After saying “I do,” couples are faced with an entire world of options for a honeymoon. Summer is the peak season for many, as the weather is ideal, beaches are perfect, and wildlife is at its prime viewing for safari season. Many destinations also have great festivals during the summer.
If you’re having trouble deciding where to go for your summer destination honeymoon, find some of the best summer honeymoon escapes that will bring a lifetime of memories below.
Tanzania – Zanzibar
Tanzania can be considered a dream honeymoon for couples seeking both a beach getaway and adventuresome activities. The island of Zanzibar has splendid beaches with unrivaled sunsets. And the best part is, this island paradise can be combined with a once-in-a-lifetime safari.
Where to stay:
Royal Zanzibar provides the ultimate Tanzanian beach honeymoon for relaxing on beautiful Nungwi Beach. The hotel’s rooms and suites offer charm and comfort, and the floor-to-ceiling windows allow stunning sunset views.
The views from the top of a cliff are what make the Royal Zanzibar stand out. Its main restaurant, the Cliff at Royal Zanzibar, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a magnificent view of the Indian Ocean. There are also several bars, including a swim-up pool bar.
The hotel’s honeymoon package includes a bottle of wine and discounts on an intimate beach dinner, upgraded accommodations, and spa treatments.
When not strolling the beach, couples can relax in the jacuzzi, or take part in water polo or volleyball. Scuba diving lessons are available in the hotel’s pool, and couples can enjoy open-air movie evenings and yoga.
Things to do:
Stone Town is Zanzibar’s major city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has a cathedral, fresh markets, and even a sultan’s palace.
Tanzania – Safari
Few things will provide the thrills of a safari in one of Tanzania’s national parks, such as the Serengeti, to experience the annual Great Migration.
Where to stay:
Sayari Camp offers the best of Serengeti safari glamping and has an optimal location by the Mara River wildebeest crossing which begins in July. Fifteen tents have al fresco tubs, toilets, and a patio to watch the elephants and zebras pass. The camp’s pool is available for a cooling dip before enjoying a beer by the campfire. There are lounges and a dining room, both with a clear view of the plains.
Guests can enjoy game drives both in the morning and afternoon or walking safaris to experience the entire Serengeti ecosystem. For a special romantic treat, the Sayari Camp has amazing balloon excursions across the Serengeti.
Things to do:
The nearby village of Merenga offers total immersion into the local culture, including a fresh produce market that welcomes visitors.
Cook Islands
The Cook Islands’s winter in the South Pacific Ocean is July and August, which means that it’s the dry season and the temperatures are comfortable. Plenty of Australians and New Zealanders come here at this time for an annual getaway.
In August, the multi-day Manureva Aquafest draws hundreds of athletes to the world’s most attended kitesurfing and other water sports competitions.
Where to stay:
The Rarotongan Resort’s beachfront suites provide a view of the beach and have an open-air plan with an outdoor shower. Guests will enjoy fresh island dining overlooking the Aroa Beach and lagoon as well as indulging in Polynesian aromatherapy at the spa.
The resort has a number of classic beach wedding packages (if you’re considering eloping or a destination wedding) some of which include a free honeymoon. Splurge and book the special Honeymoon Pool & Spa Bungalow for your own private paradise.
Things to do:
At the Highland Cultural Show, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings are filled with authentic village experiences, including a feast with a cocktail, singing, dancing, and stories about the island culture.
Ariki Adventures takes guests out to sea to swim with the turtles. With the strong currents, it’s not advisable to try this without a guided tour. Koka Lagoon Cruises takes couples on snorkeling cruises which include sing-alongs and a buffet lunch.
For the freshest fish meals, the Mooring Fish Café by Muri Beach really delivers. Guests can see the fishermen actually delivering their lunch.
Tahiti
The largest of the French Polynesian islands, Tahiti, has inviting black-sand beaches, romantic lagoons, and waterfalls. Its beauty inspired many of the paintings by French painter Paul Gaugin.
Visitors in July can participate in the Heiva celebration in Papeete, which has been the island’s annual cultural celebration since the 1880s with dancing, art, and athletic competitions.
Where to stay:
The Intercontinental Tahiti has 24 romantic over-the-water bungalows with private balconies overlooking the lagoon and a total of 222 rooms of various grades with a garden, ocean, or lagoon view. Two restaurants and three bars offer fine dining. In addition, the resort has a five-star PADI diving center for guest excursions.
Every morning there is a dolphin tour where it’s possible to join these lovely creatures in the water, depending on the conditions.
