Top 10 Pristine Island Honeymoon Destinations
Alright, firstly, congratulations on finding the love of your life—may you live in perpetual happiness. Secondly, it is time for you two to party (and maybe make a baby, who knows), but where to go? If you picture sandy coastlines complete with beach-side cocktails, then you are in the right spot. Compiled on this list are ten of the world’s premiere island honeymoon destinations. Enjoy the world tour of blue waters and smooth, granulated sand.
10. Bali
Bali is ranked tenth on this list because it is the least safe to travel to. Chances are you will be fine visiting it, but fanatical Islamic factions have been known to operate in the area. For this reason, it is not recommended for you to visit areas that are popular with tourists worldwide. Honeymoon destinations, however are much safer from things to worry about simply because they are more secluded. Many of Bali’s honeymoon spots are located far away from higher risk areas and rank among the most beautiful accommodations in the world. Because of the bad press of the past decade, the rates are usually cheaper than any of the locations on the list. However, if you make sure to do thorough research before embarking (do not trust your planning here to a travel agent alone), then rest assured you can bask worry-free in heavenly bliss. Bali is truly beautiful and there haven’t been any severe incidents to report in eight years, so this is a country that is definitely on the rebound.
9. Antigua
In the Caribbean island of Antigua, there are enough beaches to visit a different one every day of the year. It has the most beaches out of any Caribbean isle, and each of them is as unique as a human’s face. From family-friendly lagoons to adventurous outcroppings and deep ocean, Antigua has your aquatic aspirations handled. If you grow tired of rest and relaxation then you can explore the bird sanctuary on Antigua’s sister Isle Barbuda. There are also plenty of activities to do and sights to see on Antigua itself.
8. Tonga
Tonga is also known as “The Friendly Islands” because of its peoples’ consistently warm welcoming of travelers. This Pacific island is historically unique as it is the only island nation in the region to have never been officially colonized. You will, however, still experience a heavily British influence in the area when you visit. Tonga encompasses an island archipelago of 176 islands about a third of which are populated. One place to consider is the Ha’atafu Beach Resort on Tongatapu Island, where most of the fales (beach huts) are close to the beach. There are many other options as well. If you are looking for a honeymoon hosted by genuinely amicable people with good food and plenty of water sports to be experienced, Tonga is the place to be.
7. Sri Lanka
Many people wouldn’t equate India with sandy beaches and navy blue waters. However, off its southern tip resides the (independent) island republic of Sri Lanka. Because of its geographical location, Sri Lanka has long been both economically and strategically important. The island today is a result of 3,000 plus years of trade. The Republic of Sri Lanka has been in a great way established and populated by merchant classes of various descents/backgrounds. Of course, such a melting pot offers a variety of cuisine and culture alike to be digested. For theological travelers, Sri Lanka is an important location for Buddhism, as the first Buddhist teachings were penned here. Like all of the destinations on this list, Sri Lanka is surrounded by fine-grain sand and crystal clear waters.
6. Maldives
Deep in the middle of the Indian Ocean, there is a paradise of archipelagos and coral atolls. The Republic of the Maldives is an independent nation now, but Dutch, Portuguese, and British remnants of the past can be found littered throughout. Although more pristine than Sri Lanka, Maldives also tends to be a bit more expensive. Still (if you can afford it) there is no better location in the Indian Ocean for a marine-themed honeymoon. Maldives offers some of the best scuba and snorkeling on the planet.
5. Jamaica
Jamaica is relatively convenient island to travel to for North Americans. Its location, coupled with a prevailing Rastafarian view on life and Christianity makes for a unique Caribbean experience. In the shadow of an increasingly derelict Cuba, Jamaica provides everything you are looking for in an island honeymoon. There are white sand beaches, waterfall hikes, watersports aplenty and lounges for enjoying the sun. Jamaica is home to many endemic (not found anywhere else in the wild) species of flora and fauna. These include many lizards, birds, bats and one small land mammal (the coney). There are a few areas (such as the Black River) where crocodiles make their home, so be wary. Behind Jamaica’s peaceful presence is a history of violence. After Columbus landed, the native Taínos were wiped out through mistreatment and disease. Jamaica was also a hotspot for the African slave trade. It is well worth your time to seek out historical monuments of these times past, for better or worse.
4. Langkawi
Malaysia has many hidden jewels surrounding its waters but perhaps none so shiny as Langkawi. Langkawi’s two islands are fast growing in popularity. You can sit back, relax, and enjoy the beach monkeys as you sip your cocktail. A recommended place to check out would be the Andaman Resort although you can save some money by eating nearby instead of on premises. Daytime and nocturnal jungle walks are on tap as you explore the unique fauna on the island, including the iconic colugo. An ideal destination for nature lovers, Langkawi offers a wide array of reptiles, birds, mammals, and marine life to discover. Many of these creatures will be found among the resort itself, so be sure to look around. Langkawi sports a truly unique combination of jungle and beach, something harder to find then you might think.
3. Hawaii
It is easy for Hawaii to be overlooked among a list of lesser populated and developed destinations. It would be a fault, however, to pass over the pristine options that the USA’s 50th state has to offer. Hawaii sits at the northern tip of the Polynesian islands (a grouping that includes the Cook Islands, New Zealand, Samoa, etc). The state itself has a nice mix of Asian, Polynesian, and North American culture. The Island of Maui is a sure bet for conservative honeymooners looking for surf, sand and service. For the adventurers, Big Island (a well thought-out name, I know) offers plenty of space to play around in. The premiere place for seaside resorts would be the Kohala Coast along the north of the island. Check here for a short description of the many islands that make up the Hawaiian archipelago.
2. Tahiti
If you are looking into a honeymoon, chances are you’ve already seen Tahiti’s iconic over-water bungalows. These trademark accommodations alone have helped put Tahiti at the top of honeymooner lists worldwide. One thing that separates Tahiti from the other destinations on this list is its renowned black sand beaches. French and the indigenous Tahitian language Reo Maohi are widely used, although you will find English speakers aplenty at the resorts themselves. Much of the interior land on Tahiti is uninhabited, affording special views of unspoiled island nature. Tahiti is also the spot of the famous Mutiny on the Bounty, where a ship’s captain lost his crew since Tahiti’s island life was so appealing. If the Tahitian islands can fleece a captain of his crew, they can sure win over the hearts of you and your loved one.
1. Fiji
Fiji is the premiere destination for an island getaway. This Pacific island country has an enormous amount of island resorts catering to a multitude of budgets. The main island, Nadi, is full of luxurious and economical accommodations. The famous “Denarau Island” area hosts many upper scale accommodations (most of which are, in reality, on the main island of Nadi). If you are willing to take a drive, the southern “coral coast” of Nadi is lined with affordable options such as The Warwick and The Naviti Resort (which has an all-inclusive package). Regardless of what you decide to do on the mainland, the islands offshore of Fiji are where the true magic lays. It often pays to spend a few nights on the mainland and a few on the islands, if you are looking to save some cash. Find a resort that matches your budget and go. Many of these places will accommodate families also, but they will do their best to provide you with a romantic time away from the kiddies. Many of the islands are close together, so try to scratch up the money for a place like the Liku Liku Lagoon Resort, even if it’s just for a day. Fiji is marked by extraordinarily friendly people and beautiful coral reefs. When you buy souvenirs, make sure they benefit a nearby town (as many do). Oh, yes, and check out the fire walkers.
Top 10 Pristine Island Honeymoon Destinations
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