Honeymoon in September? Why not? September is one of the best months to go on your first trip together after tying the knot. The days are sunny, the weather is beautifully warm, and popular tourist destinations are less crowded. You are likely to have the place all to yourself, which guarantees a more private and intimate holiday.
Because peak season is officially over in September, there are plenty of excellent vacation packages, from lower lodging rates to discounted deals and unique off-season activities. It means you get to save on regular expenses and use the extra to splurge on indulgences such as a sunset cruise or wine tasting tour.
Whether you want to unwind in a traditional villa in Bali or party the night away in a chic hotel in Cote d’Azur, these five luxury honeymoon destinations are sure to make your first trip as newlyweds memorable.
1. Bali
The movie Eat, Pray, Love placed Bali in the limelight as a world-class honeymoon destination, but the island is already a favorite of tourists celebrating love long before that. Known for its emerald paddies, lazy beaches, ancient temples, surfing spots, and luxurious spas, Bali is indeed a paradise, especially for couples seeking both leisure and adventure.
For nature enthusiasts and thrill-seekers will love diving, snorkeling, surfing (of course!), white water rafting, and mountain hiking. If you want to immerse yourself in the local culture, visit temples, discover traditional textile weaving, or witness woodcarvers and other artisans create their craft. Want something more interactive? Enroll in a cooking class on local and Southeast Asian cuisine, take up a yoga course, or learn Balinese dance.
To make your honeymoon more interesting, stay at an overwater bungalow, where you can leap into the turquoise water from your room or watch the unobstructed sunsets from your terrace. And while dinners by the beach are classically romantic, try something unique in Bali. What do you think of dining in an underwater aquarium, on an abandoned plane, or in a rocky cavern with an incredible beach view?
2. California
What are you looking for on a honeymoon? Escape to a sun-drenched beach? A trip to wine country? A trek in the wilderness? A tour in a hip and culturally rich city? Why not experience them all and tick off everything in the best travel guide of California for honeymooners?
Check out the palm-fringed beaches and colorful seaside villages of Santa Catalina Island, the dramatic coastline and laid-back farms of Half Moon Bay, the hidden coves, and the wild beauty of Big Sur. If wine sampling is part of your itinerary, head to Napa Valley for its tracks of vineyards, replica Tuscan castles, and 240 wineries that would impress even the fussiest wine connoisseurs. For a sweet and rustic escape into the heart of nature, buckle up your boots and follow Lake Tahoe’s scenic trails, marvel at the impressive granite mountains and old sequoia trees at Yosemite National Park, or ramble through a forest of giant redwoods at Humboldt County.
Miss the hustle and bustle of the city? Head to San Francisco for its fascinating blend of old charm and urban chic. Stroll along Alamo Square and enjoy the view of the Painted Ladies, cycle across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, watch the city skyline from Twin Peaks, and indulge in the fabulous food scene.
3. Bora Bora
There is no wrong time to visit Bora Bora. Set on the edge of the South Pacific and surrounded by islets, this French Polynesian island rarely experiences hurricanes and enjoys balmy, sunny days almost year-round. Whether you want to lounge on the beach all day or engage in an adrenaline-pumping watersport, Bora Bora never fails to impress. Plus, the sea temperature in September is mild and temperate, making it an ideal time for water activities.
Beaches are the primary attraction of Bora Bora. A vacation on the island is incomplete without staying at an overwater bungalow, snorkeling at Tupitipiti Point, or rambling along the shores of Matira Beach. But there are plenty of other sites to explore and adventures to enjoy. Scale the summit of Mount Otemanu, fly over the heart-shaped atoll of Tupai on a helicopter, or sail around the island on a yacht. Have a fancy dinner at one of the award-winning seaside restaurants. Then grab a bottle of bubbly and escape to some secluded part of the beach to stargaze.
4. Balearic Islands
Majorca, Ibiza, Menorca, and Formentera. The four main islands of the Balearic archipelago share the same Mediterranean feel, but they are singularly distinct from each other.
Majorca, the biggest of the islands, is a contrast of glitzy resorts and rustic villages, pavement cafés and lush vineyards, majestic fortresses, and surreal caves. Idyllic and pastoral, Menorca is a haven for honeymooners looking for peace and solitude. Picture-perfect Formentera embodies the quintessential bohemian vibe, with its hippy flea markets and the idle ambiance made for lazing around.
Then, there’s party-loving Ibiza, fast-paced and boisterous but also dreamy and rife for romance. Yes, Ibiza has its share of romantic places, too. Especially if you decide to rent out any of the sexy and romantic Ibiza honeymooner villas on offer. If that’s hard to wrap around your head, imagine swimming at the quiet beach of Cala Comte, strolling down the winding lanes of D’alt Vila, or watching the sunset over Es Vedrà.
5. Côte d’Azur
If you are looking for luxury at its finest, Côte d’Azur has it all. The stunning coastline of Southern France, with its azure blue waters, charming seaside cities, upscale resorts, and love for the high life, has long been the playground for the rich and famous. It is also, undisputedly, one of the most iconic honeymoon destinations.
Côte d’Azur stretches for 550 miles, but most of the best places for honeymooners are between Monaco and Saint-Tropez. To fully experience the panoramic landscape, rent a car and get on a road trip. Drop by Monaco for its glitz and glamour, head to Nice and meander along the Promenade des Anglais, have a picnic at la Croix des Gardes in Cannes, relax on a beach in Saint Tropez.
Do not forget to visit Hotel Belles Rives in Juan-les-Pins, where F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote Tender is the Night. Other places worth seeing are Grasse, famous for its perfume-making heritage, and the hilltop village of Eze for its ancient château ruins and incredible views from the top.
