Planning a honeymoon is exciting, but it can also be stressful: There are so many places to consider, so many details to get right, and the stakes are high. To help you find—and actually get—your perfect honeymoon, we’ve combed through WOW trip reviews to narrow in on a selection of truly special honeymoon ideas worldwide. The savviest local trip planners custom-tailored these trips to each couple’s likes and dislikes, and delivered the stress-free arrangements and VIP treatment that all honeymooners deserve.
For your own unique WOW honeymoon, personalized to your wishes, tell us your specific interests and priorities via the black button below, and we can advise you as to the right destination and honeymoon-planning expert for you. Even if you’re a longtime married couple, we’re here to help. Who says you can’t go on a honeymoon every year?
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Europe Made Effortless
Beaches, Nature & Local Culture
Island Paradises
Safari Adventures & Relaxation
Ancient Wonders
EUROPE MADE EFFORTLESS
Italy: Timeless Romance and Delectable Food
All honeymooners should get to sleep in a castle
Florence, Italy, was a “magical” stop on a honeymoon that was “a dream come true.” Photo: Shutterstock
“Our honeymoon to Italy was a dream come true, and we are amazed beyond words. Alberto and Martina helped us tailor the trip within our budget, with a perfect balance between art, history, food, wine, exercising and shopping. The hotels they selected were always in a superb location, and in Tuscany I realized the dream of staying in a castle! Whenever we checked into a hotel, there was a surprise from them with a warm note, and frequently, they arranged for the hotels to welcome us with a gift too.
We paid for small group tours but often ended up having private tours. In Milan our local guide secured direct access to the Duomo without lines. In Florence our guide took us to experience street food in a very authentic way: We visited off-the-beaten-track places where locals go and—again—we never endured the lines. In Florence we also had cooking classes with a chef: We went to the street market to buy supplies and then cooked everything together, learning the tricks, and ate it. What a magical day!
Finally, a good example of the quality of the travel fixers: There was a last-minute change in the Vatican entrance. To be able to adjust to this change and also keep our tour of the Galleria Borghese, we needed to move really fast from one place to the other. So our trip planner arranged for transportation by golf cart, free of charge. Problem solved in a very elegant way. Thank you so much!” —Vanessa Lanfranchi
- Best for: art, history, food
- Highlights: superbly located hotels, market tour with chef and cooking class
- What made it seamless: A local expert managed all the logistics, expediting transport and eliminating lines
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
Greece: Ancient History and Iconic Islands
A custom-built itinerary from Athens to Mykonos to Santorini
The happy couple, Connor and Coyann Whisenant, in Athens at the Acropolis.
“A honeymoon HAS to be PERFECT, as you cannot do it over. I booked a honeymoon for my son and daughter-in-law with Maria and Eleni. The happy couple picked from amazing choices for excursions, sites, cooking classes, boating adventures, wine tastings, etc. Eleni delivered BEYOND their wildest expectations!!!
From the moment they were picked up at the Athens airport until they boarded their flight home from Santorini, Eleni handled special requests with ease. At one location, wine was offered, but my son likes beer, so she had Greek beer ready, cold, and waiting for him. She gave the couple an extensive list of restaurants in each location and made reservations. One restaurant on Mykonos was in a cave along the water. My daughter-in-law said she felt like a VIP, as the best table in the restaurant was ready and waiting for them when they arrived.
They said their boat excursion in Santorini was the perfect way to end their honeymoon: a private sunset cruise with a fantastic dinner—just the two of them. The crew even played their song that they first danced to at their wedding!!!
