna Kea Resort in Hawaii fulfills the promise of an ideal beach honeymoon.
The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is the first resort on the Island of Hawaii and has served generations of visitors for over 50 years. The rooms have a stunning ocean view, as do the restaurants. The eateries are popular and early reservations are recommended.
The resort borders two stunning beaches: Kauna’oa Bay and Hāpuna.
Kauna’oa Bay is a picture-perfect postcard of white sand, blue waters, and palm trees. Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area is one of the largest white-sand beaches on the island and has been rated one of the island’s top beaches for sipping Mai tais, swimming, snorkeling, swimming, and just sunbathing.
The resort offers private snorkeling tours with manta rays along Kauna’oa Bay Mondays through Saturdays. And they will take guests on outrigger canoe adventures to learn more about paddling techniques and the local marine life. The Golf Package provides unlimited tee times at two fabulous golf courses.
A stay at the resort allows for immersion in local culture through the hotel’s expansive art collection. There is a free hour and fifteen-minute art tour on Saturday mornings at 9:00 a.m.
Antigua
Antigua is a part of the Caribbean Island nation of Antigua and Barbuda. October is its off-season, so rates are low while the weather is in the mid-80s. Perfect honeymoon combination.
The island of Antigua is perfect for couples who are looking forward to luxury, glamor, and indulgence. Not to mention its breathtaking beauty.
The all-inclusive Sandals Grande Antigua has been voted the “World’s Most Romantic Resort” for its white sand beach and continuing honeymoon adventures. The all-inclusive part includes dining at 11 restaurants, nightly entertainment, butler service, scuba diving certification, and free green fees. Guests can enjoy all types of water sports, such as snorkeling, diving, windsurfing, canoes, and more.
Honeymooners can expect wine, flower pedals at bedtime turndown upon arrival, flowers, and breakfast in bed. The resort was named “Top All-Inclusive Resorts for Honeymoons” by Brides Magazine.
While in Antigua, couples can choose from 365 great beaches. Surfers love Galley Bay Beach, which is home to egg-laying turtles.
The Antigua Museum displays Antiguan artifacts dating to pre-Columbian times and the cultural development of the island.
Shirley Heights offers one of the island’s best hiking opportunities with a view of Guadeloupe.
Orlando, Florida
Florida has hot and humid summers. Fortunately, the highs begin to cool in October to the low 80s. Disneyworld and Universal Studios are only the beginning. Orlando is an exciting city for couples.
The Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes fulfills all your honeymoon needs – great rooms, gourmet dining, soothing spa treatments, and a prime golf course. The elegant Knife and Spoon Restaurant is Michelin-rated. All this just minutes from all the action with shuttles taking guests to all of Orlando’s theme parks.
The onsite waterpark has thrilling waterslides and a lazy river for a great time. Guests at the Ritz have the option of several pools (with cabanas that include snacks and beverages), sunrise safaris, and kayak and fishing excursions around the lake. Having a falcon land on your arm is a special treat included in the resort’s falconry program.
To capture the best forever memories, the resort will arrange with a professional photographer for the best photo shoots.
Of course, Orlando has plenty of fun theme parks. It also has plenty of other romantic honeymoon activities.
The Wheel on ICON Park experience is the best way to view Orlando at 400 feet. This Ferris wheel ride can be enhanced with a VIP package that includes a photo and a beverage from the Sky Bar.
For a non-stop party, couples can take a stroll down International Drive, with its multitude of bars, lounges, live entertainment, and restaurants.
Orlando Helitours offers wonderful helitours which are especially thrilling at night when the theme parks are lit like magic. The first tour simply includes the theme parks. The second tour includes the theme parks and a view of Orlando’s celebrity homes. The third tour includes both and adds Sea World.
For something more relaxing than a theme park, couples can stroll through Orlando’s 50-acre Leu Gardens with its collection of plants, tropical rainforest, the largest rose garden in Florida, and a butterfly garden.
Athens, Greece
With its unique blend of old and modern, Athens was made for romance. Nowhere else will couples find temples to ancient gods, a vibrant nightlife, and fabulous beaches mingled together. By October, the summer visitors have dwindled, the heat has turned far more comfortable, fares are lower, and visitors can still swim in the ocean, especially during the beginning of the month.
Welcome to Zeus’ Greece. This is his world, and Athens has the Temple of Zeus to honor him. It is one of the largest temples built in the ancient world.
