World's Best Honeymoon Destinations for 2015

Romance means different things to different couples, leading to a diverse range of honeymoon offerings, so it's important to choose the right destination. After all, that's the best way to keep the afterglow of a lovely wedding alive. This year there are a slew of newlywed-friendly getaways that are full of appeal, from an escape in wine country, to nights out in the big city, to the fail-safe secluded beach. Here are our picks for 2015's best honeymoon destinations, each with something extra to offer this year.

A serial traveler who often lets a country's cuisine dictate her itineraries, New York City-based writer Kathleen Squires has visited all 7 continents and over 60 countries, with stints living in London, Tokyo, and Buenos Aires. Her work also appears in The Wall Street Journal, Details, Saveur, Cooking Light and National Geographic Traveler.

George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin put the county of Berkshire on the map when they retired to a manor house post-wedding last year. We can see why: it’s a quick hour and a half west of London, and who wouldn’t want to feel like a titled cast member of Downton Abbey for a spell? The royal residence Windsor Castle, one of England’s most popular sights, sits in the county as does the elite academic institution Eton. Also nearby: Highclere Castle, Downton Abbey itself, where visitors can take guided tours during public opening days. Perfect for Couples Who: Enjoy a civilized tea and love the royal treatment.

Photo Credit : Helen Hotson / Shutterstock

The stunning natural beauty of Thailand’s largest island has long been a draw for honeymooners. There are endless soft, white sandy beaches, electric blue waters, and some of the best sunsets in the world over in Phuket. The island also holds a vibrant nightlife and plenty of great restaurants—from the high-end to simple street stalls—that showcase the enthralling, piquant cuisine of Thailand. Cultural pleasures—such as a visit to the many Buddhist temples and shrines—can break up days at the beach. Other requirements: a romantic boat ride over to the gorgeous Phi Phi islands, and of course, experiencing the art of Thai Massage. With around 60 five-star resorts to choose from, couples are never at a loss for luxury here. Perfect for Couples Who: Have a flair for the far-flung and exotic, yet who also enjoy a good day at the beach.

Photo Credit : Courtesy of Anantara Phuket Layan Resort & Spa

This quaint town on the southwest coast of Turkey, a haven for the yachting set, is full of white-washed Aegean charm. And speaking of yachts, a few nights sailing in a gulet—the handmade wooden boats you’ll find bobbing at the marina—is one of the most romantic things to do while here. Once back on land, the beaches are full of royalty, celebrities, and swimsuit models. It’s a great place to catch a little culture, too, with the ruins of Ephesus nearby, as well as the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, right in town. Perfect for Couples Who: Enjoy jet-setting and the yachting life.

Photo Credit : Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group

A bit of city culture is always a great idea for a honeymoon, and this year Italy’s second most populous city is a can’t-miss. Between May 1 and October 31, Milan will be hosting the World Expo 2015, which will center on food and nutrition, complete with a USA Pavilion that will include a vertical farm, a food truck “nation,” and a James Beard American Restaurant. In terms of local culture, La Scala, the city’s famous opera house, will give special performances daily in celebration of the Expo. And as it is a world leader in fashion and design, there’s always something stylish happening in the city, both on the catwalks and off. Recent redevelopment across the city has introduced a slew of restaurants, shops, and cultural and social centers ready to accommodate the expected 20 million visitors this year. Perfect for Couples Who: Are fashion-forward, have a taste for global food and technology, and an appreciation for opera.

Photo Credit : TanArt / Shutterstock

Having recently dropped its $160 reciprocity fee, honeymooners can save their pennies to enjoy some of the finer vintages around Chile’s wine country, from Carmenere to Chardonnay. There are plenty of options to choose from, as vineyards are clustered just outside of the capital city of Santiago, stretching down through the interior for about 250 miles. The Maipo Valley is home to some of Chile’s most famous winemakers, such as Viña Concha y Toro and Viña Santa Rita, and is an easy day trip from the city. The Colcagua wine region to the south is also well established, producing prize-winning Malbec and Sauvignon Blanc. Further south, the up-and-coming Millahue wine region started wowing experts with 2009 and 2010 vintages from new “holistic” winemaker Vik. No matter which region you choose to explore, the landscapes throughout are full of natural beauty, upscale estancias, and activities such as horseback riding. Perfect for Couples Who: Are oenophiles and who can slip between a spa treatment and an outdoor adventure between tastings.

Photo Credit : Courtesy of Vik Retreats

Photo Credit : Courtesy of Le Guanahani

With its rainforests, lakes, beaches, mountains, and volcanoes, Nicaragua is the up-and-coming destination for eco-adventure lovers. Think of it as a Central American option that’s less-trodden than Costa Rica and even easier on the wallet than Belize. The coasts offer formidable surf waves, and the volcanoes are conquerable territory for hikers. And if you’re keen on wildlife, especially birds, the country is a veritable apiary, with nearly 700 different species making Nicaragua their home. Wellness travel is on the rise here, too. Perfect For Couples Who: Enjoy wellness-driven and eco-friendly travel.

Photo Credit : Courtesy of Mukul Beach, Golf & Spa

Sin City has always been known as a great quickie wedding destination. But as a honeymoon spot, it seemed fitting only for a screwball comedy starring Sarah Jessica Parker and Nicolas Cage. But now that the musical Honeymoon in Vegas just opened on Broadway, its positive reviews have caused some couples to rethink Las Vegas as a destination. And why not? There’s something for every desire, whether you want to take in a glitzy performance, dine on world-class cuisine, shop, bliss-out in a spa, or even roll the dice a few times. When the strip becomes a bit much, there’s plenty of natural beauty, most significantly the Grand Canyon, laying just on its outskirts. Perfect for Couples Who: Enjoy spontaneity and constant stimulation.

Photo Credit : Andrew Zarivny / Shutterstock

Staying on a private island is a getaway dream for many lovers. If you’re looking to leave it all behind in a far off place, Banana Island is one of the most remote spots you can find. Only accessible by private boat or by helicopter, the island holds just one resort, the newly opened Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara. The 141-room property includes over water villas, perfect for honeymooners. Everything is exclusive to guests: the private beach, lagoon pool, restaurants, marina, golf course, a VIP cinema, bowling alley, and spa. Perfect for Couples Who: Crave far-flung seclusion.

Photo Credit : Courtesy of Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara

As political and economic stability have become the rule in this African nation, and with the soon-to-open international terminal at the Victoria Falls Airport, the number of high-end tour operators and hotels have increased in Zimbabwe. This year, there are more options than ever to explore the wonders of its landscape, from the towering Victoria Falls to the National Parks plentiful with roving game. Perfect for Couples Who: Are nature and animal lovers.

Photo Credit : Vadim Petrakov / Shutterstock