Zoe Milton

Zoe Milton

Senior Destination Manager - Asia & Pacific Islands

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Of all the holidays you’ll ever take, your honeymoon is the one where memories will last forever. Every year, more than 7,000 couples choose Trailfinders to inspire them so here’s our rundown of the best honeymoon destinations in the world, to help you decide where to go on honeymoon.

Maldives

This string of idyllic coral islands scattered across the unbelievable blue waters of the equator boasts some of the most luxurious resorts in the world. Complete relaxation, utter seclusion, exquisite private island retreats and exclusive romantic experiences, your honeymoon fairytale is just beginning in the Maldives…

Hand over your shoes while you’re making your glamorous speedboat arrival, you won’t be needing them whilst you’re here! Six Senses Laamu has a very relaxed atmosphere – your GEM (Guest Experience Maker) can be contacted at the press of a button. They’ll know what you want before you even know it yourself, whether it be a table for a sumptuous dinner at one of the 4 gorgeous restaurants or a complimentary bowl of ice-cream, chosen from the 42 flavours you’ll find at the ice-cream parlour. With powder white sand, crystal clear turquoise waters and a rainbow of marine life found in the house reef, Six Senses created an eco-friendly yet luxurious haven deep in the Maldivian archipelago.

For the WOW factor… Once the sun has set, snuggle up with your loved one with your favourite cocktail and a bag of warm popcorn at the cinema under the stars. Showing some of the classics as well as modern favourites, this romantic, candlelit haven is the perfect end to the day.

 

An overwater villa with a pool in the Maldives

South Africa

South Africa has the spectacular landscapes, the sassy cities, the beaches, the Big Five and incredible food and wine… we could go on! Add a jet-lag free arrival, and its little surprise that it is our number one honeymoon destination.

On safari, romance and luxury need not go amiss, in fact, quite the opposite. Collect your car from Jo’burg and head towards the open plains of Mpumalanga, basking in spectacular scenery, with waterfalls, mountains, and some of the world’s most famous game reserves. With just eight individually styled rooms overlooking the magnificent Mpumalanga escarpment, Dawson’s Game Lodge  is a place of absolute relaxation. Sip cool drinks under a glorious African sunset at the end of another wonderful day spent in the bush.

Spanning from Mozambique to Zimbabwe, Kruger National Park is home to the largest variety of wildlife species on the entire African continent. Situated in a private concession within the park, housing six luxury tented suites complete with front row views of the dam, Hamiltons Tented Camp guarantees an experience of a lifetime. Wedded bliss will ensue as you are wowed with romantic dinners under the African stars, champagne breakfasts, extraordinary wildlife encounters and even your own butler.

For the WOW factor… Look out for the pride of lions that frequent the Ngwenyeni Dam near Hamiltons Tented Camp.

 

An open plain in South Africa at sunset

Western USA

Jaw-dropping attractions neighboured by pretty vineyards, staggeringly beautiful national parks, miles of stunning coastline and cities that never sleep – Western USA is as exciting as it is romantic. So if you’re stuck between city and beach, adventure and relaxation, this diverse region might just be for you…

A fly drive combining the glitz of Las Vegas and the staggering natural beauty of the American west is a wonderful honeymoon combination.

Voted the best hotel in Vegas and oozing sophistication, the Encore at Wynn Las Vegas is the only place to start this USA honeymoon. We would highly recommend relaxing after your flight with an indulgent treatment in the hotel’s award-winning spa.

Fully restored, collect your car and head for the mind-blowing vistas of Zion National Park, home to mighty canyons, forests and the amazing ‘hanging gardens’. The scenery becomes ever more impressive as you approach your next destination, Bryce Canyon National Park, famous for its towering hoodoo rock formations. For the best views, rise early to hike the Rim Trail. When night falls, wrap up warm and join a park ranger on a stargazing tour.

The peaceful oasis of Lake Powell is your next stop home to 2,000 miles of breathtaking shoreline. Hire a boat and find a secluded cove, take a dinner cruise or try a spot of fishing under the desert sun. Head further into the Wild West, where Monument Valley’s soaring red buttes and eroded mesas rise dramatically from the desert floor. There’s no better – or romantic – way to experience the landscape here than by staying at The View Hotel, named after its biggest asset.

Nothing can quite prepare you for the seemingly endless sweep of the Grand Canyon, your final destination. Explore the canyon by foot, boat or horseback, before finding a vantage point to watch the sunset behind the desert rocks.

