2015 BRIDES Best Honeymoons: The World's 20 Most Romantic Destinations

From relaxing on the beaches of St. Lucia to eating your way through Italy, we teamed up with TripAdvisor to find the best ways to spend your post-wedding getaway

Updated 05/05/15

We're not going to lie: If you're glowing with the warmth of love and riding on the adrenaline rush of the wedding and the excitement of a brand-new marriage, there are probably a lot of places in the world that can make you happy on your honeymoon. (Trust us, finding the right guy to spend the rest of your life with was a much harder process!) Still, when you find the perfect collaboration of your heart's desire and his, that first vacation together in your new life can be — as magical as a first kiss.

You'll notice that our results span the globe, from exotic to domestic and everything in between. The lesson here? When you're talking about travel, romance comes in a rainbow of flavors. And we see the appeal of them all. While many couples reach for the relaxation of lazing on a beach in a bikini under a palm tree with a frozen fruity drink in hand and sand between well-manicured toes (this could be anywhere from the Maldives to Maui, Fiji, or St. Lucia), others want only to explore the cities of France and Italy one boutique, museum, historic monument, epic meal, and iconic selfie at a time.

Chances are, you'll spend a little more on this vacation than ones in the past and pay more attention to the details. But Instagram ops and amazing souvenirs aside, what really makes this the undeniable trip of a lifetime is the ring on your finger and the guy on your arm.

The "2015 Brides Best Honeymoons" top destinations were determined by a Brides-TripAdvisor survey of 400 travelers.

01 of 20

French Polynesia

There's a reason the overwater bungalow was invented here. The oceanscapes surrounding these 118 isles and atolls are so otherworldly, couples want to spend every second of their trip on, in, or near them. Pick your oasis: Tahiti, home to the cafés and markets of Papeete; Rangiroa, beloved by divers for its teeming reefs and epic lagoon (the second largest in the world); or Bora Bora, famed for jade peaks and chic resorts. Better yet, take a few weeks and island hop; with an escape this far-flung, you'll want to hit as many spots as you can in the neighborhood.

02 of 20

Maldives

These atolls in the Indian Ocean have a Robinson-Crusoe-meets-luxury vibe, with tiny palm-covered isles that are each topped with a luxury resort, often with thatched roofs that add to the faraway feel. The can't-be-beat diving is just a bonus.

03 of 20

Santorini

This volcanic Greek isle is known for its white and blue buildings, insane Aegean Sea views, and doorways at the top of the island that seem to lead to clouds. Enter, and you'll walk down steps to restaurants that specialize in just-plucked-from-the-ocean seafood and romantic whitewashed hotels.

04 of 20

Maui

This Hawaiian honeymoon haven has a relaxed surfer vibe and tons of luxe beachside resorts. Wake at dawn for a sunrise bike ride down Mount Haleakala, and set aside a day to drive the Hana Highway, pausing for hikes to waterfalls and dips in the ocean.

05 of 20

Fiji

This cluster of isles in the South Pacific is a land of ancient warriors and newlyweds. (Seriously, look around the plane and try to find a traveler who isn't paired up.) Book a room in a thatch-roofed bure (bungalow), catch a fire-walking ceremony, and snorkel or dive the legendary reefs.

06 of 20

Seychelles

These exotic tropical islands in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Asia offer a sense of adventure. The properties here are more rustic than some other island resort destinations, but the diving is unforgettable.

07 of 20

Kauai

Hawaii's sleepier side offers a mix of quiet and adventure. Hike through lush rain forests to waterfalls, or take a helicopter ride over them, then hop a boat tour of the Na Pali Coast's cliffs or sign up for a snorkeling excursion to swim with giant sea turtles.

08 of 20

Bali

Courtesy of The Mulia, Mulia Resort and Villas

Thanks to Eat, Pray, Love, this Indonesian isle is now a hot spot for women travelers, but it's been a honeymoon mecca for years. And when you see the lush terraced rice fields, Hindu temples, and hushed beaches, you'll know why.

09 of 20

Anguilla

Just a short boat ride from St. Martin, Anguilla has some of the most spectacular resorts and white-sand beaches in the region — plus a rep for being a foodie's paradise.

10 of 20

Nevis

This sleepy West Indies isle is a little harder to reach but worth the trek for its off-the-radar atmosphere. The biggest draws: sea turtles, the rain forest full of velvet monkeys, and a famous barefoot-in-the-sand bar.

11 of 20

Italy

Courtesy of Italian National Tourist Board

For many couples, Italy is a romantic dream. The good news: A honeymoon here can actually live up to the hype. Walk the line between trying to see everything — you can come back again! — and taking the time to enjoy la dolce vita.

12 of 20

St. Lucia

St. Lucia is known for its twin green Piton mountains, but it is most famous among the honeymoon set for its own unique indulgence: the three-walled room, which leaves couples in a luxurious yet open-air setting.

13 of 20

Aruba

The self-proclaimed sunniest of all the Caribbean isles — it sits outside the hurricane belt — Aruba is also known for wide white-sand beaches and adventure sports. Because of its omnipresent tradewinds, windsurfing and kite surfing are especially popular, though you can also water-ski, tube, snorkel, and parasail.

14 of 20

South Africa

Framed by mountains, beaches, and vineyards, Cape Town has a rep as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. But for some honeymooners, South Africa is all about the safari. Explore Kruger National Park, camera in hand. You'll be on an epic search for the Big Five — lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos — plus hippos, giraffes, and zebras.

15 of 20

Turks and Caicos

The appeal of these tropical islands? They're so close, yet feel so far away. That and the fact that the sand is such a pristine white, and the water is such a gorgeous pale blue, you'll think you've just stepped into a Photoshopped paradise.

16 of 20

British Virgin Islands

Sailors love the British Virgin Islands, but even if you're looking for a vacation on dry land, there are great choices here — including more than a few private-island resorts. You can learn to sail, borrow a boat, or just get a ride out to one of the beach bars that are reachable only by water.

17 of 20

U.S. Virgin Islands

On these islands, you can have your Caribbean vacation on U.S. soil without a passport, language barriers, or foreign currency. To sweeten the deal, 60 percent of one of the isles — St. John — is made up of national parkland.

18 of 20

Costa Rica

This Central American hot spot is known for its laid-back and natural vibe, surfer towns, yoga retreats hidden deep in the forest, and ecoconscious lifestyle. Our favorite thing about a trip here: hiking through the lush, monkey-filled jungle.

19 of 20

Oahu

Book a Hawaiian vacation and chances are you'll fly into Oahu. There are three good reasons to spend a few days here before moving on: The best shopping in the state is in Waikiki, as are some of the most acclaimed restaurants. And if you're a surfer, you'll want to hit the legendary breaks on the North Shore.

20 of 20

France

Even if you took Paris out of the equation — and why would you? — this would still be one of the most romantic places on earth. Think lavender-carpeted fields in Provence, vineyards and tasting rooms in Champagne, and the chic beach towns on the French Riviera. Oh là là.