15 Best Honeymoon Destinations in December
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Want inspiration for the best honeymoon destinations in December? If you’re planning a December honeymoon, you’re in the right place!
Whether you’re after a winter sun honeymoon or a cosy snow-filled escape, there are loads of amazing places to honeymoon in December.
It’s peak season for many of the world’s best honeymoon destinations such as the Maldives and the Caribbean. Plus, there are loads of options this month to suit every honeymoon style and budget – from luxury all-inclusives to adventurous honeymoons off the beaten track.
So, if you’re currently planning your honeymoon and want December honeymoon ideas, keep reading! Here’s my pick of the very best places to honeymoon in December…
Best places to honeymoon in December
1 Maldives
The Maldives had to be first on the list of best places to go on honeymoon in December. There’s a reason why this Indian Ocean country is one of the world’s best destinations – it’s the epitome of paradise and has everything you need for a dream getaway!
December is one of the best times to visit the Maldives – it falls at the start of the country’s dry, high season so you can expect great weather for all your activities.
If you’re dreaming of luxury, the Maldives should also be top of your list for a honeymoon in December. There are SO many ultra-luxury resorts in the Maldives, including some that are worthy of 6 or 7 star status with dream overwater villas and butler service.
Most resorts in the Maldives are set on their own private islands, too, so a honeymoon here will be all about seclusion and soaking up the best of the winter sun.
Where to stay: Joali Maldives, Soneva Fushi, COMO Cocoa Island
2 South Africa
South Africa is one of my favourite destinations because it has so much to offer. In December, South Africa’s Western Cape has its dry summer season so it’s an amazing time for a honeymoon to Cape Town.
South Africa is also a brilliant December honeymoon destination if you want something a little adventurous. If you have the time for a longer break, combining Cape Town with the Winelands and a road trip along the Garden Route will be a bucket list experience!
RELATED: Best African Honeymoon Destinations
If you’re dreaming of a safari, South Africa is an incredible place for a safari honeymoon, too. December isn’t the best time for Kruger National Park, but the game reserves in the Eastern Cape are great at this time of year.
Where to stay: Labotessa Luxury Boutique Hotel, Delaire Graff Estate, Amakhala Safari Lodge
3 Thailand
Another of the best places to honeymoon in December is Thailand. Thailand is one of my all-time favourite destinations and possibly one of the best honeymoon destinations in Southeast Asia!
RELATED: Bali or Thailand: Which is Better?
Depending on what you’re after for your honeymoon, there are loads of options with a honeymoon to Thailand. If you’re dreaming of palm-fringed beaches, the western regions of Phuket and Krabi are amazing in December for beaches and sunshine.
If you want a bit more adventure, you could also consider spending a few days in Bangkok, visiting Khao Sok National Park or heading north to Chiang Mai.
Where to stay: Six Senses Yao Noi, Andara Resort Villas, Mandarin Oriental Bangkok
4 Lapland, Finland
If you’re dreaming of a white winter getaway, you’ll definitely want to consider Finnish Lapland for your honeymoon in December. This is a truly magical destination for a honeymoon – think powdery snow, cosy hotels and evenings lit by the northern lights!
Lapland is a December honeymoon destination where you can do as much or as little as you’d like. Activities include husky sledding, snowshoeing and skiing, but it’s also known for its saunas and spas. Plus you can relax each evening with a glass of glögi before cosying up for stargazing!
READ MORE: Why Honeymoon in Cold Places? Winter Honeymoon Ideas
December in Finland is amazing for festive celebrations, too. If you love Christmas, this is a fairytale setting and one of the very best places for an unforgettable honeymoon in December.
Where to stay: Arctic TreeHouse Hotel, Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, Wilderness Hotel Inari
5 Mexico
Soft sand beaches, swaying palms and the most delicious food – what’s not to love about Mexico?! In particular, the country’s Caribbean Coast is a brilliant honeymoon destination in December and it definitely deserves all the love it receives.
If you want a relaxing, all-inclusive resort you’re spoilt for choice in this part of Mexico. There are so many brilliant options around Cancun, but you could also stay in Tulum if you’d prefer more of a bohemian or boutique retreat.
This area is also great if you want to mix excursions with lazy days in the sun. There are tons of things to do across Cancun and the Yucatan Peninsula – from day trips to Isla Mujeres or Holbox to swimming in cenotes and visiting cultural sites.
