Top Winter Honeymoon Destinations
You’ve said your vows, heard (or endured) the speeches, cut the cake and danced your first dance – now it’s time to kick-start married life with an unforgettable trip. Wondering where to honeymoon in winter? Whether you want tropical beaches, action-packed adventures, or epic wildlife encounters, these honeymoon destinations offer wonderful places to escape the cold or make the most of the northern hemisphere’s coldest months.
Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico
After the stress of planning a wedding, honeymoon decision fatigue can set in. But don’t panic: Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula is a no-brainer. Enjoy turquoise-trimmed beaches along its Caribbean coastline, sip margaritas in a hammock on Isla Holbox, and when your batteries are recharged, let the Mayan ruins of Tulum, Chichén Itzá, Uxmal, and others amaze you with their mysterious temples and enormous feats of architecture. There’s impressive wildlife as well: visit Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve to kayak between mangroves and snorkel with sea turtles.
South Island, New Zealand
New Zealand’s South Island is synonymous with adventure, and adrenaline-seekers will find plenty of activities in Queenstown to celebrate their new life together. From November to March, you have the opportunity to spot orcas in Kaikoura while the 51km-long coastal track in Abel Tasman National Park provides dreamy scenery for day trips and multi-day hikes. For something a bit more leisurely, hire a bike and explore vineyards along the Marlborough Wine Trail, sampling the region’s legendary Sauvignon Blancs.
Oman
Winter is an ideal time to visit Oman – the scorching summer temperatures have mellowed to the mid-20s (°C) and the country’s famed wadis are brimming with emerald and turquoise water. Consider a five-star treat at Six Senses Zighy Bay, gaze at a billion twinkling stars at a remote dessert camp, and explore the north’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, including grand Bahla Fort and mysterious Beehive Tombs. The National Museum of Muscat features a reconstructed tomb and exhibits showcasing Oman’s rich history.
Scotland
Who says honeymoon weather has to be hot? Cosy up in a luxury mountain lodge after a day braving the cold on a hike in The Cairngorms National Park, or enjoy a pub lunch overlooking Loch Ness at Dores Inn. If hot tubs and roaring open fires don’t warm you up, whisky will! There are over 120 distilleries in Scotland to choose from – you can even catch a ferry to Islay to sample some of the peatiest drams.
Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
Nature lovers in need of sunshine should look to the UNESCO-listed archipelago of Fernando de Noronha, home to some of Brazil’s best beaches. Newly-weds can snorkel at Baía dos Porcos, brave a rocky descent to see jaw-dropping Baía do Sancho, or investigate shipwrecks and underwater caves on a dive, enjoying great visibility and warm waters. Visitor numbers are restricted, so it’s advisable to plan your trip in advance.
Dominica
If you want a Caribbean getaway with a difference, try the lesser-visited Dominica. Dubbed ‘the nature island’, it’s ideal for independent couples with an adventurous streak. Spend your days hiking hilly jungle trails in Morne Trois Pitons National Park searching for breathtaking waterfalls, hot springs, and the region’s gotta-see-it-to-believe-it Boiling Lake; or dive at Champagne Reef before relaxing on the island’s diverse beaches.
Tanzania
On a safari in Tanzania, you’ll have the chance to spot giraffes, hippos, big cats, and over 500 species of birds in Serengeti National Park, followed by dining under the stars at a luxury safari camp. Finish your journey with a trek up Kilimanjaro, before unwinding on the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar.
Banff and Jasper, Canada
If winter is your season, embrace it in Banff and Jasper National Parks. Celebrate the beauty that comes with sub-zero temperatures at Lake Louise’s Ice Magic Festival or Snowdays in Banff. Experience thrilling skiing and take in spectacular mountain views while indulging in a relaxing massage. For a chance to catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis, visit between November and February in Jasper Dark Sky Preserve.
Cambodia
Southeast Asia is one of the world’s most affordable honeymoon destinations, and Cambodia is currently emerging as a hot spot. The sprawling ancient Temples of Angkor are a must-see – get there for sunrise to beat the crowds! Afterward, head to the southern islands for some relaxation. Song Saa Private Island offers a luxurious escape, while Koh Rong is perfect for party-lovers.
São Tomé and Príncipe
Move over Mauritius and Seychelles: the lesser-known isles of São Tomé and Príncipe off the west coast of Africa are ready to captivate. Featuring Portuguese colonial architecture, deserted beaches, stunning peaks, and rainforest hiking trails, this destination is perfect for couples looking for off-the-beaten-path adventures. From November to March, witness green hawksbill and leatherback sea turtles nesting, along with exceptional snorkeling visibility.
