Romantic Honeymoon Spots to Escape the Winter

When the chill of winter sets in and you find yourself craving sunshine and balmy breezes, planning a romantic honeymoon in a far-flung paradise can feel like the perfect remedy. Whether you’re seeking ultimate luxury by the beach, offbeat cultural adventures, or intimate hideaways cocooned by nature, there’s a warm-weather destination calling your name. Below, we’ve compiled a list of romantic honeymoon spots in winter—from postcard-perfect atolls in the Indian Ocean to laid-back tropical retreats closer to home—where you and your loved one can bask in the sun and begin your new life together in style.

The Maldives

Turquoise waters, sugar-white sandbanks, and overwater bungalows make the Maldives a top honeymoon spot in winter. Picture stepping directly from your private villa into a warm lagoon brimming with colorful fish.

Tips & Advice:

1. Night Snorkeling: Sign up for a guided night snorkeling tour to see the dazzling bioluminescent plankton. You’ll feel like you’re swimming among the stars!
2. Dining Under the Sea: Some resorts offer underwater restaurants—an otherworldly (and often pricey) experience.
3. Cultural Insight: Take a half-day trip to a local island to meet friendly residents and experience authentic Maldivian cuisine.

Price Range: Overwater bungalows typically start around $400–$800 per night in off-peak season, and can soar well above $1,000 a night during peak winter months. Many resorts offer all-inclusive packages that cover meals and water sports.

Bali, Indonesia

Famed for its terraced rice fields and spiritual vibe, Bali is a haven for couples seeking nature, culture, and relaxation. From Ubud’s yoga sanctuaries to the island’s sun-kissed southern shores, there’s a little something for everyone.

Tips & Advice:

1. Explore Beyond the Beach: Visit Ubud’s Sacred Monkey Forest, trek to hidden waterfalls in the north, and try a Balinese cooking class to bring local flavors home.
2. Sunset at Tanah Lot: One of the most iconic temples in Bali, Tanah Lot offers breathtaking ocean views—arrive early to avoid crowds and enjoy a peaceful moment.
3. Spa Treats: Couples’ massages are extremely popular. Many spas feature open-air pavilions surrounded by rice paddies or tropical gardens.

Price Range: Mid-range villas with private pools can be found for around $80–$150 per night. Upscale resorts or luxury pool villas can range from $200 to well over $1,000 per night, especially near Seminyak and Ubud’s prime locations.

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Renowned for its ethereal lagoon, Bora Bora embodies the quintessential tropical fantasy. Dive into crystal-clear waters or indulge in a canoe breakfast delivered right to your overwater bungalow.

Tips & Advice:

1. Lagoon Safari: Swim with gentle reef sharks and curious stingrays for a thrilling encounter with marine life.
2. Off-Road Adventure: Embark on a 4x4 excursion to discover hidden viewpoints and historical sites, adding a dash of intrigue to your trip.
3. Polynesian Night: Many resorts host traditional dance shows under the stars—don’t miss the chance to try local dishes like poisson cru (marinated fish in coconut milk).

Price Range: Overwater bungalows usually start around $500–$700 per night, with luxury options climbing to $2,000 or more. If you plan ahead or visit in the off-season (November–April), you might snag lower rates.

Maui, Hawaii

A tapestry of pristine beaches, volcanic landscapes, and vibrant cultural traditions await on Maui. This Hawaiian gem appeals to honeymooners who love adventure but also yearn for serene, romantic moments.

Tips & Advice:

1. Haleakalā Sunrise: Book a guided tour or drive up the mountain yourself—but arrive early! You’ll need a reservation to witness the sky burst into brilliant color above the clouds.
2. Road to Hāna: Take your time on this winding route to explore waterfalls, black-sand beaches, and fruit stands selling fresh banana bread.
3. Luau for Two: Experience Polynesian cuisine, music, and dance. It’s touristy, yes, but sharing a traditional feast under the stars is something you won’t soon forget.

Price Range: Expect to pay $200–$400 per night for mid-range hotels near popular beaches, while luxury resorts in Wailea or Kāʻanapali can exceed $600 nightly. Experiences like a luau or helicopter tour can add extra costs, so budget accordingly.

Santorini, Greece

Famed for its whitewashed buildings, blue-domed churches, and sweeping sea views, Santorini is one of the best honeymoon spots to escape winter. Stroll hand-in-hand through winding cliffside streets and soak in sunsets that have inspired poets and travelers alike.

