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The 10 Best Caribbean Islands for an Unforgettable Honeymoon

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Lori Zaino
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Lori Zaino

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Lori is an intrepid traveler who loves creating itineraries that exude “luxe on a budget.” She’s written for CNN, NBC, The Infatuation, and more, and loves to muse about points-fueled trips to Sri Lan...
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A long-time points and miles student, Jessica is the former Personal Finance Managing Editor at U.S. News and World Report and is passionate about helping consumers fund their travels for as little ca...
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Keri Stooksbury

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Planning a wedding can be hard work. When it’s time for that coveted honeymoon, you probably want to lounge on dreamy, white-sand beaches, swim in crystal clear waters, and stay in some of the most romantic resorts in the world.

The perfect destination to do so? The Caribbean.

Just a few hours from the U.S. by plane, this sub-region of the Americas is home to hundreds of islands and endless stretches of idyllic Caribbean sands. Still, some destinations are much better than others when it comes to the trip of a lifetime: your honeymoon.

When selecting the best Caribbean island for your honeymoon, you’ll want to consider your budget, travel and vacation style, season, and length of time to pick the best spot. These top Caribbean destinations offer everything honeymooners could ever want, from luxurious resorts to unique, once-in-a-lifetime activities that’ll make your honeymoon one to remember.

Hot Tip:

Honeymooners should choose accommodations that fit their travel style, whether big resorts or more intimate boutique hotels. For those that prefer a smaller, unique hotel, these are the top boutique hotels in the Caribbean. If you’ve got points and miles to burn, consider these points hotels in the Caribbean instead.

1. St. Lucia

Honeymooners in St. Lucia can expect a more intimate, curated, and personalized travel experience than other Caribbean destinations. The island doesn’t have many big-brand resorts and doesn’t offer as many nonstop flights from the U.S. Instead, you can expect romantic, private boutique hotels and far-flung tropical landscapes for a truly exotic getaway.

What To Do in St. Lucia

A mountain, beach, and rainforest in St. Lucia overlookign the ocean
One of the Pitons in St. Lucia. Image Credit: Nick Fewings via Unsplash

St. Lucia is a tranquil, laid-back destination ideal for relaxation, rejuvenation, exploring, and enjoying natural landscapes. The south of the island is for nature enthusiasts — plan to see the Soufrière Volcano and dip into the mud baths at the Sulphur Springs Park. Or hike the UNESCO World Heritage Site and St. Lucian landmark Grand and Gros Pitons, twin foliage-covered peaks that seem to rise directly out of the sea.

Beach bums should head north to find numerous resorts, restaurants, sandy beaches, and clear waters. Reduit Beach is one of the best beaches — a long stretch of white sands ideal for watersports. Visitors to northern St. Lucia shouldn’t miss the opportunity to experience the lush, tropical rainforest. Take the aerial trip in Castries Waterworks Forest Reserve to fly 2,000 feet above sea level and admire the treetops from the skies.

Where To Stay in St. Lucia

Guest room with pool at Jade Mountain
A 3-walled guestroom with a pool at Jade Mountain Resort in St. Lucia. Image Credit: Jade Mountain

For those wanting a more traditional St. Lucia honeymoon package, consider hotels like the Sandals Grande St. Lucian on its own beach peninsula. For a St. Lucia all-inclusive experience, Marriott loyalists and points holders should opt for the Royalton Saint Lucia, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort (though do note this is a family-friendly property).

If you’d prefer a more intimate island experience, St. Lucia excels. Choose to stay at the Jade Mountain Resort, which offers honeymooners a special all-inclusive Total Romance Package that includes meals, accommodation, activities, and spa treatments. The hotel, set atop a hill overlooking the sea and dazzling Pitons, has a collection of suites featuring only 3 walls, with an infinity pool or whirlpool tub for an opulent and indulgent outdoor/indoor living experience.

Honeymooners that want to earn or redeem World of Hyatt points should opt for Zoëtry Marigot Bay St. Lucia. The hotel has just 124 suites but also features 7 restaurants, Bvlgari bath amenities, and memorable on-site activities including rum tastings, volcanic mud baths, and Creole lessons.