Things to do:
Driving north to Point Venus will take visitors to the black sand beach visited by Captain James Cook. It’s a great place for picnicking and paddleboarding.
The Museum of Tahiti & Her Islands presents an exhibition of Polynesian history and culture. Tahiti is famous for its unique black pearls, and the Robert Wan Pearl Museum is a great place to learn about these pearls and purchase some to take home.
Nassau, The Bahamas
Summers in the Bahamas bring a temperature in the high 80s, perfect for enjoying the beaches.
Where to stay:
The exquisite all-inclusive, adult-only Sandals Royal Bahamian has some of the Bahamas’ most exotic suites that come with a private pool, swim-up pool, and 24-hour-butler services. Butler VIP guests can also expect a Rolls-Royce airport pickup. The all-inclusive rate includes 10 restaurants, seven pools, and a spa.
And that’s just the beginning. Sandals Royal Bahamian has its own, private island, Sandals Barefoot Cay. This piece of paradise has two isolated beaches for relaxing and snorkeling. The elegant Beach Club has a pool, swim-up bar, a whirlpool, and one of the best seafood restaurants in the Bahamas. Paradise comes with private cabanas, hammocks, and a soothing Zen garden. The resort’s Red Lane Spa also performs its treatments here on the beach.
The private island is reachable by ferry from the main island through its regular daily runs.
Sandals Royal Bahamian has unlimited activities. Its PADI-certified diving certification attracts divers. The resort has all imaginable watersports, such as paddle boarding, snorkeling, and surfing.
There’s also daily entertainment with beach parties and dancing. Couples can play tennis, lawn chess, pool, volleyball, and croquet—or just lay around the beach. A candlelight dinner can be served on the beach for some additional romance.
Things to do:
The Bahamas’ capital, Nassau, has a historic district to explore and a fun nightlife scene. Charlies Club 601 is the place to dance the night (and early morning) away.
Flying Cloud Catamaran Cruises offers full-day snorkeling tours with lunch and drinks, half-day snorkeling tours with drinks and snacks, and romantic sunset dinner cruises.
Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia in the eastern Caribbean is nestled between both the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. It’s probably best known for its twin volcanic peaks, Gros Piton and Petit Piton, which can be explored by sailing and hiking.
In Saint Lucia’s capital of Castries, the Saint Lucia Jazz Festival has delighted visitors for more than two decades. This 10-day event in May entertains with jazz concerts, parties, and art showings.
Where to stay:
Sandals Grande Saint Lucia on Rodney Bay is a picture postcard outlined by the clear sea and strong, tall volcanoes rising from the waters. Five pools, bungalow rooms, access to nearby golf courses, and 12 restaurants make this a perfect honeymoon stay. This Sandals resort has been named in the top 25 of all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean, the Caribbean’s leading honeymoon resort, and St. Lucia’s leading resort.
The over-the-water bungalows define “grand” with a private pool and soaking tub, all with 24-hour butler service. The beachfront Butler Suite has a sunset pool, private balcony, fully stocked bar, and a butler to spoil and cater 24 hours a day.
All-inclusive dining includes 12 restaurants at Sandals Grande Saint Lucia, nine restaurants at nearby Sandals Regency La Toc, and six restaurants at Sandals Halcyon Beach.
At Sandals Grande Saint Lucia, couples can become PADI diving certified and enjoy almost unlimited watersports. Days and evenings are filled with themed parties (Sunday is romance night), with parties by the beach and the pool.
Things to do:
The Diamond Botanical Gardens is a natural retreat from the world. Couples can enjoy the lushness of the landscape and tropical plants, and the birds overhead. Head for the waterfall and healing mineral baths.
Sulphur Springs Saint Lucia in Soufriere is a boiling mud bath known to cure skin conditions and arthritis. After, wash up in nature’s own shower, the waterfalls.
Post-shower, visit the Gros Islet street party, Saint Lucia’s Friday night shindig with thousands of merrymakers enjoying barbeques, beer, art vendors, and a sound system that blasts music until Saturday morning.
Antigua
Summers in Antigua reach the high 80s in temperature and can get humid. The beaches and breezes off the water make them the best for kite surfing, sailing, and snorkeling. If it rains, it tends to be short-lived.
Antigua is one of the most stunning islands in the Caribbean and ready to embrace those romantic vibes for couples who love the white sand and clear waters.
Where to stay:
The all-inclusive, adults-only Sandals Grande Antigua has been voted the “World’s Most Romantic Resort” year after year. What could be more perfect for a honeymoon? The resort is located by the beach by Dickenson Bay and is surrounded by a lovely garden.
