Can't stop dreaming about your honeymoon? Don't book anything before you've discovered the destinations, trends and incredible hotels that need to be on your list of wants for a Honeymoon in 2023.
The thought of jumping on a plane, and jetting off to the other side of the world is a very attractive prospect right now! What with the lack of travel we all experienced during the pandemic, and the repercussions following it. Booking a Honeymoon for 2023 seems like a pretty safe option though, and will give you time to save for the adventure of a lifetime.
If you're planning the ultimate bucket list honeymoon or a luxury mini-moon, it can feel a bit overwhelming deciding where to go. There are the classic, romantic honeymoon destinations like the Seychelles and the Maldives which are going nowhere in 2023. But there's also plenty of exciting new trends, destinations and hotels to discover around the world.
From the rise of luxury UK honeymoons to jaw-dropping safari treehouses and first class upgrades, couples now have a little more time to save up & go wild on a blowout honeymoon in 2023.
Honeymoon in 2023: The Top Trends
1. Private Villas and Secluded Resorts
Due to our ever-changing social habits post-pandemic. We're likely to see a rise in couples choosing private villas with their own pools or tucked away resorts and safari camps, instead of a busy honeymoon hotel in 2023. As people strive for more and more privacy in their lives.
'Couples are keen to look for ultimate relaxation and seclusion; they want to go to places that will guarantee total relaxation after the pressures the pandemic brought. Wide open spaces in Africa are in demand, and luxury lodges with outdoor sunken pools on the deck are one of the most requested honeymoon choices for 2023.' According to Kuoni.
Luxurious resorts with private villas offer the best of both worlds for a Honeymoon in 2023. You get the wide choice of bars and restaurants on offer, but with the opportnity to slink off to your own place, with a private pool, that you won't have to share with lots of other holiday-goers.
'More than half of all Kuoni’s honeymoon bookings are for the Maldives, its secluded island retreats are more appealing than ever right now,' says Kuoni. 'Water-villas and beach villas a few steps from the turquoise ocean and white sand are in high demand, particularly with private pools, as couples seek luxury in their own surroundings.'
There are also safari camps for secluded luxury, while opulent eco-lodges in countries like Thailand and Costa Rica offer the chance to get away from it all and surround yourself with nature.
Where to go
The new resort of Maafushivaru is a sure-fire winner, with its small island charm combined with everything you could possibly need for a honeymoon in 2023. There are two wide beaches, a house reef for snorkelling, an infinity pool and an uninhabited sister island - which you can hop on a boat to for a candlelit dinner. Or even a stay on the island's private villa – which features an outdoor hot tub.
If you're searching for some inner Zen, try the chic, new Kagi Maldives Spa Island. This boutique, five-star retreat in the Maldives is a dedicated wellness haven. Recently opened, their focus is on restorative health, fitness and deliciously nourishing menus. All 50 of its villas have private pools, 40 of which are water villas, perched over the ocean. Wow…
If you really want to get away from it all, you should book a stay at Minaret Station in Wanaka, New Zealand. Only accessible by helicopter, these four luxurious chalets sit in the heart of a glacial valley on a working high country farm, surrounded by the wild beauty of the Southern Alps. It's the perfect place to go for walks together with literally no one around you.
2. Luxury Upgrades
Many couples are upgrading their 2023 honeymoon plans or even opting for the year after, so they'll have longer to save for their dream trip. These upgrades come in many forms such as extensions with multiple centre destinations, upgrades to accommodation, adding experiences such as balloon trips over the Maasai Mara, private champagne picnics on deserted islands or overnight stays somewhere unique.
Think about where's going to be in the area for you that makes the most sense to splash that extra bit of cash on. If you're going on a long-haul flight to Australasia, for example, giving yourself the legroom of a first class flight can make all the difference. If you're massive foodies, see if there's a Michelin-starred restaurant near your destination and make a special night of it.
Where to go
For a dinner like no other, book The Sarojin in Khao Lak, Thailand. This romantic boutique hotel sits within tropical gardens that lead to its own secluded seven-mile beach. For a night you'll never forget, enjoy fine dining by candlelight beside a magical jungle waterfall. You'll enjoy dishes of marinated Andaman prawns, lamb massaman curry (personal fave!), seared duck breast and steamed white snapper to the sounds of a cascading waterfall… They also offer a 'Shipwrecked in Style' meal for two, where you'll be whisked off on a private yacht to your own sandy island to watch the sun set over the ocean.
3. Stunning Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka will be a hugely popular honeymoon destination in 2023. Honeymooners will get a very warm welcome in Sri Lanka as the destination always pulls out all the stops to wow its couples with a blend of culture, adventure, activities and luxury beach and spa facilities.
It packs a lot into one small island. Safari experiences, tea plantations and jungle walks are just some of the reasons why it's so in demand for 2023 honeymoon's. And is frequently combined with a trip to the Maldives. You can get serious luxury for less than you might expect in Sri Lanka, especially at small, boutique resorts.
