Published on: May 20th, 2024
Last updated: May 21st, 2024
When you picture the perfect honeymoon, what do you see? If you’re imagining balmy air, sandy shores, lapping waves and swaying palm trees, you’re not alone. There’s something endlessly alluring about the idea of a tropical getaway – especially when it comes to planning the trip of a lifetime with your favourite person.
For a place to be truly tropical, it has to be located within a certain distance of the equator. With this in mind, we asked our travel designers to select the world’s best tropical honeymoon destinations. Here are their expert insights into the most romantic escapes that this part of the globe has to offer.
Costa Rica - Colombia - Zimbabwe - Zanzibar
1. Thailand
For some, the ideal honeymoon involves a combination of contrasting destinations. If that sounds like your style, Thailand is a fantastic choice. Stay at the opulent Four Seasons Tented Camp amidst the forests of the Golden Triangle before stretching out on the white sand beaches of Six Senses Yao Noi – one of the world’s most romantic hotels.
Don’t overlook Thailand’s lively capital, either. You can take in the glittering lights of Bangkok from the Apsara: a traditional boat that offers fabulously romantic dinner cruises on the Chao Phraya River.
Need to know: If you’re looking for a truly epic honeymoon that takes in several destinations in Thailand, then the best time to visit is between November and April. At this time the weather is sunny and dry, great conditions for long beach days, or sightseeing and adventure activities inland.
2. Bora Bora
There’s a reason Bora Bora is known as ‘the honeymoon island.’ This tiny isle in French Polynesia is the very definition of a tropical paradise, boasting volcanic peaks, vibrant coral reefs and world-class resorts. Here you can snorkel or sunbathe by day and enjoy an exclusive sunset cruise in the evening – or simply relax at your overwater villa.
If you’re looking for an even more intimate experience, allow us to recommend The Brando. This luxury oasis is set on a private island in the Tetiaroa atoll not far from Bora Bora, and is one of our favourite luxury romantic getaways on earth.
Need to know: The best time to visit Bora Bora for constant glorious sunshine is from May to October. The days are warm at around 28°C (82°F) and there’s little to no rain.
3. Bali
Bali was the world’s most popular honeymoon destination in 2023, according to Travel + Leisure, and it’s not hard to imagine why. Beyond its black sand beaches and plush accommodation, this Indonesian island also offers ancient temples, outdoor adventures and incredible cuisine – all the ingredients of an extraordinary honeymoon.
Our expert travel designers love romantic properties like Tanah Gajah and Capella Ubud for couples, and can easily arrange cooking classes, surf lessons, hiking excursions, sunset cruises, candlelit dinners and more.
Need to know: For a peaceful, exclusive experience on Bali we recommend visiting during the shoulder seasons: April to May and September to October. At this time of year the weather is sunny with a little rain and it’s not too busy.
4. Cambodia
Cambodia has a little bit of everything, making it the perfect place for a honeymoon that’s both adventurous and relaxing. Start with the legendary temples of Angkor Wat, soak in the energetic atmosphere of Phnom Penh, then head to the aptly named ‘sweetheart islands’ for a picture-perfect tropical retreat at Song Saa Private Island Resort.
Jaya House River Park is a gorgeous boutique hotel in Siem Reap, with Art Deco details and a sublime spa. For something a bit more off the beaten track, book a luxury tent at Shinta Mani Wild: a remote rainforest retreat with conservation at its core.
Need to know: Song Saa private island is a B corp certified hotel that features in our positive impact collection. Your stay here supports the local community and helps to ensure conservation. Visit from October to April for dry, clear and sunny days.
5. The Maldives
No list of the best island vacations for couples would be complete without a mention of the Maldives. This South Asian archipelago looks like a postcard come to life, with shimmering turquoise waters, pristine white sand beaches and secluded resorts like LUX* South Ari Atoll and Soneva Fushi. You can even charter a private yacht to explore the islands in style.
Our travel designers often suggest combining the Maldives with Sri Lanka or India for an epic adventure – although spending your whole honeymoon here is also an excellent choice.
Need to know: If you’re taking a honeymoon in the Maldives, you’ll want to the weather to be as perfect as possible. Be sure to skip the monsoon season and travel between November and April when the weather is sunny and dry.