Many of these oceanfront suites are serviced by a 24-hour butler. Dining ranges from island-spicy to comforting Italian.
Sandals Grande Antigua makes the most of its spectacular waters with its PADI-certified diving, swimming, snorkeling, sailing, and other watersports.
In the evenings, the beach is for dancing and partying, as is the pool. Couples can join in casino night, carnival night, live shows, beach parties, karaoke night, a chocolate buffet, and more. During the day, stay busy with tennis, pool, croquet, volleyball, and more. The Red Lane Spa offers treatments and West Indian massages and exfoliation (with actual sand) that can be enjoyed in the privacy of one’s room.
Things to do:
Climbing up Shirley Heights Lookout can be a challenge, but once you reach the top, it’s worth every minute. At 490 feet, the lookout is a high point overlooking the harbors and becomes amazing at sunset, when the entire English Harbor glowing.
Hike up from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on any Sunday and party along with a local band, some barbeque, a drink or two, and a nice crowd.
Escape from your honeymoon getaway to uninhabited and beautiful Prickly Pear Island, a short ferry ride away, for snorkeling or a great day on the beach. The restaurant on the island serves a tasty seafood buffet.
Grenada
Summer through mid-August is one of the best times to visit Grenada before the wet season. In early August, Grenada’s largest 2-day cultural fete, called Spicemas, is celebrated with costumed parades and parties.
In mid-May, chocolate lovers from around the world come for the Chocolate Festival, where visitors can learn about the journey of the cocoa bean to the chocolate bar and enjoy a plethora of chocolate-related drinks and events.
Where to stay:
The all-inclusive Sandals Grenada Resort has innovative features like the infinity edge plunge pools found in the Skypool Suites, all by the stunning Pink Gin Beach with its delightful pinkish sand.
Sandals Grenada is the island’s leading resort, the world’s leading all-inclusive resort, and one of the top resorts in the Caribbean. Villas and suites come with a pool, soaking tubs, and most have 24-hour private butler service. The resort’s 10 restaurants offer top-rated international cuisine. Or couples can opt for a private candlelight dinner served by a personal waiter.
Things to do:
Sandals Grenada offers unlimited watersports, including PADI-certified diving. Out of the water, couples can partake in themed nightly parties such as a fashion show, talent show, and lover’s night. Guests can also enjoy tennis, volleyball, bocce ball, and pool.
Like all Sandals resorts, it has an up-to-date fitness center and the Red Lane Spa.
St Kitts & Nevis
The islands of St. Kitts and Nevis are situated at the border of the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. St. Kitts is filled with lush rainforest and mountains, placing it high on the list for couples looking for adventure, hiking, ziplining, and clean beaches.
Just 2 miles away, Nevis boasts an exclusive and intimate beach culture with only a handful of resorts. Taking place in June and July, Nevis’ Mango Festival celebrates the 44 different types of mangoes with a cook-off, mango cocktails, and a mango-eating contest.
Where to stay:
Four Seasons Nevis offers the ultimate serene honeymoon. Suites and rooms face the lush garden or the water. There are several dining options, and the Four Seasons offers rum tasting at its Mango Bar and a happy hour with a view of the sunset.
Couples can play golf at the Robert Trent Jones II Golf Course, enjoy a private dinner on Pinney’s Beach, and revel in the stunning scenery on the island’s hiking trails.
Park Hyatt St. Kitts offers a genuine island experience, from a full-service spa, two pools, and great dining. Guest rooms all have a breathtaking view, and some suites come with a private deck and pool.
Things to do:
The St. Kitts Scenic Railway takes visitors through the sugar fields, the beautiful countryside, rainforest, and Mt. Liamuiga. Free punch or daiquiris are included.
Sky Safari offers some of the best zip lines in the Caribbean. Soar through the rainforest and see a different side of St. Kitts. If feeling energetic, Mt. Liamuiga can be climbed in approximately 3 hours for a sweeping view.
Sunshine’s Bar and Grill has turned from a humble shack to Nevis’ favorite hangout for lobster and a rum cocktail known as the Killer Bee. Beyonce, Mel Gibson, Kevin Bacon, and John Travolta have all enjoyed a bit of Sunshine’s over the years.
Komodo, Indonesia
Indonesia is an archipelago of thousands of islands. While Bali may be Indonesia’s best-known destination, why settle when you can spend your honeymoon on a prime pink beach complete with real dragons in Komodo. The high season here is July and August, the best time for getting out on the water and tracking those dragons while enjoying some snorkeling.
