Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
After the wedding bells ring, the only thing likely on the mind of a newlywed couple is hopping on a plane and heading to paradise for their honeymoon.
Before that big moment, though, you have to decide where to go — and that’s no easy feat considering just how many incredible places there are around the globe to visit.
Should you choose a honeymoon cruise to hit a handful of tropical islands in one go? Or maybe escape to an adults-only resort in Europe for a charming and historic idyll? Maybe you’d rather visit one of the best honeymoon destinations right here in the U.S.
One way to take some of the guesswork out of planning your honeymoon is to book an all-inclusive honeymoon resort. Once you get there, you know everything is more or less taken care of, and all you have to do is sit back, relax and enjoy everything on offer.
There are many spectacular, luxurious hotels around the world you might want to consider booking for your all-inclusive honeymoon. From a tented camp in Thailand where elephants roam to a private island resort owned by Sir Richard Branson to a dude ranch in Montana, below you’ll find the best all-inclusive honeymoon resorts to check into for the romantic trip of a lifetime.
Now all you have to do is pick the right resort for you and say, “I do.”
What to know about the average cost of an all-inclusive honeymoon resort
Because all-inclusive hotels vary greatly in price and levels of luxury, it’s difficult to pinpoint just how much couples can expect to spend on an all-inclusive honeymoon.
That said, because of their all-inclusive packages, these properties are typically upfront about pricing and exactly what is included; this makes it more straightforward to budget your entire trip once you select one.
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All told, there are wonderfully romantic all-inclusive resorts for $300 to $500 per night. Others in faraway destinations can cost up to several thousand per night. Many are in the $1,000- to $1,500-per-night range. And while some alcoholic beverages and activities — such as water sports, safari drives or fitness classes — tend to be part of the experience, spa services and premium drinks might cost extra.
Remember, transportation to the property is not generally part of the nightly rate, nor are flights.
Now that you have a better understanding of the average cost of an all-inclusive honeymoon resort, here are some of the best ones around the world.
The Brando
Tetiaroa Atoll, French Polynesia
Best for: Couples eager to get away from it all in paradise.
Why stay here: Far from the rest of the world and with just 35 villas, this stunning resort is the perfect place to spend some quality time together.
Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark for elite-lite benefits and on-property credits or through Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts for a guaranteed late checkout and potential room upgrades.
In 1967, Marlon Brando bought a piece of paradise in French Polynesia to create an eco-friendly resort that was as luxurious as it was remote.
Though he didn’t live to see that vision come to fruition, his memory lives on at The Brando — a resort with 35 thatch-roofed villas that have plunge pools, outdoor bathtubs and private beach access. It’s also the only resort on the island, making for a totally intimate, secluded honeymoon.
You might want to spend your honeymoon lounging on your private beach. However, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy. You can snorkel the lagoon, bike around the island, stand-up paddleboard on the crystalline waters, hit the tennis courts or join the island’s biologist for a nature excursion.
There’s also the fabulous Varua Te Ora Polynesian Spa, offering treatments rooted in “the sacredness of nature’s elements.”
The sand-floored Beachcomber Cafe serves classic French and French Polynesian cuisines. Les Mutines is the place for an intimate dinner with top-of-the-line wine pairings from the glass-enclosed cellar. There’s also a teppanyaki restaurant offering Japanese food cooked in front of guests. Or, opt for a beautiful dinner on the beach right outside your own villa.
All-inclusive rates at The Brando start at $4,500 per night, based on double occupancy.
Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Best for: Travelers who want plenty of action, tropical vibes and a dose of romance.
Why stay here: An accessible Caribbean retreat, this property is an especially good value if you have World of Hyatt points to redeem.
Best way to book: Book the Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana directly on Hyatt’s website to earn or redeem points and take advantage of elite benefits.
Stepping into the breezy entrance of this Hyatt Zilara, in a private gated area in Punta Cana, is love at first sight. You’re immediately greeted with views of the expansive resort, its beautiful infinity pools and its postcard-perfect beach.
Zilara is the adults-only side of the dual-branded complex (Ziva being family-friendly). However, adults have a full run of both, meaning more restaurants, pools and amenities to take advantage of — including a water park with some impressive waterslides.
With 25 restaurants and bars, it’s nearly impossible to try it all. Make time to stop by Brando’s for a Polynesian-French fusion meal at a table in what’s essentially a birdcage and visit The One Eyed Cat for a pre-dinner martini. For a honeymoon treat, request a private, candlelit dinner on the beach for an additional fee.
The 375 oceanfront rooms are big, colorful and contemporary. They feature large glass showers facing into the room, balconies or terraces from which to admire the Caribbean views and 55-inch televisions — as if you’ll ever turn them on. Since it’s a honeymoon, splurge for a swim-up suite and wake up with direct water access. Be sure to hit up the cenote-inspired spa for a couples massage.
Couples can even create a resort honeymoon registry so friends and family can gift credits or spa packages and more to the newlyweds.
