Marriage is not something that should be celebrated once — and never mentioned again. It should be a constant celebration of your love for one another. What better way to spice up your marriage than with some special second-honeymoon ideas? You could also use them for your third, fourth, or whatever-many anniversary.
What is a Second Honeymoon?
A second honeymoon is a romantic getaway for you and your spouse to celebrate certain milestones. such as your anniversary, becoming empty nesters, retiring, renewing your vows, or anything else you find important to your relationship. I will tell you this — my husband Bill and I have had numerous vow-renewal ceremonies and second honeymoons all around the globe. We married in 2000, and have had vow-renewals in such distinctive places as Hawaii, Bermuda, at several Sandals resorts in the Caribbean, and on various cruise ships, including one as our ship docked in Tahiti (followed by a stay in an overwater bungalow in Bora Bora). It’s a marvelous way to rekindle the sparks in your relationship — and to remind yourself why you married your sweetheart in the first place. I’m all for vow renewals, and hotels and cruise ships around the world offer them, complete with officiant, wedding cake, bouquet of flowers, delicious dinner, and photographer. It makes saying, “I Do,” twice as nice. (And of course, you two get to buy two new gorgeous outfits for the occasion.)
9 Second Honeymoon Ideas
Second honeymoons are typically not as extravagant as your first honeymoon, but that may not always be the case. It all depends on how lavish you want to go with your celebration. Below, you’ll find ideas that are laid back and not far from home and other unique suggestions that you may not have thought of.
Unwind at a Caribbean All-Inclusive
Nothing screams relaxation, like having everything you could possibly need at your fingertips while lying on a pristine beach. The Caribbean is the best place to go for just that. There are many different all-inclusive resorts that will have you fully recharged and feeling the spark again.
Sandals resorts are an excellent option for your all-inclusive vacation in the Caribbean. They have more than 15 resorts across many different Caribbean islands and one of the best all-inclusive packages I’ve ever seen. My husband Bill and I have had several vow-renewal ceremonies at Sandals Resorts in the Caribbean, and they have all been marvelous experiences. I typically have my hair and make-up done at the salon, and then we both dress in dazzling new attire as we head to a special place on property where we meet with an officiant. We write and say new vows, drink sparkling-cider, take gorgeous photos, and then head to a celebratory private nighttime dinner-for-two on the beach. It’s spectacular!
Some of the inclusions you will find at every Sandals resort are luxury accommodations, meals and snacks, drinks with premium liquor, PADI-certified scuba diving, green fees, and nightly entertainment. Each resort is also located in some of the best locations in the Caribbean. The best are in Rodney Bay in St. Lucia, Montego Bay in Jamaica, and Pink Gin Beach in Grenada.
And here’s something important you should know. The Sandals Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts, and this incredible organization works to support the Caribbean islands by focusing on the three pillars of community, environment and education. Its initiatives have greatly impacted the people — and the ecosystems — of the Caribbean — and we always make sure to make a financial donation on every visit. You can even Pack With A Purpose, and bring an extra piece of luggage filled with school, medical, and hygiene supplies for the local people. We do it all the time.
Reconnect in Bali
Bali is a highly romantic destination that is all about reconnecting with your inner self and the world around you. Sounds like a great way to reconnect with your partner, too, doesn’t it? Although, the most significant advantage to Bali is that it is incredibly affordable. You can buy a meal from a local restaurant for less than $5, which could fill you up for the entire day. That’s pretty incredible.
There are many phenomenal resorts in Bali, but we recommend Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, a five-star-rated resort in Ubud, for the ultimate escape to reconnect. Its layout resembles a typical Balinese village on the side of a mountain with terraced rice fields and a Hindu temple. Mandapa is an exclusive journey with 35 suites, 25 private pool villas, four unique dining concepts and a restorative spa.
Tropical gardens surround each villa. You’ll feel like you’re immersed in the gardens because the glass walls open up, turning your living space into a terrace. You will also have a giant private infinity pool, a soaking tub overlooking the gardens, an outdoor shower, and some of the most beautiful decor you’ll ever see.