6. Mexico
Southern Mexico is a wonderful place for a tropical honeymoon, from the sun-soaked coastline of the Mayan Riviera to fascinating cities like Mérida and Valladolid. Visit the remote ruins of Yaxchilán and Bonampak, go scuba diving on Isla Mujeres, swim in ancient cenotes or simply relax at a stunning hotel like Casa Lecanda or Chablé Resort & Spa with your partner.
Our positive impact expert, Natalie, highly recommends Belmond Maroma for its efforts to protect endangered sea turtles, respect for Mayan heritage and use of sustainable building materials – not to mention its spectacular seaside setting.
Need to know: For an unforgettable beach experience, go snorkelling on isla Mujeres between June-September to see whale sharks and visit the Mayan Riviera between May and October to see turtles nesting.
7. Costa Rica
If your idea of the perfect honeymoon involves exhilarating adventures, abundant wildlife and endless natural beauty, consider Costa Rica. It’s one of our favourite destinations for luxury adventure honeymoons, boasting incredibly intimate accommodation like Finca Rosa Blanca in the Central Valley and Playa Cativo Eco Lodge on the Osa Peninsula.
In the heart of Costa Rica’s lush rainforest, Pacuare Lodge offers an especially romantic honeymoon in the stunning Canopy Villa, which has its own suspension bridge to a private viewing platform.
Need to know: We recommend white water rafting into Pacuare for an exciting and stunning journey that takes approximately 5 hours. For dry, sunny weather visit from December to April and to skip the crowds consider April to June and September to November.
8. Colombia
The verdant countryside, whitewashed villages, magical cloud forests, bustling cities and Caribbean beaches of Colombia make it an absolutely enchanting honeymoon destination. Head to Bogotá for world-renowned cuisine and culture, Barichara for small-town charm and adrenaline-filled excursions, or Cartagena for cobbled streets and coastal romance.
Here it’s possible to get a deluxe hideaway all to yourself, whether it’s the cosy Casa Oropéndola high in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta or the grand Kasamar near Tayrona National Park.
Need to know: Take a private, luxury speedboat trip from Cartagena to Islas Rosario, approximately 30 minutes away for picnics and champagne. Visit during the dry season, between December and March, for crystal clear waters and lovely sunshine.
9. Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe sits right at the southern edge of the tropics, promising a truly one-of-a-kind honeymoon in Africa. The rest of the world will feel impossibly far away as you and your partner venture into the wilderness, from the wildlife-rich Mana Pools and Hwange national parks to the dramatic beauty of Victoria Falls.
Stay at Matetsi River Lodge for easy access to the world’s largest waterfall, or have the ultimate safari adventure at Wilderness Linkwasha Camp or Singita Pamushana.
Need to know: For a truly romantic experience sleep under the stars on Wilderness Linkwahsa’s star bed. Stay in style on a raised platform with four-poster bed, lounge area, fire pit and champagne on ice. The best wildlife viewing is generally during the dry months; June to September.
10. Zanzibar
Zanzibar is undoubtedly among the best beach honeymoon destinations in the world. This archipelago is just off the coast of Tanzania, so it’s easy to combine it with a safari. After a once-in-a-lifetime experience at the mobile Wilderness Usawa Camp, take a quick flight or ferry to reach these idyllic islands.
The main island is home to exquisite resorts like Xanadu Villas and Zuri Zanzibar, while Mnemba Island Lodge is a real-life desert island paradise – it’s hard to imagine anything more romantic.
Need to know: There’s more to Zanzibar than just beaches, explore Stone Town’s culture, follow the spice trail, sail on a dhow boat, go snorkelling and much more. It’s best to avoid April and May when the long rains can set in.
Embark on the adventure of a lifetime
Sun-kissed shores and romantic sunsets are just the beginning of your forever journey together. Our travel designers are experts at crafting bespoke honeymoons that promise not only to enchant but to create memories that will last a lifetime.
Trip inspiration
Our Travel Guides
Most Romantic Honeymoon Destinations in Italy
Read more
Top Destinations for Luxury Adventure Honeymoons
Read more
Top Ideas for a South East Asia Honeymoon
Read more
The Best 17 Luxury Romantic Restaurants
Read more
The 14 Most Romantic Safari Lodges in South Africa
Read more
The World's Most Romantic Hotels
Read more