Off-Grid Safaris and Island Escapes: 7 It Destinations for Honeymoons

There are plenty of wedding-related vacations you'll take in your life—bachelorette and bachelor parties, destination weddings, anniversaries—but none stacks up quite like a honeymoon. It's romantic, it's memorable, and in a perfect world, it's the trip of a lifetime. Whether you're still floating on the high of the wedding day or following up with a bigger trip after a quick "mini moon," jetting off on your dream honeymoon is the ultimate goal. Of course, planning it can be another story. Curating the perfect itinerary and making all the right bookings can no doubt feel overwhelming amid all the actual wedding planning, but that's where we come in. As travel enthusiasts and style people, we've done our fair share of research on the coolest places fashion people are vacationing, and we're putting all that intel to use in the world of honeymoons.

There's no question that several destinations have emerged as the new It spots for honeymooners this year—and no, they don't all involve white-sand beaches and all-inclusive resorts. (Though, if that's your vibe, there's no shortage of options.) Whether your dream post-wedding getaway involves a safari in Africa, a culinary journey through Japan, or a romantic road trip through Sicily, we've curated a guide to the top honeymoon destinations of the moment for every kind of traveler.

For most of us, hearing the word honeymoon immediately conjures up images of couples lying on a remote beach and pretty much doing nothing. But with travel as a whole booming in the post-pandemic era, more and more couples are looking for something unique. The honeymoon is no longer merely a couples escape but now a chance to tick off a bucket-list locale or stay at that resort that's been idling on your Pinterest board for years. In other words, honeymoons in 2024 are getting a shake-up. The travel experts at Fora and Forest Travel clued us in to the seven hot spots they're booking the most right now for new couples and exactly which kind of vacation you can expect in each, from do-nothing relaxation to Michelin-star dining to the adventures you'll tell your kids and grandkids about.

There are the Caribbean destinations you know and love (looking at you, St. Barts and Turks and Caicos), but for a truly memorable honeymoon, luxury travel advisor Eugenio Sgroi says the move is to skip these and head to a nearby island that's just oozing with a romantic vibe: Saint Lucia. "The calm waters, breathtaking Piton volcanos, and clear blue skies are the perfect setting for an unforgettable honeymoon," he says. While the picture-perfect beaches and pastel sunsets are the selling points, the island is surprisingly versatile for all manner of beachgoers, foodies, and outdoorsy types. Tour the local chocolate producers, hike one of the two active volcanoes, or simply lounge by the beach or pool—Saint Lucia truly has something for everyone.

Where to Stay: For an unforgettable stay, Sgroi recommends Jade Mountain Resort, where you can find some of the most breathtaking views of the Pitons and the Caribbean Sea. "They offer spectacular suites with infinity pools overlooking the ocean," he says, adding that the Viceroy Sugar Beach is an equally sought-after booking on the island.

What to Pack

For honeymooners who want a mix of adventure and indulgence, Rabia Malik, a luxury travel adviser at Fora, insists that Kenya has been popping up at the top of the African wish list, noting that it's quickly edging out South Africa in this category. "Not only can you explore the history and culture of vibrant Nairobi, but you can experience thrilling luxury safaris in Tsavo National Park near Mount Kilimanjaro and the famous Masai Mara, giving you two unique bush experiences," she adds.

Where to Stay: Kick things off with a stop at Nairobi's cool and modern Tribe Hotel on the way to your safari. Of course, there's also the iconic and historic Giraffe Manor that honeymooners love due to its proximity to the manor's friendly giraffes, but its new wellness center next door, Retreat at Giraffe Manor, is excellent for experiencing the magic of the space, the wellness facilities, and giraffe visitors. (Plus, it's available for a day rate—perfect before an evening flight out of Nairobi.) As for safaris, the luxurious Finch Hattons Tented Camp brings you close to nature in the bush in Tsavo West, while Sir Richard Branson's intimate and homey luxury tents at Mahali Mzuri in the Mara offer the perfect base among the wildlife and the Maasai tribes.

