While it’s true that a generous handful of tried and true honeymoon destinations have been moved to the proceed-with-caution list, thanks (or no thanks, rather) to Zika virus, there are still plenty of romantic locations around the world that make for a perfect place for your betrothed and you to jet off to after exchanging the vows.
If you’ve had your heart set on a blue-water, white-sand, secluded beachside getaway, you’ve still got plenty of options. From secluded islands in Florida to the dramatic coastline of Australia and all way the postcard-perfect beaches of Seychelles, there is an idyllic honeymoon destination—completely free of any threat of this pesky mosquito-borne virus—for every kind of globetrotting newly-wed. We’ve also included some options that stray from the typical tropical / Caribbean beachside choice; the primrose-strewn dunes of Nantucket, for example, or the stunning landscape of one of the Pacific Northwest’s prettiest national parks.
If you’re interested in doing some research (you should) on your chosen destination before you begin booking flights and accommodation, head over to the website for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention—this is the best place to find up-to-date information on Zika virus all over the globe.
Have a little scroll through our favorite Zika-free honeymoon destinations, below.
Related: Where to Have a Zika-free Caribbean Vacation
Seychelles
Located off the eastern coast of Africa, surrounded by the mild and blue waters of the Indian Ocean, the 115 islands that make up Seychelles are hands-down one of the most romantic beach getaways out there—and the islands are truly out there (like, hundreds of miles off the coast kind of out there). You’ll have plenty of options for intimate accommodations and unforgettable experiences on these unique, culturally-rich islands.
Cyprus
Known as the birthplace of Aphrodite (the Goddess of Love!), Cyprus is an idyllic location for a restful and intimate honeymoon. You’ll certainly get a healthy dose of salt, sun, and sea while visiting Cyprus—but you’ll also be in for so much more than a simple beach vacation when you visit this storied Mediterranean island. Between the mountains, forests, and picture-perfect coastline, as well as the delicious local cuisine, unforgettable sunsets, and ample history, you’ll have no trouble filling your days with exciting adventures alongside your loved one.
Menorca
Beautiful inlets, coves, and crescent beaches line the coast of this little Balearic island. Known for being more of a low-key, beach-forward hangout than its popular (and party-heavy) counterparts, Ibiza and Mallorca, Menorca is ideal for a quiet, romantic vacation for newlyweds. Cozy up in an intimate hotel overlooking the turquoise Mediterranean, stroll hand-in-hand along miles of white-sand shoreline, and prepare for some seriously delicious seafood dinners.
Related: Why You Should Travel to Ibiza in the Spring
South Africa
Hiking, dining, sipping local wines, lounging on the beach—the list of dreamy experiences that you can share as newlyweds in South Africa is bountiful. Cape Town is home to stunning beaches, beautiful hotels, and award-winning restaurants, and you can venture just an hour away from the city to visit the Cape Winelands for some top-tier wine tasting, and of course, be sure to leave time for an epic safari experience.
Nantucket, Massachusetts
Nantucket is the perfect combination of a quaint and storied beachside resort town and laidback luxury. Whether you choose to stay in town at one of the charming historic inns, or out along the further shore at a high-end resort like The Wauwinet, you’ll have no trouble feeling right at home and settling into the stunning, dramatic New England landscape. Award-winning restaurants and white-sand beaches abound, yielding one of the East Coast’s most romantic and secluded getaways.
Great Ocean Road, Australia
For the couple who loves a good road trip, the epic Great Ocean Road route along the southwest coast of Victoria is an ideal choice for an unforgettable honeymoon. The two of you can take your time driving the 249-mile road from Torquay to Nelson, stopping as much as you’d like to swim, surf, camp, cozy up in coastal accommodations, and feast on local cuisine. You’ll stumble across many a natural wonder (like the 12 Apostles), ample vineyards, and charming fishing villages
Olympic National Park, Washington
As lovely as a beach vacation is, it’s not for everyone. If you’re a couple who love to get outdoors, camp, hike, and explore national parks, plan a trip to one of the country’s finest: Olympic National Park in Washington State. Here, you can explore glacier-capped mountains and old-growth rainforest, dramatic coastline and unparalleled vistas of the vast Pacific Northwest. Whether you choose to hole up in a cabin or lodge for a week, or adventure out on a backpacking journey, there’s no doubt that this trip will be one of the best the two of you ever embark on together.
