Top Honeymoon Destinations & Packages for 2017

Honeymoon

Our travel experts share the top honeymoon destinations couples are heading to in 2017 and give us the best honeymoon offers available at the moment, from romantic cruises and a two-centre stay in Vegas and Cancun to South African safaris and an idyllic week in the Maldives!

Cruises

1. Mediterranean Cruise

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A cruise is a fabulous treat for newlyweds and a lovely luxurious way to start married life and take in lots of exciting places and coastlines. Drift through the Mediterranean and take in beautiful sights, architecture, culture and attractions along the way via some of Europe’s amazing cities including Barcelona, Marseilles, Genoa, Naples, Messina, Valletta and Barcelona with plenty of stops along the way. And it’s not all sight-seeing, enjoy the luxuries of the Meraviglia Cruise Ship by wiling away a few leisurely hours on the deck and toasting your new status with some cocktails!

The package, from McDermott Travel; Departing 23rd June 2017. On board MSC Meraviglia Cruise Ship. Balcony Cabin. Price Includes Flights, Baggage, Transfers & 7 Night Cruise. From €2,998 per couple.

2. Thailand & Star Clipper Cruise

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If you’re looking for a mix of culture, romance and relaxation, a stint on a glamorous cruise ship is the perfect way to go about it. Witness some of Thailand’s most beautiful islands from the comfort of the charming Star Clipper. Choose from a Northern or Southern Cruise experience – both start with a three night stay on the stunning island of Phuket before embarking on an eight day cruise exploring breathtaking diving spots, vibrant, bustling towns and islands full of natural beauty and culture as well as hidden areas and gems that can be only be seen by boat. Check out the itinerary options here.

The package, from Tropical Sky; 11 Nights from €2519 per person including flights.

3. Caribbean Cruise: New York & Bahamas

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After taking in the sights of the Big Apple, you’ll embark on Royal Caribbean’s world-class Anthem of the Seas cruise ship to the Bahamas. The ship itself is one of the highlights of the trip, with robotic bartenders to help you pass the time with some freshly made cocktails. New York needs little introduction, with everything from Broadway to the Empire State building and One World Trade Centre all within easy walking distance. Use your time in New York to stock up on summer clothes for those hot days by the beach in the Bahamas!

The package, from GoHop.ie; New York & Bahamas Honeymoon Cruise. Prices from €1,649 per person for the full 10-day trip including flights and accommodation. Includes 3 nights in the Wyndham New Yorker (room only) and 7 nights on the Anthem of the Seas (full board).

Tw0-Centre Holidays & Two Week Stays

4. Argentina & Brazil

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Known as the Paris of South America, Buenos Aires is the perfect city for an adventurous couple to start their honeymoon. You’ll have plenty of time to make the most of the fantastic shopping, as well as wander through the streets of cultural gems like the towns of La Boca and Recoleta. Afterwards you’ll head out to one of South America’s most impressive sights; Iguazu Falls, earth’s largest waterfall system. After taking in Iguazu from both the Argentinean and Brazilian side, you’ll then fly over to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil for a private tour of city. Taking in sights such as the iconic Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain, you’ll get to see what makes Rio the second most popular city in South America. Once you’ve covered Rio, it’s on to the Brazilian countryside, including the beaches of Copacabana and the seaside resort of Búzios.

The package, from Nuevo Mundo; Honeymoon in Argentina & Brazil. Prices start from about €3,979 per person, with flights, accommodation and taxes. Accommodation varies depending on your preferences, so prices depend on what you’re looking for.

5. Las Vegas & Cancun

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The reputation of Las Vegas as a hub for everything over-the-top makes it the perfect place for the high energy couple to hit the ground running with your married life. Spend your nights trying your luck in the casinos, or simply walk through the streets admiring the wacky architecture and the endlessly busy streets. It’s only right that you will want to unwind a little bit after all that, and there are few places more chilled out than Cancun. With the Caribbean Sea waiting to be explored, there are some incredible bars and restaurants that deserve just as much attention.

