Romantic Destinations for Your Postponed Honeymoon 

When you think of love, you think of Paris. The City of Light – with cobblestone streets, chocolate-box cafes and bistros, and even the touristy Eiffel Tower – just screams romance. Honeymoon here for riverside strolls along the Seine, romantic boat rides in an open-air bateau mouche, and to taste sweet macarons after visiting the Louvre. The most romantic spot in the city, though, has to be Montmartre hill. Climb to the summit at night to see the Sacré-Cœur basilica lit by candles and to enjoy views from the highest point in Paris – a busker might even play love ballads just for you.

If bateau-mouche trips aren’t your thing, then a lovey-dovey gondola ride in Venice could be more to your liking. Cruise smoothly along the canals from one islet to the next (there are more than 100), under charming bridges and past lavish palazzos as you soak up the Italian culture one gothic or Renaissance building at a time. And when you tire of the water, stop by Piazza San Marco to browse handmade goods or climb the bell tower at St Mark’s Basilica for the best views in town. If you feel like venturing a bit further, the nearby island group of Murano – the islands are linked by bridges – is just as romantic and a lot less crowded.

More canals and cobbled streets await in Bruges. This pretty town in northern Belgium feels like it’s part of a storybook, oozing romance in every corner. Cruise the canals that cross the centre or stroll around the cute squares to explore the hidden treasures of the city. Bruges is chock-full of lovely cafes and medieval castles, allowing for the old to beautifully co-exist with the new. Visit the many churches and museums and get swept into a different time and place.

This romantic tour around town promises to take you to all the must-see love spots.

Tangerine sunsets, volcanic beaches and picturesque villages are the ideal setting for a honeymoon; and you will find them all in Santorini. This Greek island sits on a half-submerged caldera in the Aegean Sea, which makes for some unbelievable views marked by blue waters, domed churches and cobblestone alleys frequented by donkeys. Brave the crowds in the summer or – better yet – get here in autumn and spend your days staring at the sunset in Oia, wandering around ancient ruins or climbing to the top of the active volcano. Don’t miss your chance to swim in the sulphur-filled springs of Palea Kameni.

What could be more romantic than turquoise waters and white sands? Thailand has loads of dreamy beaches, spread across many provinces and islands – Maya Bay on Phi Phi Leh island is where The Beach (2000), starring Leonardo DiCaprio, was filmed, while Phuket is full of beautiful coastlines. But there are many more gorgeous spots to admire, including the abundant vegetation and emerald waters in the resort town of Krabi, or the wildlife-rich Khao Yai National Park. You could also enjoy a romantic dinner on a floating deck in the Indian Ocean, or cuddle up gazing at a Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai.

Bali is paradise on earth, perfect for a nature-filled honeymoon. It’s known for having bright-green paddies, superb beaches, and volcanoes that soar over jungles. Make the most of the amazing scenery and sleep in a treehouse suspended above the forest in Ubud, or head to Nusa Dua and Jimbaran Bay for white sands and unreal sunsets. Climb an active volcano in Kintamani and visit Kuta if you want a taste of Balinese nightlife – yes, newlyweds are allowed to go clubbing, too. Finally, stay in one of the many lavish resorts here and indulge in spa treatments, luscious delicacies and endless sunbathing next to your sweetie.

For tropical waters, spa treatments and fun adventures, the Maldives is an excellent choice. This marvellous archipelago with ring-shaped atolls and islands is home to some of the plushest resorts in the world – simply lie down and do nothing, either by the pool or on the shores. Bask in the sunshine amid unspoiled nature and dine in underwater restaurants, as marine life passes by. Swim with turtles and sharks, or in a glowing Sea of Stars, and snorkel through rainbow-coloured coral reefs, before tucking into fresh fish in the capital Malé. This is what dreams are made of.

If you love adventure but you’re not the summery, tropical-beach type, then Iceland could be for you. Think cross-country skiing, riding tiny horses, exploring volcanoes and ice caves, and heli-skiing down millennia-old glaciers in Vatnajökull and Snæfellsjökull national parks. And if you find yourselves getting tired, soak in thermal pools – find them at a natural spa in Iceland or visit the human-made Blue Lagoon. For a completely transcendental experience, snuggle up with your new spouse and watch the trippy Northern Lights – the best time to see the natural wonder in all its kaleidoscopic glory is between November and January.