Have an Adventure in Hawaii
Here at Honeymoons.com, our publisher’s parents have taken their second and third honeymoons in Hawaii. Their second was in Oahu, and they loved it so much that they decided to do their third in Maui. Here is what our publisher, Jim Campbell, told me:
“I’ve been to a few Hawaiian islands, and I would choose Maui for my second honeymoon. It is a beautiful island with tons of adventurous activities, but also calm enough to relax in luxury.”
“Wailea is where I stayed, and I recommend it over anywhere else on Maui. Wailea Beach Resort by Marriott is the best resort there. It’s close to all the best attractions, like the road to Hana, and some of the best shopping in Hawaii. The resort itself has a championship golf course, spa, the longest hotel water slide, and a luau show.” (I, Debbi, have also stayed at Wailea Beach Resort, and I love it too — I agree that they have a GREAT luau, wonderful restaurants, and a sparkling new Olakino upscale pool area.)
Jim continues: “The rooms at Wailea Beach Resort are so close to the ocean that you can actually hear the waves crashing on shore from your suite. You may even get to see the southern island or a humpback whale from your room. To enhance this amazing view even further, all ground-level rooms have a sundeck that incorporates indoor-outdoor living.”
Enjoy the Countryside in England
Some of the prettiest countryside that embodies England culture is in the Cotswolds. This area of England has beautiful rolling hills, vintage villages made of Cotswold stone, and some of the best tea houses and pubs. Taking a stroll through any of the 113 villages in the area will have you in a constant state of wow.
The best places to stay in the Cotswolds are old castles, above pubs, or in one of the many bed-and- breakfasts. I would personally love to stay at Ellenborough Park, a 500-year-old castle turned 5-star hotel. Don’t worry. The castle has been renovated into contemporary luxury accommodations. Steeped in history and boasting 90 acres of glorious grounds, Ellenborough Park is nestled between the Cotswolds’ highest point and the gallops of Cheltenham Racecourse.
The 90-acre grounds are situated at the bottom of the tallest peak in the Cotswolds and look just as beautiful on the inside as it does on the outside. You can spend time in their luxurious spa, have your breakfast in bed, or enjoy a horse race. The castle is even dog-friendly!
Celebrate in Las Vegas
If you and your S.O. think of life as a party, there is nowhere better to go for your second honeymoon than Las Vegas. It’s your chance to say goodbye to reality for a bit and hello to endless possibilities. You can see some of the most insane shows out there, dance till the sun rises, test your luck in a casino, listen to amazing live music, and dine on cuisine prepared by famous chefs.
The Venetian is one of the most romantic hotels you can stay at on the strip in Las Vegas. Everything is inspired by Venice, one of the most romantic cities in the world. It also has the largest rooms on the strip, with each suite having a separate living area. The suites are double the size of your average Las Vegas hotel room, featuring a floor-to-ceiling marble bathroom.
Your room isn’t the only thing that the Venetian turned into a romantic oasis. You can also take a gondola ride through the Grand Canal, complete with its own singing gondolier. There is also rock climbing, a bar made of ice, a rooftop pool with cabanas, and one of the world’s largest spas. In fact, it is an award-winning Canyon Ranch spa, and I can tell you all about them, as I have probably visited Canyon Ranch in Lenox, Massachusetts about 25 times. In my humble opinion, Canyon Ranch is one of the world’s best spas, offering state-of-the-art signature treatments, posh pamperings, and some of the world’s most delicious healthy cuisine. How great that you can visit it at The Venetian!
Island Hop in Greece
Greece has many islands with picturesque beaches and white cliffside villages that you have probably seen before. From historic towns and buildings to cliff-top views of the Mediterranean sea, Greece has some of the most beautiful views in the world. The best part is you can easily hop from Greek island to Greek island if you have enough time.
Some of the most popular islands to visit are Mykonos, Santorini, Hydra, Rhodes, Crete, Zante, and Skopelos. However, there are more than 200 inhabited islands in Greece that you can explore. Each one has its own unique quirks and distinctions.
