After months of arranging catering and table settings, your honeymoon should be a welcome respite from the stress of wedding planning. If you’re able to afford the time off, we highly recommend taking a few days away to enjoy newlywed life before returning to the “real world.” And rather than returning to a tried-and-true vacation spot, why not try somewhere new?
From an upscale outback lodge in Australia to a Georgian mansion in East England, new hotels and direct flights are making it easier than ever to find the perfect getaway. We’ve compiled our favorite honeymoon destinations for 2020 below to satisfy every type of couple!
1. Whidbey Island, Washington
Source: Sam Strickler | Shutterstock
Whidbey Island is located in Puget Sound, just north of Seattle. The island is accessible by both ferry and a bridge at the northernmost tip of the island. Why do we love it? Year-round, the small stretch of land offers visitors a broad array of activities—from kayaking around coastal inlets to challenging hikes on the rugged terrain inland. Whidbey is also a short drive to a handful of mountains for avid skiers to enjoy.
Where to stay: Captain Whidbey Inn
2. Yerevan, Armenia
Beginning this year, Ryanair offers direct routes to Armenia from Rome and Milan, making it a lot easier to reach the Eurasian country. Yerevan, Armenia’s capital, is brimming with museums, cafes, and shops that are rich in history. Plus, Marriott recently opened an upscale hotel in the city’s center, offering guests easy access to shop and sightsee through downtown.
Where to stay: The Alexander
3. Georgetown, Guyana
Source: Gail Johnson | Shutterstock
Fun fact: Guyana is the only South American country with English as its official language. Georgetown, the country’s capital, is on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean just south of the Caribbean. Because of its location, the city has a Caribbean energy to it, but as you move inland the terrain morphs into a South American rain forest. Guyana offers a taste of both coastal and jungle to let you have a morning at the beach before heading to a mountain hike in the afternoon.
Where to stay: Herdmanston Lodge
4. Somerset, England
Source: Christian Mueller | Shutterstock
If you’re more of a Downtown Abbey than a South American-jungle couple, The Newt is what your honeymoon dreams are made of. The hotel opened just a few months ago on the within an 1800s-era Georgian mansion in Somerset. Surrounding the property you can experience the Roman baths and explore 17th century cottages in the ultra charming towns of Southwest England.
Where to stay: The Newt
5. Jasper, Canada
Source: Glacier View Lodge
Jasper is a three to four hour drive north of Banff in Alberta. The alpine town borders its own namesake national park and is a short drive to the mountains for hiking and skiing. As Banff has gained popularity with tourists over the last few years, Jasper is a welcome respite from tourism—perfectly off the beaten path. The newly opened Glacier View Lodge offers guests an all-inclusive stay, complete with a private glacier tour to get the full experience.
Where to stay: Glacier View Lodge
6. Cape Town, South Africa
Source: KYLE CUT MEDIA | Unsplash
Another destination that will be a lot easier to get to this year is Cape Town. Beginning in 2020, United Airlines will be flying direct from Newark to the South African port city. Cape Town is a cosmopolitan city with a rich food scene, but also offers visitors gorgeous beaches (with penguins!) and amazing hiking. Whether you want day of safariing or pool-side lounging, Cape Town can deliver.
Where to stay: Cape View Clifton
7. Uyuni Salt Flat, Bolivia
Source: Elzbieta Sekowska | Shutterstock
If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime, completely unique honeymoon experience, Bolivia is the destination. The salt flats are located on the southwestern border of the country and cover more than 4,000 square miles. Uyuni is often touted as one of the most beautiful places on Earth. At the Kachi Lodge, a new resort that is less than a year old, guests can sleep in spherical rooms in the center of the flats and be completely immersed in the landscape.
Where to stay: Kachi Lodge
8. Paros, Greece
Source: Kostas Fotiadis | Unsplash
Paros has the pristine blue water and charming white-washed villages of Santorini and Myconos. But the lesser-known island will spare you from the heavy tourism and nightlife that those more well-known Greek islands are known for. For couples hoping for the Greek experience without the crowds, Paros is the perfect place. Parilio is a newly opened boutique hotel on the island and is a guest favorite for sun-drenched patios and an on-site spa.
Where to stay: Parilio Hotel
9. Mareeba, Australia
Source: Mt. Mulligan Lodge
About an hour inland from Queensland’s east coast is the rural town of Mareeba. Although it isn’t far from the ocean, it offers an amazing Australian outback experience. Until last year there was limited accommodation in the area, but last fall the Mount Mulligan Lodge opened its doors about an hour and a half from Mareeba. The Lodge is the perfect place to get off the grid and enjoy your first time together as newlyweds (without sacrificing amazing meals and a swimming pool).
Where to stay: Mount Mulligan Lodge
10. Islamorada, Florida
Source: Keith Luke | Unsplash
Islamorada is part of the Florida Keys, covering six islands in the chain. Islamorada is quieter than Key West, but has the same quintessential Floridian white sand beaches and dolphin spotting. Without leaving the country you and your spouse can enjoy lazy beach days with frozen drinks in hand. For day excursions, head out on the water in a charter or explore the town.
Where to stay: Cheeca Lodge & Spa
