Over the moon: your modern guide on how to plan a honeymoon

The confetti has settled, the last slice of wedding cake has been devoured and the two of you are finally alone. A honeymoon is unlike any other holiday: as the first chapter of married life, it’s a one-off chance to connect, celebrate and create memories that last a lifetime. So how do you do it right?

Gone are the days of swan-shaped towels and a week at a beach resort. Today’s honeymooners want adventure, culture and tailored itineraries that reflect their story while giving back to the destination. The global honeymoon market, already worth US$113 billion (HK$880 billion) in 2025, is forecast to grow 52 per cent by 2032.

Jean Tay, a relationship manager with travel agency Scott Dunn Private , notes a rise in holidays that combine outdoor pursuits, food, relaxation and sustainability, as well as multi-stop honeymoons.

Hong Kong couple Manica and Myki Pimentel embraced this multi-stop trend, pairing a visit to New York with a week in other North American destinations that allowed them to expand their horizons further. “It’s such a long way to travel,” says Manica. “We figured we might as well tick two places off the list. It was great to have a mixture of delicious food, culture and history in one trip.”

Meanwhile, Hong Kong newlywed Gerrie Lo chose Bali for its waterfalls, beaches and rice terraces, staying in villas that offered privacy and easy access to the island’s highlights. “It had everything we wanted – nature, culture and great food,” she says.

In between monkey-spotting in Ubud and scuba diving in Nusa Penida, Lo and her spouse built in plenty of downtime. For a successful honeymoon, “choose a few must-do activities but leave time to disconnect and be open-minded if things don’t go as planned”, she advises.

While Lo planned her own trip, more couples are now turning to the experts. “A honeymoon is such an important milestone,” says Charlotte Harris of Charlotte Travel , whose assistance ensures awkward scenarios, from room mix-ups to lost bookings, don’t spoil the holiday. “Having a dedicated advisor means if a flight is delayed or an issue arises, you have a single point of contact to solve it.

“You can’t VIP yourself, so travel planners are the ones who are able to pull strings for you and throw in fun surprises,” Harris adds.

Couples are also seeking meaningful activities that benefit the destinations they’re honeymooning in, such as wildlife restoration expeditions and cultural exchanges with local communities. “Rather than being solely about relaxation, modern honeymoons are increasingly focused on creating tangible impact,” says Tay.

Her firm specialises in exclusive experiences, and South Africa is one of its most popular destinations. Tay and her team have arranged a sunrise hike to Lion's Head in Cape Town, a scenic helicopter flight with a private wine-pairing lunch in the Winelands and a night under the stars on a luxury sleepout deck in the African bushveld. As Tay says, “Couples are seeking immersive, intimate experiences that offer a sense of unhurried exploration.”

Where to go for your honeymoon

1. For the hopeless romantics: Paris

The city of l’amour is a quintessential destination for honeymooners. Amble hand-in-hand along cobblestone streets, sip wine by the Seine or marvel at the splendour of Versailles. Stay at Cheval Blanc Paris, a historic building on the Seine that exudes French elegance.

2. For a deeper spiritual connection: Bali

The island’s scenic beauty and rich culture will bring you closer to nature as well as one another.

Stay at Buahan, A Banyan Tree Escape, named Asia’s ultimate resort getaway in the Cathay Members’ Choice Awards 2025.

3. For idyllic beachside bliss: Phuket

Turquoise waters, white-sand beaches and frangipani-scented breezes await. Alternate lazy beach days with excursions to hidden coves and world-class spa treatments.

Stay at Trisara for truly private pool villas overlooking the Andaman Sea.

4. For cultural couples: New York

Splash out on Fifth Avenue, snuggle up at a Broadway show or sip cocktails in a low-lit bar.

Stay at Aman New York for a spacious city sanctuary with East Asian-inspired interiors.

5. For safari adventures: Johannesburg

For couples who crave shared adventure, South Africa delivers. Think wildlife encounters, helicopter rides and evenings under the stars.

Stay at AndBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve for a luxurious yet sustainable safari experience.

Tips for a sweeter honeymoon

1. Leverage the experts

A travel advisor has the clout to secure upgrades, unique experiences and special touches you won’t find online.

2. Book well in advance

Book your trip at least eight months in advance to avoid disappointment on bucket-list activities and the most in-demand hotels.

3. Leave room for spontaneity

You’ll need downtime after the festivities. Book a few must-do activities but factor in plenty of unscheduled hours to relax, reconnect and enjoy each other’s company.

4. Combine several locations

Multi-stop honeymoons mean more memories.

Know your moons

Earlymoon: a pre-wedding getaway to escape planning stress.

Minimoon: a short trip straight after the wedding before a longer holiday.

Buddy moon: celebrating with friends for a group adventure.

Family moon: bringing children and extended family members along for the fun.