Tips & Advice:

1. Caldera Cruise: Charter a catamaran to explore volcanic hot springs and secret coves, and end the evening with a front-row seat to the island’s legendary sunset.
2. Wine Tasting: Sample local Assyrtiko wines, grown in the island’s unique volcanic soil. The crisp flavors pair beautifully with fresh seafood.
3. Avoid the Crowds: Oia is magical, but packed. Stay in smaller villages like Imerovigli or Pyrgos for a more intimate ambiance.

Price Range: Cliffside boutique hotels with caldera views often start around $250–$400 per night. Ultra-luxury cave suites with private plunge pools can climb to $1,000+ a night in peak summer. Visiting in the shoulder season (April–June, September–October) may net you better deals.

Tulum, Mexico

On the Yucatán Peninsula lies Tulum—part bohemian escape, part beach paradise. With ancient Mayan ruins perched on a dramatic cliff overlooking turquoise waters, Tulum offers a distinctive blend of history and serene coastal beauty.

Tips & Advice:

1. Cenote Exploration: These freshwater sinkholes are perfect for snorkeling or paddle-boarding. Gran Cenote and Dos Ojos are among the most spectacular.
2. Eco-Chic Accommodations: Many resorts and boutique hotels emphasize sustainability; consider staying in a solar-powered villa or eco-lodge for a unique experience.
3. Taste the Local Flavors: Savor ceviche, tacos al pastor, and mezcal-based cocktails at rustic beach bars or trendy open-air restaurants.

Price Range: Beachfront cabanas often cost $150–$300 a night, while high-end, eco-friendly resorts can charge $400–$800 nightly. Look for packages that include yoga classes or excursions to nearby cenotes for added value.

Seychelles

A scattering of more than 100 islands in the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles is all about exotic beaches framed by colossal granite boulders. Each island has its own character, but they all share a paradisiacal aura perfect for newlyweds.

Tips & Advice:

1. Island Hopping: Ferries or short flights connect Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue—each one unveils hidden coves, vibrant coral reefs, and unique wildlife encounters.
2. Giant Tortoises: Don’t miss Curieuse Island, home to the enormous Aldabra tortoises that can live for more than a century.
3. Private Beach Picnic: Many resorts offer a secluded picnic setup with champagne on a deserted beach—ideal for an Instagram-worthy moment.

Price Range: Mid-range hotels can go for $200–$400 per night, while ultra-luxury island resorts easily exceed $1,000 nightly. Keep an eye out for half-board or all-inclusive specials to manage costs.

The Amalfi Coast, Italy

Steep cliffs draped in pastel-hued villages, lemon trees perfuming the breeze, and the cerulean Tyrrhenian Sea combine to make Italy’s Amalfi Coast a top honeymoon idea for winter.

Tips & Advice:

1. Explore by Boat: Hire a private boat or hop on a ferry to see the coastline from the water—a vantage point that reveals hidden grottos and secluded beaches.
2. Taste the Local Fare: Indulge in fresh seafood pasta and tangy limoncello straight from local lemon groves.
3. Day Trip to Capri: A quick ferry ride takes you to Capri, where you can venture into the Blue Grotto or shop at chic boutiques lining the piazzetta.

Price Range: Boutique hotels can start around $150–$300 per night depending on the town (Positano and Ravello are pricier). Upscale stays with private terraces overlooking the sea can go well above $600 nightly, especially in peak summer.

Marrakech, Morocco

A feast for the senses, Marrakech brims with vibrant colors, exotic aromas, and lively souks. A honeymoon here offers a complete cultural immersion in a city that never seems to sleep.

Tips & Advice:

1. Riad Stay: Opt for a traditional riad with an interior courtyard—some even have rooftop terraces for dining under the stars.
2. Haggle at the Souks: Negotiating prices is part of the local culture, so channel your inner bargainer while picking up rugs, spices, and ceramic treasures.
3. Peaceful Escapes: Retreat to the Majorelle Garden or a luxury hammam (bathhouse) for a rejuvenating couples’ spa experience after the Medina’s hustle and bustle.

Price Range: Comfortable riads can be found for $70–$150 per night, while lavish palace hotels featuring pools and on-site spas can cost $300–$600 a night. Street food is extremely affordable, but high-end dining at luxury restaurants can run $40–$60 per person.

Whitsunday Islands, Australia

Off the coast of Queensland lies a mosaic of emerald islands embraced by turquoise seas. The Whitsundays grant easy access to the Great Barrier Reef, making it a top pick for water-loving honeymooners.

Tips & Advice:

1. Sail Away: Book a private catamaran or join a crewed yacht tour to hop among the islands. Whitehaven Beach, with its swirling white silica sands, is a must-see.
2. Great Barrier Reef: Snorkel or dive among vibrant coral gardens teeming with marine life—plus, you might spot sea turtles or playful dolphins.
3. Land Adventures: Hamilton Island offers scenic hikes and wildlife encounters, including the chance to meet friendly wallabies and kookaburras.

