Are you hoping to escape the gloomy and bitter winter nights in exchange for tropical trinkets on the beach? Perhaps you’re a snow bunny who dreams of a romantic evening spent by the fire at a ski lodge? Winter is one of the best times to go on a honeymoon, and we’ve compiled a list of the top places to visit. The months of November to February offer some of the best travel opportunities all year. Winter (Northern Hemisphere winter, that is) delivers the perfect conditions for some fantastic honeymoon getaways throughout the world, whether you’re searching for a break in the snow, a week on the beach, or a city retreat that won’t get rained on.
1. The Baja
Cabo is on its way back. Dives with whale sharks, dolphins, rays, and other marine life can be found in the Sea of Cortez. The wine nation of Mexico is as stylish as it gets. And, owing to fashionable boutique hotels, Pueblo Magicos – like our editor Claire Eliza’s own wedding venue, Todos Santos – are becoming more accessible and luxurious. It’s never been a better time to explore Baja California and Baja California Sur in Mexico.
Mexico is one of those places that, while it may appear tried and true, constantly has something exciting and new to offer visitors. San Jose del Cabo is a great option for couples looking for a vibrant city near the beach. Cabo San Lucas’ more authentic sister city has chic hotels, a vibrant food scene, and a variety of opulent resorts that pay homage to Mexico’s history.
2. Hawai’i
The Hawaiian Islands have near-perfect weather all winter for those seeking a vacation from their Northern cold. Hawai’i has a place for every style of relationship, with eight major islands to select from. Looking for luxurious villas and lush rainforests? Go to Kauai. Consider an all-inclusive beach vacation. Try Maui. Wish you could be the lone pair on your own tropical paradise island? Think about Molokini. If you’re looking for a serious outdoor experience (our editor Claire Eliza swears by it…), look no farther than Hawaii’s Big Island. The Big Island is a rough adventurer’s paradise, with active volcanoes, black sand beaches, deserts, ranchlands, holy valleys, sky-high waterfalls, and lots of space to run around.
3. The Caribbean
The Caribbean islands, another post-Christmas playground for the rich and famous, provide a plethora of romantic getaway possibilities. As you may recall, we visited Barbados and Antiqua, and when combined with other Caribbean islands such as St. Lucia, Mustique, and St. John, or larger islands such as Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, or Puerto Rico, you can plan a single or multi-destination winter vacation with guaranteed sunshine. A holiday in the Caribbean is much more than just lazing by the pool, with world-class resorts, stunning beaches, and the friendliest people. Watersports, wildlife, nightlife, and delicious food make this a really unforgettable destination, and winter is the best time to visit.
4. Utah
For domestic travel, the American West has never called louder. Not only can US couples go by automobile (or maybe a leased VW bus?) to some of the world’s most geologically distinctive and stunning sites. However, because to huge, empty National Parks, landmarks, and the open road, anyone visiting Utah and the surrounding wild states can socially remove themselves with ease.This Spring, we shared our wanderlust for Utah’s Amangiri Resort in our Post-Coronavirus Honeymoon Guide, but for a Winter honeymoon, how about one of Utah’s numerous luxury spa resorts? Imagine skiing (or snowboarding, in the case of our editor Claire Eliza) to your luxury honeymoon suite and spending lovely evenings with your sweetheart by the fireside.
5. The Swiss Alps
Some couples prefer a winter honeymoon that takes them away from the cold, while others like to go right to the heart of the matter. And there’s nowhere quite like Switzerland for soaking in the apres-ski vibes in a romantic setting. The most spectacular winter scenery may be seen in Alpine destinations such as Klosters (a favourite of the Royals), St Moritz, Davos, Gstaad, Wengen, and Verbier. While skiing and snowboarding are the most popular winter activities in the Alps, less athletic honeymooners can enjoy thermal spas, picturesque villages, and lake cruises. Put your feet up by the fire with a thick hot chocolate and your new spouse if all else fails.
6. The Canary Island
The Canary Islands, now fully open and safe following the recent volcanic eruption, provide a bright seaside haven for Europeans (and the rest of us!) to escape the winter chill. The European islands off the coast of Morocco average 70 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) from December to March. Which Canary Island, though, is the best? While Tenerife, the largest and most inhabited island, has the most upscale accommodations, it would be a shame not to explore one or two of the smaller islands. La Palma honours nature by providing visitors with natural preserves as well as serenity and tranquilly. Enjoy the sun on Fuerteventura’s famous beaches, or arrange a trip to Gran Canaria that includes a variety of activities. Many consider La Gomera to be a paradise.
7. Southern Thailand
Southern Thailand is another typical winter vacation spot, but that doesn’t mean your honeymoon has to be. This region has it all, whether you’re seeking for a five-star hotel or an island beach house. Off Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi, and Ko Lanta, rugged cliffsides give famous scenery, while the Gulf of Thailand to the east offers white sand beaches and fantastic diving on Koh Tao, Koh Samui, and Koh Pha Ngan. The entire region has fantastic food and a vibrant nightlife, but if you’re looking for a little peace, privacy, and romance, it’s not impossible to locate in this bustling part of the world.
8. Tanzanian Serengeti
We celebrated African Wedding Week this fall, highlighting the top African wedding destinations as well as what to wear on a safari honeymoon. If it has piqued your interest in a winter honeymoon in the wild, the Serengeti in Tanzania is one of the best places to visit at this time of year. A million wildebeest will begin their Great Migration south through the Serengeti before Christmas, a spectacle that will take your breath away. Late January and early February are favourable times to see predator activity since calving occurs in the shorter grass. Along with the abundant fauna, the scenery is lush and green, and the winter rains are usually brief.
9. Lapland
If you’re looking for a wintry wonderland for your winter honeymoon, go no further than Northern Finland’s Lapland region (Lapland itself stretches into Sweden and Norway too). This snow-covered region, like a real-life Frozen, is primarily associated with family vacations to see Santa Claus, but it’s also a wonderful destination to spend your honeymoon. Lapland has a fun adult side with distinctive igloo hotels, tree houses above snowfalls, and chic cocktail bars constructed of ice, but it also has plenty of adventure with husky tours, reindeer sleigh rides, backcountry skiing, and ice swimming. From September to March, the Northern Lights are visible practically every other clear night, making it a great period to photograph them.
10. Indian Ocean Islands
The islands of the Indian Ocean, one of the most popular winter sun destinations, offer pure ecstasy if you’re looking for a relaxing honeymoon. This region shows us how to do the beach bum life in style, with world-class 5-star resorts, the kind of white-meets-turquoise beaches dreams are made of, and delicious cuisine. You won’t get bored with sunset cruises, seaplane adventures, diving, snorkelling, fishing, and whale-watching. The most well-known island destinations are Mauritius, the Maldives, and the Seychelles, although the Zanzibar Archipelago and Reunion are also worth visiting.
