1st edition.

It’s wedding season! Inspired by friends navigating the challenges of wedding planning, I’ve realized… you also need to plan your honeymoon!? Ideally, you’re only getting married once, so this should be a once-in-a-lifetime trip, right? But where should you go? How do you set a budget? How can you ensure you make the most of your honeymoon experience? It’s stressful, especially if decision-making isn’t your forte, or worse, if you and your partner have completely different travel preferences.

We’ve put together a guide to give you some ideas of places to go, where to stay, and things to do to assist in your planning process. These destinations offer a perfect mix of relaxation and cultural exploration, providing a well-rounded, restful, and unforgettable honeymoon.

Looking for some unexpected honeymoon destinations? Follow this link to learn more.

Southeast Asia – Thailand

The Naka Island, A Luxury Collection Hotel: Phuket, Thailand

A small private island off the coast of Phuket is a place called Naka Island that is a dream come true. The ultimate luxury vacation for an affordable price. The staff are incredibly kind, the food is amazing with many options, and there are plenty of activities to keep you busy during your stay.

Fun fact: Naka Island used to be a Six Senses and was bought out by Marriott. You get the Six Senses design and experience for arguably half the cost.

Six Senses: Koh Samui Thailand

To truly elevate your honeymoon experience, which I strongly suggest to celebrate this special moment, consider visiting Six Senses. Booking a room provides you with a personal butler throughout your stay, ensuring you are treated like royalty. Although it involves a brief flight from Phuket, this makes it an even more secluded retreat where you can indulge in luxury.

Things to do:

• Visit an elephant sanctuary – a truly one in a lifetime experience everyone should do

• Take a private long boat tour – we say private because it’s a better experience than with a group and it’s still a great price. Dylan and I got a private tour for 3 hours which included island hopping, tons of pictures for us, snorkeling, and a private dinner set up on the beach all for ~$100/pp

• Explore the towns and eat street food

• Island Hop to difference destinations by speed boat – each island has different vibe and experience

• Get a Thai massage! Super cheap if you’re getting one outside of the resort and so worth it. They do fully expect you to remove your clothes, but they give you small under garments. We did a couples massage, and it was a comical experience in the best way.

Greece

Amanzoe: Port Heli Greece

While most travelers know to visit Santorini and Mykonos, few are aware of the beauty to be found in the Peloponnese. This peninsula in Southern Greece juts out into the sparkling Aegean Sea, combining incredible views with the feel of a seaside town and the storied history of the ancient Greeks. Sitting on the east coast of this oft-overlooked gem is Amanzoe, a luxury hotel and beach resort described as a modern-day acropolis. Expect dazzling white facades with regal columns set against the pale blue waters of swimming pools and the Aegean Sea beyond. Private villas offer infinity pools, while cabanas give you stellar sea views and access to the surrounding gardens. Take advantage of the boats provided by the hotel, which stand at the ready to whisk you away on an excursion to the nearby Greek islands.

Canaves Oia Luxury Resorts: Santorini Greece

Part of Canaves Oia Luxury Resorts, Canaves Oia can be found outside town, above the quiet fishing village of Ammoudi. Here, you’ll discover 49 vacation rentals — each a luxury villa with a private plunge or swimming pool. Consider this the quintessential honeymoon stay, replete with king-size beds, sprawling living rooms boasting sea views, and a simplistic decor that refuses to distract from the surrounding beauty. Of the many stand-out experiences the hotel can arrange for you, don’t skip on having a sunset wine-tasting. Other destinations in Europe might snag the title of wine capital, but Santorini happens to be the most famous wine region in all of Greece, with a wine-making history extending back 3,000 years.

Things to do

• Walk around and explore town. This is our favorite way to experience a new place and get a feel for the culture.

• Do a catamaran cruise – you can never go wrong with these. Usually there are snacks and drinks included and the best are ones where you can watch the sunset.

• Do a wine tour! Greece has an incredible wine history

• Hike Nea Kameni – a local volcano and a popular hiking spot

• Explore Oia – a picturesaque village in Santorini

Indonesia

Nihi Sumba – by Chris Burch

A short 50-minute flight from Bali, this secluded island retreat features 27 villas, each with its own private pool. Dive into immersive adventures like swimming with horses or exploring local rice paddies. And don’t miss the award-winning ‘Spa Safari’ — a half-day wellness journey that kicks off with a 90-minute sunrise trek. Plus, NIHI Sumba is all in on sustainability; its Sumba Foundation supports local ecological and cultural projects.

Nihi Sumba is the superior unique honeymoon getaway. They are also a premium Fora partner and offer you a plenty of benefits below –

• $100 hotel / resort credit.

• Daily minibar restock.

• Complimentary happy hour.

• Three daily meals and non-alcoholic drinks.

• Sea activities.

• A tour of the Sumba Foundation projects.

• An upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

The Cape: A Thompson Hotel

Step into paradise with a fresh margarita in your hand. Expect endless ocean views at this five-star beachfront hotel, which has been awarded multiple times for its world-class service. Choose from 157 rooms, suites and villas that offer unobstructed views of the Cabo San Lucas Bay and El Arco. Rooms come with private balconies and thoughtful decor details, such as midcentury Latin American furnishings and sateen-woven sheets and linens. Outside the comfort of your room, you’ll find two stunning swimming pools: an infinity pool with a swim-up bar and a saltwater pool carved into the cliffside boasting views of the Pacific Ocean. After you shake off the sand, head to the chic rooftop lounge, where tequila cocktails are served fireside in a sunken communal seating area alongside views of El Arco in the distance. 

Things to do

• Take a boat tour around the island and see the arch. While it’s a very popular activity it’s a must and you can get some great pictures – especially if you do a sunset cruise. Make sure you bring motion sickness medicine because it can get a little rocky with so many boats out there.

• Eat at and explore Flora Farms or Acre – both farm to table with incredible food and views. At Acre they’ll even walk you around the property

South Africa

Royal Malewane – Greater Kruger National Park

This five-star hotel in South Africa is a bush lodge in the heart of the Thornybush Private Game Reserve, in Kruger National Park. As part of the Royal Portfolio, Royal Malewane is a luxury safari camp and an ideal honeymoon destination marked by its exemplary service, thrilling game drives and breathtaking views of the African plains. Newlyweds can treat themselves to one of the luxury suites, which come with a working fireplace, indoor and outdoor showers, private terraces and private pools. Beyond the romantic accommodations, the real draw of Royal Malewane is the numerous opportunities to connect with South Africa’s abundant natural beauty.

Things to do:

• Go on a walking safari to see incredible wildlife

• Take a boat tour down the Blyde Canyon for incredible scenery

Perks of booking through us:

• Free room upgrades upon availability

• Daily breakfast with no additional charge

• Early check in and late check out

• $100 hotel credit to be used on food, drinks, spa – however you want

• Royalty treatment – through Fora we have premium relationships with hotels and they want to keep us happy, meaning they give our clients the VIP treatment

Looking to get started? Contact us to see how we can help you plan your dream honeymoon.

xo – Holly and Dylan