If you’re wondering where to honeymoon in 2019, we’ve found 25 destinations sure to stir up your wanderlust. Some honeymoon spots have emerged stronger than ever after recovering from hurricanes, wildfires and even flowing lava. Others are just having a moment, thanks to new developments, famous visitors and major milestones. All of these romantic getaways are worthy of your wish list. From private pools and sublime beaches to luxury tents and adventure lodges, here are the best honeymoon destinations for 2019.
St. Barth
This Euro-chic Caribbean island took a major beating from Hurricane Irma in 2017, but its haute hotels are coming back online. When Hotel Le Toiny reopened October 2018, it unveiled eight new suites, where you can feed each other room-service breakfast by your private pool. Christopher Hotel, Villas & Spa also reemerged in October; ask the concierge to arrange a romantic dinner or a private excursion to St. Barth’s natural pools.
Brandishing a new restaurant and redesigned rooms, Le Sereno also returns to the scene just in time for 2019, along with Eden Rock, which introduced glamour to the island when it first debuted in the 1950s.
St. Maarten
Hurricane Irma couldn’t subdue lively St. Maarten, whose top resorts are all being reborn after the storm. The all-inclusive Divi Little Bay Beach Resort returned May 2018 with refreshed rooms and updated pools. Meanwhile, Oyster Bay Beach Resort‘s multiphase renovation fully wraps January 2019; gaze at neighboring St. Barth from the hotel’s revamped infinity pool.
In November 2018, the adults-only, all-inclusive Sonesta Ocean Point Resort once again welcomed couples to its ocean-view suites. And Belmond La Samanna — the island’s epitome of luxury — unveiled its restoration the following month.
Antigua
Stylish hotels like Hermitage Bay, Jumby Bay, and Curtain Bluff (renovated to the tune of $13 million in October 2017) have solidified Antigua’s place in the honeymoon hall of fame. Now two more romantic retreats are on the way.
Hodges Bay Resort & Spa, opened late 2018, will extend indulgent perks like daily breakfast, bespoke activities, and an adults-only infinity pool. Meanwhile, the all-inclusive Royalton Antigua Resort & Spa will arrive early 2019; book a Diamond Club room to take advantage of exclusive upgrades and butler service.
Los Cabos, Mexico
More than 360 nonstop flights travel to Los Cabos from the U.S. every week. Hop on one to experience the adults-only, all-inclusive Le Blanc Spa Resort, which arrived April 2018 (book a Royal Deluxe Honeymoon room for a pedestal tub, nightly petit fours, and butler service). Viceroy Los Cabos premiered the following month, rolling out a new pool and bar, plus an expanded spa and two updated restaurants.
The destination also welcomed Solaz, a Luxury Collection Resort in September 2018; take a cooking class, swim with whale sharks, and fly over the desert in a helicopter. Or start your happily ever after at Nobu Hotel Los Cabos, which will bring a Japanese-beach-house vibe to Los Cabos in April 2019.
Hawaii
Any of the four main Hawaiian Islands are the perfect choice for a honeymoon destination, and now there are a few more reasons to go in 2019. After closing down for four months due to volcanic eruptions, Hawaii Island’s Hawaii Volcanoes National Park reopened September 2018. On Kauai, the Sheraton Kauai Resort unveiled major upgrades April 2018, including an expanded pool, new firepits and overhauled restaurants.
On Maui, The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua rolled out a multimillion-dollar transformation January 2018; smooch in refreshed rooms and new poolside cabanas. Or start your happily-ever-after at the Alohilani Resort, launched May 2018 on Oahu’s legendary Waikiki Beach.
Maldives
If there’s one honeymoon destination where hotel development is exploding, it’s the Maldives, where resorts are popping up like jewels on a necklace of sandy atolls. Movenpick Resort & Spa Kuredhivaru, JOALI Maldives and Kudadoo Maldives Private Island by Hurawalhi all cut the ribbon in late 2018; the three properties feature overwater bungalows with private pools.
Then in spring 2019, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives and LUX* North Male Atoll will open their doors; at the latter, lounge on the roof of your two-story overwater pool penthouse.
Anguilla
2018 saw a slew of hotel reopenings on sleepy, small Anguilla, which also got lashed by Irma. To start, Zemi Beach House, Four Seasons Resort Anguilla and The Reef by CuisinArt all relaunched in the spring.
And, as of November 2018, couples can once again canoodle on the sugar sand at CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa, or steal away to a whitewashed villa at Belmond Cap Juluca, which is adding new restaurants, an infinity pool and a beach bar. Finally, Malliouhana, Auberge Resort Collection reopened December 2018 with remodeled suites, an extended pool deck, new cabanas and more.