Where to go
Jetwing Hotels have intimate, boutique spots across Sri Lanka that showcase the best of every region and lead the way in sustainability. The barefoot luxury Kottukal Beach House and eco-chic retreat Jetwing Surf are found on the South East coast in a world-class surfing area with a fun, laid-back beach scene. Or explore the relatively undiscovered North of Sri Lanka from Jetwing Jaffna, which is a fantastic base for visiting the wildlife-rich national parks and untouched islands.
If you want the utmost luxury, go to Cape Weligama which was awarded one of the top 10 infinity pools in the world by Condé Nast Traveller. There's jaw-dropping 270-degree coastal views from the resort, exceptional service and lavish suites – but there's plenty to draw you away from the resort too, like tea trails and whale-watching trips.
4. A Staycation Honeymoon in 2023
Plenty of couples will choose a luxury honeymoon in 2023 that is right on their doorstep. And with the wealth of amazing venues across the UK and Ireland, you can't blame them. For the first time, honeymoon experts Kuoni have added UK and Ireland properties to their collection, which is a sure sign that this trend is only on the up and up.
Avoiding a long-haul flight is both an eco-conscious choice, while also being preferable for health and comfort reasons for some couples. The UK and Ireland is also a popular honeymoon choice for those getting married for the second time.
With a UK honeymoon, you don't miss out on any of the style, service or beautiful backdrops. In fact, why not enjoy the incredible views this country offers, and hire a classic car to drive to your destination for even more sophistication! Picture yourself road tripping along the coast of Scotland or Ireland in a vintage Jaguar E-type!
Where to go
The Scottish islands are one of the best kept secrets in the honeymoon world. How about island-hopping around the romantic Isle of Skye, or visiting the straight-out-the-Caribbean beaches of Harris? Why not cross a bridge to your own private Scottish island retreat, or go for a moonlit kayak on a loch? Try the Isle of Eriska hotel on its own private island, which features a five-star spa, fine dining restaurant and a wonderful array of outdoor activities.
If fine dining is your thing, then don't miss the chance to stay at a hotel with Michelin-starred dining options. There's The Gilpin Hotel and Lake House in Cumbria which uses the best Lake District ingredients. Or you could sit at the Kitchen Tasting Bench at Fischer's Baslow Hall in Derbyshire, watching the chefs whip up your meal right before your eyes.
One of the most amazing UK honeymoon hotels is The Newt in Somerset - once you've arrived at this cool, contemporary boutique hotel not far from Bath, you'll never want to leave. Every one of their dishes features the freshest ingredients gathered straight from their estate.
5. Bedrooms with the Wow Factor
It's not enough to simply go to an incredible destination. Couples want their accommodation to be just as stunning as the surroundings. For some this will mean a classic, romantic five-star hotel with every detail thought of, but for others, they want to push the boat out with unique accommodation and room experiences that they'll never forget.
Copper baths on the decking, beautiful tented camps and treehouses are the most requested for honeymoons in 2023.
Where to go
Have you ever fancied staying in a treehouse? Lion Sands Game Reserve in South Africa is one of the best places to spot the Big Five, with gorgeous lodges and three luxury treehouses – Chalkley, Kingston and Tinyeleti. These remote treehouses offer panoramic views of the bush, and you can sleep under the stars in a four-poster bed in complete privacy – with just the noises of the wildlife to help you drift off to sleep.
Shinta Mani Wild is a super luxurious, tented retreat in the heart of one of the most wildlife-rich national parks in Cambodia. Each of their 15 Khmer tents is set along a winding riverbank, with breathtaking views and gorgeous outdoor baths. The ultimate bedrooms are the ones set at the base of the waterfall, which you can watch right from your room (or bath). It's the ultimate in luxury, while the resort also leads the way in conservation efforts in the area.
6. Short-Haul Honeymoons
Minimoons aren't a new concept, but they cemented themselves as part of the 'new normal' in 2020 and 2021. During that time, long-haul travel was seen as too risky for some.
The benefit of going short-haul is you'll get remarkable value deals with added-value upgrade offers at top European destinations as destinations continue to entice travellers back. The top destinations for this? Italy, Greece & Portugal.
Where to go
The top honeymoon island in Greece is Santorini, with its chic resorts, rooftop champagne bars and sunsets to die for. In Italy, Ravello on the Amalfi Coast is a critically acclaimed destination and the Belmond Hotel Caruso stands out as something special, a famed honeymoon spot with romantic candlelit dinners and vistas of the iconic Amalfi coast.
A little further away is Croatia, which has plenty of postcard-pretty boutique hotels, as well as a coastline to die for. The unspoilt island of Lošinj has something new in the Boutique Alhambra which is in one of the most secluded coves on the island, with a Michelin starred restaurant, and a fabulous spa for couple treatments.
Honeymoon in 2023 sorted? But you haven't got your dress yet?! Let's sort that out – head over to our contact page and book your appointment with us. While you're waiting for your big Bellissima day, have a browse of our gowns online.
Laura & the girls xx