The hotels that Eleni booked were amazing. In Athens, they had a view of the Acropolis at night, and in Mykonos and Santorini she booked rooms with a hot tub and another with a plunge pool. When they returned, I asked them what they would change, and their answer was ‘absolutely nothing’!!! —Molly Whisenant
- Best for: dreamy islands, ancient sights
- Highlights: private sunset cruise, hotel rooms with special views
- What made it seamless: A local fixer guaranteed privacy, exclusivity, and VIP treatment
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
France: History, Wine, and Cultural Immersion
Experience Normandy and Burgundy in a deeper way, from WW2 history to family-owned wineries
Burgundy’s ancient Clos de Vougeot vineyards. Photo: Shutterstock
“We had a wonderful honeymoon arranged by Philip’s team, with a great itinerary and excellent local guides he selected for us. In Normandy our D-Day tour was with a guide who had interviewed veterans of WW2 and amassed a collection of stories that made the sights come alive. Our Mont St. Michel tour was with a guide who has a doctorate in history; we learned about the medical texts that were amassed there during the time of the abbey and how this knowledge was lost in the French Revolution when much was burned and destroyed.
We then went to Burgundy and its wine capital of Beaune, where our guide, an expert on the wines of France, has personal relationships with numerous wineries large and small. We mostly had tastings with smaller family houses that do not export to the U.S. We sat with family members tasting 5 to 15 different wines at each house. At Domaine Daniel Séguinot et Filles, we sat at the table with the family and the bottlers who came in their special truck to bottle last year’s wine; Daniel is quite the character and kept bringing different wines, from premier cru to village appellation and different vintages.
We then moved north to Chablis and stayed at Chateau Vault De Lugny, a family-run hotel with a one-star Michelin restaurant. From this location, we visited other family wineries and learned about the northern wines of Burgundy. We left not just with a better understanding of wine but with a huge appreciation for the families who have inherited and continue this vocation steeped in history, hard work, and a bit of the magic that the land gives to each vineyard, depending on where they are located.
We ended in Paris, where we were surprised with a WOW Moment: A lovely afternoon cruise on the Seine, dining on a 3-course meal with a wine pairing from Alain Ducasse, while cruising past Paris’ iconic sites.” —JoEllen Shelden
- Best for: learning about French wines and meeting local winemakers
- Highlights: Normandy beaches, Burgundy vineyards, Paris river cruise
- What made it seamless: An in-country fixer who personally knows the winemaking families
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
Portugal: Culture, Wine, and Relaxed Exploration
Where even 19 days of VIP experiences will leave you wanting more
Vineyards in Portugal’s Douro River Valley. Photo: Shutterstock
“Wendy calls it ‘The WOW List’ for a reason. Nuno Gonçalo crafted the trip of a lifetime for my new husband and me, with the most well-thought-out itinerary. It was 19 days of the perfect balance of must-sees, off-the-beaten-path suggestions, and open days to relax and explore.
We stayed at four properties—and, boy, were we treated like royalty. The properties were not only gorgeous and in prime locations, but we were upgraded to suites at each because they knew it was our honeymoon.
It was very important to us to be able to experience Portugal’s wine regions, as Portuguese wines are our favorite to drink at home. Gonçalo arranged for three private tastings and tours for us, including a very special morning at Taylor’s in Porto.
For the sheer length of our trip and all that we did and indulged in, we felt that the prices were incredibly reasonable. Now we’re aching to go back. Forever grateful.” —Danielle Berman
- Best for: Good value for your U.S. dollar in Europe
- Highlights: Private wine tastings, upgrades in gorgeous hotels
- What made it seamless: A local fixer arranged for VIP treatment at the hotels and wineries
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
BEACHES, NATURE & LOCAL CULTURE
Costa Rica: Nature, Adventure, and Local Connection
Where stunning nature, wildlife, and authentic immersion await
A beach near Nosara, on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. Photo: Shutterstock
“When we approached Irene to plan our honeymoon to Costa Rica, she asked us in great detail about our lives, hobbies, and passions. We wanted an authentic and adventurous trip where we could immerse ourselves in the local culture and experience the stunning nature and wildlife. We began our trip by going to Irene’s mother’s house on the way to the Arenal volcano region. She taught us how to make homemade tortillas and prepared an amazing Costa Rican lunch filled with Gallo pintos, chicken, yucca, etc.
