Top Honeymoon Destinations 2016

Courtesy of Lizard Island Resort

At the start of each year, travel enthusiasts wait eagerly to see where our friends at Condé Nast Traveler will deem the top destinations of the year. For 2016 they chose 16 cities, provinces and countries that range from close to home (America's National Parks and Miami, Florida) to far reaching locations on the other side of the world (pretty much all of the rest).

While the selections were not specifically chosen for their suitability for a brand-new husband and wife traveling together, they're mostly well-suited and no doubt inspiring places to start with honeymoon planning. Paris, for one, is a classic place for lovers to celebrate their walk down the aisle. Some of the usual suspects such as Hawaii and Mexico are missing from the list, but in lieu, equally if not more exotic locales such as Myanmar and Brazil made the cut. And why not reach for the stars (or at least the other side of the world) when you're planning the trip of a lifetime? It's the perfect excuse to indulge in a dream travel destination you and your new hubby won't soon forget.

Read on for dreamy hotels, destinations and adventures that just might become your new ultimate honeymoon fantasy.

Photo: If you're going all that way, a romantic Australian experience should include at least a few stops. Sydney is the quickest to reach directly, and you'd be smart to book at the new QT Bondi, a hotel as sexy as its namesake beach setting. From there proceed to Adelaide and head to the Barossa Valley, one of Down Under's best wine regions, known for excellent Shiraz. Stay at The Louise, a vineyard-side retreat where you can breakfast with the kangaroos. You can also hop a short flight to Kangaroo Island, known as the Aussie Galapagos, for the best kangaroo and koala sightings in the wild. Wrap up your grand tour with a visit to the Great Barrier Reef. At the secluded Lizard Island Resort there are 24 white-sand beaches and just 40 suites. Sunset cruises, spa treatments, private plages... no-brainer.

Courtesy of Tri Lanka

Sri Lanka

If you were thinking of popular honeymoon destination the Maldives as your spot, take a moment to consider nearby Sri Lanka. It's not as tiny, but the island nation shares the same insanely beautiful Indian Ocean coastlines, plus it has lots of culture to spare, excellent food and new design-forward hotels popping up. Tri Lanka is an example of the latter, on the southwestern coast. Better yet, your money stretches much farther on this island, and you'll likely end up with photos none of your friends have captured before.

Courtesy of Azura

Mozambique

For breathtaking beaches and turquoise waters, not much comes close to Mozambique and its islands. Azura is an eco-boutique resort on the African country's tiny Benguerra Island within a Marine National Park. Like Sri Lanka, there are no tourist hordes. Instead, the soft sands are empty and the stars shine bright at night— just picture that setting for a romantic candlelit dinner! You might spend days diving and snorkeling, spotting migrating whales and dolphins or nesting turtles, or meeting locals and learning about their culture.

Courtesy of Burma Boating

Mergui Archipelago, Myanmar

Myanmar (formerly Burma) is teeming with culture— it's home to more than 100 different ethnic groups. A trip there might include some time in the capital of Yangon, as well as visits to Inle Lake and its floating villages, and Bagan. But many people don't realize Myanmar is also home to a collection of more than 800 islands. The Mergui Archipelago is one of the world's top destinations for snorkeling and diving so, newlyweds who are underwater enthusiasts should say yes to Myanmar. Because there are so many islands and half the fun is exploring as many remote reefs and creatures as possible, book a luxe boat tour through a company like Burma Boating.

Courtesy of Fasano

Brazil

Like Australia, Brazil is not a one-and-done type of destination. It's enormous, after all. The best honeymoon would incorporate several locations. If you fly into Rio de Janeiro, start with a stay at Fasano in the heart of Ipanema beach for its glamorous accommodations that hark to the Bossa Nova era. Next, fly to Fernando de Noronha, a UNESCO World Heritage site volcanic archipelago where you can feast your eyes on a huge array of ocean life in a rugged, unspoiled setting. Another recommended stop is in the almost undiscovered yet boho-chic town of Trancoso, in Bahia, which is also the place to be for New Year's Eve.

Courtesy of Yachana

Ecuadorian Amazon

If deep immersion into another culture and way of life is your idea of the ultimate romantic adventure, consider making your way into the Ecuadorian Amazon via motorized canoe to a jungle ecotourism lodge like Yachana, which is located in a 4,300-acre protected forest. Think cleansing ceremonies with a local medicine man, learning indigenous hunting methods, culinary tours, hiking, swimming in rivers, picking cacao to make chocolate and learning to cook traditional meals of the region.

Courtesy of Jenny Lake Lodge

America's National Parks

There are more than 50 national parks in the U.S., and some are more known than others. One of the most otherworldly is Great Sand Dunes National Park, where 700-foot-high sand dunes rise above Colorado's San Luis Valley. Those seeking an authentically rustic but comfortable experience might consider Zapata Ranch, a 103,000-acre cattle and bison ranch offering all-inclusive stays in an original homestead from the 1800s, complete with a hot tub, nature experiences, horseback riding, birding and a day out with a real cowboy. If lots of memorable hiking is on the wish list, head for Wyoming's Grand Teton National Park and overnight at the eco-luxe Jenny Lake Lodge, where bikes, horses and gourmet five-course dinners are included in the stay.