The package, from Caribbean Blue; Las Vegas & Cancun Honeymoon. Prices start from €2,099 per person, including all flights, accommodation, transfers and taxes. Accommodation is 3 nights in the New York New York in Las Vegas (room only) and 7 nights in the Riviera Maya at Secrets Capri in a Preferred Club Deluxe Tropical View room (all-inclusive).

6. New York & Orlando

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This twin centre adventure will take you on a fun adventure from New York to Orlando! Start your trip off in the Big Apple where you can shop up a storm, see iconic landmarks like Central Park and the Empire State or toast your new hubby or wife with cocktails and a show! Then jet off to fabulous Orlando where theme parks and sunshine awaits – enjoy the thrill of a lifetime at your pick of theme parks from Disney World and Universal Studios to the Wildlife Adventures of Bush Garden and Discovery Cove.

The Package, from American Sky; 3 nights in new York and 7 in Orlando – 10 Nights from €1259.

7. South Africa Beach & Safari

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Combine the ultimate adventure with some sunshine and lazy beach days with this fabulous South Africa Beach & Safari package. Unwind after all the wedding madness at a fab 5* hotel in Umhlanga. Located on the east coast of South Africa, Umhlanga has endless sandy beaches and warm Indian Ocean waters so is perfect for couples looking to relax for a few days by the sea. It’s also home to amazing shopping centres and for those yearning for an adventure, the spectacular Isimangaliso Wetland Park, a world heritage site. After a few days of soaking up the sun, you can look forward to an adventure of a lifetime with a 4 night safari where you’ll see some of South Africa’s incredible scenery and wildlife along the way.

The package from McDermott Travel; Travel May 2017 – June 2017. 5 Nights – 5* Hotel in Umhlanga, Bed & Breakfast. 4 Nights – Safari, full board with Activities Included. 10 Days Car Hire. Flights Included. From €3,590 per couple.

8. Havana & Varadero, Cuba

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If you’re looking to enjoy some sunshine and sights, this two-centre trip to Cuba has it all! From UNESCO preserved habitats, stunning colonial architecture, breathtaking scenery and one unspoilt tropical beach after the next, Cuba has something for everyone one. Start your trip of a lifetime in the vibrant city of Havana renowned for its exquisite Spanish architecture and gorgeous cobbled streets. Get your culture fix by visiting the the dramatic Revolution Square, Museum of Revolution and famous Che Guevara mural and take in the vintage cars on the streets and sample some Cuban rum along the way. You’ll then head on to the idyllic Varadero, famous for its virtually uninterrupted stretch of white sandy beaches where you can unwind in a luxurious setting with your new hubby or wife.

The package, from Classic Resorts; 4* Hotel Telegrafo Havana 4* Iberostar Tainos Varadero. 7 nights from €1499 pp including taxes. Upgrade Flights to Premium Economy from €599pp return. Prices are based on 2 sharing a Junior Suite for 2 nights on BB at Hotel Telegrafo in Havana and 5 nights All Inclusive standard room in Iberostar Tainos. Travel 1st May – 30th June 2017.  Flights are with Air France Vis Paris. Subject to availability at time of booking. Cuban Visa is €25pp. Quote Ref: 52634.

9. The Seychelles

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With its spectacular white sandy beaches, crystal blue waters, lush greenery and sun filled days, the Seychelles is an idyllic island getaway in the Indian Ocean. This package allows you to explore to stunning resorts starting with Kempinski Seychelles Resort, an indulgent retreat offering a huge variety of facilities (including amazing diving, surfing and its own casino) and activities from pampering and romantic dinners to day trips. You’ll then jet off to nearby Praslin and the fabulous, friendly Indian Ocean Lodge. The most famous attraction on Praslin is the Vallée-de-Mai nature reserve, known as the ‘original Garden of Eden’.  The nature reserve is home to the native coco-de-mer – the largest nut in the world – as well as cascading waterfalls, the native Black Parrot and the Seychelles Bulbul.