In the Arenal region, Irene arranged for a beautiful hotel at the base of the volcano amongst the natural hot springs. It was an authentic Tico experience—Pura Vida all the way. We went ziplining, white water rafting, rappelling, and on a hanging bridge and wildlife tour. All in three days. It was amazing!!!
We then headed to Costa Rica’s Pacific side and to Nosara, a vibrant local beach village. We surfed every day, stayed in an open-air hotel right on the beach, and got to see thousands of sea turtles arriving to lay their eggs—which only happens for a few days once or twice a year!
Irene ensured we got the perfect honeymoon and that it was entirely hassle-free.” —John Allen Mixon
- Best for: nature, wildlife, and outdoor adventures
- Highlights: surfing, white-water rafting, zip-lining
- What made it seamless: A local fixer enabled immersion in authenticity by removing all hassles
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
Panama: Effortless City and Island Luxury
A multi-stop honeymoon that feels easy, flexible, and completely taken care of
This is one of only eight beachfront bungalows on Isla Palenque. Photo: Isla Palenque
“Pierre planned our son and his new wife’s honeymoon—a wonderful getaway that included a couple days in Panama City’s historic Casco Viejo (Old Town), a super-interesting tour of the Panama Canal, and five days at beautiful island resort Isla Palenque, where they had their own private bungalow and could do as much or as little as they liked, every day. The food was spectacular and the staff exceptional. Pierre included a welcome/congratulations dinner when they first arrived, along with a tour of Panama and rooftop drinks to celebrate their wedding. He was wonderful, and their trip was so great!” —Kerri Meyer
- Best for: A tropical vacation where your dollar stretches further
- Highlights: Old Town Panama City, the Panama Canal, and a beachfront bungalow
- What made it seamless: A local expert chose the best locations and managed all logistics.
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
Sydney and Auckland: Scenic Adventures, Islands, and Beaches Right In These Capital Cities
A personalized itinerary that’s a dream come true
Sydney Harbour, Australia. Photo: Destination NSW
“Stuart and his team in Australia and New Zealand made our honeymoon a dream come true. In Sydney we had great tours of the beaches, including Bondi Beach, as well as a day hiking in the Blue Mountains with locals who have lived in these places their entire life. So much knowledge!
Auckland highlights included its spectacular West Coast Beaches, where we saw many gannets in their natural environment, and Waiheke Island, where our very wine-knowledgeable guide took us to three vineyards, all different in style, including a wonderful lunch at one.
Thank you to Stuart and to Wendy Perrin for a gorgeous WOW Moment. We had no idea what was happening until our driver delivered us to the Rose Bay Seaplane site for our flight over Sydney and the surrounding beaches. Tom and I both love flying, so our introduction to Sydney in this way was so amazing. We were the only two passengers, and Tom sat in the co-pilot seat, enabling him to take fantastic photos of the beautiful city below us. It was over the top in every way!” —Susan Ketchum
- Best for: Combining cosmopolitan culture with spectacular beaches and islands
- Highlights: Flightseeing and beach-hopping in Sydney; West Coast Beaches and Waiheke Island in Auckland
- What made it seamless: A local fixer ensured maximized sightseeing despite limited time
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
Sri Lanka: Wildlife, Culture, and Scenic Landscapes
For a stress-free way to experience elephants, birdwatching, tea plantations, and hiking the Pekoe Trail
Honeymooners Matt Miller and Claire Marsden at Sigiriya Rock in Sri Lanka.
“We are forever grateful to Miguel for planning our two-week dream honeymoon to Sri Lanka! We started our journey with three beautiful days in the Cultural Triangle, highlighted by an elephant safari, a climb up Sigiriya Rock, and bird-watching at our nature resort in the jungle.
