The Maldives fly-and-flop remains the gold standard of Asian honeymoons for a reason. But for travelers searching for something a little lesser known (or a little more adventurous), there are plenty of once-in-a-lifetime experiences perfect for newlyweds elsewhere across the continent. Below, we’ve rounded up some incredible destinations to consider for your honeymoon, from luxe stays in Koh Samui to gorgeous, private yachts in Bali to eco-oriented retreats in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka
Pair cultural highlights, like the ancient Buddhist temples in Colombo or the tea plantations of the Central Highlands, with unforgettable animal excursions. At Gal Oya Lodge, a luxe eco-retreat inside a national park, you can take a boat safari across the country’s largest lake and, if you’re lucky, spot Asian elephants swimming between the islands. In Yala National Park, where the jungle meets the ocean, Wild Coast Tented Lodge runs off-road excursions that can lead to leopard sightings. In the Southern Province, the Cape Weligama resort has whale-watching cruises that depart from nearby Mirissa Harbor.
Koh Samui, Thailand
With mesmerizing coastlines and low-key towns, Thailand‘s second-largest island has endless allure. If the rumors are true that it is the setting for season three of HBO’s White Lotus, it will likely become a favored destination for honeymooners in short order. Check into the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui or the recently debuted Kimpton Kitalay Samui and spend days island-hopping by private boat in Ang Thong National Marine Park, pausing to snorkel the shallow coral gardens off Koh Tao. Back on land, stop by the Fisherman’s Village night market en route to cocktails at Bohput Beach bar Coco Tam’s.
Indonesia
Bali has long seduced couples with its palm-fringed shores and verdant rice paddies, but Indonesia’s 17,000-plus islands offer plenty of other remote wonders without the crowds. Explore far-flung archipelagos and deserted white sand beaches via a luxury charter, such as Alexa Private Cruises‘ 100-foot yacht or one of Rascal Voyages’ hand-crafted phinisis, each of which is outfitted with a wine cellar and an outdoor cinema. After embarking in Labuan Bajo on Flores island, take in views of Mount Agung, dive the kaleidoscopic reefs of Komodo National Park, sip Champagne on an empty beach, and doze beneath the stars on the ship’s aft deck.
This article appeared in the December 2023 issue of Condé Nast Traveler. Subscribe to the magazine here.
