Did you know that about 40% of engagements happen between Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day? If you’ve recently said “Yes!”, congratulations! Now comes the fun part — planning the most unforgettable trip of your lives. Here are some of our picks for best honeymoon destinations to get your wanderlust going.

Not engaged? No worries! If you know someone who is, share this list this list with your bestie, sister, daughter to inspire their dream getaway.

Best Honeymoon Destinations for Foodies

If you and your partner love indulging in new flavors, these destinations go beyond the usual dining experiences, offering hands-on culinary adventures, hidden gems, and local specialties.

• Tuscany, Italy – Stay at Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco, a Virtuoso property set on a 2,000-hectare estate in the heart of wine country. Take a private pasta-making class with a local chef and enjoy an exclusive wine tasting at the estate’s Brunello di Montalcino vineyard. For a special evening, dine at the Rosewood’s own Michelin-starred Ristorante Campo del Drago or try Osteria di Passignano, a Michelin-starred restaurant set in a 12th-century monastery.

• Maui, Hawaii – While many honeymooners stick to resort dining, take a sunset sail with Trilogy Excursions, where chefs serve up fresh Hawaiian seafood right on deck. Explore the MauiWine estate in upcountry Kula, where you can taste wines made from pineapple. For a local hidden gem, grab a meal at Tin Roof — a tiny but beloved spot serving Hawaiian comfort food by Chef Sheldon Simeon, a fan-favorite and former “Top Chef” finalist.

• Mendoza, Argentina – Go beyond traditional wine tastings and take a Malbec blending class at Bodega Norton, where you can craft your own custom wine blend. Dine at Siete Fuegos at The Vines Resort & Spa by celebrity chef Francis Mallmann, an open-fire cooking experience takes Argentine barbecue (asado) to another level. Finally, don’t forget a horseback ride through the Andes, followed by wine and cheese at Finca Blousson, a hidden gem vineyard with stunning mountain views.

• Napa Valley, California – Instead of just winery-hopping, book a hot air balloon ride at sunrise over Napa’s vineyards, followed by a champagne breakfast. Enjoy a private cave tasting at Del Dotto Vineyards, where wines are poured straight from the barrel. For a unique dining experience, The French Laundry in Yountville offers an exquisite multi-course meal — if you can snag a reservation!

Best Honeymoon Destinations for Adventure

For couples who thrive on adrenaline, these destinations combine epic activities with breathtaking scenery.

• Hokkaido, Japan – Stay at Zaborin, a ryokan with private outdoor onsens and stunning forest views. In winter, ski the legendary powder of Niseko or go snowshoeing through the serene, snow-covered forests. In summer, take a guided rafting trip down the Shiribetsu River or hike the volcanic landscapes of Shikotsu-Toya National Park. End your adventure with a private kaiseki dinner featuring Hokkaido’s famous seafood and mountain vegetables.

• Costa Rica – Go beyond the usual ziplining tours and try canyoning in La Fortuna, where you’ll rappel down waterfalls in the jungle. Visit the lesser-known Río Celeste, a striking blue waterfall hidden in Tenorio Volcano National Park. After a day of adventure, relax in the hot springs at Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa, where natural volcanic waters flow through lush tropical gardens.

• Queenstown, New Zealand – Bungee jumping off the Kawarau Bridge is a rite of passage, but for a more unique thrill, try whitewater sledging, where you ride the rapids face-first on a boogie board. Take a scenic helicopter ride to a remote glacier for an unforgettable picnic on the ice. Wind down with a soak in the Onsen Hot Pools, where you can watch the sunset over the Shotover River.

• Banff, Canada – Explore Johnston Canyon’s frozen waterfalls on an ice walk in winter or go canoeing on the crystal-clear Moraine Lake in summer. Stay at the beautiful Fairmont Banff Springs and book a private stargazing experience nearby at the Banff Gondola, where astronomers guide you through the night sky with telescopes. For a cozy après-adventure meal, try The Bison, a hidden gem featuring farm-to-table Canadian cuisine.

Best Honeymoon Destinations for Relaxation

If wedding planning left you feeling exhausted, these tranquil retreats offer rejuvenation in breathtaking settings.

• Azores, Portugal – Check in to Octant Furnas on this island of Portugal and soak in the natural hot springs of Furnas, where steam rises from volcanic earth, creating a mystical experience. Visit the tea plantations of Gorreana, the only tea estate in Europe, for a peaceful afternoon. Take a sunset whale-watching tour, as the Azores are one of the best places in the world to spot blue whales.

• St. Lucia – Unwind at Sugar Beach, a Viceroy resort located in a secluded cove nestled between the iconic Pitons. Take a mud bath at the Sulphur Springs, known for its natural skin-rejuvenating properties. End the evening with a private dinner in a treehouse at Dasheene, where you’ll dine with panoramic views of the mountains.

• Bali, Indonesia – Experience a floating breakfast in a private villa pool, a signature luxury in Ubud. Meditate at Pura Tirta Empul, a sacred water temple where you can take part in a traditional purification ritual. For a unique spa treatment, visit Fivelements Retreat, where therapists use Balinese healing traditions and natural ingredients.

• Sedona, Arizona – Stay at Enchantment Resort set among Sedona’s red rocks. Book a private sound healing session at a vortex energy site, believed to enhance relaxation and spiritual connection. Explore the Boynton Canyon Trail, where you can find a hidden Native American cliff dwelling. End the night with a stargazing experience in the desert, where Sedona’s dark skies reveal an incredible view of the Milky Way.

Best Honeymoon Destinations for Culture Lovers

For history buffs and culture enthusiasts, these destinations offer romance with a side of rich heritage.

• Paris, France – Instead of just visiting the Louvre, take an after-hours tour, where you’ll have the museum nearly to yourself. Have a midnight picnic under the Eiffel Tower, complete with pastries from Pierre Hermé. Stay at Hôtel de Crillon, a timeless Parisian hotel showcasing a celebration of the spirit of Paris and French art de vivre.

• Istanbul, Turkey – Explore the underground Basilica Cistern, an ancient water reservoir with atmospheric lighting and Medusa-head columns. Visit the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest markets, to shop for handwoven rugs and artisanal ceramics. Stay at Çırağan Palace Kempinski, a former Ottoman palace on the Bosphorus, where you can dine with a view of Europe on one side and Asia on the other.

• Kyoto, Japan – Visit the Fushimi Sake District, home to historic breweries where you can taste Kyoto’s best rice wine. Stay at a traditional ryokan like Tawaraya, a centuries-old inn with tatami mat rooms and private gardens. Take a geisha-led walking tour through the lantern-lit alleys of Gion.

• Charleston, South Carolina – Tour a historic plantation like Middleton Place, followed by a private sunset sail in Charleston Harbor. Enjoy dinner at Husk, where classic Southern dishes get a modern twist. Stay at Zero George, a boutique hotel housed in a restored 1804 mansion.

Ready to Plan Your Dream Honeymoon?

No matter what your honeymoon style is — thrill-seeking adventures, serene relaxation, or rich cultural experiences — there’s a perfect destination waiting to create unforgettable memories. From soaring over New Zealand’s glaciers to unwinding in Bali’s tranquil retreats, these handpicked locations offer something truly special for every couple. Ready to start planning your dream honeymoon? Visit my blog for more travel inspiration, or contact me to start designing the perfect honeymoon tailored just for you!