Where to stay: Royalton Riviera Cancun, SLS Cancun Hotel, La Valise Tulum
6 Switzerland
Switzerland is a wonderful European honeymoon destination in December. It’s a country that sparkles with luxury so it’s a lovely choice if you’re looking for something romantic and extra special.
In December, there’s loads to experience too. If you head to the Swiss Alps, it’s a prime time for skiing so you’ll be treated to gorgeous snowy peaks. It’s also where you’ll find fairytale resorts that are perfect for a magical winter honeymoon.
Christmas markets are also big in Switzerland in places like Zurich, Basel and Lucerne. Plus Switzerland has some of the best spas and thermal baths – so if you want a honeymoon with a dose of wellness, this could be the perfect destination for you!
Where to stay: Grace La Margna St Moritz, Bürgenstock Hotel & Alpine Spa, Hotel Royal Savoy Lausanne
7 The Caribbean
The Caribbean is synonymous with honeymoons and December is one of the best times to visit… The hurricane season will have passed and you’ll be blessed with blue skies, warm seas and great conditions for enjoying the beach.
Across the region, there are so many options for a dreamy, paradise island honeymoon. Each island offers something a little different so there’s bound to be a perfect Caribbean island for you.
RELATED: 10 Best Sandals Resorts for a Caribbean Honeymoon
There’s also lots you’ll be able to fill your time with – from sunset dinners on the beach to catamaran cruises, horse riding and hiking. Obviously, the beaches are amazing in the Caribbean so it’s a fab choice for a postcard-perfect backdrop, too!
Where to stay: Sandals Grenada, Colony Club by Elegant Hotels Barbados, Jade Mountain St Lucia
8 New Zealand
Not everyone is able to take several weeks off for their honeymoon, but if you can – New Zealand needs to be on your December honeymoons list! There’s SO much to see and do in New Zealand that a honeymoon here will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
December is an amazing time to visit New Zealand, too. Thanks to its location in the Southern Hemisphere, it’s the start of summer so the weather is usually warm – making it perfect for all the outdoor activities.
Across both of New Zealand’s islands there’s loads you can take in. You’ll be able to spend your honeymoon doing things like hiking, sailing, visiting Hobbiton and immersing yourself in Maori culture.
Where to stay: Paihia Beach Resort & Spa Hotel, Split Apple Retreat Abel Tasman, Azur Lodge Queenstown
9 Australia
Australia is a bucket list destination, so if you’ve never been before – when could be better than on your honeymoon?!
Like New Zealand, this is a country that needs lots of annual leave (and a decent amount of planning) if you’re travelling from the UK or Europe. But there’s so much to love about Australia, so I promise you won’t be disappointed!
December is summer in Australia so it’s a great time for enjoying the scenery. If you’re lucky to have several weeks off, you could road trip the coast – the east coast from Sydney to Cairns is the most popular route. Just be aware that the tropical north can be wet this month as summer approaches.
If you’re honeymooning in early December and want to be wowed by beaches, the Whitsundays are a gorgeous choice – Whitehaven Beach is one of the best beaches I’ve ever seen! You could also stay on Hamilton Island where you’ll be surrounded by tropical scenery and within reach of the Great Barrier Reef.
Where to stay: Park Hyatt Sydney, Qualia Hamilton Island, Daintree Ecolodge
10 New York, USA
There’s so much to see and do in New York that it’s a great December honeymoon if you’re the kind of couple who gets bored with package or beach holidays. It’s also an incredible choice if you’re dreaming of a festive and romantic, Christmas-filled getaway!
Your honeymoon can be spent doing all kinds of activities – from shopping and visiting museums to exploring different neighbourhoods. You’ll be able to take in the twinkling Christmas lights, go ice skating and see the famous tree at the Rockefeller Center, too!
Plus, New York is a lovely destination for splashing out on luxury – there are loads of five-star hotels in the city where you can treat yourself to the ultimate cosy honeymoon.
Where to stay: Pendry Manhattan West, Crosby Street Hotel, The Greenwich Hotel
11 United Arab Emirates
Whether you want a stopover or a standalone destination, UAE is an amazing choice for a honeymoon in December. This is a country that’s all about luxury with some of the world’s swankiest resorts. It’s also one of the best places for catching some winter sun!
