Planning your honeymoon and not sure where to go? Beach honeymoons don’t have to mean the usual Caribbean or Hawaiian resorts. For couples looking for something a little more distinctive, there are countless breathtaking coastlines beyond the traditional choices — from the remote shores of Fiji to the island chains of Indonesia. The Legacy Untold founder and honeymoon expert Mark Lakin has been named “Top Travel Advisor” in Travel + Leisure’s A-List annually since 2015. He also serves on the publication’s prestigious Travel Advisory Board, a noted group of 26 of the USA’s top travel advisors and agency owners, chosen from the A-List, and collectively managing more than 10,500 travel designers and driving more than $21.4 billion USD in sales annually, making it the most powerful board in the travel industry. Below, he shares seven of his favorite underrated beach honeymoon destinations.
1. INDONESIA: Sail From Bali to the Komodo Islands
Begin in Bali, where crystal-clear waters, lush landscapes, and sacred temples set the scene for a romantic start to married life. Along the island’s dramatic coastline, vibrant reefs make it one of Indonesia’s best spots for diving and snorkeling, while inland, couples can slow down with sunrise yoga, sound-bath meditation, and visits to centuries-old Hindu temples. Cultural experiences such as batik-painting classes offer another way to connect with the island’s traditions before the day winds down. As evening falls, dinner is served on a private stretch of sand lit by flickering tiki torches, followed by a peaceful massage back at your villa perched above the ocean.
From there, hop on a one-hour flight to Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Indonesia’s Lesser Sunda archipelago known for its rugged landscapes and scaly residents (more than 4,000 Komodo dragon lizards call this home). Popular activities here include stand-up paddleboarding and sea kayaking, snorkeling at Menjerite Island, planting coral with expert marine biologists, and exploring Komodo’s various nooks and crannies aboard Lako di’a, a traditional phinisi yacht fit for Balinese royalty.
The best time to visit Indonesia: April – October
2. FIJI: Romance and Adventure in a South Pacific Paradise
Picture yourself on a secluded island where powdery white sand meets clear turquoise water and palm trees sway gently in the warm ocean breeze. In Fiji, days unfold at an easy pace, surrounded by lush tropical landscapes and some of the most beautiful beaches in the South Pacific.
Spend your mornings snorkeling above vibrant coral reefs teeming with colorful fish, turtles, and dolphins in waters so clear they seem almost unreal. Dive into world-class underwater sites along the famous outer Malolo Barrier Reef, surf legendary breaks like Cloudbreak, and paddle across calm lagoons before returning to shore for a slow stroll along the beach.
Beyond the coast, Fiji’s lush interior offers its own adventures. Wander through orchid gardens blooming with thousands of vibrant flowers, soak in natural hot springs and mud baths, and hike through volcanic mountains and tropical forests alive with birds and waterfalls. Explore botanical gardens in Suva, discover the shifting sands of the Sigatoka dunes, and venture inland for river rafting through jungle landscapes. With secluded beaches, world-class diving, and endless natural beauty, Fiji offers the perfect setting for an unforgettable escape in paradise.
The best time to visit Fiji: October – May
3. MALDIVES: Escape to a Postcard-Perfect Paradise
If there were ever a time to splurge on a trip, it’s a honeymoon in the Maldives. Screensaver-blue waters and overwater bungalows are a familiar sight in this corner of the Indian Ocean.
Wake up each morning to a freshly served banquet of fruits, pastries, and pancakes, and dine surrounded by nothing but water. Spend your days unwinding in private overwater villas, sailing across the atolls on a sunset dhow, and snorkeling vibrant coral reefs where colorful fish speckle glassy lagoons. Lunchtime is spent marooned on a sandbank, 20 minutes away by speedboat, with a picnic basket and an ice bucket cradling chilled champagne. Later in the day, swim with manta rays or unwind with a couples massage at the spa.
Our favorite resorts also offer opportunities to take part in sustainability initiatives such as coral reef restoration programs, as well as cinema nights under the stars, acoustic sets by local bands in beachfront bars, and full-moon DJ sets on the beach, where you can dance the night away with a beautifully crafted cocktail in hand.