Hot Tip:

Fan of Hyatt properties? There are a few on this list. You can earn Hyatt points with The World of Hyatt Credit Card, but one of the best ways to earn points that can transfer to the Hyatt program is with a credit card such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve® or Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. Even if your chosen resort isn’t part of a points program, you can still earn 3x Chase Ultimate Rewards points for travel purchases when booking with the Chase Sapphire Reserve card. Then, you can transfer them to Hyatt or other travel partners once you’ve built up a solid stash.

2. Barbados

This Eastern Caribbean destination is ideal for all sorts of honeymoon experiences, from exploring caves to surfing to sunset horseback rides and cultural activities (especially in Bridgetown, the island’s capital).

Best for couples who desire a well-rounded honeymoon adventure beyond lounging on the beach, Barbados is also a budding destination for foodies in search of Bajan cuisine, a mix of Portugues, Creole, African, Indian, Irish, Indigenous, and British flavors. If you’d prefer to spend all your time relaxing on the private beach in your resort, you’d best choose another Caribbean island for your honeymoon, as all of the beaches in Barbados are public.

What To Do in Barbados

A beautiful beach in Barbados
Barbados beaches have white sand and clear waters. Image Credit: Tom Jur via Unsplash

Rum lovers should take distillery tours on the island at famous spots including Mount Gay, West Indies, and Foursquare, all offering a special taste of the island’s renowned rum culture. And honeymooners who want to indulge in even more rum adventures and sample Bajan cuisine should plan to “lime.” This is the Barbados term for hanging out, drinking, and eating, with no plans. So many of the island’s laid-back beach shacks are the perfect destinations to enjoy this local cultural and gastronomic pastime — consider a fish fry at Oistins Bay Gardens or an evening out on the town in St. Lawrence Gap.

For a romantic day of exploring, head to North Point, which offers stunning ocean views of crashing waves and rock formations, a towering lighthouse, and the Animal Flower Cave, which you can enter to view a large population of sea anemones, then eat at the cliffside restaurant. For those that want a bit of culture, head to Speightstown to roam past colorful buildings and admire the 80-foot-long Speightstown Mural, which showcases the island’s history in a colorful and unique way.

Where To Stay in Barbados

Aerial shot of The House and beach
Lounge on white sands at this all-inclusive Barbados property. Image Credit: The House by Elegant Hotels

Besides the usual Sandals options (Sandals Barbados and Sandals Royal Barbados), which offer adults-only, all-inclusive Barbados honeymoon packages, Barbados has a few other options ideal for honeymooners.

Those with Marriott Bonvoy points are spoiled for choice, thanks to a few all-inclusive, adults-only properties part of the Autograph Collection. The House by Elegant Hotels and Treasure Beach by Elegant Hotels both offer the ultimate beachfront luxury. We’re partial to The House, though, thanks to its daily Champagne breakfast and complimentary 30-minute jet-lag massage all guests receive at the property’s boutique spa.

And a fan-favorite honeymoon resort in Barbados is Sandy Lane, ideal for those looking for those more traditional honeymoon activities, like candlelit, private beachfront dinners or couples massages.

Accor loyalists should consider the Fairmount Royal Pavilion, which has 72 guestrooms on white, sparkling sands and lush tropical gardens. Little Arches Boutique Hotel features luxury oceanfront suites with private plunge pools for those wanting something a little more intimate and secluded. It is also home to the romantic Cafe Luna, one of the top-rated restaurants on the island that anyone on their honeymoon (or anyone visiting Barbados) should plan to dine at.

3. Jamaica

A honeymoon in Jamaica is ideal for those that want a bit of everything: beach, culture, cuisine, hiking (yes, Jamaica has mountains, secret swimming holes, and tropical rainforests), and live music — this island is the birthplace of reggae, after all. It’s also one of the more affordable destinations on this list for honeymooners looking for a more cost-effective vacation. Many spots in the country are perfectly safe for anyone with safety concerns, especially those with tourist-catered resorts. According to the U.S. Department of State, tourists should avoid walking late at night and stay clear of specific areas.