Mexican Caribbean
Spanning 100 miles of coast and three islands, the area surrounding Cancun blends Caribbean scenery with Mexican flavor. Get a taste at Chablé Maroma, where you can live like Maya royalty in jungle pool villas, unveiled to great fanfare September 2018. Or steal away to Mystique Blue Holbox, a nature-centric boutique that debuted October 2018.
The region also welcomed the TRS Coral Hotel November 2018; honeymooners get perks like Just Married flip-flops, chocolate-covered fruit and champagne.
Bali
Mystical, beautiful Bali has long been a popular honeymoon destination, and for good reason. Follow suit of A-List pairs like David and Victoria Beckham and John Legend and Chrissy Teigen, who all escaped to the Island of the Gods in 2018.
Record your own love story at Capella Ubud Bali, introduced summer 2018 and meant to conjure an old-world adventure camp, complete with a copper tub and private pool in each luxury tent. Or soak in the sun at Hyatt Regency Bali, coming early 2019 to the golden sands of Sanur Beach.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
A favorite haunt of the royal family (Prince William and Kate purportedly visited again in 2018), upscale SVG keeps becoming ever so steadily more accessible to the rest of us. In December 2018, American Airlines began operating nonstop service from Miami to St. Vincent — the first-ever direct flights offered by a U.S.-based airline to this chic Caribbean archipelago.
The same month, The Liming Hotel premiered on the Grenadine island of Bequia; practice the art of doing nothing together in your private plunge pool.
Grenada
Things get spicy on Grenada, the world’s biggest exporter of nutmeg: Honeymooners can tour local spice gardens, spice markets and nutmeg factories.
Silversands Grenada, which began welcoming guests November 2018, is poised to be the island’s most upscale address; loll the day away on the screensaver sand of Grand Anse Beach. Get there on American Airlines, which is adding another flight from Miami for the 2019 high season.
Crete, Greece
The mythical birthplace of Zeus, Crete may just be heaven on Earth. The largest of the Greek Islands, Crete is also flaunting an impressive batch of new/newly updated hotels. Splurge on an Island Honeymoon Suite with a private pool and outdoor hot tub at Abaton Island Resort & Spa, opened April 2018.
Or get away to the new adults-only beach and restaurant at The Royal Blue, which completed its makeover the same month. For a taste of city life, look to the foodie-focused Legacy Gastro Suites — just 12 sea-view suites that opened August 2018 in the heart of Crete’s capital.
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Will resort development in popular Punta Cana ever slow down? Doesn’t look like it. And couples looking for a spanking-new adults-only all-inclusive resort have loads to choose from. TRS Cap Cana Hotel debuted November 2018; book a twilight photo shoot and dinner for two under the stars. That same month, Luxury Bahia Principe Ambar Blue and Grand Bahia Principe Aquamarine both reopen as adults-only; honeymooners receive a bottle of wine, a box of chocolates, a romantic room decoration and a surprise gift.
Premiered December 2018, Grand Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real will feature spacious swim-up suites. And, at the end of 2018, Meliá Caribe Tropical transformed into the adults-only Meliá Punta Cana Beach, where you can deepen your bond during dance classes and theme parties.
Dominica
The 2017 hurricane season devastated Dominica, but the Nature Isle is recovering, rebuilding and inviting visitors to rediscover its natural wonders. Secret Bay revealed its reboot November 2018; enjoy one-on-one time in one of just six sustainable high-end villas.
Or settle into an oceanfront suite at Fort Young Hotel, which was open in a limited capacity but will be fully operational just after the New Year. And, at the end of 2019, Cabrits Resort Kempinski will introduce five-star luxury to the tropical rainforests of Cabrits National Park.
Puerto Rico
As Puerto Rico continues to recover from the destruction of the 2017 hurricanes, one of the best things you can do is support its tourism industry. And the good news for you is that four ultra-romantic resorts are open for business. The island’s first new hotel of 2018, Serafina Beach Hotel spoils honeymooners with intimate bars, dreamy sunsets and a sleek oceanfront pool.
The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort and Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve both reopened October 2018; at the latter, book an oceanfront suite with a private plunge pool. And at El San Juan Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton, splurge on an alfresco couples massage in the balmy ocean air of the Beach Pavilion.
