When a dream honeymoon stirs visions of swimming in turquoise water, sipping piña coladas on a white sand beach, and swaying in a hammock to the sounds of calypso music, the Caribbean is the destination. With dozens of diverse islands to choose from, it’s hard to know which will be the romantic honeymoon experience that dreams are made of. Nearly every island offers the traditional beach resort experience, so couples may want to start their search by matching their personal idea of heaven with the islands vibe best suited to them.
St. Barths
St. Barths Island is one of the most sought-after honeymoon destinations in the Caribbean – a volcanic rock of only 8 square miles. It is most notable for its eclectic natural areas and luxurious amenities. Visitors will enjoy its stunning natural beauty, such as night-blooming cacti, majestic beaches, and an abundance of iguanas as well as its extravagant yachts, designer boutiques, and fine dining restaurants. Known for being the playground of the rich and famous, there is no shortage of things to do and see on this quaint little island. This includes scuba diving, snorkeling, deep-sea fishing, sailing, hiking, exploring museums, and indulging in spa treatments.
Anguilla
Anguilla is a tranquil island in the British West Indies of the eastern Caribbean. There are no chain hotels here, no casinos, and no cruise ships, which sets it apart from a lot of Caribbean Islands. It’s been described as the Caribbean of 30 years ago. Although it’s serene, it is a high-demand destination for the wealthy, which means it’s more expensive than some island destinations. Accommodations lean toward the luxurious, and Tequila Sunrise Villa, secluded in Lover’s Cove, is a good example. This laidback honeymoon destination is for the couples who want to immerse themselves in the island’s culture and “be” on their honeymoon, not “do” it.
Ambergris Caye
Ambergris Caye is the largest of Belize’s islands, known for its stunning beaches, luxury resorts, and reef exploration opportunities. This is the place to be for a mix of romance, colorful sunsets, and underwater adventure. Couples can honeymoon at a number of high-end resorts and hotels on the island. There is a choice of local attractions and excursions, from exploring Mayan ruins to snorkeling the Belize Barrier Reef and diving the Great Blue Hole.
Aruba
Aruba is a popular Caribbean destination for honeymooning couples. The Dutch island ringed in white sand beaches is situated in the southern Caribbean off the coast of Venezuela. Many island hotels and resorts participate in the One Cool Honeymoon program, also known as the One Happy Honeymoon program. It’s available all year round and couples need only alert their resort that they’ll be coming for their honeymoon to participate. Hotels in the program tend to offer their own specials too, which may include room upgrades, champagne, flowers, couple’s massages, steam/sauna/spa amenities, and limousine transfers. The island’s award-winning Eagle Beach earned the title of third best beach in the world for 2017.
Barbados
Barbados is in the southeastern region of the Caribbean, a windward island of the Lesser Antilles. For the couple seeking a balance between romantic relaxation and exciting island activities, Barbados hits the mark. White sand beaches and Caribbean sunsets set the stage for romance, but the island offers plenty of activities with everything from catamaran cruises to submarine tours. History buffs will appreciate the cultural island tours of historic homes, churches, and rum distilleries. Top honeymoon resorts include Crystal Cove, Tamarind, Turtle Beach, and Waves Hotel and Spa. For the well-heeled couple, honeymoon with the stars at Sandy Lane Hotel Resort. Barbados is also one of the more buttoned-up islands of the Caribbean.
British Virgin Islands
The first decision that couples who want to honeymoon in the British Virgin Islands have to make is, which island? Couples who want the full Virgin Islands experience will want to choose Tortola with luxury resorts, dozens of white sand beaches, watersports, and land tours uncovering the island’s cultural history. Virgin Gorda combines luxury accommodations with island nature sanctuaries and protected natural parks. Couples into snorkeling, diving, and secluded sandy beaches head to Anegada. Outdoor couples looking for rugged scenery, traditional island cuisine, and flashy partiers in the yacht club scene will appreciate Jost Van Dyke Island. However, the resorts of Guana Island may, in the end, satisfy every honeymooner’s dreams.
Caye Caulker
Caye Caulker is a Belizean island 1 hour and 20 minutes by water taxi from Belize City. The remote island is the epitome of unplugged. There are no paved roads; there are also no cars. Most people get around on foot or by bicycle. This honeymoon destination is for the couple seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience on an affordable Caribbean island. The bi-level Honeymoon Suite at Seaside Cabanas is an excellent choice of accommodation. Front Street is the main street, which runs the length of the island and where visitors will find restaurants, bars, excursions, and hotels all along the way. Congregating at the Split for a swim at sunset is an island ritual.
Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands are a group of three islands – Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman – that make up this British Overseas Territory 90 miles south of Cuba. Couples will love the beautiful clear Caribbean waters, colorful coral reefs, and gorgeous beaches, including stunning Seven Mile Beach, lined with all-inclusive resorts. The island’s mellow vibe is the perfect setting for a romantic honeymoon. However, this cosmopolitan island chain also offers luxuriant forests, intriguing caves, exotic bird life, and rich local culture. Couples can swim with stingrays, snorkel, dive, and sunbathe by day, and indulge in fine dining, island music, and romance by night.
Curacao
Curacao is a Dutch island in the Netherland Antilles off the northern coast of Venezuela. It’s famous for its expansive coral reefs and hidden beaches tucked away in the island’s many coves. Sunscape Curacao Beach Resort offers special upgrades and freebies to honeymooning couples with proof of marriage. Besides soaking up the sun and romancing at the resort, couples can explore the island by car, bike or ATV, hike the national park, explore ancient drawings in Hato Caves, or dive the Mushroom Forest. There is plenty of shopping, dining, and nightlife in Willemstad, a UNESCO World Heritage city.
Dominica
Dominica , dubbed “Nature’s Island” by islanders, presents couples with experiences as diverse as extreme adventures, enriching ecotourism, and serene spa treatments. Midway in the eastern Caribbean archipelago, Dominica is just north of Martinique. The rich cultural blend of African, Caribbean, French, and English influences has resulted in a magical destination for honeymooners. This is the island for nature-lovers, hikers, climbers, and those who prefer to step off the beaten path and escape the Caribbean cliché. The best island honeymoon accommodations are Secret Bay, Pagua Bay House Oceanfront Cabanas, and The Champs Hotel.
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, and has a Hispanic culture and language. Honeymooners flock to this island getaway because of its world-class resorts that line its soft sand beaches. The island is rich with colonial-era history, museums, and cultural experiences. Days can be spent lounging on the beach and dancing to merengue in high energy clubs by night, never leaving the resort. Adventurous couples can take one of the many jeep safaris and other excursions into the island’s interior. The Dominican Republic is also known as the Caribbean’s #1 golf getaway and is famous for its Brugal Rum, chocolate, coffee, and precious gems – larimar and amber.
Grenada
Grenada is the ideal location for couples looking for a simple honeymoon in the Caribbean where they can experience untouched natural beauty and the warm vibrancy of the island’s people. It’s a place where white sandy beaches and turquoise waters offer a pure and authentic escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Here, newlyweds can enjoy an unspoiled landscape away from crowds. They can journey under the sea to discover coral reefs and sunken treasures one day and experience chance encounters with mona monkey’s the next. Grenada also offers one-of-a-kind experiences like hiking Mount Carmel, a haven of waterfalls, or exploring the renowned Underwater Sculpture Park just off the coast.
Jamaica
Couples who want to put a little spice into their new lives together should consider honeymooning in Jamaica . This spirited island just south of Cuba is the third largest in the Caribbean. From spicy foods like jerk chicken, curry goat, and Jamaican patties to spicy dancehall Reggae dance moves, Jamaica is a hot destination. Some of the best beach resorts are on Cornwall Beach in Montego Bay, world-famous Seven Mile Beach in Negril, and Treasure Beach on the island’s southern coast. Adventurous couples can explore the island’s lush interior with an excursion to the Blue Mountain coffee plantation, Cranbrook Flower Forest, Dunn’s River Falls, or river rafting on the Rio Grande.
Martinique
Martinique is an excellent destination for couples who want to enjoy both a sophisticated and cosmopolitan honeymoon intermixed with natural wonders and adventures. This Caribbean island is volcanic in origin, a mountainous beauty that boasts an astonishing diversity of atmospheres and landscapes. Visitors to this area will find an array of beaches, awe-inspiring hiking opportunities, and premier culinary experiences as well as a multitude of island adventures and rich cultural life. In the north, guests will find rainforests and mountains, while in the south there are, miles of stunning beaches and lovely bays. Parasailing, scenic helicopter rides, sailing, and water jet-packing adventures are just a few of the activities available.
Nevis
Nevis is an ideal destination for couples who want to unplug from a busy world while on their honeymoon. This island is one of the most unspoiled places in the Caribbean, featuring lush greenery, clear blue skies, clean air, and long stretches of uncrowded beaches. Nevis offers a relaxing vibe that encourages visitors to take a breath and enjoy its wondrous natural beauty. The easy-going nature of its people, simplistic charm, and slower pace of life are what set this island apart. It also features a multitude of activities, from arts and crafts and historical landmarks and sites to scuba diving, horseback riding, and even a Funky Monkey tour.
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is one of the best places in the Caribbean for a lively Hispanic vibe. Old San Juan is rich in colonial history and culture, and the city buzzes with energy. As the second oldest city established in the New World, San Juan is one of the most historically significant places in the Western Hemisphere and the Caribbean. Guests can walk through 500-year-old forts and historic churches, including taking a tour of the second oldest cathedral in North and South America, as well as touring Ponce de Leon’s mansion and La Fortaleza palace. The island offers excellent museums, top-notch beaches with various water activities, and an energetic nightlife scene.