Across the UAE there are a few destinations you could choose. Dubai is usually the most popular – it’s amazing for couples who want to mix relaxation with a bit of adventure.
Even though it’s winter in Dubai, December is a perfect time to visit while temperatures aren’t crazy high. You can still get days of around 27ºC so it’s perfect for sightseeing as well as heading to the beach. It’s also a great month for visiting the desert!
Where to stay: One&Only Royal Mirage, Bab Al Shams
12 Costa Rica
No matter your interests or honeymoon style, Costa Rica is a December destination that everyone can fall in love with. It’s a beautiful country for a honeymoon and has lots to take in with tropical beaches, national parks, rainforests and gorgeous resorts.
Mid-December marks the start of Costa Rica’s dry season so it’s a fab time to visit. If you want the beach, the Pacific coast regions are perfect at this time of year – you can expect generally dry, sunny temperatures of around 30ºC.
I also recommend combining the beach with a rainforest retreat in Costa Rica. The country has some of the dreamiest lodges with bucket-list accommodation in breathtaking settings!
Where to stay: Hacienda AltaGracia, Nayara Tented Camp, Andaz Costa Rica Resort
13 Philippines
Want a tropical, vision board honeymoon that’s also relatively affordable? Lucky for you – the Philippines is exactly that!
The Philippines is one of my favourite places for a December honeymoon. It’s absolutely beautiful with breathtaking scenery and secluded beaches that rival the Maldives.
December is considered the start of the peak season in the Philippines so it’s a good time to visit. Temperatures can reach 30ºC in some places and it’s typically sunny so it’s perfect for beach hopping and exploring everything there is on offer.
Where to stay: Cauayan Island Resort and Spa, Shangri-La Boracay
14 Canary Islands, Spain
Unless you’re wanting a cosy winter honeymoon or a Christmas city break, a lot of Europe isn’t ideal in December. However – one exception is Spain’s Canary Islands.
With a location off the coast of northwest Africa, these little islands have lovely mild temperatures year round. So even though December is one of the cooler months, you can still get sunny days of around 22ºC (and sometimes higher). It’s perfect for exploring, hiking and even hitting the beach.
You could choose to visit any of the Canary Islands but Tenerife is the biggest and has loads to explore. It also has incredible landscapes with volcanoes and mountains, as well as great resorts for couples.
Obviously, if you love super hot temperatures, this might not be for you. But, if you want something a bit different, there’s tons to love!
Where to stay: Royal Garden Villas & Spa, Royal Hideaway Corales Beach
15 Oman
Oman is a unique honeymoon destination and one that I really love for December. It’s a destination that’s known for its culture and history as well as its jaw-dropping scenery so it’s a fab place for couples who want something more authentic or out of the ordinary.
It’s also a great place for a beach break or a remote back-to-nature retreat. You’ll find amazing luxury hotels on the coast as well as bucket list options in the beautiful Jebel Akhdar mountains.
As a country with a desert climate, the months between October and April are the best time to visit Oman when temperatures are lower. In December it can reach the mid 20ºCs and it’s a little cooler in the mountains so it’s ideal for making the most of it all!
Where to stay: Alila Jabal Akhdar, Jumeirah Muscat Bay
Where to honeymoon in December – Wrap up
December is a brilliant time for a honeymoon with options to suit different styles. Whether you’re dreaming of winter sun on a paradise island, a cosy Christmas getaway or a big honeymoon adventure – December has you covered!
This is also an amazing month for splashing out on luxury and enjoying some once-in-a-lifetime experiences – like staying in an overwater villa in the Maldives, a fairytale palace in Switzerland or a bucket list safari lodge in South Africa.
Equally, there are some more budget-friendly and affordable honeymoon destinations in December like Thailand and Mexico. Plus, there are options for both short- and longer-haul settings so you’re definitely not limited for choice.
Whatever you’re dreaming of, chances are, there’s a December honeymoon destination to match! I hope this post has helped you narrow down your options!
READ MORE:
- 25 Best November Honeymoon Destinations
- 17 Best January Honeymoon Destinations
- 15 Best Winter Sun Honeymoon Destinations
- 20 Best Maldives Alternatives (Honeymoon Edit)
- 15 Best Multi Destination Honeymoon Ideas
- Why Honeymoon in Cold Places? Winter Honeymoon Ideas
- 20+ Best 2-Week Honeymoon Ideas
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