What To Do in Jamaica

A couple bobsleding through the jungle
Couples that bobsled together stay together. Image Credit: Rainforest Adventures Mystic Mountain

From the Bob Marley Museum in Kingston to bamboo rafting down the Martha Brae River and hanging out near the rope swings to the tunes of “Buffalo Soldier,” reggae fans are in for a treat in Jamaica. So are animal lovers, as you can swim in the ocean with horses, watch turtles hatch, or see protected river crocodile species on a Black River safari.

Inspired by the film “Cool Runnings?” Couples can visit the bobsled attraction at Mystic Mountain to feel what it’s like to bobsled in tropical temperatures. And you don’t have to go to Puerto Rico to visit a bioluminescent bay; Jamaica has its very own, the Luminous Lagoon.

The island also has several waterfalls and hikes throughout the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park, Jamaica’s only national park. It also has hidden swimming holes, rivers, and lagoons just waiting to be explored.

Where To Stay in Jamaica

Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall
The adults-only Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall is perfect for a honeymoon in Jamaica. Image Credit: Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall

Hyatt fans should opt for one of our favorite resorts in Jamaica, the Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall, an all-inclusive, adults-only resort that’s the sister property to the family-friendly Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall. With tranquil, lagoon-style infinity pools and oceanside fire pits, the Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall has plenty of quiet spaces ideal for a serene retreat. If you don’t mind having kids around, the Hilton Rose Hall is a sprawling all-inclusive resort on 400 acres of lush tropical Caribbean scenery.

Other accommodation options include several Sandals locations (we prefer the Sandals Negril for its 7-mile stretch of sands and swim-up suites), the Half Moon Resort, and the Azul Beach Resort Negril by Karisma.

Although Half Moon Bay isn’t adults-only, it offers unique activities thanks to its equestrian center, where you can swim with your horse bareback in the Caribbean Sea or visit the hotel’s turtle center. The Azul Beach Resort Negril has an adults-only section dedicated to honeymoon suites, with unique experiences and activities geared towards couples looking to have that romantic vacation of a lifetime.

4. Anguilla

This tiny British Overseas Territory is located in the Eastern Caribbean just north of St. Maarten. Although the island is small (under 17 miles long and 3 miles wide), it features 33 different beaches and plenty of shoreline with turquoise waters perfect for snorkeling and swimming. Because of its small size, it’s best for honeymooners not looking for endless activities or long honeymoon escapes.

What To Do in Anguilla

A man walks by a pool holding orange juice
Who’s ready for breakfast for 2 in Anguilla? Image Credit: Cory Bjork via Unsplash

As you might have realized by the island’s tiny size yet large number of beaches, one of the most coveted things to do in Anguilla on your honeymoon is to head to the beach. We love Rendezvous Bay, as you’ll enjoy beautiful views of the neighboring St. Maarten, and Shoal Bay is popular for its whitish sands. Little Bay’s cliffside waters are perfect for snapping memorable photos and snorkeling.

Taking a private boat ride is also a romantic and enjoyable adventure that’ll help you put the island’s small size into perspective. Nature enthusiasts may prefer to visit some of Anguilla’s protected biodiversity areas, where you’ll see several endemic bird species beyond just the brown pelican, which you may notice on many of the island’s beaches.

You can also get off the beaten path by visiting Anguilla’s cays, like Scilly Cay, Scrub Island, and Sombrero Island.

Where To Stay in Anguilla

Cap Juluca Belmond Anguilla suite
A suite at the Cap Juluca, A Belmond Hotel in Anguilla. Image Credit: Cap Juluca

Honeymooners looking for a splurge should consider luxury properties like the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla, which has a stunning rooftop, ocean-view suite ideal for honeymooners, or the Cap Juluca, a Belmond Hotel, where couples can experience unique treatments in the Cap Juluca Spa by Guerlain or lounge at private pools in their very own suite or villa.