You will most likely fly into Crete, Greece’s largest island. I recommend staying at Cayo Resort and Spa. Nestled gracefully on a hill’s edge, Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa presents an awe-inspiring tableau of this beautiful region and the iconic Spinalonga island. Its spa offers a curated selection of premium products and a fusion of age-old and modern techniques to rejuvenate your body, uplift your mind, and soothe your soul.
From there, the best way to get to each island is via ferry. Each island will have its own ferry that goes to many of the other islands, so you’ll just need to decide which one is next.
Explore the Mountains in Jackson Hole
When your idea of rekindled romance is starry nights and stunning mountains with Wild West vibes, go to Jackson Hole. Located directly below the Great Tetons, this town can satisfy even the most adventure-hungry couples.
You can take a horseback ride, white-water raft, or fish on the Snake River, hike to a mountain lake, and look for some fantastic wildlife in Jackson Hole. There are many different cabin-style hotels to enjoy your second honeymoon from, but I like the Bentwood Inn. It might be due to their sustainability initiatives and their entire lodge being made of reclaimed wood from Yellowstone. It’s a great spot. The inn provides expert insight into the unique activities that make Jackson Hole a top international travel destination. From wildlife safaris, fly fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking and white-water rafting to ski and snowboard excursions including transportation and equipment rental, the innkeepers here help make your dream vacation to Jackson Hole a reality.
The Bentwood Inn is a bed-and-breakfast, so you’ll wake up each morning to a delicious gourmet breakfast. Each room has its own fireplace to cozy up next to each night. It is also in the perfect location, five miles or less away from Grand Teton National Park, Teton Village Ski Area, and downtown Jackson Hole.
Eat Your Way Through Italy
Mangia! Italy is basically the capital of romance, as long as you’re not counting Paris. The country has some of the best food in the world and is known for its laid-back vibes. You’ll have plenty of time to connect with your partner and enjoy the fabulous local dishes you’ll be served.
For your second honeymoon, consider The Amalfi Coast — the coastline along the southern portion of Italy, full of small villages that can cook you up some of the best local cuisines while overlooking the sea. The best hotel to stay at for this specific experience is the prestigious five-star-rated Hotel Villa Cimbrone in Ravello. This residence was built in the 60s and is surrounded by rose gardens with a romantic atmosphere that will make you fall in love all over again. The splendor and ambience of yesteryear permeate this 12th-century residence. The Vuilleumier family, with its generations of experience in the hotel industry, preserves and protects the original architectural and decorative features.
Staying at Hotel Villa Cimbrone gives you a chance to dine at a Michelin-star restaurant, with Il Flauto di Pan located on-site. You can even dine poolside to make the experience that much more romantic. Back in your room, you will be surrounded by elegance, with frescoed surfaces, notable art, and unique antiques.
Live the Island Life in Key West
The Florida Keys is a strip of islands situated along the southern coast. They will give you all the Caribbean vibes without having to leave the United States. You will discover fantastic snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, nightlife, and history in Key West. Bring a bike because that is this island’s primary mode of transportation.
Located right in the middle of downtown Key West is the Saint Hotel. You are within walking distance of the butterfly conservatory, the bars on Duvall Street, Key West Aquarium, Ernest Hemingway’s home, and much more. You can experience just about everything in Key West without ever having to get in the car. Saint Hotel is a charming downtown oasis, where 36 rooms and suites seamlessly blend modern elegance with timeless architecture. Historic influence shapes thoughtful floor plans, while decor exudes boutique-inspired sophistication.
Each room at the Saint Hotel has a modern, stylish feel and even comes with mood lighting for when things get really romantic. You can choose a room that opens up to the pool or a balcony that overlooks the vibrant island. There’s even a bar and restaurant on-site that feels just as romantic as the rooms.
So there you have it — nine Second-Honeymoon ideas to help you tie the knot again in style. Have fun!
