HONEYMOON

After exchanging vows and celebrating with loved ones, most newlyweds are eager for a relaxing, romantic getaway. Couples have endless options for their honeymoon escape, whatever their budget. Erika Scicutella of Travel Studio Boutique tells us which destinations make her top-five list — and why they have enduring appeal.

With windswept beaches and moonlight-soaked seascapes, St. Lucia exudes romantic mystique. Amid some of the finest Caribbean destination wedding and honeymoon settings imaginable, your happily ever after truly will be. As an island named the “World’s Leading Honeymoon Destination” nine times in the World Travel Awards, Saint Lucia is a refuge and an escape for lovers. The weddings, honeymoons and romantic getaways of dreams happen in Saint Lucia; the island’s luxurious accommodations will do justice to the occasion. You’re sure to cherish these memories for a lifetime.

The world’s most romantic destination according to Brides magazine, Antigua is elegant and easy to reach. With the island’s 365 beaches, you can do it all — kite surfing, sailing or nothing at all. You can dine on the beach, and the spas are amazing. It’s an ideal combination of sophistication and romance.

A jewel of natural beauty, romance is all around Barbados — from gorgeous sunsets over the Caribbean Sea and the sound of the waves lapping gently on the shore to the rhythmic swaying of palm trees in the island breeze. Many who spend their honeymoon in Barbados love it so much that they return, some to celebrate special anniversaries and some nearly every year.

Love is always in the air in Jamaica, an ideal destination for your first vacation as husband and wife. From warm evening sunsets to secluded waterfalls, Jamaica is known for providing intimate escapes. Not only will you discover beautiful places to visit, but also exciting activities sure to add spice to any vacation.

Bora Bora embodies the perfect, idyllic honeymoon destination. This is a place to come for bright blue lagoons, charming bungalow accommodations, relaxing sandy beaches and brightly colored hibiscus flowers. Located in French Polynesia in the South Pacific, Bora Bora has been described as the most beautiful island in the world.

Short and sweet mini-moons are here to stay. These post-wedding escapes are modern couples’ answer to maxedout vacation days and stretched-tight budgets. This may sound like an unfortunate compromise, but minimoons offer newlyweds the best of both worlds: a relaxing post-nuptial getaway and the promise of a longer, more elaborate honeymoon to come.

If you decide to plan a honeymoon during the pandemic, be prepared for the unexpected. Monitor government website of the locations y you’re interested in traveling to. Guidelines and protocols can fluctuate so stay informed.