Although there aren’t many adults-only options, boutique resorts like Malliouhana, which has elegant, colorful guestrooms that feel reminiscent of the Italian Riviera, or Zemi Beach House, LXR Hotels & Resorts, a sustainable, 6-acre oceanfront spa resort under the Hilton umbrella, ensure adults have serene spaces perfect for a relaxing honeymoon.

Hot Tip:

Looking for ways to save on resorts that don’t participate in points programs? Check if your chosen property is part of the Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts program. For example, all 4 of the above Anguilla hotels are. Booking through this program means you’ll get upgrades, resort credits, and perks like late checkout.

5. Dominica

Dominica is the destination for honeymooners who want to escape mainstream tourism and discover a pristine, tropical island that’s off-the-beaten-path. Although it’s possible to lounge on blissful white sands, this destination is ideal for explorers that want to discover unique natural wonders like black-sand beaches, national parks, hot springs, waterfalls, mountains, and rainforests — think Jurassic Park-style territory. Regarding dining and activities, the island may be slightly cheaper than some of its pricier neighbors, ideal for couples searching for the best affordable honeymoon destinations in the Caribbean.

What To Do in Dominica

Waterfalls in Dominica
Dominica has stunning natural wonders. Image Credit: iSAW Company via Unsplash

Fans of getting out into nature will love exploring all the natural wonders Dominica offers. Start with visiting the UNESCO-deemed Morne Trois Pitons National Park, where you can hike through a cloud forest and admire Boiling Point Lake, one of the world’s largest hot springs, with sulfur vents and mud pots.

Seasoned hikers should trek part of the Waitukubuli National Trail (114 miles), which winds through dense rainforest past stunning beaches and towering waterfalls. And one of the most popular activities on the island of Dominica is whale watching. Although certain months (November to March) are best for spotting these gentle giants, sperm whales are present in the island’s waters year-round, so you may be able to spot them during other months, too.

For those that do want to get in some relaxing beach time, the most popular white-sand beach is Batibou, ideal for couples that want transparent waters fringed by palm trees blowing in the breeze. To experience darker sands, wreck diving, and snorkeling, Toucari Beach is an option. Those ready to discover a one-of-a-kind beach experience should visit Champagne Beach, which has warm, bubbly waters thanks to its volcanic springs on the ocean floor.

Where To Stay in Dominica

The pool at the InterContinental Dominica
Dominica has lush tropical foliage and plenty of sun. Image Credit: InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa

Although Dominica doesn’t have too many large-brand hotel chains, honeymooners looking for a more traditional, luxurious type of getaway should stay at the new InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa, perched along the Caribbean Sea overlooking the lush foliage and volcano of Cabrits National Park. The hotel can set up several experiences for newlyweds, from swimming with whales to treatments at the onsite spa’s wellness huts.

Another option is the Relais & Chateaux property Secret Bay, repeatedly voted as one of the top hotels in the Caribbean. Its clifftop villas are nestled in verdant tropical flora overlooking the sea, featuring amenities like private pools. The hotel even offers exceptional honeymoon villas that provide the utmost privacy and seclusion for an intimate escape.

Eco-friendly couples hoping for a sustainable, rustic escape should consider Jungle Bay Dominica, which offers yoga and wellness classes and suites that feature bamboo furnishings and biodegradable bath products.

6. Aruba

Aruba is a more traditional Caribbean honeymoon destination, home to plenty of white sand beaches, gourmet restaurants, and enough activities to keep honeymooners that need a break from the beach occupied.

Another perk to an Aruba honeymoon? The island is outside of the Atlantic Hurricane Belt and sees less rain than most other Caribbean honeymoon hotspots. You can head here in the summer or early fall months with little risk of a hurricane cramping your honeymoon plans.

What To Do in Aruba

Palm tree and colorful buildings
Honeymooners should explore the colors of Aruba’s capital Oranjestad. Image Credit: Jamie Tudor via Unsplash

Aruba is the perfect beach destination year-round, ideal for honeymooners that want picture-perfect sands at any time of the year. Eagle Beach is the most famous stretch of sand, thanks to its fine white sand and glittering waters. Meanwhile, snorkelers should head to Arashi Beach to spot marine life, and bodyboarders can take advantage of the strong surf at Andicuri Beach. If you want to catch sight of those famous flamingos, visit Flamingo Beach.

