If there’s one vacation people are going to ask you about, it will be your honeymoon. Which is why it has to be something to remember, something truly personal and a reflection of your shared tastes.
Take a look at our pick of the top five island honeymoon destinations in the world and see what grabs your attention.
FIJI
Thousands of miles from anywhere, Fiji is a castaway fantasy: white-sand beaches washed by spectacular surf, abundant waterfalls cascading into deep, green pools in the jungle and plenty of sunshine. There’s a reason the Blue Lagoon and Cast Away films were set here.
If you’re planning on washing up here for your honeymoon, you’ll get a warm, smiley welcome from the local Fijians, descendants of the Melanesians and Polynesians who have created a delightfully unique, friendly society, known the world over for their friendliness and warmth.
With a reputation for love and romance, Fiji is often voted one of the top Pacific honeymoon destinations. With its lush tropical interior, abundant marine life and gorgeous, private accommodation, it’s the perfect fit for honeymoon couples looking to celebrate their new lives together.
Surrounded by the South Pacific Ocean, Fiji is made up of hundreds of islands, many of which have been turned into private-island resorts. You can choose from laid-on luxury, no-expense-spared resorts or stylish yet sustainable eco-lodges which celebrate the beauty of nature.
Fiji’s Yasawa Islands are top favorites with honeymoon couples. This chain of 20 exquisite islands, just a 30-minute flight from Fiji’s main island Viti Levu, is all about sun-drenched beaches, privacy and luxury island retreats.
One luxury resort in the Yasawas that is particularly popular as a private honeymoon destination is Turtle Island where 12 private beaches and just 14 couples are hosted at a time meaning guests are guaranteed their own private beach every second day of their stay.
For unique honeymoon experiences you could enjoy dinner for two on a floating pontoon overlooking the famous blue lagoon where your meal is delivered by boat. During the day you might choose one of the private beaches all to yourselves, with a romantic picnic lunch.
Or how about Cliff Point, with a meal on a rocky outcrop, that juts out over the lagoon? You can cool off after dinner with a refreshing moonlight dip.
SCOTLAND’S ISLANDS
Known for its lashing rains, strong winds and dramatic scenery, Scotland might not be the first place you think of when deciding on your private honeymoon destination.
But if you’ve got your heart set on island honeymoon destinations, have you considered Scotland’s islands? Incredibly, there are more than 900 Scottish islands in the somewhat chilly North Sea, most of which can be found in Shetland, Orkney, the Outer Hebrides and the Inner Hebrides.
As far as unique honeymoon experiences go, the opportunities for Instagram-worthy shots are endless on Scotland’s many islands.
The Isle of Skye is one of Scotland’s most beautiful, with stunning natural landscapes, medieval fishing villages and fiery sunsets from the Talisker distillery.
For the best view of Skye, head to the island of Raasay, recently voted by Conde Nast Traveler magazine as one of the best islands to visit in 2020. Described as ‘storybook remote’, this wild Scottish isle is all about moody hills and single-lane roads claimed by sheep. There’s a sleek whiskey distillery, with its long windows reflecting Skye’s Cuillin peaks and a single malt maturing inside. Stay the night and you’ll be able to dine on venison pie.
Enjoy an afternoon tea before trying out sea kayaking, sailing or coasteering. You can also hike up Dun Caan, Raasay’s highest hill for amazing views of the surrounding mountains and sea.
Continuing the whiskey theme, on the Isle of Islay, you can sample some fine peaty whiskies from one of the eight working distilleries. You can visit the peaceful ancient abbey on the Isle of Iona before admiring the breathtaking geological wonder of Fingal’s Cave on Staffa.
On the Isle of Mull you’ll be able to spot impressive sea eagles followed by a meal of fresh seafood in one of the pubs in the main town of Tobermory. Hire an extra thick wetsuit for some windsurfing on Tiree or try to spot basking sharks off the shores of Coll.
CARIBBEAN
When it comes to unique island honeymoon destinations, the Caribbean is ideal. With its pale-blue sea, shell-pink sand and angelfish swimming around your toes it’s easy to see why honeymooners gravitate towards the Caribbean.
Escape the crowds by finding a rustic, rum-shack Caribbean-style or head for one of its exclusive private honeymoon destinations. This is where you’ll feel like you’re in Treasure Island and you can walk hand-in-hand along an empty beach.
The Caribbean is stippled with unspoilt, private islands that offer honeymooners a luxury bothole to escape to. The choice of resorts and unique island honeymoon destinations is endless. There are coral cays in Belize, castaway cays in Barbados and all-inclusive resorts in Turks and Caicos. In Jamaica you can enjoy a day trip to Dunn’s River Falls, while in Aruba you can snorkel and dive at Eagle Beach.
Romantic moments in the Caribbean might be memorable sunsets enjoyed over a rum punch or two, hotel stays in lush gardens and suites with private plunge pools. Then there are private yacht charters, couples massages and fine dining. There are also a handful of hotels set on their own little escapist island.
MAJORCA
Located in Spain’s Balearic Islands, head to Majorca during the northern hemisphere summer – from May to September – to escape the crowds and to avoid the stifling heat of August.
The island’s more glamorous side has always attracted the A-listers, the sort of place where you’ll find Kate Moss sipping sangria, or Michael Douglas wandering around his vineyard on a remote coastal Cliffside.
A Majorcan honeymoon can still promise seclusion. There are more than 260 beaches on the island, many of which are tucked into secret coves, so there’s plenty of options for private swims and sunbathing.
Plus there’s the rugged scenery and scent of the pine-clad cliffs, the chime of golden citadels in hilltop villages and lazy afternoons in infinity pools, taking it all in.
Private honeymoon destinations might include a forested 16th-century estate with a Michelin-starred restaurant, a former fortress turned exclusive retreat or a white-washed spa sanctuary, set out across acres of orchards and farmlands.
THE SEYCHELLES
The Seychelles is one of the ultimate island honeymoon destinations – the stuff of dreams. Here you’ve got 115 islands dotted across the Indian Ocean, 500 miles from Madagascar and 900 miles from Africa’s mainland.
The largest island is Mahé which in addition to the anticipated white-sand beaches, boasts the widely photographed granite peaks including the rainforested Morne Seychellois. Adventurous honeymoon couples can climb Morne Seychellois, the highest peak in Seychelles, while the third-biggest island, Silhouette, has mountains galore and its waters are protected by a Marine National Park.
The most famous beach in Seychelles is Anse Lazio, on Praslin Island, where its turquoise water, palm trees and imposing boulder formations will be a hard-to-beat backdrop for photos. Praslin Island is also home to the UNESCO-listed Vallee de Mai nature reserve.
Honeymoon couples who love their wildlife will also appreciate the huge variety to be found in Seychelles, including endangered black parrots and blue pigeons – also known as the Seyechelles blue fruit dove – and wild tortoises on the remote Aldabra Atoll.
Explore Turtle Island Fiji
If your heart is set on a Pacific honeymoon destination, then take a closer look at Turtle Island. This is a truly unique island honeymoon destination and with just 14 private bures – traditional Fijian villas – you’ll feel as if you’ve got the island to yourselves.
Soak up the sun on one of the island’s 12 private white-sand beaches, snorkel the shore-based reef or enjoy romantic dinners on your own jetty. What are you waiting for? Get in touch today to start making memories.