Costa Rica
Three new Costa Rica hotels debuted in 2018, each with their own take on pura vida. Early in the year, the adults-only Three Sixty Boutique Hotel Ojochal made its appearance with just 12 ocean-view villas and 360-degree views from the lofty restaurant and pool. Then in October, the all-inclusive Planet Hollywood Beach Resort landed in Guanacaste with movie memorabilia and “Phabulous” beds.
The following month, the W Hotel brand will bring its funky, modern vibe to the country with W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal; redeem your Marriott Rewards or SPG points for a room with a private terrace and an open-air shower.
Orlando, Florida
Young-at-heart couples flock to the Theme Park Capital of the World, where new attractions are constantly in the works. In 2019, Universal Orlando Resort will introduce a roller coaster within the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Not to be outdone, Walt Disney World will reveal an elaborate Star Wars land, as well as the park’s first-ever Mickey & Minnie–themed ride.
Get a room at Universal’s Aventura Hotel, launched August 2018, and sip adult beverages by the pool, at the rooftop bar or around the firepit.
Sydney, Australia
In October 2018, Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan embarked on their first official tour since tying the knot in May. Their destination: Australia, including a climb up the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge. For couples looking to follow in their footsteps, a slew of design hotels debuted in 2018.
View horse races from the rooftop pool bar at The William Inglis Hotel. Explore the trendy neighborhood surrounding Paramount House Hotel. Or cozy up under a faux-fur blanket in one of The Collectionist Hotel‘s Artisan guest rooms, some of which comprise a balcony or courtyard. End your stay at the convenient Felix Hotel Sydney Airport, complete with a rooftop cinema and cocktail bar.
New Zealand
North Island or South Island? You can’t go wrong, thanks to two new properties making their appearance in late 2018. On the South Island, the five-suite Cabot Lodge hosts intrepid couples on the doorstep of Fiordland National Park.
Meanwhile, the North Island’s Henley Hotel puts Lord of the Rings fans within arm’s reach of Hobbiton; after the day’s adventures, ask the staff to arrange a romantic turndown including candles, rose petals, champagne, chocolates and a bubble bath.
Sonoma County, California
Wildfires blazed across Sonoma County in fall 2017, causing significant damage to The Olea Hotel. Now, the adults-only boutique is back — alongside two other new/newly renovated properties. At Harmon Guest House, opened fall 2018, the rooftop terrace is the place to slurp oysters and sip local wines.
And MacArthur Place is unveiling a major facelift in late 2018, including revamped guest rooms and a new food-and-beverage program helmed by celebrity chef Geoffrey Zakarian.
St. Pete/Clearwater, Florida
Beaches and culture converge in the St. Pete area. What’s new? Originally opened in the ’20s, the Fenway Hotel, Autograph Collection came back to life October 2018. After days spent museum-hopping or sunning on aptly named Honeymoon Island nearby, toast to your newlywed life in the hotel’s rooftop bar.
Don’t miss the Imagine Museum, unveiled January 2018, and the Vinoy Renaissance Resort’s new Paul Landings restaurant, which arrived spring 2018.
Cambodia
Trying to decide between wilderness adventure and beach relaxation? How about both? In Cambodia, split your time between the eco sanctuary of Shinta Mani Wild and the powder sand of Alila Villas Koh Russey, both opened winter 2018.
At the former, spy gibbons, elephants and other wildlife in their natural habitat, then retire to your vintage-inspired luxury tent. At the latter, revel like Khmer royalty in a garden or beach pool villa.
Las Vegas, Nevada
The Entertainment Capital of the World just keeps getting more entertaining. Park MGM made headlines when it premiered spring 2018. The following October, the nature-inspired property turned even more heads when it introduced its hotel-within-a-hotel concept, NoMad Las Vegas; test-drive amenities like marble showers, pedestal bathtubs and leather headboards.
The Strip also welcomed the Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas in 2018; admire the neon lights together from the eighth-floor pool deck.
Argentina
Argentina’s current economic troubles mean savings for international travelers. Stretch your dollars at Awasi Iguazú Argentina, unveiled February 2018 just 20 minutes from Iguazu Falls.
After marveling at the thundering world wonder, retreat to the buzz-worthy rainforest lodge, where each of the 14 villas features its own private plunge pool. Bonus: All-inclusive rates cover meals, drinks and even guided excursions.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Grand Canyon National Park celebrates its 100th birthday in 2019, but the grande dame of American tourism is as youthful as ever, thanks to a sexy new addition: Under Canvas Grand Canyon, a luxury camp that popped up mid-2018.
After days spent hiking, rafting, or soaring over the gaping canyon in a helicopter, cuddle by your tent’s wood-burning stove, and gaze up at the stars through the night-sky-viewing window.
