Take Me Away

Explore these stunning beaches near and far for the ultimate honeymoon getaway

By Shalee Super

Once the hustle and bustle of your big day subsides, it’s time to enjoy wedded bliss — just the two of you. Whether planning a mini moon right here in Michigan or the ultimate getaway on the other side of the world, there is no better place to soak up newlywed moments than a stunning and scenic sandy shoreline. Pack your swimsuit, grab your sunglasses, and toast to the start of the rest of your life at one of these iconic beachside destinations.

South Manitou Island

When to Go:

June – August

Where to Stay:

Falling Waters Lodge

Where to Eat:

The Cheese Shanty

What to Do:

Top of the Island Hike

Remote and idyllic, South Manitou Island is part of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and located 16 miles off the coast of Leland. Its isolated location is what makes this destination so untouched, disconnected, pure, and perfect for a romantic honeymoon. During summer months, a daily ferry shuttles visitors over to the island starting at 10 a.m. and returns to the mainland at 4 p.m. Whether trekking to the sand dunes on the far end of the island, paddle boarding around the Francisco Morazan shipwreck, or picnicking on the beach next to the ferry dock, couples will have a perfect day with every adventure.

Ludington

When to Go:

June – September

Where to Stay:

Happy House on Haight Airbnb

Where to Eat:

Ludington Bay Brewing Co.

What to Do:

Big Sable Point Lighthouse

Strolling along the sandy beaches as the evening sky lights up in hues of red, pink, orange, and yellow, one will wonder how this paradise remains hidden from the rest of the world. With nearly 30 miles of shoreline, there are endless places to explore, relax, and enjoy wedded bliss together along Michigan’s premier coast. Here, a perfect romantic honeymoon starts with a beach day at Stearns Park, followed by dinner and ice cream at the famed House of Flavors, conveniently located a few short blocks from the beach. After dinner, hike hand-in-hand 1.5 miles to the Big Sable Dunes Lighthouse for sunset.

Anna Maria Island, Florida

When to Go:

September – November

Where to Stay:

Anna Maria Island Inn

Where to Eat:

The Porch Restaurant

What to Do:

Private Fishing Excursion

Couples searching for white-sand beaches that stretch for miles in every direction: Anna Maria Island is Florida’s best-kept secret. Located a short drive from Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (with non-stop flights available from Detroit, Flint and Grand Rapids), the seven-mile barrier island is located far enough away from popular tourist destinations but close enough for easy airport access. It’s one of the last existing places in the state that cherishes what locals call “Old Florida,” meaning there are virtually no skyscrapers, beachside resorts, cruise ports, or theme parks nearby — just a quaint coastal gulf town, quiet seaside neighborhoods, and miles of perfect soft-sand shoreline.

Nāpali Coast, Kauai

Photo courtesy of Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa

When to Go:

October, November, January, February

Where to Stay:

Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa

Where to Eat:

Eating House 1849

What to Do:

Kauai Helicopter Tour

No passport? No problem. Hawaii is home to some of the world’s most jaw-dropping and romantic beaches. There are four main islands for honeymooners: Oahu, Maui, Hawaii, and Kauai. All have their own distinctive features, and all are home to imposing and wondrous shorelines. Although Maui is known as the “honeymoon island,” Kauai’s beaches reign as some of the most scenic and romantic in the world. With pristine snorkeling, towering seaside mountains, and endless romantic excursion options on catamarans or helicopters, couples can’t go wrong choosing one of Kauai’s spectacular resorts.

Kelingking Beach, Nusa Penida, Bali

Photo courtesy of Tropical Glamping

When to Go:

April – October

Where to Stay:

Tropical Glamping Nusa Penida

Where to Eat:

Warnakali Restaurant

What to Do:

Private Island Tour

This other-worldly beach appears almost photoshopped, like a scene straight from a movie. Located on the small island of Nusa Penida, a short ferry-ride from the famed island of Bali, Kelingking Beach is a once-in-a-lifetime destination. Choose to enjoy the sights from above, or hike down the steep staircase 492 feet to enjoy the beach from below (but watch out for monkeys). Most visitors stick to the top, making the beach relatively uncrowded even during peak tourist months. Besides Kelingking, Nusa Penida is also home to other famous beaches, including Diamond Beach and Crystal Bay Beach.

Anse Source d’Argent, Seychelles Islands

Photo courtesy of Six Senses Zil Pasyon

When to Go:

September – November, January – March

Where to Stay:

Six Senses Zil Pasyon

Where to Eat:

Marie Antoinette

What to Do:

Catamaran Island Charter

Step aside, Maldives, the Seychelles Islands are the next big honeymoon destination. Located in the Indian Ocean roughly 860 nautical miles off the coast of East Africa, the Seychelles (pronounced say-shellz) have some of the most unique, pristine, and scenic beaches in the world. Although it includes a long travel day — or two — the reward is apparent from the first step on the beach. There are plenty of luxury hotels strung throughout the 115-island archipelago, including the Six Senses Zil Pasyon, a world-renowned five-star resort. Don’t miss a day at Anse Source d’Argent, one of the most photographed beaches in the world and a popular filming location for movies such as Castaway.