5 Underrated Luxury Honeymoon Spots You’ll Love
What comes to mind when you dream of a romantic honeymoon? A Maldives overwater villa, perhaps, or sipping wine in the vineyards of Tuscany? Classic. But what if you could experience the same glamour, romance, and adventure but without the crowds and price points that reach for the stratosphere?
Overrated honeymoon destinations possess the same glamour and luxury as overcrowded hotspots but with a little more charm (and much more peace). Picture yourself with flawless beaches devoid of a hundred sunbathers, opulent resorts in which the locals know your name, and pursuits that are simply for the two of you. Sounded perfect? Let us look at some of the world’s best-kept secrets for the ultimate honeymoon.
How to Plan & Fund Your Dream Honeymoon
Let’s be real—luxury honeymoons don’t exactly come cheap. But that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re out of the question. With a little planning (and some creative budgeting), you can turn your honeymoon dream into a reality. First, book early. Luxury boutique hotels all offer early-bird deals, and the sooner you book flights, the cheaper they are. Second, consider honeymoon financing options. Many resorts allow installment payments, or else you can pay with a travel credit card with great rewards to offset expenses.
Another smart move? Set up a honeymoon registry. Instead of a stack of kitchen gadgets you’ll never use, why not have guests contribute to unforgettable experiences—like a private dinner on the beach or a couples’ spa day? It’s a win-win.
1. Puglia, Italy – Rustic Romance on the Coast
Tuscany is the favorite, but Puglia? It’s Italy’s best-kept secret. Along the Adriatic coast, this region oozes old-world charm. Picture stunning whitewashed villages, sun-baked olive groves, and boutique masserias—lovely countryside estates turned luxury hotels. Imagine waking up in a centuries-old farmhouse with views over the Mediterranean, enjoying homemade pasta, and spending the afternoon on secluded golden beaches. It’s complete relaxation and adventure in one, all with that unmistakable Italian flair.
2. Sumba Island, Indonesia – A Private Island Getaway Without the Price Tag
Bali is beautiful, but it’s busy. If you want a tropical honeymoon but minus the tourists, Sumba Island is where you need to go. It’s remote, secluded, and has one of the world’s most luxurious (but eco-friendly) resorts: Nihi Sumba. Here, barefoot luxury prevails—picture private villas with infinity pools, jungle spa treatments, and wild horses running along the beach. And if you, or your partner, are surfers, surfing here is legendary. Even if you’re in it for just the sun, sea, and love, Sumba is an experience you’ll never forget.
3. Mozambique’s Quirimbas Archipelago – Safari Meets the Sea
Imagine this: One day, you’re on a boat watching dolphins play in the crystal-clear waters. The next, you’re on a safari, spotting elephants and lions in their natural habitat. Mozambique’s Quirimbas Archipelago offers the perfect blend of adventure and pure, laid-back luxury. With resort islands like Azura Quilalea, you have your own beachfront villas, fine dining, and some of the best snorkeling and diving in the world. It’s the kind of honeymoon where you can unwind with champagne on the beach and then visit coral reefs afterward.
4. Slovenia – A European Fairytale Without the Crowds
If you’ve ever looked at a picture of Lake Bled, you already know that Slovenia is like something out of a fairy tale. But aside from the well-known lake, this nation is full of secret honeymoon-worthy treasures. From high-end boutique hotels in Ljubljana to remote alpine retreats in the Julian Alps, Slovenia is a paradise for nature enthusiasts, history enthusiasts, and wine aficionados. You can hike your days away in emerald-green valleys, wine taste in Goriška Brda’s rolling vineyards, or simply soak up the peace of this off-the-beaten-path European paradise.
5. Uruguay – A Relaxing, Luxe Beach Getaway
South America’s honeymoon scene is often all about Brazil and Argentina, but Uruguay? Total hidden gem. If you’re looking for a stylish, sophisticated, and effortlessly cool destination, this is it. José Ignacio, a hip beach town beyond Punta del Este, embodies the French Riviera’s beauty without arrogance. Imagine peaceful beaches, romantic boutique hotels, and incredible seafood to die for. And should wine be your cup of tea? Uruguay’s wine estates at Carmelo deliver first-class wines amidst picturesque country houses.
Final Thoughts: Make Your Honeymoon Unforgettable
Choosing an off-the-beaten-path location need not mean sacrificing luxury. Actually, it is often the key thing in having an even more personal, intimate, and unique experience. Whether you spend your time drinking wine in Puglia, lounging in a secluded villa in Mozambique, or driving through Slovenia’s fairytale scenery, your honeymoon must be exactly what you imagine—romantic, luxurious, and completely unforgettable.
Then what hidden treasure are you drawn to? Where you go, always remember: the best honeymoons aren’t about checking an item off of a bucket list—they’re about creating moments that you’ll never forget.