12 Honeymoons for Older Couples

As a mature couple, you may have done a lot of traveling already and visited many popular holiday destinations. So, you may be trying to think outside of the box for your honeymoon, or perhaps you still have a few hotspots to check off your list. Regardless of your travel history, budget, interests, physical abilities, and other unique circumstances, there are plenty of amazing romantic getaways for older couples. Here you’ll find our list of top honeymoon destinations for senior travelers.

1. Anguilla

A British territory in the Eastern Caribbean comprised of a small main island and several offshore islets, Anguilla is the perfect place to escape the stressors of wedding planning. With long stretches of sandy beaches and secluded coves, this island promises to be an excellent vacation for older couples looking for a relaxing vacation destination.

What to Do: Relax poolside or head to one of the famous beaches for a little dip. Visit your hotel spa or a neighboring spa for a therapeutic massage to help you unwind. Dine out at a local establishment and enjoy an exquisite seafood-forward meal.

Where to Stay: Rendezvous Bay is a popular choice with many hotels, restaurants, and spas. Mead's Bay, with its slightly remote beach, has several elegant restaurants and accommodations. Shoal Bay, another great choice, features a gorgeous beach and many laid-back beach bars.

2. Seychelles

An archipelago of 115 islands off the East African coast in the Indian Ocean, Seychelles is home to stunning beaches, coral reefs, and nature reserves filled with rare animals, which makes it one of the top island travel destinations for older couples.

What to Do: Visit Anse Georgette beach, which is renowned for its sculpted rock formations. Dine on local Creole cuisine, which blends African, European, Indian, and Chinese flavors. Check out the coral atolls and remote sand cays on the mostly uninhabited Outer Islands of Alphonse and Desroches.

Where to Stay: Mahé is home to the capital of Victoria, and its central location makes it the perfect hub for visiting the other islands.

3. Corsica

A mountainous Mediterranean island off the coast of France and Italy, this destination combines charming old-world coastal villages and stunning beaches with dense forests and venturous hiking trails. Though it has been a part of France since 1768, the island still retains some elements of Italian culture, leaving it the perfect blend between the two.

What to Do: Visit Scandola Nature Reserve on the west coast to glimpse abundant marine life and sea birds, such as cormorants and eagles.

Where to Stay: Consider Calvi, a village known for its beaches, crescent-shaped bay, and medieval citadel overlooking the marina. Corte, a commune located in the island’s central mountains, provides a more rustic environment surrounded by stunning nature views. Saint Florent, which was originally a fishing port, is a coastal village renowned for its proximity to the Patrimonio vineyards and the Saleccia beach.

4. Alaska

Home to glaciers, whales, and grizzlies, Alaska is the perfect mix of adventure and easy-paced relaxation. With stunning landscapes and seascapes alike, Alaska’s best sights are accessible to all explorers, regardless of their physical condition.

What to Do: Charter a helicopter for “flightseeing” excursions that are sure to provide gorgeous views of mountains, forests, waterways, and wildlife. In winter months, hop aboard the Aurora Winter Train from Anchorage to Fairbanks for 50 miles of roadless backcountry and a glimpse of the Northern Lights.

Where to Stay: Plan your stay onboard an Alaskan cruise ship to see a variety of coastal towns and remote scenery. Use Anchorage, Fairbanks, or Juneau as a home base for day outings.

5. Banff

A resort town in the Canadian province of Alberta, Banff is nestled among the Rocky Mountains with château-style hotels, charming boutiques, and delicious restaurants. Known for its alpine skiing in the winter months and extensive hiking trails in summer, Banff is an adventure lover’s dream.

What to Do: In the summer, hike around or kayak across the crystal blue waters of Lake Louise. During winter, hit the slopes of Mt. Rundle and Mt. Cascade before relaxing in a hot spring.

Where to Stay: Choose from a variety of luxurious hotels, peaceful condos, and cozy bed and breakfasts across the town of Banff, or head to a remote backcountry lodge.