There’s a lot to do in Aruba besides beach visits. Arikok National Park is a must — the park covers over 20% of the island, with beaches, hiking trails, national pools, caves, and more. A jeep rental or jeep tour is a fun way to enjoy the park.

The island’s capital Oranjestad is full of colorful Dutch buildings, shops, and cultural attractions such as the National Archaeological Museum Aruba and the butterfly farm. Foodie couples should buy vouchers with Aruba Dining, a program that makes dining at 25 of the island’s most popular restaurants easy and affordable.

Where To Stay in Aruba

Boardwalk
The Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba is charming and fun. Image Credit: Boardwalk

Without a doubt, the most romantic resort in Aruba is Bucati & Tara Beach Resort, an adults-only oasis that’s geared towards serenity and relaxation. However, the property doesn’t do weddings, nightlife, or entertainment, focusing instead on curating a natural, tranquil atmosphere perfect for a couple’s vacation or a honeymoon package in Aruba.

Marriott loyalists should consider one of the many hotels on the island where you can earn or burn Marriott points, such as The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba, home to a 24-hour casino for honeymooners wanting a little glitz and glamour. Or consider the Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort, which has an adults-only section with access to Renassiance Island, home to Aruba’s only private beaches.

And for those that prefer a boutique option, Boardwalk Boutique Hotel is an affordable and comfortable choice, with Caribbean-inspired, colorful casitas, tropical flowers, and a focus on personalized attention for all its guests.

7. St. Barts

A honeymoon in St. Barts is the top choice for anyone looking for true luxury and ready to splurge. Also known as St. Barths, the island of Saint Barthélemy feels sophisticated and almost European, ideal for honeymooners looking for a beachy, cultural experience with fine dining and opulent accommodation in the French West Indies. This island is for honeymooners who prefer the French-speaking St. Tropez to an all-inclusive Cancún. It’s essentially honeymooning on the French Riviera but in the Caribbean.

What To Do in St. Barts

Beach and ocean
St. Barts has idyllic stretches of sand, such as Shell Beach. Image Credit: Simone Mascellari 🇮🇹 via Unsplash

Those hoping to find a St. Barts all-inclusive honeymoon package may want to consider another island. One of the best things to do in St. Barts is hit the dining scene, which features Michelin-star restaurants, posh beach bars, and an annual food festival, the Saint Barth Gourmet Festival, which takes place each November. Gustavia, the island’s capital, is an excellent area for dining and strolling the beautiful, yacht-lined port.

If you’re staying in one of the hotels mentioned in our next section, you might never want to leave the grounds, but a hike to the beautiful, secluded Colombier Beach is worth it. Shell Beach is another coastal spot worth checking out — the almost pinkish sands and tiny shells are fun to admire. Plus, this beach is often calm with a light breeze when other St. Bart’s beaches are too windy or wavy.

You might not know that most of St. Barts’ waters are deemed a marine reserve. Scuba diving and snorkeling are popular activities throughout the island’s waters. Underwater, you may catch sight of some shipwrecks, sea turtles, stingrays, and even reef sharks.

Where To Stay in St. Barts

Hotel Christopher St. Barts
The pool at the Hotel Christopher in St. Barts. Image Credit: Hotel Christopher

St. Barts honeymoon resort options are plentiful, especially if you’re in the market to spend. One of the top resorts is the Rosewood Le Guanahani, which feels private and boutique, with only 66 rooms and suites. Opt for rooms and suites that offer private pools and postcard-perfect views of Marigot Bay.

Boutique may be the way to go regarding St. Barts lodging. Hotel Christopher features 42 rooms and suites, all featuring a simple yet elegant design aesthetic and ocean views. The hotel’s Sisley Spa also offers couples treatments, including massages, scrubs, and baths.