Electra Metropolis Athens is located in Athens’ main shopping and dining area and close to the Acropolis and the city’s many museums. Here, the ancient and modern blend seamlessly, and some of the 216 rooms and suites have a clear view of the Acropolis. Guests can expect Mediterranean cuisine with a view when dining on the rooftop restaurant.
The outdoor rooftop pool beckons during warm weather while the jacuzzi and indoor pool are available when it gets chilly, along with a sauna and steam room.
Athens, more than most cities, is a cultural enticement. History surrounds visitors like a gentle breeze.
There is no visiting Greece’s capital without seeing the Acropolis, one of Athen’s highest points. This citadel consists of Greek ruins, temples, and ancient artifacts. The Parthenon, built in honor of the goddess Athena, is a part of the massive structure. Tickets are best ordered online. Guided tours of the Acropolis and Parthenon are available and recommended.
Athens’ beaches are famous for being crystal-clean and have been awarded the Blue Flag for cleanliness. For a more upscale beach experience, a beach club such as the Astir Beach Club has a beach bar and will provide a sunbed and umbrella.
The National Archaeological Museum is the home of thousands of years of Greek history and daily life, exhibits of vases, artwork, sculptures, and more.
New Zealand
October is springtime in New Zealand, which translates into sunshine and bursting vibrant colors. It’s the time for hiking through this fantastic landscape, from beaches to mountains to forests, and hot springs.
The Hyatt Auckland has 195 rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows with a perfect view of the harbor or the water.
The Onemata Restaurant is known for its fresh produce and caught-the-same-day seafood. The Living Room is the place to relax over an afternoon tea. Or guests can sip a cocktail on the outdoor terrace with a fireplace.
In the mood for a romantic dinner? Couples should head straight for the Sugar Club located on the 53rd floor of the Sky Tower. Here, they can indulge in a deluxe seven-course degustation dinner with wine. Or come between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. for Happy Hour.
How about a catered picnic for two? If this is new to you, sit back and prepare to be pampered. Spread the Love will arrange a picnic with rugs, cushions, and even games and set up a picnic hamper including glassware and cutlery. Do honeymoons get any better?
October is a great time for a day trip to Waiheke Island for a wine and olive oil tasting tour at three different vineyards while sharing a tasty lunch.
Bali
Bali is rightfully called the “Island of the Gods.” For honeymooners, this is a true paradise with its picturesque beaches and mountains. October is the end of the dry season, so many visitors have already left, and the prices are down.
The Seminyak Resort and Spa is surrounded by restaurants, lounges, and beach clubs and the perfect beach for surfing. High-end accommodations include rooms, suites, and a very private villa. Each accommodation is a personal retreat. Couples can request a candlelight dinner on the beach (shoes optional) or simply relax in the whiskey and wine lounge.
For even greater relaxation, the spa has three couple rooms with an open-air bathtub.
Seminyak offers excursions to temples, villages, and other destinations, including a cooking class and a traditional cleansing ritual.
Especially in October, hiking is a delight in Bali, with Mount Batur and Mount Ayung National Park being popular. Or couples can go whitewater rafting on the Ayung River.
Enjoy a pirate-themed sunset dinner cruise with Pirate accessories while participating in pirate games live music and belly and fire dances.
Casablanca, Morocco
Casablanca is a wonderful place for a honeymoon, especially for anyone who can’t sit through the movie with a dry eye. Casablanca has a cosmopolitan side as well. The October temperature hovers between the mid-sixties and the mid-seventies for a comfortable visit.
The Four Seasons Casablanca is nestled between the ocean and Casablanca’s many souks. Comfortable accommodations with private balconies face the garden or the Atlantic. Dining options include Mediterranean and Moroccan cuisine as well as an afternoon tea. The hotel also offers an outdoor pool, yoga, a steam room, and a whirlpool.
While the film Casablanca didn’t end in a wedding, the wedding planners at the Four Seasons can help create your fairytale special day.
The Hassan II Mosque is all about opulence sitting over the ocean. The decorations and prayer hall are spectacular. It’s a Casablanca landmark. The design is exquisite, and it is one of two mosques open to the public. Tours are available. Keep in mind this is a religious facility and dress accordingly.
Casablanca’s Medina, not far from the Hassan II Mosque, reflects its medieval French culture with shops and kiosks that have great souvenirs for sale. For more intense shopping, couples can visit the many markets or souks. Close to everything is on sale here, from spices to rugs. People are expected to haggle over prices.
Napa Valley
It starts getting chilly in October, but this is the time for the new grape harvest, and the autumn foliage is at its best during the second half of the month. The food and wine are world-class, and there are plenty of other activities.
