Weddings already soak up a good chunk of savings, and then comes the honeymoon. But planning the part devoted solely to you and your other half shouldn’t be as stressful as the big day itself — the good news is you can still snag your dream locale or hotel without digging too deep into your wallet. Here are 10 ideas for value-orientated honeymoon hotspots as far-flung as Bora Bora and Morocco.
1. InterContinental Buenos Aires — Buenos Aires, Argentina
Sitting in the historic Montserrat neighborhood, InterContinental Buenos Aires is within walking distance of San Telmo and Florida Avenue, but still feels like a luxurious little oasis within this bustling South American city. Sleep in one of eight elegant suites with sweeping views over BA’s skyscrapers, and step out in the evenings for dinner and drinks at the winter garden-style Terraza del Virrey for fine dining Argentinian-style.
Not only is Buenos Aires chock-full of culture — nicknamed the “Paris of South America” for its architecture and European vibes — the city is also an affordable destination with an exchange rate of $1 to 15.53 Pesos. Americans also don’t have to worry about getting visas since Argentina recently made its temporary visa waiver permanent.
Rates from $205 or 30,000 points per night in December. Fly into Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE). For more info on how to get there for less, check out this post: How to Book Award Travel to Buenos Aires.
2. Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach — Honolulu, Hawaii
Hyatt’s boutique Centric brand is heading to Hawaii this winter with the opening of Hyatt Centric Waikiki in the old Waikiki Trade Center right near the water. For couples after a contemporary spot, Hyatt Centric is perfect. The pet-friendly hotel — so even Fido can tag along on the honeymoon! — will feature 230 minimalist chic rooms outfitted with deep-soaking tubs, smart TVs and panoramic views of the city, mountains or Pacific Ocean. Room service can send up island-inspired tapas or you can escape from your suite for a drink at the lobby bar or outdoor fire pit.
Rates for stays starting February 1 start at $279 or 20,000 Hyatt Gold Passport Points per night. Fly into Honolulu International Airport (HNL). For more honeymoon destination ideas in the Hawaiian Islands, see 6 Incredible Days in Kauai on Points & Miles.
3. The Ritz-Carlton, Budapest — Budapest, Hungary
It’s no secret that Eastern Europe is a less trodden on (and much cheaper) option than classic Western European destinations like London. Arguably one of the most romantic cities in the region, Budapest looks just as stunning in daylight as it does when its bridges are lit up at night. Part of the EU but with a currency all of its own — and an intriguing exchange rate of $1 to 294 Hungarian Forint — Budapest is the perfect balance of European charm and Old World glamour, with hotels like the recently opened Ritz-Carlton (formerly Le Meridien Budapest), set in a 20th century building overlooking St. Stephen’s Basilica and Erzsébet Square. If you really want to take in picture-perfect views, book the 1,080-square-foot corner Chairman Suite with panoramic skyline shots and a terrace overlooking the city.
Rates at the Tier 3 hotel start at $287 or 50,000 points per night in December. Fly into Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport (BUD).
4. The Twelve Apostles — Cape Town, South Africa
Pair your dream safari with a stay in Cape Town taking advantage not only of the city’s natural beauty — from landmark Table Mountain to the African penguins at Boulders Beach — but also making the most of the favorable exchange rate of $1 to 13.98 South African Rand. If you and your other half want to stay away from the crowds, opt for a boutique beauty like award-winning Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa, perched above the Atlantic with views over the Twelve Apostles mountain range (hence the name).
Set on the scenic stretch of Victoria Road, this hotel is the ultimate for couples who are looking for a bit of R&R following all that wedding day prep. Spend the day cozying up in hammocks in the garden or swimming in an infinity pool jutting out over the sea before indulging in couples’ spa treatments in one of the outdoor gazebos sitting on the mountainside.
Rates from $340 per night in December. Fly into Cape Town International Airport (CPT).
5. Banyan Tree Tamouda Bay — Tamouda Bay, Morocco
Couples after a Mediterranean escape that’s not one of the obvious options like Mallorca or Monaco will love the new (and serene) Banyan Tree Tamouda Bay in Morocco. Nestled between the Rif Mountains and Mediterranean Sea just 45 minutes from Tangier, this 92 all-pool villa property is your very own oasis near the iconic blue mountain village of Chefchaouen.