One of the most iconic resorts on the island is Eden Rock. Part of the property juts out into the sea, perched on a large rock in St. Jean’s Bay. The hotel’s casual elegance oozes quiet luxury from its beachfront rooms and inviting communal spaces, and it has even partnered with Royal Yacht International to offer yacht rentals. Cheval Blanc is another top honeymoon hotel on the island, dedicated to impeccable service and offering guests seclusion and privacy, an optimal choice for honeymooners that want to hide away together.

8. Cayman Islands

If you’re in the market for a classic Caribbean honeymoon that includes beaches, activities, and plenty of fun in the sun, consider the Cayman Islands. With 3 islands in total (Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman), this destination appeals to honeymooners that want a more traditional Cayman Islands all-inclusive honeymoon package at a large resort or those that prefer more seclusion and less fuss at a low-key hotel on 1 of the 2 lesser-traversed islands.

What To Do in the Cayman Islands

Cayman Islands
White sands and clear waters on the Cayman Islands. Image Credit: Ronny Rondon via Unsplash

Grand Cayman has plenty to offer traveling couples. Lounge on miles upon miles of white sands and enjoy clear waters, sunset sails, and evening exploring caves. Don’t miss the Crystal Caves, home to impressive, crystalized stalactites in a tropical rainforest. The island also has a bioluminescent bay for nighttime kayaking tours. For a quieter beachscape, head to Barker’s National Park, an excellent spot for birdwatching.

If you need a shady alternative to the beach, the tropical flora at Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park makes it a perfect place to stroll alongside your partner or have a relaxing picnic. Hike through the mangroves of the Mastic Trail to see one of the Caribbean’s last remaining old-growth dry forests.

When it comes to the other 2, smaller Cayman Islands, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, these are best for travelers who want to scuba dive or get out into more rugged nature. Diver couples should head to Cayman Brac, which features more than 50 dive sites, including more shallow, shore diving, wreck diving (a Soviet warship), and wall diving.

Meanwhile, Little Cayman features many dive sites like Bloody Bay’s dramatic wall, the Booby Pond Nature Reserve (a paradise for birders), and the nearby Owen Island, a tiny islet known as the “unofficial” fourth Cayman Island.

Where To Stay in the Cayman Islands

Kimpton Seafire Resort and Spa in Grand Cayman
Kimpton Seafire Resort and Spa has a long, weaving lagoon pool. Image Credit: Katie Seemann

If you’re hunting for a Grand Cayman Island all-inclusive honeymoon package, your best bet is the all-inclusive Wyndham Reef Resort. It’s home to 150 beachfront guestrooms and suites, 3 pools, and couples packages that include romantic, private beach dinners.

It’s worth noting that many Cayman Islands honeymoon resorts are family-friendly and not adults-only. That said, we still love The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman Island thanks to its perfect location on the Seven Mile Beach and its Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, perfect for couples excited to tee off together. Otherwise, Marriott fans can choose from the Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort or The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa, both beachfront, mid-range resorts.

Another of Upgraded Points’ favorite Caribbean hotels is the Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa on Grand Cayman, an IHG property. The oceanfront suites are the perfect splurge, featuring floor-to-ceiling glass windows, kitchens, and balconies.

If you’d prefer to stay on the wilder Cayman Brac, opt for Le Soleil d’Or, a Caribbean Farm Inn. The 20-acre property showcases the best of beachfront living but is also home to quaint gardens and its own farm. And for an authentic taste of “barefoot luxury,” head to Southern Cross Club on Little Cayman. Its charming beach bungalows are so quaint they have an 80% return rate.

9. The Bahamas

The Bahamas comprises over 700 islets and islands (though only about 30 are inhabited), offering everything honeymooners could ever want, from all-inclusive experiences to remote island adventures. One of the closest Caribbean destinations to the U.S., travelers may find getting to the larger, more popular islands in the Bahamas, such as Nassau, relatively easy by air or sea.

With so many islands to choose from, deciding which island to visit and where to stay can be overwhelming. But those who want a more private, boutique and intimate honeymoon have options and may prefer a smaller, less populated island, while those who like lots to do and see should opt for a large resort on an island such as Nassau or Atlantis.