Price Range: Expect to spend $200–$400 per night for a mid-range hotel on Hamilton Island or Airlie Beach. Private sailing charters and reef tours can add $100–$300 per person. Luxury island resorts often cost $500–$1,000 per night.

Fiji

Comprising over 300 sun-kissed islands, Fiji invites honeymooners to blend relaxation with adventure in a famously welcoming culture. Warm smiles and rhythmic island music set the tone for a laid-back celebration of love.

Tips & Advice:

1. Island Hopping: Use ferries or local flights to explore the Yasawa and Mamanuca island groups, known for their postcard-worthy beaches and lagoons.
2. Kava Ceremony: Immerse yourselves in a traditional kava ceremony to get a taste of local customs—just be prepared for the tingling effect of this earthy drink!
3. Underwater Thrills: Fiji’s crystal-clear waters are perfect for snorkeling or diving among vibrant coral reefs and schools of tropical fish.

Price Range: Budget-friendly beachfront bure (thatched huts) can be as low as $100–$150 per night, while secluded private-island resorts can climb to $800–$1,500 nightly. All-inclusive packages with meals and activities are common.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica truly stands out among the best honeymoon spots to get away from winter. “Pura Vida” is more than a phrase here—it’s a lifestyle that honeymooners quickly embrace. Nature’s playground abounds with rainforests, volcanoes, and wildlife, making it perfect for couples who love outdoor adventures.

Tips & Advice:

1. Arenal Hot Springs: Soak in the thermal waters at the foot of the Arenal Volcano—many resorts have on-site hot springs.
2. Ziplining & Rafting: Monteverde’s cloud forest is famous for canopy tours, while the Pacuare River offers thrilling white-water rafting.
3. Beach Bliss: After your jungle escapades, unwind on the golden sands of Guanacaste or the lush shores of the Osa Peninsula.

Price Range: Lodges near national parks often cost $100–$300 per night. Luxury eco-lodges, featuring private plunge pools and gourmet dining, can range from $400 to $700 nightly. Tours and adventure activities average $50–$100 per person.

The Canary Islands, Spain

A volcanic archipelago off the coast of Africa but part of Spain, the Canary Islands delight honeymooners with diverse landscapes—from black-sand beaches to lush forests and towering peaks.

Tips & Advice:

1. Island Variety: Tenerife hosts Spain’s highest summit (Mount Teide), Lanzarote features otherworldly lava fields, and La Palma has some of the best stargazing on Earth.
2. Local Cuisine: Sample papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes) with spicy mojo sauce, and don’t forget to try local goat cheese.
3. Outdoor Adventures: Hiking and biking trails crisscross the islands; couples can also explore sea caves by kayak or snorkel off the beach.

Price Range: Mid-range hotels generally range from $80–$150 per night. Luxury seaside resorts with pools and spas can cost $200–$400 nightly. Off-season deals (November–March) can yield even better prices.

Cartagena, Colombia

A jewel of Colombia’s Caribbean coast, Cartagena enchants with its walled city, lively plazas, and vibrant salsa rhythms. Colonial architecture painted in vivid colors adds to the romance of wandering these historic streets.

Tips & Advice:

1. Rosario Islands: Plan a day trip to the nearby Rosario Islands to snorkel over coral reefs teeming with tropical fish.
2. Café Culture: Savor locally grown Colombian coffee in one of the city’s many charming cafés—perfect for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up.
3. Nightlife: Let the music move you at a salsa club, or enjoy cocktails on the historic city walls under the glow of the setting sun.

Price Range: Boutique hotels in the walled city can cost $100–$200 per night, while upscale options in trendy Getsemaní or Bocagrande range $250–$400 nightly. Dining can be as low as $3–$5 for street eats, or $30+ for a fine-dining experience.

Zanzibar, Tanzania

An exotic fusion of African, Arab, and European influences, Zanzibar allures honeymooners with its spice plantations, turquoise waters, and architecture steeped in history.

Tips & Advice:

1. Stone Town Wanderings: Navigate the narrow alleys to discover hidden squares and intricately carved wooden doors—each telling its own story.
2. Spice Tour: Learn about cloves, cinnamon, vanilla, and cardamom at a local spice farm—Zanzibar’s nickname is “Spice Island” for a reason.
3. Beach Hop: From the lively shores of Nungwi to quieter Kendwa, you’ll find glorious stretches of white sand and plenty of water sports.

Price Range: Charming beachfront bungalows might run $80–$150 per night, whereas plush private villas or high-end resorts can approach $400–$700. Organized tours, like a spice farm excursion, typically cost $25–$50 per person.