
Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets is a romantic escape that’s only one flight and a scenic ferry ride away. Photo: Lori Gold
Discover off-the-beaten-path honeymoon locales.
It’s tempting for brides and grooms to make the honeymoon as easy as possible—especially after their big day. “No one has time to read through 1,000 online reviews to try to figure out the best place to go,” says Lakeville travel agent Tara Brady, who founded her agency, Travel by Tara, in 2021. “I’ve traveled extensively myself, and I do all the legwork for my clients, offering personalized recommendations.”
Brady says that by sacrificing a tiny bit of time and convenience—and adding one layover to the travel day—couples can honeymoon in an off-the-beaten-path destination that’s quieter and more vibrant than many direct-flight locales.
Here are three of her favorite hidden-gem honeymoon spots:
Sustainable luxury off the beaten path
This secluded, eco-luxury resort is on the west coast of Antigua and offers privacy and plenty of the great outdoors. “The resort is set on 140 acres of untouched tropical gardens, ensuring that each suite offers spectacular panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea or lush green hills,” Brady says.
- Travel: 8- to 9-hour flight from Minneapolis-St. Paul International airport (MSP); one layover in Miami or Atlanta
- Cost: $1,500–$3,000 per night for beachfront/pool suites
- Peak season: December to April with warm, dry weather; May to August for fewer crowds and lower prices
- Food: All-inclusive resort dining; nearby Shirley Heights Lookout is a historic fort-turned-restaurant
Private pink sand beaches
The Barbuda Belle offers a peaceful, remote island experience that’s perfect for honeymooners who need a true getaway. Eight beachfront bungalows—yep, just eight!—make the resort feel exclusive and supremely private, and guests usually feel like they’ve got the beach to themselves. Barbuda’s famous pink sand, lagoons and mangroves are a gorgeous backdrop, and guests arrive at the resort via a scenic boat ride.
- Travel: 7- to 8-hour flight from MSP with one layover, plus a 20-minute flight from Antigua to Barbuda and a short boat ride to the resort
- Cost: $900–$1,320 per night for a bungalow and breakfast, nonmotorized water sports and travel within Barbuda (This resort is not all-inclusive.)
- Peak season: December to April for warm, dry weather for the beach; May and June with fewer crowds
- Food: The Mangrove Restaurant for Caribbean and French culinary traditions or Nobu Barbuda
Adults-only luxury
Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets, Isla Mujeres, Mexico
Off the coast of beautiful Cancun, Isla Mujeres is a stunning resort island that’s reached by a private ferry. “It’s known for its white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and laid-back atmosphere,” Brady says. The Impression Isla Mujeres resort offers ocean views from every suite (many with private plunge pools) and direct access to the beach. A natural reef park nearby features snorkel excursions, and a quick jaunt to the southern tip of the island gets travelers to Mayan ruins and art installations.
- Travel: 4- to 5-hour flight from MSP to Cancun, plus a scenic ferry ride
- Cost: $1,000–$1,600 per night
- Peak season: November to April with warm, dry weather
- Food: Resort’s gourmet options or local spots for fresh seafood and authentic Mexican cuisine
Travel by Tara
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