6. The Algarve

The southernmost region of Portugal, The Algarve is filled with bustling beach towns boasting clear blue waters and towering cliffs. This destination is full of old-world charm and romance, offering the perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and culture.

What to Do: Stroll through Herdade dos Grous, with its 1,000+ acres of vineyards, olive trees, and orange groves. Dine on the terrace at the oceanfront Arte Náutica. Explore local craft markets for hand-painted tiles and pottery.

Where to Stay: The walled town of Lagos is filled with lively beaches, bars, and restaurants, renowned for its vibrant summer nightlife scene. For a calmer atmosphere, try Tavira’s long sandy beaches, which are known to attract flamingos and other wading birds.

7. St. Augustine, Florida

A must-see for history buffs, St. Augustine is America’s oldest continuously occupied European settlement, falling under Spanish rule for more than two centuries. This charming town boasts Spanish colonial architecture and moss-draped oak trees that transport you to another time and place.

What to Do: Wander the magnolia-lined streets of the four-block historic district and its adorable shops. Check out the Lightner Museum, the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, and a 17th-century masonry fortification at Castillo de San Marcos.

Where to Stay: Relax at a historic bed and breakfast, rent a villa by the sea, or opt to stay at a luxury resort just outside the city limits.

8. Machu Picchu

A bucket list item for many, Peru’s mysterious citadel nestled among the Andes is the perfect destination for a mature couple. While it is best known for the arduous ascent up the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu can also be accessed by way of a train that departs from Cusco and offers spectacular views of luscious green valleys and snow-covered peaks along the way.

What to Do: Book a guided tour to learn all about the history of the site. Wander the streets of Cusco, taking in the beautifully crafted arcades, carved wooden balconies, and Incan wall ruins.

Where to Stay: Cusco, the former capital of the Incan Empire, is a central base to surrounding ruins and archeological sites.

9. Thailand

Thanks to a favorable exchange rate, Thailand is an extremely affordable destination. With a range of activities from relaxing to adventurous, the country is sure to satisfy as a vacation for seniors.

What to Do: Relax on one of many peaceful beaches, explore ancient Buddhist temples, wander through a floating market, or meander the bustling streets of Bangkok.

Where to Stay: Choose from the many four-star luxury resorts complete with upscale restaurants and spas, available at a remarkably affordable price.

10. The Maldives

A tropical nation in the Indian Ocean, The Maldives is best known for its beaches, blue lagoons, and extensive reefs. One of the most relaxing honeymoon destinations, these islands are sure to help you get away from it all.

What to Do: Enjoy a variety of water activities such as swimming, sea kayaking, or jet-skiing. Travel by boat or seaplane to uninhabited islands and small fishing villages.

Where to Stay: The Maldives are renowned for their luxury spa resorts and overwater bungalows.

11. Cape Town, South Africa

A dreamy destination for nature and animal lovers, Cape Town makes the perfect home base to explore the beauties of South Africa. Plus, many of the wildlife excursions are conducted from all-terrain vehicles rather than on foot, making them accessible regardless of physical capabilities.

What to Do: Book a tour of Kruger National Park to see the infamous Big five (lions, leopards, rhinoceros, elephants, and buffaloes), or stroll across the iconic Table Mountain.

Where to Stay: Choose from a variety of accommodations, including seaside luxury resorts, city center hotels, and eco-friendly nature camps.

12. The Rivers of Central Europe

See some of Europe’s best scenery aboard a relaxing river cruise. With itineraries along some of the region’s most iconic rivers, including the Danube and the Rhine, a river cruise will give you an intimate experience among bankside castles, vineyards, storybook villages, and showstopping cities.

What to Do: Take advantage of embankments to explore a variety of European communities, sample local cuisines, and browse charming shops.

Where to Stay: All of your accommodations will be arranged through the cruise line, giving you peace of mind and enhancing your relaxation.

Whether you consider you and your spouse history buffs, or the two of you are hunting for island excursions, there are endless vacation spots for senior travelers. Now that you've learned about some of the most popular destinations for senior travel, it's time to start planning!