Courtesy of Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine

Pedraza, Spain

Italy is a favorite destination for newlyweds, but it's absolutely on the beaten path. Instead, discover parts of Spain that are a little less expected, but are also chock-full of historical architecture, bucolic landscapes and incredible food and wine. Pedraza is a medieval village north of Madrid, with romantic cobbled streets, ancient buildings and excellent eats. Forty-five minutes away, book yourselves into the just-reopened Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine, which was a 12th-century abbey before its current incarnation as an opulent winery and estate with a Michelin-starred restaurant. Driving by vineyards to Pedraza and other surrounding towns is part of the charm and beauty.

Courtesy of 101 Hotel

Iceland

Both design buffs and nature lovers will delight in the "land of fire and ice," especially if they call the 101 Hotel in Reykjavik their temporary home. The luxury boutique hotel is in the center of town and boasts its very own art gallery. It's a perfect jumping-off point for adventures that can range from tiny horse-riding and cycling to snorkeling and hot springs swims. Whether or not it's the time of year to see the Northern Lights, you can plan an unforgettable evening in the wild, like at LAVA Restaurant, where views of the famous Blue Lagoon and your perch on a lava cliff will make the dinner one for the books.

Courtesy of Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti

Tanzania

A Serengeti safari lovers' getaway isn't for just anyone. You have to be looking for the shared adventure of a lifetime. Although it is next-door neighbors with beachy Mozambique, Tanzania is the place to see creatures that range from lion cubs to elephants, which you can spot from the infinity pool at the Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti. Grab a pair of binoculars and book jeep safaris, learn about Maasai culture, take nature walks and hop in a hot air balloon for an aerial view of Africa's most powerful and fascinating wildlife.

Courtesy of The Charlee

Medellin, Colombia

What was once Colombia's drug capital is now a travel destination. Nestled in a valley between dramatic mountains, it's known for lovely perennial springtime temperatures. The green inland destination is perhaps a bit unexpected for a honeymoon, but the city has a seductive side. Stay at The Charlee, in the nightlife hub of El Poblado, and take a salsa class before trying your moves over a few Cuba libres with a live band. Don't miss the area's creative gastronomy, or the chance to take the Metrocable up to the huge wooded expanse known as Parque Arvi for a morning hike.

Courtesy of Faena Hotel Miami Beach

Miami, Florida

Miami is not the most faraway destination, but it's possible to feel totally transported in the city of sun and art. The brand-new Faena Hotel Miami Beach, which debuted during Art Basel last December, is a five-star throwback to another time, complete with glamorous art deco styled rooms and butler service. The powdery white beach is just outside the door, and with opportunities to sunbathe, charter a sailboat, try deep-sea fishing, or hit the town for some of the country's best cuisine and nightlife.

Courtesy of Hoshinoya Okinawa

Okinawa Prefecture, Japan

There's more to Japan than Tokyo. Okinawa is the southernmost prefecture and includes hundreds of the Ryukyu Islands, of which Naha is the capital. Natural parks, coral caves and turquoise seas might not be what you think of when you think Japan, but it's what this area is all about. Sugar cane, pineapple and papaya are grown on the islands, and rare blue corals can be found snorkeling off the beaches. A top hotel pick is the modern-meets-traditional Japanese Hoshinoya Okinawa, on a tiny island full of charming stone walls, red-roofed villas and empty white sand beaches.

Courtesy of Hotel Le Bois Joli

Guadeloupe and Martinique

These French territories in the Caribbean make the perfect lower-key alternative to the flashier island of St. Barts, with similar perks. There are now more direct flights than ever, but there's nothing overcrowded about these oases. Wander through their jungles, bathe on the soft beaches, swim through waterfalls, and then finish the day off with low-lit meals and imported bottles of excellent French wine. In Martinique, enjoy the view at the Hotel Plein Soleil, or in Guadeloupe, the beachside Hotel Le Bois Joli.

Courtesy of The St. Regis Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul is where the East and West meet, which means there's plenty to feast on both culturally and dining-wise. Both sides of the beautiful city are full of opportunities for romance. Book a plush art deco-inspired suite at The St. Regis Istanbul, in the vibrant European neighborhood of Nisantasi, and use it as home base to explore the Grand Bazaar, cruise down the Bosporous or watch the sun set over the famous Galata Bridge. The hotel also features Wolfgang Puck's first international outpost of Spago, three pools, three hammams (Turkish baths) and a full range of tailored couple's spa treatments.

Courtesy of The Peninsula Paris

Paris, France

Many people would argue Paris is the most romantic place in the world, making a honeymoon to the City of Light an enduring choice. With its intimate cafes, wide paths for strolling hand-in-hand and countless impressive monuments and beautiful landscapes, it's the perfect place to do anything—or nothing—with your beloved. Go big and book one of the decadent new suites at The Peninsula Paris, with 360-degree views of the glittering city's landmarks. Eat macarons, have afternoon tea at the George V, consume plenty of Champagne, cruise down the Seine, and, most importantly, just savor being together in Paris.

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The Hottest Honeymoon Destinations of 2016