6 beachy honeymoons for a blissful post-wedding comedown

Whether you love the water or just want to wind down from your wedding on the sand, there’s nothing quite like a honeymoon by the beach. Below, we’ve rounded up the best beach destinations for celebrating your marriage, from a Mexican hotspot to an island off Thailand. Pick your favorite and then start your new life together in the sun.

As a honeymoon destination, Bora Bora is hard to beat. It’s one of the most idyllic places on earth, with sparkling sand, calm lagoons, and lush peaks. But the real draws for honeymooning couples are the more than 30 luxury resorts tailor-made for romance. You’ve probably seen ultra-romantic photos from the islands’ overwater bungalows, but don’t discount many of the resorts’ private villas perched high in the hills—you’ll still have access to the beaches and crystalline waters, but feel a little more secluded and cocooned by the jungle. For some pampering in paradise, check out well-known brands like Le Méridien, Four Seasons, and Conrad, which all have properties in Bora Bora.

If you can tear yourself away from your resort, Matira Beach is one the most popular stretches on the island and a Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best winner, with perfect snorkeling conditions and several waterfront restaurants. If you’re looking for a more active honeymoon, there’s still plenty to do—much of which you can coordinate through your resort—including swimming with sharks, renting bikes to cycle around the island, and hiking Mount Pahia.

With miles of white-sand beaches and spirited nightlife, Cancún offers the perfect mix of relaxation and celebration. Plus, you can often find oceanfront rooms at luxury hotels like the JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa for around $350 per night.

There are so many beautiful beaches here you could visit a new one every day and never run out of sand to explore. Playa Delfines near the hotel zone is the busiest but has bathrooms and chairs for rent, while Playa Norte, located on Isla Mujeres just eight miles off the coast of Cancún by ferry, is more peaceful, with fewer crowds but equally lovely sands. Both are Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best winners for a reason.

When the sun goes down, head to Fred’s Seafood and Raw Bar for tasty dishes like tempura tuna bites and pretzel-crusted calamari, served in view of the bay. Then, party the night away at popular hotel zone spots like Coco Bongo, La Vaquita, and Mandala.

Known for its white-washed villages and blue-domed churches, Santorini is an iconic honeymoon spot. The Greek island has its fair share of beaches, from sandy stretches to rocky and wild coastlines, but the real highlights here are the views. For a romantic evening, head to Oia at the northern tip of the island to watch the sun set over the glittering Aegean Sea.

Book a cliffside suite at the five-star Andronis Boutique Hotel in Oia and enjoy sweeping ocean views alongside stellar service. Another great option is Atlantis Hotel in Fira. Though it’s in the middle of the action, the four-star property, which features traditional Cycladic architecture and a swimming pool, feels private and elegant.

An island nation in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives covers 26 atolls and coral islands spread across nearly 35,000 square miles. The tropical paradise is beloved for its white-sand beaches and turquoise lagoons, as well as the seclusion and first-rate service couples often seek on their honeymoon. Spend your days lazing on the sand, snorkeling, or taking a glass-bottomed boat ride to spot dolphins, whales, sharks, and other fascinating marine life.

For an extra-special stay, book an overwater villa at the Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, featuring fine dining, a luxurious spa, and the interactive Marine Discovery Center, where you can help protect the resort’s delicate marine ecosystem.

For a mix of sun and culture, head to Phuket. Yes, there are beaches, like the more secluded Mai Khao in the north and livelier Kamala, Patong, and Kata beaches. But don’t just stick to sunbathing—head out to sights like Jui Tui (a Chinese shrine where locals worship daily), Naiharn Temple (where monks live in wooden huts on the beach), and Wat Chalong to get a glimpse of Thai culture and history. There are tons of tours available, if you want to cut down on planning time, like this highly-recommended private morning ceremony at Wat Chalong, and this Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best–winning food tour that hits up some of Phuket Town’s most delicious noodle spots.

Once you’re tapped out exploring the island, seek out a romantic spa experience at spots like Villa Zolitude, set high in the mountains in Chalong, and Mandara Spa, located right on Mai Khao beach.

You're spoilt for choice with island honeymoon spots in the Caribbean, but Grand Cayman is a favorite for its beaches and spectacular scuba diving. Its tropical climate means little rainfall and warm temps year round, making it even more attractive for couples’ getaways. When you need a break from the beach, tour the stalactite-filled Cayman Crystal Caves or stroll through the Travelers’ Choice Award–winning Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park.

Stay at the Westin Grand Cayman, located right on famous Seven Mile Beach, or the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, home to six restaurants, a golf club, and a water park. And, when hunger strikes, be sure to grab some fish fry—arguably the most popular dish in the Caymans—at Grape Tree Café.