Where to stay:
The Komodo Resort in the middle of Komodo National Park offers Indonesia’s best diving opportunities and is known as the number four diving site in the world. Divers and photographers flock here for the experience.
Guests have a choice of 26 beachfront bungalows with a terrace and garden located within walking distance from the beach. The resort has daily excursions through the park, the pink beach, and to see the dragons. The restaurant offers international cuisine, and the beach bar is popular at sunset.
Things to do:
Cruising for dragons is the most popular Komodo activity. Some cruises, from yachts to cabin boats, offer overnight accommodations that include tasty Indonesian meals.
Visit Manta Point in Komodo National Park and swim with the Manta Rays.
Sardinia, Italy
Sardinia can get hot during the summer which makes it a great beach-hopping honeymoon destination that leaves behind the typical Mediterranean crowds of Capri and Santorini. Sardinia is famed for its 34 miles of coastline and fantastic Italian cuisine.
Where to stay:
The Cala Sinzias is right by the sea and features 95 rooms with a shared patio or garden overlooking the white sand beach and the emerald Mediterranean. The Ulivo restaurant specializes in Italian dishes with wines. Chiringuito, the beach bar, offers sustenance and drinks on the beach, while the S’Ollastinu is the place to relax with music and a cocktail post-dinner.
The beautiful private beach has umbrellas and sunbeds. The hotel also offers canoe and boat rentals, as well as excursions out to sea.
During the summer, the lovely garden is the perfect setting for pilates classes. Couples can also partake in a pasta-making class.
Things to do:
Cala Mariolu is a local beach, named one of the top 50 beaches in the world, with an incredible rock formation. The beach is made up of pinkish pebbles and the sun creates a breathtaking color palette. The rocks have plenty of caves worth exploring.
Couples can enjoy a full-day private yacht excursion to the La Maddalena Archipelago of islands. This private adventure’s itinerary is up to you to decide. Popular islands to check out include Spargi, Santa Maria, Budelli, Caprera, and Razzoli.
Mykonos, Greece
The lovely Greek island of Mykonos is called the “St. Tropez of Greece.” The beaches are at their best for swimming from June to September, when they attract the most tourists. Summer is the most comfortable, and rain is pretty much non-existent. During the summer, Mykonos has party vibes, but you can still find romantic peace and quiet.
Mykonos takes pride in its beaches, and the best ones are the trendy Super Paradise Beach, the family-friendly Platys Gialos Beach, the relaxing and peaceful Agios Sostis Beach, and the gay-friendly Elia Beach.
Where to stay:
The Santa Marina Resort has 105 guest rooms and 12 villas with balconies and views of the magical Aegean. The Mediterranean restaurant and its Michelin star chef are joined by the iconic Buddha Bar, the Santa Marina Beach Bar with its sunbeds, sofas and infinity pool, and a cocktail bar.
Things to do:
The Panagia Paraportiani is a 14th-century church complex in the Kastro district that’s one of the most photographed religious structures in the world. It’s a compilation of five smaller churches, one built on top of the other.
Combine a 6-hour cooking with wine-tasting class in an authentic Mykonos home. Nosh on some snacks and wine while your host explains more about the food culture on the island. Then you get to cook a traditional spinach pie, among other meals.
Skandinavian Bar is the place for live entertainment and great cocktails. For a special evening, VIP treatment includes bottle service and private bar setup.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh is beautiful, and where the Royal Family spends its summers. The temperatures are in the mid-70s and it never gets too hot.
The Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival takes place annually in July, showcasing both well-known and emerging artists.
In August, the Edinburgh Military Tattoo performs its annual festival of military bands at Edinburgh Castle, a widely anticipated event attended by visitors worldwide coming to hear the bagpipes and see the population in kilts.
Where to stay:
The Witchery by the Castle Hotel is filled with history since the 16th century. Located by Edinburgh Castle, it’s been called “Scotland’s Most Romantic Hotel.” The suites are richly decorated with antiques.
The dining rooms offer first-class meals. For a bit of added romance, couples can dine in The Secret Gaden by candlelight.
Things to do:
Enjoying a proper tea is a must, and the best in town is at the Palm Court at The Balmoral Hotel. Couples can also stroll through and arrange a picnic in the Edinburgh Botanical Gardens. And no visit to Edinburgh is complete without a tour of Edinburgh Castle. Enjoy the view from the castle and learn more about its famed royal inhabitants.
