3 honeymoon destination ideas and itineraries

Congratulations, you’re married! Now that the formalities are done, pack your best evening attire and grab the speedo and bikini: It’s time to head out on your honeymoon. We’ve rounded up our top three honeymoon destination suggestions and are even providing your itinerary for this dream vacay with your brand-new spouse.

THE MALDIVES

Made up of over 1,000 different coral reef islands, each bordered by the finest powdered-sugar white sand beaches on earth, the Maldives are a paradise setting for a honeymoon. Hand in a hand with your soul mate, the Maldives are a tropical wonderland just made for escaping to for a romantic one on one time with little distraction.

Day 1 – Spend your first day diving in the world-class reefs of the Maldives, checking out the underwater denizens of the South Pacific. After you have worked up an appetite treat yourself to an intimate dining experience beneath the turquoise waters themselves at the Ithaa underwater aquarium restaurant, home to the world’s first all glass dining room and an atmosphere as unique as it gets.

Day 2 – Check out the island of Baros, a postcard-perfect atoll home to a luxury guest villa, a marine education center where guests can learn all about the aquatic ecology of the area and the Aquum Spa, where the skilled technicians will massage, polish and otherwise lavish your body with delightful treatments.

Day 3 -On your last day in paradise take it easy and rent your own private island for the day, where you and your sweetie can lounge around in perfect privacy under the swaying palm trees. At night, marveling at the phosphorescent midnight tides of the Glowing Beach of Vaadhoo Island is a spectacular grand final.

PARIS

The “City of Lights” is undoubtedly the most romantic metropolis in Europe for a honeymoon that will burn its way into your memory banks for the rest of your life. The city of endless parks, bridges and cobblestone streets is a playground for newlyweds that truly cannot be beat.

Day 1 – Get your culture on by visiting museums like the Louvre and Musee d’Orsay, with its extensive collection of Monet masterpieces. That night grab a suit rental and get ready for sensory overload at the white table clothes at Allard, the landmark bistro of Saint-Germain-des-Prés.

Day 2 – After a well rested first night, take your newlywed up to the top of the Eiffel Tower, where breathtaking views out of Paris are to be found. Later that evening, try out the fantastic Paris nightlife including the classic elegance of Castel to rub shoulders with the well-heeled, or the O-Chateau wine bar where a full sampling of the best reds and whites of France await you and your love.

Day 3 – No honeymoon in Paris is complete without a trip to the I Love You Wall, a mural located at the Butte Montmartre dedicated to all the lovers of the world. A short walk up the hill leads to the Basilica of Sacre Coeur, a gleaming white cathedral looking out over the area.

ST. BARTH’S

The crown jewel of the French West Indies, the rainforest-covered isle of St. Barth’s is an otherworldly location for a honeymoon. Bring the sexy swimsuit and the tuxedo rental to St. Barth’s, you are going to need them both.

Day 1 – After spending the day on the beach getting your bronze on and slipping into island time, reserve a spot at one of the 80-plus restaurants on the island, many of them run by top French chefs, including Le Toiny, with its seaside dining area and extensive wine list.

Day 2 – Now that you and your newlywed are acclimated, it’s time to get active. Charter a sailing boat and go exploring the crystalline waters around the Leeward Island, where snorkeling and scuba diving right off the boat are what’s in order.

Day 3 – On your last day in heaven, slip into something more sensual and relaxed. St. Barth’s is world-renowned for its high-quality wellness spas, including the five-star Spa Sisley inside the Hotel Christopher.