Turquoise waters (and gorgeous accomodations) await.
1 of 19
If a tropical vacation is your ideal getaway, you've come to the right place. In partnership with Jetsetter, we asked our readers and followers to dish on their ultimate honeymoon spots in seven regions across the globe. Nearly 9,000 of you responded, and your opinions were heard loud and clear. In the Caribbean and Atlantic islands, Turks and Caicos took top prize for its gorgeous waters and white sand, not to mention its dreamy beachfront hotels. But the 40-island archipelago had incredible runners-up. The U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Lucia, the Bahamas, and Aruba were all highly recommended. To help you plan your honeymoon to one of these locations, we're sharing our list of the best accommodations in each of the beachy areas. So kick back, relax, and start online shopping for swimsuits and sunglasses—we've already planned your travels for you.
1 of 19
2 of 19
Turks and Caicos: Meridian Club
Couples in search of a castaway vibe will love this rustic private-island retreat on Pine Cay, 20 minutes by boat from the main isle of Providenciales (or Provo, in local parlance). Relax on the two-mile-long beach by day, and cozy up in a golf cart at the island's drive-in movie theater in the evening. Then, retire to one of just 16 ocean-view rooms; with an outdoor showers and screened porch, you won't even notice there's no TV.
2 of 19
3 of 19
Turks and Caicos: The Shore Club
Want to experience the island's latest and greatest? Then escape to Provo's less-developed east side. Here, the first resort on Long Bay Beach promises the best in barefoot luxury, with 148 rooms and suites fronting the shocking turquoise water. Alternate between basking on the quiet stretch of sand and by one of four pools—and don't miss afternoon tea in the tropical garden.
3 of 19
4 of 19
Turks and Caicos: COMO Parrot Cay
A 35-minute boat ride from Provo brings you to this secluded 1,000-acre sanctuary, a one-stop oasis for those in need of major relaxation. You can choose between rooms and suites facing the water or a garden, plus beach houses and even villas (Donna Karan owns one). For the ultimate post-nuptial wind-down, devote a half or full day to spa treatments in a private cottage; you can also request Pilates, yoga, and meditation sessions, and get healthy meals delivered right to the doorstep.
4 of 19
5 of 19
Turks and Caicos: Amanyara
This minimal, refined cloister from the revered Aman hotel group is set apart from other resorts on the Grace Bay strip, and is so tranquil you may be tempted to speak in hushed tones (or whispered sweet nothings, perhaps). Each of the stunning open-air suites and villas is secreted behind tropical thickets and overlooks a serene pond, the ocean, or a private pool. If you can tear yourself away, there's snorkeling right off the property's private beach and you can tag sea turtles with a resident naturalist. And thanks to its location on Provo's northwest tip, you won't find a better spot to watch the sun set.
5 of 19
6 of 19
USVI: Caneel Bay, St. John
Founded in 1956 by Laurance Rockefeller, an ecotourism pioneer, Caneel Bay is the only St. John resort located within Virgin Islands National Park. Its 166 rooms—which have stone walls, island-inspired artwork, and large private patios—are spread across 170 lush acres, and blend effortlessly into the environment. Spend your days alternating between the seven private white-sand beaches, and don't miss dinner at ZoZo's at the Sugar Mill. Located atop the ruins of an 18th-century sugar mill, with far-reaching views of St. Thomas and the British Virgin Islands, the restaurant serves Northern Italian dishes using local fish and produce.
6 of 19
7 of 19
USVI: Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas
Ocean views from your guestroom are all but guaranteed at this luxe Caribbean hotel. The spa has 11 seaside treatment rooms plus a private cabana, and treatments range from coconut-enzyme facials to rain therapy shower massages. The four on-site restaurants mix Caribbean cuisine with comfort food, serving up favorites like local lobster and the catch of the day as well as pizza, pasta, and Wagyu beef burgers. Plus, there's plenty to keep you busy: You can scuba dive from the hotel's PADI Dive Center, or windsurf, kayak, and paddleboard using the resort's complimentary nonmotorized equipment.
7 of 19
8 of 19
USVI: Frenchman's Reef and Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort, St. Thomas
Overlooking St. Thomas' scenic Charlotte Amalie Harbor, this 478-room hotel—technically two properties combined—has everything you'd want in a Caribbean getaway: the beach is just steps away, the infinity pools were made for sunset cocktails (grab one at the swim-up bar), and many of its 478 rooms and suites have private balconies. There's also an adventure center, where you can plan everything from snorkeling to sailing trips. You and your sweetheart can book a seaside massage at the Lazule Sea Spa, or take a short cab ride downtown, chock-full of restaurants and shops.
8 of 19
9 of 19
St. Lucia: Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort
There's plenty of tranquility to be had at this rainforest respite. Its 67 luxury villas are set in small clusters, each with its own plunge pool and just minutes away from secluded Sugar Beach. Make sure to visit the stilted treehouse spa or book an off-site treatment at Sulphur Springs, which includes volcanic mud and a waterfall cleanse. The resort even offers a honeymoon registry, where wedding guests can contribute a poolside cabana, luxury beachfront bungalow, scuba diving trip lead by professional divers, and breakfast in paradise.
9 of 19
10 of 19
St. Lucia: Jade Mountain
This mountainside sanctuary has one of the island's most spectacular vistas of St. Lucia's towering Pitons. Suites have just three walls so that you can fully appreciate the incredible views. You'll have a major domo (butler) assigned to your suite, who's on call to unpack your suitcase, bring the suntan lotion you've forgotten, or deliver meals right to your door.