What To Do in the Bahamas

The Bahamas
An island in the Bahamas. Image Credit: Fernando Jorge via Unsplash

What to do on a honeymoon in the Bahamas depends on which island you visit and where you stay. For example, those lodging at one of the Atlantis hotels (see more on this below) don’t have to leave the hotel complex to enjoy a water park, marine habitat, 14 pools, beaches, a golf course, a casino, a spa, 100 different tour and excursion options, and much more.

Explorers can visit a rum distillery or rent a boat for the day to enjoy those crystal-clear waters. When it comes to Harbour Island, you might want to rent a “moke,” a decked-out golf cart vehicle that allows you to easily lap the island.

For a more off-the-beaten-path, laid-back, and less commercial Bahamian honeymoon, choose the Abacos. These islands feature stunning stretches of white sand beaches and opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, diving, and learning how to sail. There are also numerous beach shacks to hang out with a beer and fish tacos or baked grouper. Anyone that likes fishing will also find plenty of excursions on the Abacos, and birders should head to Abaco National Park to admire species like Bahaman yellowthroats, warblers, and swallows.

Where To Stay in the Bahamas

Atlantis
The Atlantis resort complex. Image Credit: Georgy Trofimov via Unsplash

When it comes to all-inclusive honeymoon resorts in the Bahamas, Sandals has 2 adults-only properties: The Royal Bahamian on Nassau and Sandals Emerald Bay on Great Exuma. But if you’re in the market for that traditional mega-resort experience, consider the Atlantis Paradise Island, which offers 5 different accommodation options and plenty to do. Honeymooners should opt for The Cove, set between 2 private beaches with an adults-only, multi-level pool.

The Baha Mar complex is also home to Grand Hyatt, the SLS, and the Rosewood. Honeymooners would be best served by the more intimate SLS Baha Mar property, which features an adults-only pool and an SLS rooftop bar called Skybar, or the Rosewood Baha Mar, the most luxurious out of the 3, with its Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, luxury dining options, and Sense Rosewood Spa. Although the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar is a more family-friendly choice, those with a bank of World of Hyatt points may want to consider the hotel as an option — adults can enjoy water parks, too.

For a quieter experience, stay in one of the 10 guestrooms or suites at the Rock House Hotel on Harbour Island. This adults-only beachfront property offers Molton Brown bath amenities, live music, and yoga classes for guests in the hotel’s tropical courtyard.

Or, stay at Green Turtle Club Resort on Abaco. AV geeks can fly nonstop from various U.S. hubs in the southeast with the Wheels Up program, which features King Air 350i and Cessna Citation Excel/XLS aircraft that fly directly to Treasure Cay, then take a quick boat ride to arrive at the hotel.

10. St. Maarten/St. Martin

St. Maarten/St. Martin is another island that combines the sophistication of a European beach jaunt with stunning tropical scenery and Caribbean vibes. Plus, this destination wins points for being a combination adventure: the Dutch Sint Maarten in the south and the French Saint Martin in the north.

St. Maarten is more developed, so head there if you want more amenities and activities. Those looking for a wilder, more remote Caribbean honeymoon could opt for St. Martin. However, the best part is that you don’t have to decide. Honeymooners can explore both areas and cross between them without much hassle.

What To Do in St. Maarten/St. Martin

St. Maarten Airport
A plane flies above Maho Beach, almost close enough to touch in St. Maarten. Image Credit: Ramon Kagie via Unsplash

Honeymooning AV geeks should immediately head to the famous Maho Beach in St. Maarten, a stretch of sands unlike any other, as you can practically reach up and touch planes landing at the nearby Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM). Those who want to experience the island’s gastronomy and shopping scene should hang out in Philipsburg, walking, shopping, and dining along the boardwalk.

Thrill seekers should ride the Flying Dutchmen, the tallest zipline in the world. Besides water sports and beach time, the island has several casinos, so head to one if you’re lucky.

St. Martin is slightly quieter. A day trip to the nearby, uninhabited Pinel Island by boat is a must. Once there, you can hike, hang out on the beach, or kayak to Little Island, an even smaller island nearby. But you don’t need to head off the island to enjoy beach time, as St. Martin has nearly 40 different beaches.