The Auberge du Soleil Resort has wine, sunshine, great food, and more wine. With a stunning view of Napa Valley and the Mayacamas Mountain, each of the French-inspired rooms and suites offers a unique sophisticated style. The private “maisons” come with a bottle of Dom Perignon, six bottles of wine, the use of a Mercedes-Benz, breakfast each day, and credit toward spa services.
Sommeliers will guide guests through wine tastings and wine tours to help them discover the basics of good wine.
Dining on the Terrace includes a prix fixe dinner or a six-course tasting menu. All accompanied by the proper wine.
For the ultimate spa package, couples can indulge in a three-hour after-dinner experience in the private garden while soaking, getting a sauna, and a massage, all while sipping wine and enjoying dessert as the stars light up the night.
The Auberge will deliver a picnic of cheeses, salads, and charcuteries to the Parc du Soleil for an afternoon picnic.
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park in October is far less crowded than during the summer and ever more spectacular with the burst of fall foliage. It’s a dream honeymoon for outdoor lovers with its sequoia trees and waterfalls as the trails become less crowded and the crisp air makes hiking a joy, especially Half Dome with a view of one of the country’s most inviting landscapes. It attracts over a million people each year, which is more than Yellowstone National Park does. Yosemite National Park is an anthem to nature’s magnificence.
Chateau de Sureau by the Sierra Nevada mountains is a lovely castle filled with ten guestrooms and a larger villa, all bordered by gardens, pine trees, and water fountains.
The Elderberry House Restaurant is all about fine European dining. Dinners can be three or five-course meals with wine, and couples can also visit the intimate Cellar for a lighter meal and a classic cocktail.
As a special October treat, the resort schedules excursion packages that include breakfast and a picnic lunch.
Lake Tenaya checks off all the romance bells, whether it is for a picnic, a cool dip in blue waters, kayaking, or a stroll. Note that seeing the 500-foot Pleasure Dome rising straight out of the lake can be quite startling. The lake closes in November, so October is the end of the season. Energetic couples will enjoy the two-and-a-half mile Tenaya Lake Trail with its breathtaking views. Or they can go white water rafting on the Mercer River.
Located in Mariposa County, the Savourys Restaurant was voted number two Best Small Town Cultural Scene by USA Today. Their lavender martinis are worth the trip.
La Jolla
There may be a debate whether La Jolla is a part of San Diego or not. Technically, it is; however, it can be considered the elite Fifth Avenue of San Diego. Chic and elegance are in the air. Located high above a cliff over the Pacific, it is one of the US’s ultimate resort spots.
October means fewer crowds, cheaper accommodations, and one of the best times for a visit. Couples will love the seven sea caves, the kayaking, sea lions, seals, and the stunning La Jolla Cove.
The 114 rooms and villas at La Valencia Hotel bring back a vintage luxury – as it was “back then” in the early 20th century. And they are but steps from the shore.
The Mediterranean Room served up fresh seafood with a stunning view. For couples who cannot bear the thought of leaving Fido at home, the Mediterranean has a doggie menu that is served on the patio. This is included in its Pet Package.
The Endless Summer Package offers 5 percent off fees and a $25.00 daily credit through October. It’s a sweet deal. The Bed and Breakfast Package saves $30.00 on breakfasts.
One of the most romantic things to do in La Jolla is to head for San Diego’s Balboa Park. All the area museums are located in the park, so it is easy to stroll through the gardens and visit several during one visit. It’s also a wonderful place for a picnic.
The Bernado Winery has been selling wine since the 19th century. Couples can visit for tastings by the bottle or by the glass. The Winery also serves a delectable Italian menu. If wine therapy isn’t enough, Bernado has shops throughout the winery, such as an artist studio, a home and garden store, a handbag shop, and a candle store. For coffee lovers, the Manzanita Roasting Company roasts its beans onsite.
Miami, Florida
Miami is famous for its scorching, humid summers. Welcome to October, when the intense heat is a mere memory, the crowds are fewer, and the beaches are still vibrant and inviting.
The waterfront, all-suite Setail Hotel is a seductive fusion of American sophistication and Asian tranquility. The suites have either a garden or an ocean view.
The food and the cocktails have a distinctive Asian twist that isn’t found in other Miami hotels. To ensure the wellness of its guests, the Setail has five spa rooms and beach yoga on weekends. Each Friday, couples can dig into a three-course lunch in the courtyard. Sunday is Brunch and Jazz Day with unlimited champagne and wine. On Wednesday, guests can explore the tastes and spices of India.