You really can’t go wrong with any of the rooms, since each of the Moroccan-style villas offer views of the sea, gardens or lagoon. Plus, you’ll get your very own private pool — and at a price point that won’t kill your budget — for the ultimate romantic hideaway that’s made even better with a dining experience on the sand for two, complete with a personal butler manning your Bedouin tent-style dinner.
Rates from $424 per night in December. Fly into Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport (TNG).
6. The Yeatman — Porto, Portugal
A wine-focused honeymoon trip through France can add up fast. Instead, opt for another European wine capital where your dollar will take you a lot farther — and where the experience is just as luxurious — in Porto. The 82-room wine hotel, The Yeatman, has teamed up with some of Portugal’s top wine producers to curate a cellar of some of the country’s best bottles, as well as a wine-centric program of dinners and tastings. Toast to your new union from the panoramic infinity pool overlooking the city and River Douro before experiencing wine in a different way at the Vinothérapie Spa with a grape extract barrel bath or crushed Cabernet exfoliating scrub for two.
Part of the Amex FHR program, rates at this property start at $198 per night in December. Fly into Porto Airport (OPO).
7. Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme — Paris, France
As with any major city, you can snag swanky hotels at wallet-friendly rates if you know where to look. Paris, one of the world’s honeymoon capitals, has its fair share of points hotels that includes a few five-star properties. One of our favorite best-value points hotels in Paris is the 153-room Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme, located near the haute shopping area of Rue Saint-Honoré, just a short stroll from the Champs-Élysées. Go all-out with dinner at The Chef’s Table overlooking Jean-François Rouquette’s restaurant Pur’, with a gastronomic pairing menu that spans seafood like line-caught sea bass and abalone with seaweed butter.
Rates at the Category 7 hotel start at $730 or 30,000 Hyatt Gold Passport points per night in December. Fly into Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) or Paris Orly Airport (ORY).
8. The Westin Playa Bonita — Panama City, Panama
In the past, we’ve rated Panama as a top-notch Spring Break locale for its untouched beaches, surf and snorkel spots, and natural beauty from rainforests to volcanoes — not to mention that the local currency there is linked with the US dollar, so no need to worry about exchange rates. While you can snag budget stays for under $50 a night — and gourmet meals for under $20 — don’t think luxury is out of the question.
Honeymooners can stay on the Pacific at The Westin Playa Bonita, located just a 20-minute drive from Panama City and the Panama Canal’s Miraflores Locks. Admire ocean views from the porcelain bathtub or toast with a glass of Champagne out on the balcony with views of both the Pacific and rainforest in the distance. If you want to take your Panamanian retreat to a whole other level, The Westin recently opened the ultimate VIP escape in the form of a 25,000-square-foot six-suite villa, Casa Naga, complete with private plunge pools, an indoor koi pond and 24/7 onsite staff.
Rates at the SPG Category 4 hotel start at $144 or 10,000 Starpoints per night in December. Fly into Tocumen International Airport (PTY).
9. Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa — Barga, Italy
A romantic retreat in Tuscany doesn’t have to be devoted to secluded villa stays with private chef-cooked meals, although frankly that’s not a bad way to spend a honeymoon in Italy. Get the same feel at a more affordable rate by staying in the Tuscan countryside on the sprawling 1,500-acre piece of land in Serchio Valley housing the Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa. Here, you’re just close enough to day trip to towns like Pisa and Lucca, but still tucked away enough to feel like you and your other half are the only ones in the region. Bike around Lucca’s medieval walls or go spelunking in the Grotta del Vento, or Wind Cave in the Apuan Alps. Couples who’d rather focus more on the food scene here can head to the local market with your private chef for the day, who will help craft a romantic menu that evening with ingredients you find together.
Rates at the Category 6 hotel start at 125 euros (~$132) or 30,000 Marriott Rewards points per night in December. Fly into Pisa International Airport (PSA) or Florence Airport (FLR).
10. The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort — Bora Bora, French Polynesia
The value here is really all about the experience. A bucket list destination for honeymooners, The St. Regis is one of the top spots to stay in Bora Bora. The private island resort spans 44 acres with views of Mount Otemanu, and villas sitting beachside and right on top of the water. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, couples can also fête their recent nuptials with one of the romantic offers running through June 2017, such as a canoe breakfast for two topped off by a bottle of rosé Champagne.
Rates at the SPG Category 7 hotel start at $755 per night in December. Fly into Bora Bora Airport (BOB).
What is your dream honeymoon hotel? Let us know in the comments, below.
Featured image courtesy of The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort.
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