A special moment for two after marriage, a honeymoon trip is surely one of the most beautiful excursions of a lifetime. Online booking site Tripadvisor has compiled a list of the most popular destinations for celebrating a union of love.
Through its Travelers’ Choice Awards, which each year highlight special places within a specific theme, Tripadvisor reveals the best destinations in the world for an unforgettable honeymoon. Maldives, Santorini, Bali… Discover the perfect regions for honeymooners.
Mauritius, the top destination for a honeymoon
Unsurprisingly, Mauritius is the top destination for a honeymoon. With a warm climate all year round, temperatures fluctuating between 27° and 35° from November to April, this country nestling in the Indian Ocean boasts picture-postcard scenery. Hike to Morne Brabant, snorkel to admire the colourful fish, visit the Land of Seven Colours known for its giant tortoises, take a boat trip on the lagoon… It’s impossible to get bored on this island peninsula. Its capital, Port-Louis, is a city on a human scale, where you can take advantage of the local markets and craft shops to pack a few souvenirs. Food lovers will be delighted by the flavours of India, Africa, China and Europe, each of which has left a piece of its heritage in this verdant paradise of warm, crystal-clear waters. The icing on the cake: Mauritius offers a wide variety of hotels, including some sublime five-star establishments that speak to newlyweds by offering romantic dinners on the beach in front of a sunset.
Just behind this dream destination lies Bali, in Indonesia. Between land and sea, the island of Gods offers sublime panoramas, from jungle to ocean to rice paddies. Monkeys and dolphins can be seen on either side of this little piece of paradise. The stone temples offer a refreshing change of scenery, while the town of Ubud offers a host of artistic activities. The locals are friendly and know how to give visitors a warm welcome. Well-being, a major trend in the hotel industry, is given pride of place. We recommend yoga classes for two, surrounded by lush greenery.
The Maldives is ranked 3rd by Tripadvisor. This tropical country in the Indian Ocean has around a hundred island-hotels spread over several atolls. White sandy beaches and blue lagoons are the order of the day. The best part? Prestigious hotels overlooking the ocean and jewel cases on stilts, with their feet in the water
Hôi An, Phuket, Santorini…
Situated on the central coast of Vietnam, Hôi An is rich in diverse historical influences. Wooden Chinese temples, French colonial buildings, Vietnamese tube houses, a Japanese covered bridge with a pagoda… This former port city is a blend of different eras and styles. There are also many small craft shops and local tailors where you can have an outfit made.
The Top 5 includes Phuket in Thailand. Adored by tourists, the region boasts beaches and translucent waters where diving reveals exceptional seascapes. All surrounded by towering cliffs that protect the area. On land, Buddhist temples and verdant gardens are recommended.
Newlyweds also turn to Santorini in Greece, a unique place of immaculate houses carved out of the cliffs and enhanced by touches of intense blue. Gastronomy, wellbeing, cultural visits and walks on the beach are all on the agenda.
Back to the Indian Ocean to discover the archipelago of Zanzibar in Tanzania. Escape will be the key word for your honeymoon. The small, confidential islands can be visited by lovers, like adventurers, among wild flora, fishing villages and sandbanks overlooking turquoise waters. Stone Town, the old quarter of Zanzibar, is a World Heritage Site.
In 8th place, Florence, Italy, is the place to be for a Dolce Vita holiday. Italian elegance and romance can be felt in every corner of this city steeped in history and art. Culture lovers will want to wander around the Galleria dell’Accademia, the museo di Palazzo Davanzati, the museo Stibbert, the Gucci museum and the Leonardo da Vinci museum. Once past the Ponte Vecchio, stroll through the shops in Piazza Santo Spirito. Not to mention the local culinary specialities to be savoured in the small local restaurants.
Tripadvisor also mentions La Fortuna de San Carlos in Costa Rica. Situated in the heart of a geological wonderland, this town is overlooked by Arenal, the country’s most active volcano, and is close to the Catarata de La Fortuna, a waterfall that cascades from a 70-metre cliff. Other attractions include the Tabacon springs and the Leaves and Lizards Arenal Volcano Cabin Retreat.
Finally, Saint Lucia, an island state in the eastern Caribbean, is the ideal getaway for hiking enthusiasts. The Pitons and Morne Fortune volcanoes are well worth surveying, while the town of Soufrière is ideal for a hand-in-hand stroll. For the ultimate experience, the black sandy beach of Anse Mamin is the perfect spot for a couple’s photos.
Other destinations also feature in the Tripadvisor rankings, including Cape Town in South Africa, Mykonos in Greece, Jamaica, Madeira in Portugal, the Dominican Republic, Seville in Spain, Kyoto in Japan, Dubrovnik in Croatia, Cartagena in Colombia and Buenos Aires in Argentina. Between heavenly beaches, charming villages and breathtaking scenery, these trips offer unforgettable moments with your partner in life.
Read also: The most beautiful hotels in Saint-Barthélemy
Featured photo: © Unsplash