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It doesn't take planning a honeymoon to see that Japan is one of the top destinations for travel in 2024, but it also happens to be one of the most-requested by honeymooners this year. Heading there is a no-brainer when you realize you get to experience a totally different culture and dive into Japanese history and traditions without giving up modern creature comforts. There's an infinite number of reasons to love Japan—The ancient traditions! The design! The vintage shopping!—but it's arguably the most thrilling destination for foodies. Getting to experience authentic versions of the dishes you know and love is a given, but in addition to the sushi and ramen scenes is also Washoku, the traditional Japanese cuisine that's been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The most popular (and classic) itinerary is Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, and Osaka. The best way to travel from one city to another is by bullet train—using the Shinkansen train is an experience in itself.

Where to Stay: Japan offers a lot of stunning properties, but the Aman Tokyo is a fashion-crowd favorite. Sgroi highlights the Mandarin Oriental Tokyo to experience the Asian atmosphere and customer service, Gora Kadan in Hakone for a five-star ryokan experience, and the Park Hyatt in Kyoto.

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Italy is never a bad idea, but instead of heading to the south for the Amalfi Coast with everyone else in the world, head north of Milan—much more north. Malik notes that she's seen a huge uptick in trips to the Italian Dolomites and adds that her clients adore spending their honeymoons nestled in the mountainous region exploring the cute towns, eating authentic Italian food, and indulging in all manner of wellness.

Where to stay: Lefay Dolomiti and the social media viral Forestis Hotel are the top picks for those seeking serenity, wellness, mountain views, and access to wonderful hiking and mountain villages.

What to Pack

With its gorgeous mix of lush landscapes, pristine beaches, and rich cultural experiences, Bali is the ultimate romantic getaway. Getting there may not be quick, but what better excuse to travel across the globe for a week or two than a honeymoon? Having booked 97 honeymoons to Bali last year (!), Malik insists that it's definitely her clients' top wish-list destination. Not only that, but the value for the price is incredible, especially given all the new luxury resorts. There's something for every type of honeymooner, from relaxation to culture to spirituality to adventure—and, yes, you can definitely avoid the crowds, if you know where to go, that is.

Where to stay: Capella Ubud is a breathtaking luxury tented camp nestled in the jungle of Ubud. It pairs so well with the new, more modern oceanfront villas at Raffles Hotel in Jimbaran Bay. For more intrepid clients or those looking for more seclusion, Malik loves sending them to Sumba Island to stay at the all-inclusive luxury property Nihi Sumba.

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It's not hard to see that Sicily has become an It destination in the last two years, in no small part by the influence of HBO's second-season hit of The White Lotus. Taormina and the volcanic Mount Etna are musts for those who want to discover this beautiful island. You might already know that Sicily was formerly dominated by several civilizations, and all that rich history is palpable today. The island offers a cultural blend of Arabic, Greek, French, and Spanish influences that travelers will find everywhere: in the monuments, recipes, pastries, and local people. For an even more remote getaway, Sgroi strongly recommends a jaunt to the Aeolian Islands, the archipelago off the northeast coast of Sicily. "One week with a private catamaran could be one of the best ways to explore the beauties of each island," he adds.

Where to Stay: The Four Seasons in Taormina is famously the setting for The White Lotus and is, of course, in high demand in the wake of the show's popularity. For an equally luxurious stay, the Belmond Villa Sant'Andrea has a romantic feel that mirrors the energy of the island. The five-star Monaci delle Terre Nere is a heavenly resort situated on the slopes of Mount Etna and a true slice of Sicilian paradise. Capofaro Locanda Malvasia in the Aeolian Islands is another special stay that features a winery and renowned on-property restaurant.

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Thailand offers such a diverse array of experiences, from bustling cities like Bangkok to authentic Thai towns like Chiang Mai and stunning islands like Koh Lanta and Koh Samui. Not only that, but the food is incredible, and your money stretches a lot further here. Honeymooners can have three vacations in one with all that Thailand has to offer.

Where to stay: The Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle is a bucket-list hotel for honeymooners. Tucked away in Thailand's northern region, it offers the impeccable Four Seasons service with the allure of Thailand's elephant visitors right outside your luxury tent. In the southern beaches, Six Senses Yao Noi is a peaceful island haven you'll never want to leave, and Koh Lanta's secluded boutique Pimalai is the hidden tropical paradise you'll want to return to year after year (which many people do!), notes Malik.

What to Pack