Each night, retire to your overwater villa to stare at a glitter-bomb of stars—just a few of the reasons why a Maldives honeymoon is considered one of the most luxurious in the world.
The best time to visit the Maldives: January – April
4. SOUTH AFRICA: Coastal Romance in Cape Town and Beyond
One of our most requested honeymoon destinations, South Africa offers a compelling mix of adventure, romance, relaxation, and luxury. Many newlyweds combine time on safari with a stay in Cape Town, where dramatic landscapes meet the sea.
Set between the iconic Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean, the city is lined with white-sand beaches and scenic coastal roads that wind around the Cape Peninsula. Couples can visit the penguin colony at Boulders Beach, relax along the shores of Camps Bay or Clifton, and take day trips to the nearby Cape Winelands before returning to the coast at sunset.
The best way to fall in love with the city is to explore it on foot and experience the sights, sounds, and flavors that make each neighborhood unique. One particularly vibrant area is the colorful Bo-Kaap, where historic streets lead to intimate art galleries and specialty shops like the legendary Atlas Trading Company. This centuries-old spice shop is an aromatic wonderland offering everything from finely ground cinnamon and pitted dates to baobab fruit powder and a variety of rice and flour.
Best time to visit Cape Town: November – March
Click here to watch a 90-second reel of the honeymoon we planned for NFL star David Bakhtiari and his wife Frankie at one of our favorite lodges, Molori.
5. JAPAN: Beaches and Island Culture in Okinawa
Japan may not be the first place that comes to mind for a beach honeymoon, but the islands of Okinawa offer white sand beaches, clear turquoise water, and a slower pace of life far from the bustle of the mainland.
Located in the Ryukyu archipelago, Okinawa blends tropical scenery with a distinct island culture shaped by centuries of maritime trade. Couples can spend their days snorkeling coral reefs, kayaking along quiet stretches of coastline, and relaxing on beaches like Kondoi and Nishihama.
Often called the “Hawaii of Japan,” Okinawa is home to about 150 islands and offers a tropical escape from the mainland. Formerly the Ryukyu Kingdom, the region’s culture reflects influences from both China and Japan. The island’s subtropical climate, fresh ingredients, and clean air contribute to the famously long life expectancy of Okinawan residents.
Scuba diving, snorkeling, parasailing, and sea kayaking are among the most popular activities for couples exploring the islands.
Best time to visit Okinawa: March – October
6. SEYCHELLES: Barefoot Luxury on Remote Private Islands
Remote private islands, dramatic granite rock formations, cinematic clifftop views, and long stretches of white sand make the Seychelles a top choice for honeymooners. Located 1,000 miles off the coast of mainland Africa, the 115-island archipelago includes uninhabited islands to explore and exclusive private resorts reached by yacht, seaplane, or helicopter.
Travelers can take part in conservation experiences such as protecting the Giant Aldabra Tortoise, restoring coral reefs with marine biologists, planting trees in lush forests, and photographing manta rays to help collect research data.
Whether staying in a clifftop retreat or a beachfront villa steps from the sea, the Seychelles offer a picture-perfect escape filled with snorkeling, sailing, island hopping, and laid-back “barefoot luxury.”
Best time to visit the Seychelles: April – November
7. MOZAMBIQUE: An Undiscovered Paradise on the Indian Ocean
Nestled along the Indian Ocean, Mozambique is a petite paradise known for pristine white sandy beaches, dramatic coastal rock formations, and rich cultural heritage. Remote and luxurious, it’s the perfect destination for barefoot luxury and understated decadence.
The Northern Mozambique Channel is home to 450 species of coral and some of the world’s most diverse marine life. In places like Tofo, you can snorkel or dive alongside whale sharks, humpback whales, dolphins, manta rays, and sea turtles, or join local conservation programs helping protect endangered sea turtles.
Beyond the water, unwind with sunset picnics on sandbars, float in warm turquoise seas, ride horses along the shoreline, enjoy exceptional seafood, explore colonial-era ruins, and sail into the sunset on a traditional dhow.
Best times to visit Mozambique: April – December
Your honeymoon should be the trip of a lifetime. Explore more extraordinary destinations and start planning your journey at www.thelegacyuntold.com or reach out to [email protected].