We then traveled to Kandy, where we hiked the first stage of the Pekoe Trail, which Miguel co-founded as a way to integrate sustainable tourism, local economies, and environmental preservation. The Pekoe Trail is an absolute must-see for anyone visiting Sri Lanka!
Next up was three days of safari in Yala National Park; thanks to Miguel, we stayed at a safari resort that was further off the beaten path, more immersed in the jungle, and away from the crowds in other parts of the park. Finally, we spent four relaxing days on the south coast, sitting by the pool, walking along the beach, exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Galle Fort, and enjoying the spa.
We are lucky to have traveled the world and visited places that we do not feel urgency to revisit—but Sri Lanka is undoubtedly on our Must Revisit list. Thank you to Wendy Perrin and The WOW List for directing us to Miguel and his company. This was paradise, and everyone should get a chance to experience it!” —Matt Miller
- Best for: scenery, wildlife, exotic culture, and affordability
- Highlights: Pekoe Trail, Yala National Park, Galle Fort
- What made it seamless: A local fixer designed the itinerary and managed the on-the-ground details, so the trip was stress-free.
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
ISLAND PARADISES
Bali and Komodo: Culture, Nature, and Island Adventure
A carefree way to experience Komodo dragons and feeding elephants
Madison and Brent Wooley at a Balinese water temple.
“My husband and I just returned from our incredible honeymoon, flawlessly planned by Chloe. We requested an ambitious itinerary covering Singapore, Bali, and Labuan Bajo in Indonesia, and the resulting trip was beyond anything I could have imagined.
Private transportation is a MUST in Bali, and I was incredibly grateful we didn’t have to stress about navigating the island. We enjoyed a host of unforgettable activities: white water rafting the Ayung River, feeding elephants, a traditional purification ceremony, a Balinese cooking class, and gallivanting in the rice fields, including those iconic massive swings. Visiting the Monkey Forest and learning about the local culture rounded out a perfect stay. Our resort was so amazing, I kept saying I felt like I was staying at the “White Lotus.”
Komodo island and Labuan Bajo were UNREAL. The highlight was a 3-day/2-night cruise aboard a beautiful boat resembling a pirate ship. We spent the days snorkeling, hiking, and seeing the famous Komodo dragons.
I am so thankful we chose Chloe to plan our honeymoon. We felt special and valued the entire time.” —Madison Wooley
- Best for: Balinese culture, island adventures, Komodo dragons
- Highlights: “unforgettable activities” and an “UNREAL” island cruise
- What made it seamless: A local fixer guaranteed stress-free logistics and maximized experiences
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora: Overwater Luxury and Romance
Because there’s no place dreamier—if you plan it right
Overwater bungalows on Bora Bora in French Polynesia. Photo: Pearl Resorts
“We married and honeymooned in French Polynesia. Kleon listened to all our quirks and wants and dreams, then turned them into a reality. He added experiences to our trip that brought me to tears because they were so beautiful. Each step of the journey just kept getting better and better.
As far as value, I joined Facebook groups for travel to French Polynesia and was surprised to see the cost others booked their travel for. Our travel costs were about the same, but we had upgraded rooms, drivers, guides, day rooms, etc., where others were asking for suggestions for where/when to go to various places, what to do with overlong layovers, etc. We never had to wonder where to go or what to do. We are ever so appreciative, and we would recommend Kleon to everyone!” —Margaret Arnold and Carl Hammerle
- Best for: Overwater bungalows
- Highlights: Upgraded rooms, drivers, guides, day rooms
- What made it seamless: A local expert ensured value, efficiency, and the most beautiful experiences
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
The Maldives: Luxury, Privacy, and Smart Value
Get more perks and pay less using the right trip designer
Imagine two full weeks here in the Maldives. Photo: Shutterstock
“We went to the Maldives for our honeymoon. We spent two full weeks there— 7 days at Emerald Maldives and 7 days at Amilla Fushi. We are older, and this is our second marriage, so I wanted to make sure everything went smoothly. I reached out to Wendy Perrin and she assigned Justin to help us arrange the trip. He was extremely helpful and responsive. He recommended the two resorts we stayed at, plus some additional ones. His comments about each place were spot-on (and maybe we should have taken his advice more closely). He made all the arrangements and even got us some additional upgrades.