Saint Martin
Saint Martin is an island of lively colors and serene ambiance, a perfect blend of relaxation and vibrancy. The scenery is dominated by rich colors of bright yellow, orange, and red with stunning turquoise waters and white sand beaches. Visitors can explore the hills by horseback or zip lines one day, and the azure waters or dive under the sea into a world of caves and coral reefs the next. Couples will enjoy fine dining restaurants that serve exceptional local fare like the barbecue at Lolos in Marigot, offering succulent lobster and fried fish slathered in local spices. Nights can be spent dancing to calypso rhythms.
St. Kitts
St. Kitts has a natural beauty like no other. With warm waters, white sandy beaches, and clear skies, it is one of the most gorgeous locales in the Caribbean. Its strategic location and colonization by the British in 1623 make it one of the most luxuriously developed places in this area, featuring large and stately hotels, perfect for a dream honeymoon. It has a surprising number of sights and activities for its size, including exploring the Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors to the area can also climb a dormant volcano, explore ancient petroglyphs, hike through the rainforest, and take a ride on the scenic railway.
St. Lucia
St. Lucia has long been considered one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful islands, making it an in-demand honeymoon destination. The island boasts an array of fun-in-the-sun activities including snorkeling, diving, hiking, and kite-surfing, making it a draw for couples who enjoy the natural beauty of Mother Nature. It’s an idyllic place for those in search of rejuvenation and romance with a landscape of palm-lined beaches, acres of unspoiled rainforest, and the magnificent Piton Mountains. St. Lucia is also known for its luxurious high-end resorts, fine dining restaurants, and award-winning spas. Guests will delight in everything from yachting excursions to horseback riding along the beach.
Antigua
Antigua and its little sister Barbuda are in the eastern Caribbean in the middle of the Leeward Islands, which means nearly constant northeast trade winds. Since there are 365 beaches on Antigua, couples are bound to find a few suitable to their tastes, including many secluded beaches with powdery white sand. Several island hotels and resorts offer honeymoon packages, and Galley Bay Resort and The Verandah Resort & Spa also offer complimentary weddings with select stays. This island honeymoon is for the active couple, with sailing, diving, snorkeling, and other water activities, a vibrant nightlife with dozens of bars and restaurants, and numerous land activities and excursions.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a necklace of islands still offering the Old Caribbean experience, the perfect destination for the couple with a loose concept of time. These islands provide one of the most mellow honeymoon experiences in the Caribbean. Couples can charter a boat to go exploring island to island or just catch rides on local fishing boats. St. Vincent is the largest of the islands, with a rainforest interior just waiting to be explored. For that faraway feeling, Bequia Island’s gold sand Princess Margaret Beach, lined with almond and cedar trees, has a single beach bar. Couples can also take a schooner ride on the Friendship Rose for a secluded snorkel trip to Mustique.
Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago are two island paradises with their own unique personalities. Trinidad is a pulsing Caribbean island that is infused with Creole culture and a party scene that is unmatched by any others. This is most apparent during Carnival, when celebrations rival the festivities of Rio de Janeiro. On the other side of the spectrum is Tobago, Trinidad’s smaller and more demure sister island, where relaxation and tranquility rule supreme. Here, guests will enjoy a more laidback beach experience with honeymoon resorts, pristine natural surroundings, and activities that include scuba diving, sailing, snorkeling, and bird watching.
Turks and Caicos
Turks and Caicos is one of the premier honeymoon destinations within the Caribbean. It’s made up of seven main islands and roughly 40 additional islands and uninhabited cays. Grand Turk and Providenciales are the main tourist islands and are where the majority of the locals also live. On these two islands visitors will find an array of luxury hotels, spas, and restaurants as well as sprawling uncrowded beaches and magnificently vibrant coral reefs in the surrounding waters. Providenciales has rare natural attractions like the Chalk Sound, an expansive lake with striking turquoise water and a multitude of small cays. Grand Turk is best known as a diving and snorkeling destination.
US Virgin Islands
For couples who don’t have passports but still long for that Caribbean honeymoon experience, the US Virgin Islands is the best destination. St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix each offer a unique allure. The most cosmopolitan of the three islands is St. Thomas, offering five-star dining, luxury resorts, a world-renowned golf course, vibrant nightlife, and notable attractions like the 99 steps of Charlotte Amalie. St. John is the smallest of the three islands, with a national park making up 60% of the island, featuring miles of unspoiled beauty. St. Croix is the largest of the three islands, boasting a tranquil tropical ambiance intermingled with rich and diverse cultural attractions.
