10 Expert-Approved Beach Honeymoon Destinations That Were Made for Instagram

By Over The Moon
The view in Zakynthos Island

In the not too distant past, newlyweds were perfectly content jetting off on their honeymoons in newly minted wedded bliss to completely disconnect from the rest of the world. Unplugging and spending time with your spouse was the name of the game. Now, no one will believe you even went on a honeymoon in the first place if you don’t ’gram it. It mean it’s not every day one gets to take a budget-splurging, once in a lifetime vacation to an exotic locale or five-star hotel, now is it? This must be memorialized for posterity purposes!

While privacy, impeccable service, and a heavenly spa are all certainly appreciated when researching a potential honeymoon destination, somewhere along the way, offering up ample photo opportunities for Insta climbed to the tip top of the priority list. (You know, the kinds of places where #nofilter is the default.)

If you’re looking forward to spending the days following your wedding in a bikini, but are still unsure of where exactly you want to go, look no further. We’ve done the hard work for you and asked the experts at Valerie Wilson Travel for their advice. From the Seychelles to the Caribbean, below are their top 10 most Instagram-friendly beach destinations. Feel free to start scouting your #couplegoals pic now!

1. North Island, Seychelles

North Island

This was Prince William and Kate Middleton’s honeymoon destination. Need we say more? Only eleven Relais & Chateaux-owned villas are available on this exclusive, ultra private island just off the coast of Africa, making it easy for couples to feel as if they’ve been stranded on a desert island—a highly luxurious one, at that. Each villa has over 8,000 square feet, meaning you can enjoy that outdoor shower without bumping into anyone else, except perhaps one of the giant turtles that like to roam around the property. After a stay here, you’ll likely be posting #takemeback photos long after you’ve left.

2. The Brando, French Polynesia

The Brando

Accessible only by private plane, The Brando is an ultra luxe, eco-hotel located in the French Polynesian atoll of Tetiaroa. Named after Marlon Brando who once owned the property, The Brando has hosted famous guests including Barack and Michelle Obama, and Pippa Middleton (who chose The Brando for her honeymoon—see, we told you it was chic!), so you can expect the utmost VIP treatment during your stay. Aside from being surrounded by deep aquamarine water, The Brando is also all about sustainability, boasting LEED Platinum certification and using solar energy, solar heating, and seawater-based air conditioning—all perfect caption material, if you ask us.

3. Belmond Cap Juluca, Anguilla

Belmond Cap Juluca

The recently renovated Belmond Cap Juluca has plenty of beautiful backdrops (think handmade tiles, gorgeous bathrooms, and sprawling bougainvillea) that feel like they were made for selfies. Of course, the real draw of this hotel is outside on its vast stretch of beach. There, guests can lay on chaise loungers that are equipped with an intercom system to make sure you barely have to lift a finger to order a piña colada while taking in the view.

4. Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand

Abel Tasman National Park

If lounging around by the ocean for a full week sounds like a total yawn fest, then the Abel Tasman National Park in New Zealand might be more your speed. On this undeveloped, golden stretch of beach, adventurous honeymooners can enjoy hiking and kayaking, as well as campsites with hot water showers and sleeping huts. Who needs five star luxury when you can post from one of the most stunningly beautiful and remote areas of the world?

5. Six Senses Zighy Bay, Oman

Six Senses Zighy Bay

Just two hours from Dubai, the Six Senses Zighy Bay is a desert oasis nestled between the Hajar mountains and sandy beaches of Zighy Bay. It boasts private saltwater pools and a variety of wellness treatments at their renowned spa. Those looking to create a truly spectacular IG story have to check out the hotel’s signature grand entrance, where guests can paraglide into the eco-luxe resort from the edge of the Hajar mountains. Before you take that leap of faith, just make sure someone you trust is there and ready to capture it all on your phone.

6. The Cotton House, Mustique

The Cotton House

Be on the look out for Kate Moss or Mick Jagger when you’re sipping your cocktail at The Cotton House’s beachfront cafe in Mustique, the ultra exclusive Caribbean island where celebrities go for total privacy and R&R. There isn’t much to do other than take a dip in the crystal clear ocean and sip an afternoon Aperol Spritz, but we’re big believers in chilling out as stylishly as possible, and The Cotton House delivers.

7. COMO Parrot Cay, Providenciales

COMO Parrot Cay

If you’re looking to live out your own Blue Lagoon-esque fantasy, escape to COMO Parrot Cay, a hotel on a private island off Providenciales with crystal clear turquoise waters, a spa to die for, and secluded, beach front rooms, which guarantee you won’t have to run into another soul if you don’t want to. What’s more romantic than feeling like you’re stranded on your own (highly luxurious) island?

8. Zakynthos Island, Greece

Zakynthos Island

Known as the “Ionian flower of the East,” Zakynthos Island is what you might call “Instagram bait,” since it has more than its fair share of turquoise beaches and white rocky cliffs. It also has quite the nightlife scene, so make sure to pack some outfits for the club.

9. Cheval Blanc Randheli, Maldives

Cheval Blanc Randheli

The Cheval Blanc Randheli in the northwestern Maldives is owned by LVMH, so expect French luxury and chic decor around every corner—their spa, for example, is the only Guerlain spa in all of the Maldives. The hotel’s notoriety spiked after the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited in 2014, and after checking into one of the jaw-dropping water villas, you’ll understand why the royals chose to vacation in this secluded paradise. Because what better way to start your day than by opening the door to your room and diving straight into a crystal clear ocean . . . and then of course, gramming it all over breakfast?

10. Four Seasons Resort, Los Cabos

The Four Seasons Resort at Los Cabos opening mid-2019

Ok, so this hotel technically isn’t open yet, but it’s launching later this year and you better believe it’s worth reserving a room now. Located on the previously undiscovered East Cape of the Baja Peninsula, the ocean at this five-star resort is calm and serene, with little to no waves and zero seaweed, creating a gorgeous, uninterrupted view of the coast—what better backdrop for a sunset couple’s photo?

Get in touch with Valerie Wilson Travel for more honeymoon destination ideas and for help planning an unforgettable honeymoon.

This post is sponsored by Valerie Wilson Travel.