I would highly recommend using a Maldives trip planner. There was no additional cost to us and, in fact, we got more and paid less than if we tried to do it on our own.” —Allen Bartman
- Best for: Private beach bungalows and overwater villas
- Highlights: Upgrades and maximum value for dollar spent
- What made it seamless: The Maldives specialist gave spot-on advice and ensured the honeymooners “got more and paid less”
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
SAFARI ADVENTURES & RELAXATION
Kenya and Madagascar: A Safari and Remote Adventure
Meeting lemurs in the rainforest and walking among giraffes, made simple
Honeymooners Rachel Zive and Sam Barnett met lemurs on a rainforest hike.
“Thanks to Wendy Perrin and Cherri and Katie, we had the most incredible and memorable honeymoon in Kenya and Madagascar. The trip was perfectly tailored to our interests and goals, and they helped us venture to what felt like the most remote places on earth with ease, comfort, relaxation, and adventure.
The destinations that they picked for us were spectacular, varied, and exactly what we were looking for. The staff at those lodges were incredible, responsive, kind, talented, and highly knowledgeable. Highlights included cycling in Antananarivo, sea kayaking in Masoala Bay, hiking in primary rainforest with lemurs, and our running and walking safari in the Naboisho Conservancy in Kenya. The flora and fauna were second to none, and we are still talking about how much we miss the perfect maritime settings of coastal Madagascar. It was unforgettable.
Doing a trip like this without Cherri and Katie would not have been possible. The logistics and expertise required to travel comfortably in Madagascar are daunting, but they made it effortless. Even when there were issues with our inbound flights, they masterfully helped us troubleshoot, giving us the comfort we needed to travel stress-free and celebrate our new marriage!” —Rachel Zive and Sam Barnett
- Best for: pristine rainforest, gorgeous coastlines, exotic wildlife
- Highlights: cycling, sea kayaking, walking safari
- What made it seamless: A local fixer handled the daunting logistics, making the trip stress-free
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
South Africa and Mauritius: Safari and Beach in One Trip
Seamlessly combine multiple destinations into one well-paced itinerary
A family of elephants in South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
“My wife and I used Julian to plan our honeymoon. He provided thoughtful recommendations that met all our needs, from city exploration to adventure to relaxation. Our trip started in Cape Town, where we stayed at the gorgeous Cape Grace. Then we headed to Kruger National Park, where we stayed four nights on safari at Arathusa and Tintswalo—beautiful game reserves with excellent service and incredible sights.
We finished in Mauritius on the most beautiful beach at the One&Only Le Saint Géran. From start to finish, every single detail was accounted for, and all our transfers were seamless. We didn’t have to worry about a thing.” —William Giordano
- Best for: world-class safari camps and beach resorts
- Highlights: beautiful game reserves and coastlines
- What made it seamless: An expert safari planner took care of every single detail
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
ANCIENT WONDERS
Egypt: Iconic Sights Without the Crowds
Enjoy Egypt’s highlights hassle-free, including a hot-air balloon ride over Luxor
The Sphinx and the Pyramids on the Giza Plateau. Photo: Shutterstock
“We haven’t even unpacked our bags from our honeymoon tour of Egypt, and we are already planning to return for another one! Jim and Arlene did a spectacular job making us feel cared for, and the trip went off without a hitch, even in these uncertain times. Our Egyptologists (Reham and Bassem) were so knowledgeable and on top of their game that we would often have temples to ourselves, avoiding all other crowds.