The package, from McDermott Travel; Travelling 10th July 2017. Fly from Dublin with Emirates. 8 Nights – Kempinski Seychelles Resort, Hillview Room – Bed & Breakfast. 6 Nights – Indian Ocean Lodge, Standard Room – Bed & Breakfast. All Transfers Included. From €5,795 per couple.

10. The Essence of Italy

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Pompeii, the Colosseum, the Vatican and Mount Etna are some of the most recognisable landmarks in the world. The best thing is that they are all in Italy, the country with more UNESCO World Heritage sites than anywhere else  in the world. Apart from the countless traces of ancient Roman architecture to be seen across the country, it’s also home to Europe’s only active volcanoes. It’s hard to fault the food too, as voters on a RoughGuides.com poll chose Italian cuisine as the best in the world. Thanks to Italy’s relatively small size, it is actually quite easy to get around. In 2 weeks you’ll be able to see all this and more, whilst lapping it up in some of the swankiest hotels around (take a look at the 4* Baia Taormina Grand Palace Hotel & Spa for example – not a bad way to start off your married life)!

The package, from Italy.ie; Iconic Italy. Prices are available on request, as itineraries are tailored to your own particular needs.

One Week Stay

11. Maldives

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If 7 days of complete luxury is all you’re looking for on your honeymoon, take a look at the Coco Palm Resort in the Maldives. Located on the private island of Dhuni Kolhu, it’s the kind of place that has kept the Maldives the single most popular honeymoon destination for Irish couples over the past few years. Snorkelling on the resort is absolutely incredible, with many visitors being lucky enough to spot baby sea turtles gliding through the water!

The package, from GoHop.ie; Luxurious Maldives Honeymoon-Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu. Price is from €1,989 per person including international flights, seaplane transfers in the Maldives, Green Taxes and access to the “Leeli” departure lounge in Male Airport. Includes 7 nights all-inclusive in the 4* Coco Palm Resort.

12. 4* Veranda Grand Baie Hotel & Spa, Mauritius

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This tropical paradise lies 2,400 kilometres off the South East Coast of Africa and is a super popular choice with honeymooners and for good reason. Beautiful powder sand beaches and turquoise waters await as well as spectacular bays, hidden coves and coral reefs begging to be explored. Couples looking looking to enjoy total relaxation as well as some serious luxury will love all Mauritius has to offer – think candle lit dinners, romantic strolls on the beach, exotic cocktails and fabulous cuisine. And those looking to take in some sights and culture will have plenty of great options too with everything from bustling markets, sugarcane plantations or volcanic surfaces to explore and enjoy.

The package, from Classic Resorts; 7 nights BB fr €1359 pp including tax. Honeymooners receive: Seasonal fruits, T-shirt, Flower display & Turn down in room once during stay. Special honeymoon dinner (excluding drinks) at Belle Vue main restaurant with decorated table. Upgrade Flights to Premium Economy from €749pp return / Upgrade to All Inclusive from €285pp per week. Prices are based on 2 sharing a Comfort room, travelling between May & June 2017,  including Honeymoon discount. Flights are with Air France from Dublin via Paris.  Offer subject to availability at time of booking and maybe withdrawn at any time. Quote Ref 52536.

13. Aruba

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This gem of an island is located 15 miles north of Venezuela in the warm waters of the southern Caribbean. Couples can look forward to beautiful white-sand beaches, endless sunshine with cooling trade winds and warm, friendly people! Perched on the soft white sands of beautiful Eagle Beach, the intimate and tranquil adults-only Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort is ideal for couples looking to relax and unwind in a romantic setting. Enjoy breathtaking views of the sparkling clear blue sea and romantic tropical sunsets plus there’s a wealth of watersports couples can try out from diving and sailing to surfing. Or if you’re looking for an adventure, take a jeep tour of Aruba’s rugged coastline or a trip to Arikok National Park, a desert like nature preserve with a variety of wildlife, cacti and dramatic rock formations.

