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Grooms-and-brides-to-be had a tough time over the past few years.
Rescheduling dates, dodging last-minute lockdowns, trimming interstate guest lists, and of course, putting honeymoons on hold were part and parcel of a walk down the aisle for most couples during the pandemic. But love conquers all, right? You got there. Or perhaps you bided your time and decided to wait for a return of some sort of normality. Either way, now that the world has reopened, it’s time to start planning the island honeymoon of your dreams!
Here are ten of the best destinations for an island honeymoon — all of which are relatively accessible from Australia.
1. Indonesia
Indonesia is literally a nation of tropical islands — just over 17,000 of them. That gives you plenty of choice, but why settle for seeing just one? Book a boutique Indonesia cruise and visit a range of captivating island destinations, all the while enjoying deluxe accommodation and sumptuous meals. Alternatively, head for possibly Australia’s favourite island — Bali. From the upscale resorts of Seminyak and Nusa Dua, to eco retreats tucked well off the beaten tourist track — the options for a fabulous honeymoon here are endless.
2. Hawaii
Like Bali, Hawaii is a dream honeymoon destination for many couples — and with good reason. The Hawaiian Islands offer plenty of choice for your style of stay, and you can do as much or as little as you like. Opt for a big name luxury hotel in Oahu’s Waikiki Beach, a coastal resort on the tranquil island of Maui, or something more rustic on the verdant Big Island — home to the must-visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and a mecca for adventure lovers. Spend at least one evening immersing yourself in Hawaiian culture at a traditional luau — a celebratory feast with live entertainment, dancing, and even party games!
3. Fiji
Mainland Fiji and its outer islands have more than their fair share of fancy five-star resorts (and a smattering of six-star properties to boot). But for us, Yasawa Island Resort on the remote, northern-most island of the Yasawa group is the ultimate honeymoon haven. The beaches here are truly exquisite — and apart from a handful of traditional villages, the resort is the only development on the island. There are just eighteen stand-alone, superbly appointed bures, and much of the time it feels like you have the entire island to yourself. Access to Yasawa Island is by launch or seaplane from Nadi.
4. Thailand
Thailand has long reigned as another of Australia’s favourite holiday destinations, much of which comes down to the high standard of resort accommodation, incredible hospitality, great food, and exceptional value for money. Thailand offers an array of island destinations, including Phuket off the south-western coast, neighbouring Phi Phi Island (immortalised in Leonardo DiCaprio’s 2000 film The Beach), honeymoon favourite Koh Samui in the Gulf of Thailand, and lesser-known options like Koh Samet and Koh Lipe — the latter of which is relatively remote by Thai standards and consequently attracts far fewer tourists. However, it boasts amazing beaches (some say the best in the country) and a wide range of accommodation options.
5. French Polynesia
Close your eyes and visualise the quintessential island paradise; then feast them on the French Polynesian island of Bora Bora — where reality surpasses even the most vivid imagination. Formed by an extinct volcano, the jagged and dramatic remnants of which are still plainly visible, the main island of Bora Bora is ringed almost completely by sandy islets that protect the inner lagoon and harbour many of the world’s most luxurious resorts. The water is azure in colour; the beaches are white and bright; the rows of overwater bungalows are oh, so utterly stunning. Yes, Bora Bora is expensive, somewhat tricky to get to, and you’ll cross date and time zones to do it. But in the perfect honeymoon stakes, this runner is a sure bet.
6. Maldives
No list of top island honeymoon destinations would be complete without referencing the Maldives. Sitting pretty in the vast Indian Ocean, roughly six hundred kilometres south of the Indian mainland, the 1,200 coral islands that make up the Maldives are best accessed from Australia via Bangkok or Singapore. Pack light; in this luxurious outpost a swimsuit and sarong are the daily dress code and shoes are nearly always optional. Having flown into the capital, Male, you’ll probably complete the journey to your chosen resort by speedboat. The stretch of water between the many atolls is perfectly protected and offers myriad activities. Snorkel or dive in clean, crystal-clear water, as clownfish and other sea creatures dart amongst the colourful coral.
7. Seychelles
They say good things come in small packages, and while the Seychelles is one of the smallest island nations in the world, it’s also one of the most beautiful. Like the Maldives, this jewellery box of small islands and coral islets sits in the Indian Ocean — 1,600 kilometres off the east coast of Africa (just over three hours by air from the Kenyan capital Nairobi). Sweeping beaches, relaxed resorts, colourful Creole culture, and vibrant nightlife are all part of the Seychelles’ appeal — as is its incredible biodiversity. Explore rainforests of rare tropical flora, and snorkel and dive amidst more than nine hundred marine animal species. You’ll also have the opportunity to see the famous Aldabra giant tortoise — all but hunted to extinction from the 16th to the mid 20th centuries, and now repopulating on several of the country’s larger islands.
8. Philippines
The Philippines’ Palawan Island province is situated ninety minutes by air south-west of the capital Manila. This long, narrow piece of paradise (just forty kilometres across at its widest point) was named best island in the world in 2020 by prestigious Travel and Leisure magazine, and melds dramatic coastal scenery, shimmering beaches, and characterful cove villages with mesmerising effect. Laze away your days in a dream-like state as the outside world quickly becomes a distant memory. If you’re feeling energetic, go kayaking, island hopping, mountain trekking, scuba diving, and even caving. Culture vultures will love exploring Puerto Princesa — the region’s main travel hub.
9. Cook Islands
Often overlooked by Australian holidaymakers for reasons that remained entirely unfathomable, the paradisical Cook Islands are situated midway between Fiji and Tahithi — roughly six hours by air from Sydney. Surrounded by a fringing reef and calm turquoise waters, the main island of Rarotonga is utterly charming. It’s not a big place (you can circumnavigate the island by car in less than an hour), and consequently, large scale tourism has been kept at bay. In fact, you won’t find a building taller than a coconut palm! Check out the sublime Te Manava Luxury Villas, which feature private plunge pools overlooking the reef. A couple of nights on Aitutaki Island will be the icing on your Cook Islands cake.
10. Whitsunday Islands, Australia
And yes, some of the best island honeymoon destinations on the planet are located right in our own backyard! Queensland’s incomparable Whitsunday Islands beckon with the promise of pure white sand, turquoise-coloured water, plenty of activities for couples who want them (including easy access to the Great Barrier Reef), and languid pool or beach days for those who don’t. Push the boat out on a stay at legendary Hayman Island Resort, which reopened in 2019 following a $135 million refurbishment.
This post was published thanks to Aqua Expeditions.
Do you have any suggestions to add to our list of the best destinations for an island honeymoon? We would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below.
The information contained in this story is general in nature and does not constitute professional advice in any way. We make every effort to ensure this content is accurate, but we do not guarantee it. You should do your own research and seek the advice of professionals before acting or relying on any of the information provided in this story.
Additional images: Bigstock
About the writer
Adam Ford is editor of Top Oz Tours & Travel Ideas, and a travel TV presenter, writer, blogger, and photographer. He has travelled extensively through Europe, Asia, North America, Africa, and the Middle East. Adam worked as a travel consultant for a number of years with Flight Centre before taking up the opportunity to travel the world himself as host of the TV series Tour the World on Network Ten. He loves to experience everything a new destination has to offer and is equally at home in a five-star Palazzo in Pisa or a home-stay in Hanoi.
