A pair of introverts would probably feel ill at ease honeymooning at a clothing-optional Caribbean hideaway, while a duo who Rollerblades, hikes and skydives every weekend might go batty vegging on the beach. It can be as difficult to choose the right honeymoon destination as it is to choose the perfect shade of ecru for your wedding invitations. To choose the best place, match your style and personality type to our picks.
- Elissa Leibowitz Poma
| If You... | Then Choose... | Our Pick | Other Options | Info |
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| Like sunsets,sets, walks on the beach and cuddling on a hammock. | A romantic island getaway. | Hawaii is the top American honeymoon destination, and one look at Maui will tell you why: Stunning sunsets, velvety beaches and swaying palms are the go-to image of romance. The Westin Maui (866-500-8313; from $440) offers couples massages in a beachside cabana. For a cozier atmosphere, try an airy studio apartment at the Bambula House (800-544-5524; from $89) in Lahaina. | Much of the Caribbean is as picturesque as Hawaii and is a quicker and cheaper flight from Washington. With just 170 rooms, the all-inclusive Sandals Halcyon (888-726-3257; from $204) on St. Lucia is smaller than the other two Sandals resorts on the island. For a European option, Greece has the romantic island thing down pat; the Atlantis Villas (011-30-22-860; from $196) are built into caves on Santorini. | Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau, 800-464-2924, www.gohawaii.com; Caribbean Tourism Organization, 212-635-9530, www.doitcaribbean.com; Greek National Tourism Organization, 212-421-5777, www.gnto.com. |
| Hit 10 on the Stress-O-Meter while planning your wedding. | A secluded spot where relaxation is mandatory. | To really get away, head for the red rock country of the U.S. Southwest. Sedona, Ariz., is home to the small, luxurious Mii amo spa resort (888-749-2137, www.miiamo.com; from $1,740 per person for three nights). The resort blends into its scenic backdrop like a chameleon and offers five spa programs, including de-stressing and spiritual exploration. | Nemacolin Woodlands Resort (800-422-2736, www.nemacolin.com; from $150), 180 miles from D.C., has a French-style chateau, private townhouses and a top-notch spa. A cruise is even more secluded; after booking your trip, pay for extras like the $284 romance package on Holland America (877-724-5425, www.hollandamerica.com), which includes flowers, champagne and aromatherapy massages. | International Spa Association, 888-651-4772, www.experienceispa.com; Cruise Lines International Association, 212-921-0066, www.cruising.org. |
| Blew your wedding budget on a horse-led carriage and chocolate fountain. | A destination within driving distance of home. | A great honeymoon doesn't have to be pricey. Niagara Falls - about seven hours from D.C. - has been a favored honeymoon spot since Victorian days. For high kitsch, book a room with a heart-shaped whirlpool tub at the Canadian-side Hampton Inn Niagara Falls (800-465-6027; from $129 for that room, others from $59). For more charm, choose the U.S.-side Manchester House B&B (800-489-3009; from $99), a 15-minute walk to the falls. | Cook simple meals in a private cottage with sweeping views near Shenandoah National Park. The Lucky River Cottage (866-780-7827; from $175 for the first night, from $125 each additional night) has a riverside deck, Jacuzzi and grill. Or drive a few hours from D.C. to the gingerbread house-like inns and antiques shops of Cape May, N.J. Stay at a historic property such as the Queen Victoria B&B (609-884-8702; from $100), with porch swings and free bicycle use. | Niagara Falls Tourism Visitor & Convention Bureau, 800-563-2557, www.niagara
fallstourism.com; Shenandoah Valley Travel Association, 800-847-4878, www.visitshenandoah.org; New Jersey Travel and Tourism, 800-847-4865, www.state.nj.us/travel. |
