For most of us, our wedding day is the happiest day of our lives—a day full of laughter, dancing and celebrating with family and friends. However, the months, weeks and days leading up to the big day are often some of the most stressful. All the planning and preparing can really take its toll, so it’s no wonder tradition calls for newlyweds to immediately take a vacation. Not just any vacation, though: the best vacation of your lives. You’re going to want to see blinding white sand, water so clear you can see your toes wiggle, and coconuts dangling from palm trees above. Basically, you’re going to want dive into a postcard. A beautiful setting combined with peace and quiet are in order, so we’ve rounded up the 12 of the best beaches in the world for honeymooners.
Kendwa Beach: Zanzibar Island, Tanzania
The cerulean waters off Zanzibar have enchanted travelers for centuries. For the perfect, post-safari beach escape, head to Kendwa Beach on the northwest corner of the Tanzanian island. A range of hotels speckle the expansive shoreline, offering everything from quiet, secluded inlets to bustling beachfronts. Just offshore lies a vibrant and abundant coral reef, and in the distance, the distinct triangle-shaped sails of the dhow fishing vessels glide across the horizon.
Huvafen Fushi Beach: The Maldives
Way out in the middle of the Indian Ocean you’ll find some the most postcard-worthy islands on the planet—the Maldives. Here, calm, crystal-clear water laps up onto the softest sand you’ll ever come across. Luxury hotels abound in the Maldives, and each property occupies its own island. With one of the best house reefs set just offshore and long stretches of shallow, turquoise water, the island of Huvafen Fushi stands out among the rest. The beach circulating this island is straight out of your dreams.
Playa Avellanas: Tamarindo, Costa Rica
There’s something both romantic and thrilling about Costa Rica. Known for its eco-friendly hotels, rainforest adventures and world-class surfing, it’s a destination for everyone. Honeymooners, in particular, flock to this Latin American country for its natural beautify and laid-back vibe. Of all the beaches to adore on Costa Rica’s famed Pacific coast, Playa Avellanas is perhaps the most beloved. The long stretch of waterfront provides enough space where you can easily find your own sandy oasis. Calms waters make for an enjoyable time lounging in the water close to shore, while a large offshore break provides some excitement further away. Lounge away the afternoon under an endless line of palm-trees, or head to Lola’s, one of the best beach bars in the world, and grab a cocktail while their name-sake pig saunters around you in the sand.
La Ropa Beach: Zihuatanejo, Mexico
Remember in “Shawshank Redemption,” when the prisoners opine about a beach paradise they plan to seek out when they are free? This is that place. There are more than a dozen beautiful beaches in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo but the most picturesque is called La Ropa. While many of the hotels are set along this shoreline, it’s not overly touristy and exudes a fun, relaxed vibe. Set in a little inlet, the views of the town and coastline around are stunning. Lounge around in the white sands or saddle up to a table with your toes in the sand at La Perla beach bar.
Navio Beach: Vieques, Puerto Rico
A dirt road lined with friendly, wild horses leads you to a cove of beaches on Vieques’ southern coastline. After a few tumultuous twists and turns on a rocky backroad (a 4×4 is a must!), you’ll find the magical Navio Beach. Ruggedly beautiful and remote, with no signs of civilization in sight, you’ll feel like a castaway on an undiscovered island. On one end, you’ll find rocky cliffs that may tempt you to leap off, and on the other end, a cave that beckon you to explore.
Ikei Island Beach: Okinawa, Japan
A 2.5 hour flight south from Tokyo, the laid-back island of Okinawa is fast becoming a hot spot for global beach-seekers. Surrounded by bountiful coral reefs and electric turquoise water, Okinawa, thankfully, still lacks the abundance of commercialization that often accompanies beautiful beach destinations. On the western side of the island, drive over the bridge to the breathtaking Ikei Island. A nature-lovers paradise, the secluded beaches here boast some of the bluest water in the world and are set against a rugged tropical backdrop.
Colombier Beach: St. Barts
Butterfly Beach: Santa Barbara, California
Butterfly Beach, right along Channel Drive in Santa Barbara, may well be the prettiest in all of California. The rocky coast is simply stunning, a favorite among locals and playful pups, as well as surfers just after sunrise. In the evening, watch the sky turn a brilliant pink for a classic, jaw-dropping West Coast sunset. Hang out for the golden hour and watch the sun disappear amid the famous cotton candy skies.
Kaanapali Beach: Maui, Hawaii
This stretch of Maui sand is among the most beautiful in all of Hawaii. Here, you can get involved in fun water sports or just relax and soak in the scene. Skinny palm trees separate the grassy hotel properties and there are plenty of huts on long the waterfront to rent paddle broads. With views of the neighboring islands of Lanai and Molokai, walks along the Kaanapali Beach are especially breathtaking.
Grace Bay Beach: Turks and Caicos
The Caribbean island of Turks and Caicos is famous for its white sand beaches and picturesque water. On Grace Bay Beach, you’re surrounded by miles and miles of bleached white sand, dotted with seagulls and the occasional sunbather. Looking out at the water, the ombre effect draws you in as the crystal clear water turns a deeper turquoise about knee-deep. In case you need a cool-down snack, the occasional vendor will stroll by selling refreshingly tasty gelato.
La Gavitella Beach: Priano, Italy
La Gavitella Beach, on Italy’s Amalfi Coast, is unique in that you won’t find any sand here. The beach is actually a slab of rock, dotted with bright orange loungers and umbrellas. Here, you’ll get chair-side drink service all day long and a ladder takes you into the salty, Mediterranean Sea. If you’re hungry, there are several restaurants nearby or just order lunch from your server and enjoy it under the shade of an umbrella. Several hundred stairs lead down to the beach, so only those who can handle the walk back up venture down. As a result it’s pretty quiet, except for every few hours when the waterfront eateries crank up the music to pass out fresh fruit or ice pops for a cool-down snack and a fun 5-minute dance party!
Sunset Key Beach: Key West, Florida
This semi-private beach is a 10-minute ferry ride from mainland Key West. The quick ride is worth it, though, because the relative seclusion creates a tranquil setting and means there’s very little competition for the loungers. Pick your spot under the thatched umbrellas, and enjoy a key lime pie-colada under the Florida sunshine.