For the WOW factor… take a helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon for awe-inspiring aerial views.

 

Monuments National Park in the USA

Thailand

Idyllic beaches, bustling cities and remote jungle landscapes make Thailand the destination where you really can have it all, and with frequent domestic flights, it’s easy to combine city and beach. For the perfect honeymoon combine some time on the beaches of Khao Lak and Krabi with the wildfie and natural beauty of Khao Sok National Park.

Khao Lak maybe just an hour’s drive north of Phuket, but the beautiful tranquil beaches feel like a different world entirely, making it a wonderful choice for a honeymoon escape. Draw yourself away from the beach to explore the nearby Similan Islands – a divers’ paradise teeming with rich marine life. The scenery becomes ever more impressive as you approach your next destination, Elephant Hills deep inside the beautiful Khao Sok National Park. Alive with the sounds of the jungle, Thailand’s first tented camp is surrounded by limestone rock faces, coconut mangroves and an abundance of wildlife. Accompanied by an experienced guide, you’ll enjoy rainforest tours by foot and long tail boat, and get up close to the majestic Asian elephant at the elephant sanctuary. After a day exploring, dine at the resort’s unique floating rainforest camp on the Cheow Larn Lake – a truly memorable experience.

For some post-safari R&R, transfer to the Dusit Thani Krabi Beach Resort on the coral-fringed beaches of Krabi, where craggy cliffs rise dramatically from the Andaman Sea. Sip a cocktail by the pool, enjoy a beachfront dinner at sunset or indulge in a sumptuous treatment at the spa. When you’re ready to explore, kayak among the hundreds of islands and caves, or enjoy a dip in the famous ‘Klong Thom Hot Springs’.

For the WOW factor… We can organise a speedboat tour from Krabi to the neighbouring Phi Phi Islands. Explore the deserted beaches, colourful coral reefs and the beautiful Maya Bay, made famous by the film ‘The Beach’.

 

An aerial view of Elephant Hills tented camp in Thailand

Bali

Palm-fringed beaches are its calling card, but there’s much more to Bali than sun, sand and surf, and we’d recommend exploring it with the luxury of your private car and driver. You’ll be met on arrival and whisked to Candi Dasa, on Bali’s unspoilt east coast, to relax after your flight. Feeling well rested, enjoy a tour of Bali’s ‘mother temple’, Besakih, before trekking through rice fields and ancient villages.

Travel south through jungle-clad mountains to the cultural heart of Ubud, offering a spectacular backdrop of verdant forest lined by terraced paddies and dubbed Bali’s foodie scene. Visit the colourful markets, dine overlooking the Tjampuhan river valley and relax with a massage. After a week of exploring it’s time for a little TLC. A long-time favourite of TF, the luxury Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa boasts a prime location on a gorgeous stretch of beach. This authentic Balinese resort offers plenty of facilities, including an award-winning spa, 5 fabulous restaurants and 3 stunning pools – perfect to just sit back, relax and unwind…

For the WOW factor…For something extra special, upgrade to the Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan, tucked into the hillside of the sacred Ayung River Valley.

 

A beautiful Hindu temple on a lake in Bali

Italy's Amalfi Coast

The intoxicating beauty of Europe’s most charming coastline exudes romance and is the perfect honeymoon destination. Be hypnotised by incredible coastal vistas, devour delicious cuisine and discover hidden treasures in the secluded tranquil coves of Italy’s Amalfi Coast.

The UNESCO-protected Amalfi Coast is renowned as one of the most beautiful areas in all of Italy. All along the coast, sheer crags rise effortlessly from the sea, disturbed only by the smattering of cliff-clinging towns. Explore the sophisticated, hilltop resort of Sorrento, lively Naples, the birthplace of the Italian pizza, or step back in time amongst Pompeii’s historic ruins at the foot of the formidable Mount Vesuvius.

For the WOW factor… Extend your honeymoon with a stay in elegant Positano. This delightful Amalfi Coast town sweeps dramatically down the hillside in a wave of peach and pink hues. With chic hotels adorned with bougainvillea, charming boutiques and romantic restaurants overlooking the shimmering sea, there’s a picture perfect moment around every corner.

 

A view of the colourful buildings on Italy's Amalfi Coast

For more inspiration, take a look at our Honeymoons pages.