10 of 19
11 of 19
St. Lucia: Boucan by Hotel Chocolat
This 14-lodge resort and foodie paradise from Hotel Chocolat is nestled among the groves of a working cocoa plantation. Learn how to make chocolate in the shadow of the majestic Pitons, then sample it at the restaurant, where chocolate is the celebrated ingredient of every dish and drink. Cocoa is even the cornerstone of the spa; don't miss the reflexology treatment with roast cacao-infused oil, followed by a chilled cacao bellini.
11 of 19
12 of 19
St. Lucia: The Landings Resort and Spa
Naomi Campbell and John Legend have both stayed at this honeymoon-worthy hotel near happening Rodney Bay Village. The all-suite hotel on the northwest coast recently refreshed its accommodations—which include beachfront, ocean view, and marina view options, all with full kitchens and large terraces or balconies. There are also two restaurants, three pools, and 7,000-square-foot spa offering coconut oil-infused massages. Feeling active? You can arrange zip-lining in the rainforest, a hike up the Pitons, and a visit to a working cacao plantation.
12 of 19
13 of 19
Bahamas: One&Only Ocean Club
After devastating storm damage by Hurricane Odile in 2014 and major renovations, the colonial-style former estate on Paradise Island is back and every bit as Bond-worthy. Much of Casino Royale was filmed on the property; order a Vesper at the new martini bar, part of the redesigned Jean-Georges Vongerichten restaurant. You'll also find 105 understated yet opulent guest rooms with private balconies or decks; an 18-hole Tom Weiskopf-designed golf course; a Balinese-inspired spa; and a formal French garden inspired by Versailles. All rooms come with butler service, so go ahead and ask for breakfast to be served on your terrace. Bond himself would approve.
13 of 19
14 of 19
Bahamas: The Cove Eleuthera
This 40-acre escape on Eleuthera, a long and skinny island 50 miles east of Nassau, is utterly secluded, thanks to its location on a rocky promontory between two shallow coves. Days were meant for lazing around at the infinity pool, having a light lunch at the sushi bar, or dozing off in your all-white room or villa. The ocean views were made for Instagram, and best seen from the open-air Point Bar, which is high on the bluff.
14 of 19
15 of 19
Bahamas: Kamalame Cay
You might come to feel as though you've been stranded on this tiny, mangrove-covered private island off the coast of Andros—in the best way possible. Just 19 airy villas—each with Indonesian furniture, muslin-draped windows, and wraparound decks—are located right on the beach. You can snorkel a nearby reef, request a candlelit dinner on the sand, or book an oil massage at the overwater spa.
15 of 19
16 of 19
Bahamas: Grand Isle Resort
No wonder this 78-villa resort was a destination of choice for The Bachelor. It's got a heated infinity pool overlooking the ocean, ultra-spacious rooms that come with kitchens and golf carts for getting around, and a private section on Emerald Bay Beach. Plus, the on-site restaurant Palapa Grill has the reputation for being one of the Bahamas's most romantic. For the ultimate photo-op, don't miss swimming with Great Exuma's resident pigs in the crystal-clear waters of nearby Big Major Cay.
16 of 19
17 of 19
Aruba: Ritz-Carlton Aruba
Just steps away from Aruba's renouned Palm Beach, this luxe 320-room hotel has two pools with private cabanas available to rent, and plenty of activities to choose from, including catamaran sailing and scuba diving. Test your luck at the 24-hour casino or head to the Tierra del Sol golf course, the only 18-hole championship golf course on the island. There's also an expansive spa, where you can get a nourishing Aruba honey harvest treatment—complete with a bee wax body mask and jasmine massage—in one of 13 treatment rooms.
17 of 19
18 of 19
Aruba: Aruba Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino
The showpiece of this resort is its sugar-sand beach—with plenty of palapas and beach chairs, staff serving up fruity cocktails, and all the water sports you can think of. There are also two pools—we recommend the adults-only one if you're looking for some quiet (the other, with a waterfall and swim-up bar, if you're not). Of the three restaurants, make sure to enjoy a meal at Simply Fish, a romantic seafood restaurant on the sand that's lit by tiki torches and candles. For an extra-exclusive experience, book one of the 49 rooms at the Tradewinds Club, a hote-within-the-hotel on the eighth floor. Guests get access to a private lounge and a reserved beach area.
18 of 19
19 of 19
Aruba: Bucuti and Tara Beach Resort
This 104-room adults-only, eco-friendly resort on a quiet stretch of Eagle Beach is just 15 minutes from the airport, a great option for couples who want to be on the sand STAT. A full breakfast buffet is included in every stay, and there's also an innovative DineAround plan for those who'd rather not eat every meal on-site; for $50 per day, you can have a three-course dinner at any of the 20 member restaurants in the area. For daytime fun, get a massage or wrap in the Purun Spa or hike the scenic Arikok National Wildlife Park.
Additional reporting by Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon and Amanda Reed.
19 of 19
- 3 Healthy Social Media Habits to Follow as Newlyweds, According to a Marriage Therapist
- How to Get More Bang for Your Honeymoon Buck
- Prince Charles Reportedly Got Emotional When He Met His Granddaughter Lilibet for the First Time
- This Couple's Farm Wedding Perfectly Blended Rustic and Modern Aesthetics