| Think the No. 1 priority at your reception is an open bar. | A spot that parties all night long. | Day and night blend together in Las Vegas, a city packed with bars, entertainment and, oh yeah, casinos. Blow your winnings and stay at the 50-story Wynn Las Vegas (877-321-9966; from $239) or the Tuscan-style Bellagio (888-987-3456; from $199), or economize at the Stratosphere Casino and Hotel (800-998-6937; from $39). | The all-inclusive resorts of Jamaica are nonstop parties, with free-flowing drinks and music-infused nightlife. Resorts near Negril and Ocho Rios include Couples (800-268-7537; from $175 per person per night). Or kick back on a Windjammer Barefoot Cruise (from $500 per person for four days), with flexible itineraries and strong cocktails. | Las Vegas Tourism, 877-847-4858, www.visitlasvegas.com; Jamaica Tourist Board, 800-233-4582, www.jamaicatravel.com; Windjammer Cruises, 800-327-2601, www.windjammer.com. |
| Prefer Goofy to Godiva. | A place where you can be young at heart. | Who says honeymoon spots have to be romantic hideaways? Disney World (800-370-6009, www.disneyweddings.com) in Orlando attracts as many couples as it does kids, with its storybook parks, larger-than-life cartoon characters and fun rides for all ages. Honeymoon package deals start at $682 per person for three nights’ accommodations at a Disney resort, park passes and airport transfers. | The Bahamas’ mega-resort Atlantis (888-528-7155, www.atlantis.com; from $379 per person for three nights) has plenty of diversions and water sports. Or visit the fairy-tale city of Copenhagen, with street performers and the old-fashioned amusement park Tivoli. Splurge on the five-star hotel D’Angleterre (011-45-3312-0095; from $448) or the cozy Hotel Jorgensen (011-45-3313-8186; from $120). | Visit Florida, 888-352-4636, www.visitflorida.com; Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, 800-224-2627, www.bahamas.com; Danish Tourist Board, 212-885-9700, www.visitdenmark.com. |
| Put more thought into the food and wine at your reception than the guest list. | A place with plenty of gourmet options. | Provence, in southern France, has stunning landscapes and regional delicacies, including garlic-infused olive oil, locally grown fruit and vegetables, fresh fish and, of course, wine. The secluded hotel Domaine de Valmouraine (011-33-4-9092-4462; from $159) in St. Remy has its own highly regarded restaurant. Or, save your money to splurge on wine and stay at the rustic Cardinal Hotel (011-33-4-4238-3230; from $65) in Aix-en-Provence. | Take a Far East adventure and indulge in the 14-course Kaiseki Feast, which includes noodles, fresh veggies, fish and tofu, during a trip to Tokyo. Stay in a family-run ryokan, such as the Ryokan Shigetsu (011-81-3-3843-2345; from $132 for a Western-style room). For more variety, from Creole and Cuban to Asian fusion and American, head to the stylish restaurants of Miami’s South Beach. Stay near the swankiest joints at the hip Albion Hotel (877-782-3557; from $134). | French Government Tourist Office, 212 838-7800, www.franceguide.com; Japan National Tourist Organization, 212-757-5640, www.japantravelinfo.com; Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, 800-933-8448, www.gmcvb.com. |
| Are considering getting married on a roller coaster or while jumping from a plane. | An adventure-lover’s destination full of adrenaline-inducing activities. | With four active volcanoes, cloud-capped rain forests and 750 miles of beaches, Costa Rica will keep you busy. The country is best explored by four-wheel drive, on foot—or in scuba gear for some of the best diving around. Stay in a beachside bungalow at the Cariblue Hotel (506-750-0035; from $85) in Puerto Viejo or at the Hotel Costa Verde (506-777-0584; from $79) near Manuel Antonio National Park. | For a winter adventure, hit the slopes in Jackson Hole, Wyo., and visit nearby Yellowstone National Park. Warm up at the Snake River Lodge and Spa (866-975-7625; from $129). Or go on a South African safari. Camp at Kruger National Park for as little as $19 a night or stay in more luxurious bungalows (from $152). Book through Siyabona Africa Travel (011-27-21-434-1037, www.krugerpark.co.za). | Costa Rica National Tourist Bureau, 800-343-6332, www.visitcostarica.com; Wyoming Tourism, 800-225-5996, www.wyomingtourism.org; South African Tourism, 800-822-5368, www.southafrica.net. |
Rates are based on double occupancy, unless otherwise specified, and are subject to change.
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