When you think of your “perfect” honeymoon destination, do you imagine palms swaying in the breeze, moonlit strolls along the beach, and romantic candlelit dinners? Many people do. No wonder beach destinations are so popular with honeymooners!
While trips to remote islands rate high on most people’s dream honeymoon wishlists, it’s not necessary to spend 13 hours on an airplane to get to an enchanting destination. Whether you’re looking for privacy, seclusion or days filled with activity, here are some honeymoon favorites that aren’t too far away. They might be just right for you.
Sandals Grande St. Lucian / Sandals
St. Lucia
One of the Caribbean’s top honeymoon destinations, St. Lucia not only offers spectacular scenery, but good beaches and great diving. With a breathtaking backdrop of towering, green-clad mountains – you may recognize the island’s iconic twin peaks from post cards – the glittering Caribbean Sea here is fringed by palms and secluded coves. Seclusion? Check! Privacy? Check! Gorgeous? You bet. Don’t come here for powdery white sand though – you won’t find it. The sand ranges from gold to gray.
But with a myraid of luxury resorts, boutique properties, private villas and cottages, friendly islanders and a variety of cultural attractions, you really can’t go wrong with St. Lucia. Continuously voted “the most romantic destination in the world”, St. Lucia has a lot to offer those who want to do more than relax on a beach. Explore the island’s lush rainforest, dive beneath the Pitons, zipline by moonlight and spend some time dining on the island’s mouthwatering fusion cuisine.
Honeymoon tip: For a great dining experience, take the ferry across the stunning secluded lagoon of Marigot Bay to reach the Rainforest Hideaway for some delicious Caribbean cuisine.
Omni Amelia Island Plantation’s Falcon’s Nest Restaurant / Omni Amelia Island Plantation
Amelia Island, Florida
No need for a long flight or a passport to get here. This is far from your typical Florida Spring Break destination. With championship golf courses offering the tranquil backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean and thirteen miles of beautiful beaches, this barrier island is a popular place to get away from it all. Located in Northeastern Florida, Amelia Island gets you close to nature. This is the place to go if you want to watch sea turtles nest, go horseback riding on the beach, or fish for kingfish, amberjack, or tarpon.
A memorable place to stay here is the Omni Amelia Island Plantation. If you enjoy spa treatments, you’ll love this resort. Amelia Island Plantation has a top-notch spa that is committed to “Clean and Green” organic and fair trade products. It offers a relaxation area and garden, perfect for before and after a couple’s massage. The Falcon’s Nest, the resort’s family-friendly pub and restaurant that pays homage to civil and military aviation, is a fun place to eat.
Other dining options range from flip-flop friendly French market/deli Marché Burette to fine dining at Verandah, which features fresh seafood and southern-inspired fare.
Honeymoon tip: Go and explore Omni Amelia Island’s newest passion, The Sprouting Project, an aquaponic greenhouse where you can see all of the fresh herbs and vegetables that will soon be served on your dinner plate.
Beaches Resort Turks and Caicos/ Melody Moser
Turks and Caicos Islands
If you love sweeping, white sand beaches and waves that shimmer in myriad shades of turquoise, the Turks and Caicos islands are for you. Here you’ll find some of the best beaches in the world – that’s in the world, not just in the Caribbean. Located in the British West Indies, the Turks and Caicos islands are only a 90-minute flight from Miami. Safe, quiet, and boasting world-class accommodations, these islands offer romance, relaxation, diving and ecotourism.
Each island has a different character. For instance Grand Turk is known for its pastel-colored buildings and colonial cobblestone streets, where donkeys are part of the traffic. Cruise passengers disembark here to enjoy the town and the sugar-white sand.
The Middle Caicos have a fascinating cave system, and Providenciales, the main tourism island, has endless beaches and a wealth of resorts and hotels. There are 240 miles of coral reef surrounding these islands, so plan to spend some time snorkeling or scuba diving!
Honeymoon tip: Consider a “combo” package to split your stay between more than one island.