Our only regret is that we didn’t extend our trip for another week. If you’re considering taking this tour to Egypt, just book it. You will not regret it. And don’t forget to add a hot-air balloon ride over Luxor. I promise it will be magical!” —Rebecca Switzer
- Best for: seeing the last remaining Wonder of the Ancient World
- Highlights: pyramids, temples, and seeing them from a hot-air balloon
- What made it seamless: The Egypt travel fixer eliminated crowds, lines, and hassles
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
Cambodia: Culture, History, and Luxury Experiences
For a customized itinerary including Angkor Wat at sunrise, food tours, and spa treatments
Photo: Shutterstock
“My wife and I used Ethan to plan our honeymoon, opting to do the entire thing in Cambodia. This trip was incredible. My wife and I said to each other that it was the coolest trip we had ever been on, and, beyond that, likely the coolest trip that anyone we know has been on. Simply put, it would not have been possible without Ethan and his team.
Ethan crafted our itinerary to include a little bit of everything. A few days in Siem Reap to see the cultural sites, a few days in Phnom Penh, a few days in the jungle, and a few days at the beach. Some favorite activities included Angkor Wat at sunrise, the elephant reserve outside Siem Reap, the food tour in Phnom Penh, and the spa treatments at Shinta Mani Wild.
Two of our hotels, Amansara in Siem Reap and Shinta Mani Wild, were two of the best we have ever stayed in. The service and attention to detail were impeccable. And even beyond those hotels, everywhere we went, it seemed that the staff was fully aware that it was our honeymoon. The team made us feel like true VIPs! —Sam Waters and Samantha Wintner
- Best for: ancient monuments, jungle adventures, and luxe resorts—at an affordable price
- Highlights: Angkor Wat at sunrise, elephant reserve, Phnom Penh food tour
- What made it seamless: The local fixer ensured the honeymooners got VIP treatment throughout
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best honeymoon ideas for couples who want both adventure and relaxation?
An African safari with beach time, an island-hopping itinerary in Greece, an overwater bungalow in French Polynesia with exciting excursions, hiking in Patagonia while staying in luxury lodges, and Japanese food quests combined with luxury ryokans, are all popular honeymoons. But the fact is that you can combine adventure and relaxation seamlessly in hundreds of locales worldwide, as long as you’ve got a masterful itinerary with smart pacing and logistics.
How do I plan a honeymoon to a remote or logistically complex destination?
You can find top trip planners for countries worldwide who have the real-time expertise and local connections to design savvy itineraries, make logistics more efficient, make lines and crowds disappear, and pull strings on your behalf. This eliminates travel stress and ensures special treatment.
How do top trip planners create “VIP” or behind-the-scenes experiences?
First, they ask all about your trip goals and priorities—and your personal interests, likes, and dislikes—so that they can custom-tailor your honeymoon. Then they use their longstanding local relationships to get you insider access and special perks that they deliver in the form of WOW experiences.
Can such a trip planner plan a honeymoon on a short timeline?
Yes. In fact, that’s one of the ways they can be most valuable. Top local travel fixers know where the availability is—they often have the clout to get you in even when a place is “sold out”—and they can simplify complex logistics fast.
How do such travel fixers tailor a honeymoon to specific interests like food, wine, or wildlife?
They design the entire itinerary around what the couple enjoys most. This means a food-focused honeymoon, for example, feels completely different from a wildlife-focused one— with different pacing, different locations, different guides, sometimes even different hotel choices. To get such a personalized trip, your crucial first step is a video call with the trip planner. The better you can articulate your travel personality and priorities, the better the honeymoon that the travel fixer can plan and execute for you. Our trip questionnaire makes it easy to articulate what’s most important and what would make your honeymoon unforgettable, and our WOW way of booking travel ensures you end up with the best possible trip.
Be a smarter traveler: Sign up for Wendy’s weekly newsletter to stay in the know. Read real travelers’ reviews, then use the black CONTACT buttons on Wendy’s WOW List to reach out to the right local fixer for your trip.