Speaking of beaches, Cupecoy is in St. Maarten. But you can walk there if you’re staying at the Belmond in St. Martin. The sands, flanked by cliffs, also have beach caves perfect for exploring.

If you need a break from the beach, visit Loterie Farm, which isn’t a farm at all but a nature reserve. Visitors can laze in the jungle pool and Jacuzzi area or dine in the jungle restaurant, which offers spectacular views of the island’s lush, hilly green interior.

Where To Stay in St. Maarten/St. Martin

Secrets St. Martin
The idyllic Secrets St. Martin is perfect for a honeymoon. Image Credit: Secrets St. Martin

The best honeymoon resort in St. Maarten is the Holland House Beach Resort, a beautiful boutique hotel on white sands. It offers equal parts relaxation and activities, as its location in the island’s historic Dutch capital Philipsburg means it’s ideal for honeymooners who want to wine and dine and explore the town’s colorful architecture but also chill on the beach.

Another St. Maarten option is Divi Little Bay Beach Resort, located on a crystal sand peninsula sandwiched between turquoise waters on either side. We love that guests can customize a honeymoon package. For example, foodies who want to explore can get just the room rate. Couples who want the ease of having dining and drinking covered can opt for an all-inclusive option.

Regarding St. Martin honeymoon packages, Hyatt loyalists should immediately head to Secrets St. Martin Resort & Spa, part of the brand’s AMR collection. The all-inclusive resort is hidden in the picturesque Anse Marcel Bay between verdant hills overlooking the sparkling Caribbean Sea. The hotel features designated honeymoon packages, including breakfast in bed, spa treatments, and private beachfront dinners.

Another luxury St. Martin option is La Samanna, A Belmond Hotel, sprawled across a long stretch of crystalline sands. The hotel features Michelin-star dining options, villas with private infinity pools, a wine cellar, and 2 main swimming pools.

Final Thoughts

The Caribbean is the best place for honeymooners, especially those who want to bask on some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, enjoy vibrant island culture, and stay at beach or jungle hideaways and luxury resorts. From more off-the-beaten-path destinations like Dominica to massive resorts that cater to your every whim in the Bahamas to the upscale sophistication of St. Barts, the Caribbean is the perfect honeymoon destination for any and every couple.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the cheapest place to honeymoon in the Caribbean?

One of the cheapest places for a honeymoon in the Caribbean is Jamaica. The beautiful island offers plenty to do that won’t break your budget, like exploring rainforests and lounging on the beach. When planning a honeymoon in the Caribbean, compare different accommodation options before choosing one so you can weigh the costs and amenities. Opting in or out of all-inclusive plans is another way to save on your honeymoon.

Is Barbados a good honeymoon destination?

Barbados is a good honeymoon destination for anyone seeking Caribbean sun, sand, and waters. It’s an excellent island for foodies that want to dig into the gastronomy scene. Barbados also has many cultural and nature activities beyond just hanging out on the beach.

Where is the Atlantis resort in the Bahamas?

The Atlantis Resort is located on Paradise Island, technically a part of Nassau in the Bahamas. The property comprises 5 resorts, a water park, a golf course, a casino, 21 restaurants, 19 bars and lounges, a nightclub, an open-air marine habitat, and more.

Is the Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman all-inclusive?

No, the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman isn’t all-inclusive. However, the hotel does have packages that include breakfast. If you’re seeking an all-inclusive hotel in the Cayman Islands, opt for the Wyndham Reef Resort Grand Cayman.

Is the Hyatt Ziva Jamaica all-inclusive?

Yes, the Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall in Jamaica is all-inclusive. However, honeymooners may prefer the Hyatt Ziva’s sister resort, the Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall in Jamaica, an adults-only property ideal for a romantic honeymoon.

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About Lori Zaino

Lori is an intrepid traveler who loves creating itineraries that exude “luxe on a budget.” She’s written for CNN, NBC, The Infatuation, and more, and loves to muse about points-fueled trips to Sri Lanka, Sicily, and Myanmar.

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