Nothing inspires and motivates newlyweds quite like a honeymoon! Safe to say, it's one of the most anticipated parts of the wedding — a very special moment for the couple, when they can finally free themselves from the worries of planning and focus on each other. The most popular honeymoon destinations? No doubt, the beach ones, like the Maldives or Bali. Sun, shiny water, and golden sand — just the thought of it can make anybody feel excited. But if lounging on a sunbed 24\7 isn't your jam, consider other destinations too. From romantics-favorite Paris to the neon-bright Tokyo, find more ideas in our article. Open your heart to new discoveries, new emotions, and experiences!
Arts and Romance in Paris, France
There's no destination as honeymoon-y as Paris! Like a magnet, the city of love pulls in hopeless romantics with its beauty and history. Over the centuries, Paris has been praised by the greatest poets, artists and musicians. Well, you just can't not fall in love with this city! Paris is romantic all year round, but May, June and September are perhaps the best months for a honeymoon vacation — there's less crowds and the weather is perfect for slow walks. So, what to do on your dreamy Paris trip? Of course, iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre should be on your must-visit list! But do check out other incredible places as well. For the city's best contemporary art, visit the Foundation Louis Vuitton, hosting outstanding exhibitions since 2014. Bibliophiles would love Shakespeare and Company independent bookstore, and fashion-loving couples should definitely explore the Galeries Lafayette!
Where to stay: Hotel Plaza Athenee, Nolinski, Le Bristol
Wildlife Safari in Nairobi, Kenya
Nairobi might not be a typical honeymoon destination, but if you love adventures it’s a must-visit place! The city’s charm is in its beautiful mix of urban and natural. During your Nairobi stay, take every chance you get to explore its incredible wildlife! Just a little outside the city you will find Nairobi National Park, where visitors can meet the endangered black rhinos, lions, giraffes and other animals. Speaking of giraffes, make sure to add Giraffe Manor to the list too! It's a unique boutique hotel where guests can encounter and interact with wonderful Rothschild's giraffes. When not chatting with friendly long-neck mammals, enjoy waterfalls-watching at Karura Forest, see cute baby elephants at Nairobi Elephant Orphanage and visit Maasai Market for authentic hand-made jewelry.
Where to stay: Giraffe Manor, Villa Rosa Kempinski
@thegiraffemanor, @clemenspoloczek
Urban Paradise in Tokyo, Japan
Ultra-modern, ultra-fashionable and ultra-inviting — that’s Tokyo! Japan’s capital has everything one could think of: skyscrapers neighboring with centuries-old temples, karaoke bars that never sleep, huge supermalls, cozy izakayas and onsens to melt the stress away. The most beautiful season (and also the busiest!) is spring, when famous cherry trees bloom. But no matter what time of year you visit Tokyo, the city won’t leave you disappointed! Set a romantic picnic at Shinjuku Gyoen Garden, get to know Japanese tea culture at Sakurai Tea Experience and of course enjoy a 360 degree view of the city from Tokyo Skytree. For some street-style fashion inspo and quirky vintage shops, head to Harajuku. And don’t forget about Ginza, the upscale district with luxurious boutiques, fancy restaurants and coffeehouses.
Where to stay: Aman, Trunk Hotel, Hoshinoya
Idyllic Escape in Napa Valley, USA
What's not to love about Napa Valley? It welcomes honeymooners with beautiful scenery, lots of sunshine, gourmet cuisine and to top it all off, world-class wineries. Just your perfect destination for a sweet vacation full of memories and fun! In between wine-tastings, heal and unwind at a luxurious spa or sign up for a cooking class. And if you are up for something more challenging and active, pack your backpacks and go for a little hiking adventure - Mt. St. Helena offers sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay area. Another incredible and very romantic idea is having a scenic hot air balloon ride with snacks and warm drinks. Just make sure that the weather is nice!
Where to stay: Solage, Stanley Ranch, Meadowood
@hannaschonberg, @stanlyranchauberge
Nordic Adventure in Helsinki, Finland
A country of vast lakes and lush endless forests, Finland is beautiful 365 days of the year. So, some of the best honeymoon photos are guaranteed! To truly soak in Finnish culture, tradition and lifestyle, book a tour around its capital Helsinki. Foodies should definitely come visit Market Square for a taste of “lihapiirakka”, a kind of traditional meat pastry. You can also hop on a ferry from there to explore the Fort of Helsinki. Want to learn more about Finnish nature? Pay a visit to Nuuksio National Park, where you'll get a chance to see real-life reindeers. And no trip to Finland is truly complete without experiencing a traditional Finnish sauna — trust us, you won't regret it! If you have a few spare days on your hands, we also recommend having a short trip to Lapland to see the Aurora Borealis lighting up the sky. The best seasons are spring, fall and winter.
Where to stay: Hilltop Forest, Hotel St. George, Hotel Kämp
@hilltop_forest, @_marinadenisova_
Cultural Fusion in Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul is a fascinating, many-layered city. It’s a place where East meets West, where old and new coexist in harmony, and where traditions, religion and hedonism intertwine. Start exploring Istanbul from its greatest mosques: the absolutely mesmerizing Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. Another popular tourist attraction is the Grand Bazaar with its myriad of shops selling everything from simple treats to real treasures. For a bit of contrast and change of pace, check out Kanyon — a super-fashionable shopping mall, so much different from the city’s ancient bazaars. To dive deeper into Turkey’s thriving art scene, keep an eye on Istanbul Modern’s schedule.
Where to stay: The Bank Hotel, Adahan DeCamondo Pera, Ecole St. Pierre Hotel