The package, from McDermott Travel; Travel dates available between 18th April 2017 – 24th May 2017. 7 Nights – Bucuti Beach Resort, Standard Room – Bed & Breakfast. Price includes Flights, Baggage, Resort Transfers & 7 Night Accommodation. From €3,800 per couple.

14. Excellence Riviera Cancun, Mexico

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Situated in a beautiful region of Mexico between Cancun and Playa del Carmen, this adults only, all-suite Mediterranean-style resort is the perfect for couples after a romantic, luxurious honeymoon break. Whether you’re looking to lounge at the pool with a book, soak up the rays on their picture-perfect sandy beach, explore the crystal clear waters or sample their cocktail menu in one of the friendly bars, this fab spot has all you need to kick start married life in style. If you go all inclusive you can look forward to dining at any of their restaurants including their renowned Lobster House as well as toasting your new hubby or wife with unlimited drinks.

The package, from Tropical Sky7 Nights All Inclusive from €1649 per person with including flights.

15. Dream of Zanzibar

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This stunning resort is situated amongst exotic flora and boasts sensational views of the beach and breath-taking azure ocean. It has some amazing facilities with a wealth of fun watersports you can try out and a spa for those looking to enjoy a bit of pampering. Plus you’ll have lots of time to enjoy the crystal clear waters, fabulous restaurants, gorgeous cocktails and each other’s company during this special time. If you’re looking to take in some culture while you’re at it, Zanzibar has some amazing attractions – including exotic forests or a day at the history-infused spice plantations.

The package, from Tropical Sky; 7 Nights all Inclusive from €1639 pp including flights.

16. South Africa

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Explore charming towns, breath-taking countryside, beautiful mountain passes and coastlines on this South African honeymoon adventure! This fabulous package includes overnight stays in Hermanus and Cape Town with a chance to indulge in a spot of wine tasting in the wine regions, relax on picture-perfect beaches, partake in some whale-watching in Hermanus and see South Africa’s abundant wildlife on safari.

The package, from Classic Resorts; 4nts Capetown ~ 2nts Winelands ~ 2nts Hermanus ~ Half Day private tour of Capetown & Table Mountain ~ Half Day Safari Game Drive. 8 nights fr €2069 pp including taxes (Upgrade Flights to Premium Economy from €625pp return) Classic resorts: Prices are based on 2 sharing on the 4 nights in the 4* Four Rosmead on BB in Capetown,  2 nights in 4* Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa on BB, 2 nights at 4* Auberge Burgundy Hermanus on BB. Includes Car Hire for 4 days. Flights are with Air France. Travel 1st March – 30th April 2017. Quote Ref: 52635.

17. Dominican Republic – 4* Riu Naiboa Punta Cana

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Christopher Columbus was its very first tourist in 1492 and proclaimed, “This is the fairest land under Heaven”! Home to some of most beautiful beaches in the world, it’s the perfect place for honeymooners looking for sunshine and total relaxation. Punta Cana is a region on the eastern tip of the Dominican Republic known for its stretch of stunning coastline with silky-white beaches, coconut palms and crystal clear waters. It’s perfect for couples that love their water sports with windsurfing, kayaking and sailing as well as awesome diving opportunities. Golf enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice with their amazing courses while shoppers can look forward to picking up some traditional local arts and crafts. It’s also an ideal spot for couples that love to party with lots of great festivals year round!

The package, from Classic Resorts: 7 nights All Inclusive from €1069pp including tax (Upgrade Flights to Premium Economy from €899pp return) Prices are based on 2 sharing a Standard room for 7 nights All Inclusive. Travel between 1st May – 20th June. Flight with Air France via Paris. Subject to availability at time of booking. Quote Ref 52635.

Main photo via Coco Palm Resort, Maldives