Schnebly Winery has walking tours through its vineyard and tasting of five different wines. Saturday evenings are high-flying dancin’ and drinkin’ Latin nights. The brewery which is a part of the winery has a large line of craft beer and Friday night line dancing. Great date night.
When in Miami, couples can travel to the early 20th century and visit the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, once a private home with an art collection that spans two centuries and a garden that glows by moonlight. A different time, a different place.
Santorini, Greece
Santorini is a Greek island in the Aegean Sea. As much of Europe is reaching for scarves and gloves, Santorini embraces the warmth and sunshine. While October is great, the early part of the month is the best.
Travel & Leisure named Katikies Hotel the best Greek hotel in 2023 and one of the top ten hotels in Europe. Located in Oia, it combines flawless service with a natural romantic environment. Its stunning architecture draws travelers from around the world.
All rooms offer an Aegean breeze and an incomparable view of blue waters and surrounding white structures. The Greek cuisine is superb. And the wine caves are in the hands of one of the 416 Masters of Wine in the entire world. Wine tastings, which take place in the cave, are a special occasion.
When not serving superb wine, Katikies provides its guests with all amenities such as three infinity pools, a sunbathing deck, an outdoor jetted tub as well as an indoor tub.
The hotel also arranges exquisite cruises to several locations.
The island of Santorini is the result of volcanic eruptions which have resulted in healing hot springs. Tour boats take guests to the hot springs, where they can enjoy a nice swim in the iron and sulfur. The springs seem to have a curative effect on muscles and arthritis.
Santorini is almost blindingly beautiful. Taking selfies would be close to heresy. Instead, couples can hire a professional photographer to preserve those lifelong memories.
Okinawa, Japan
October in Okinawa means it is still beach weather and is comfortable enough for hiking and exploring this island’s rich culture.
For martial arts enthusiasts, October 25 in Okinawa’s capital of Naha is Karate Day, when thousands of international participants move through the streets to the Karate Kaikan to demonstrate their art. It’s amazing physical magic.
For non-martial art lovers, October 17th is Okinawa’s soba noodle day, when restaurants provide noodle-making lessons.
The Ritz Carlton Okinawa is surrounded by a golf course and an ocean – already a terrific start for a honeymoon. The hotel has 97 rooms, three restaurants, and a spa.
All rooms come with a terrace; some have a private whirlpool. Rooms that qualify for the Club Lounge receive additional concierge services, the use of the intern in the lounge, and a food station with several offerings throughout the day. It’s a private haven for lounge members only.
The main restaurant specializes in Italian dishes, while Kise serves Japanese beef and seafood. The Lobby Lounge and Bar has afternoon tea and cakes.
Okinawa is known for its beaches. Nishihara Kira Kira Beach in Naha is a facility with stretches of white sand, barbeque areas, and fields for games. Snorkeling is not allowed, but boat excursions are.
Mibara Beach spans a beautiful mile with pools filled with crabs and shellfish. The beach is ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
Cape Manzamo is a favorite tourist destination due to its iconic rock formation. An ancient king indicated that the rock was a “field for 10,000 people to sit.” Actually, it resembles an elephant and provides a wonderful view of the East China Sea.
Salem, Massachusetts
Salem is steeped in history and hauntings, especially throughout October. The temperature may vary from 62 degrees to 42 degrees, and Halloween parades and themed parties ensure that Salem provides plenty of fun.
It is also a gorgeous town, with plenty of museums and delightful shops. While surrounded by bright fall foliage, couples should remember that Boston is only half an hour away.
The Hawthorne Hotel downtown is a part of Salem’s history. It shifted from a small inn to a hotel in the early 20th century when Salem became a popular destination. The architecture and rooms have remained true to tradition. Nathaniel’s Restaurant is known for its delectable seafood. In the evening, it morphs into a lounge with live entertainment and candlelight.
The Hawthorne has a traditional Halloween Ball each October as part of its Halloween Package. It is the top Halloween event in New England featuring hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, music, and a costume contest. All good fun.
Couples can visit the Witch House, one of the few houses remaining from that period. It belonged to the trial judge and is a large part of the Witch Hunt history. Tours are available.
The Peabody Essex Museum offers more than witchcraft memories. This important museum has a remarkable exhibit of more than 1 million paintings, photos, sculptures, and more dating back to the 1700s involving Asian, American, and African cultures.