Rates for Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana start at $387, based on double occupancy. As a Hyatt All-Inclusive Category E property, award nights start at 35,000 points per night, based on double occupancy. Additional guests require an additional 10,500 to 14,500 points per person, per night.
Related: The 16 best Hyatt all-inclusive resorts in the world
Jade Mountain
Soufriere, St. Lucia
Best for: Enjoying tropical mountain views in a luxurious setting.
Why stay here: Jade Mountain offers an ultraromantic and high-end atmosphere with large private pools in open-air guest rooms that look out over the Pitons.
Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy elite-like benefits and on-property credits; or reserve through American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts for value-added benefits like upgrades and late checkout based on availability, plus on-property statement credits.
There’s a reason couples flock to St. Lucia’s Jade Mountain for honeymoons. For starters, each of the resort’s 24 “sanctuaries,” or hotel rooms, are destinations in and of themselves.
With 15-foot-high ceilings, private infinity pools and an open fourth wall offering unobstructed views of the island’s stunning geological features, there’s a chance you might never leave the room.
There are reasons to get out, though, starting with the 110-minute “The Alchemy of Two” spa treatment ($595), specifically designed for couples; it comprises massages, poetry readings, tantra oils and handcrafted chocolates.
Another reason is to experience James Beard Award-winning chef Allen Susser’s take on tropical cuisine served in a beautiful setting around the infinity pool at Jade Mountain Club.
Starting at $6,980, the “Total Romance” package is a great option for honeymooners. It includes a three-night stay, three meals daily, select alcoholic drinks, a bottle of Champagne, a scuba lesson, a snorkel trip, a one-hour massage, a yacht sail, jungle biking and more.
Rates at Jade Mountain start at $1,520 per night, based on double occupancy.
Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Dubai
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Best for: Travelers looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience that can be thrilling, romantic, cultural and relaxing.
Why stay here: This desert resort offers luxurious accommodations and the perfect balance of relaxing moments and adventurous activities.
Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark for elitelike benefits and on-property credits. Considered one of the best points redemptions in the Marriott Bonvoy program, members can book amazing entry-level rooms without the need to splurge on an upgrade with points. Or, receive guaranteed late checkout and a possible room upgrade by booking through American Express’ Fine Hotels + Resorts.
The Middle East might not be top of mind as a honeymoon destination. However, Al Maha, just 45 minutes from downtown Dubai’s high rises, is a delightful escape for couples who want to spend quality time together while immersing themselves in an exciting culture.
Part of Marriott’s Luxury Collection, Al Maha has just 42 suites, each with a private deck, plunge pool and total privacy. Kick back and enjoy the scenes of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve and its Arabian oryxes and wild gazelle.
Activities include camelback desert treks, falconry lessons and adrenaline-pumping desert drives. There are also slower, more relaxing moments, like washing away all the sand with a soak, scrub and massage at the Timeless Spa. Whatever your inclination, two desert activities are included in the full board pricing.
Al Diwaan, the resort’s international-style restaurant, serves three meals daily with a side of stunning reserve views. Hajar Terrace Bar is the ideal spot for a sunset cocktail with the love of your life. For an extra-special moment, request a candlelight dinner on your private deck or out in the desert under the Arabian sky.
Rates at Al Maha start around $1,150 or 106,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night, based on double occupancy.
Miraval Arizona
Tucson, Arizona, USA
Best for: Health-conscious travelers looking for a luxurious desert-meets-mountains retreat.
Why stay here: A nonstop calendar of classes to invigorate the mind and body, plus top-notch amenities and a fantastic World of Hyatt points redemption value make this property an excellent option for adults.
Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to earn World of Hyatt points while enjoying elitelike benefits such as upgrades based on availability and on-property credits.
In Arizona, Hyatt’s wellness-focused Miraval is a great place to come down from a post-wedding frenzy thanks to a seemingly endless variety of holistic offerings that allow couples to focus on themselves both individually and as one.
Connect with horses in the Arizona sunshine, then meditate in a suspended silk hammock. Or, join each other for True Love and Compassion Yoga and a Duet Relaxation massage as part of the resort’s Couple’s Retreat experiences.
Set in the Sonoran Desert, the resort comprises casita-style accommodations that are bright, earth-toned and relaxing. They range from the 400-square-foot Native Spirit Room to suites and full-on residences with adobe fireplaces, hot tubs and spa-style baths.
All rooms also have cellphone “sleeping bags” to encourage guests to power down and leave the rest of the world behind.
The resort’s main restaurant, Cactus Flower Lounge, serves healthy fresh Southwestern cuisine. Guests can also enjoy meals in the room, at the poolside bar or from the quick eatery and snack bar, Palm Court Cafe. Alcohol is not included in Miraval’s all-inclusive pricing, but guests can enjoy drinks during meals or at the Coyote Moon Bar & Lounge.
Rates at Miraval Arizona start at $1,898 or 57,500 World of Hyatt points per night, based on double occupancy.
Alila Ventana Big Sur
Big Sur, California, USA
Best for: Romantic weekends away or disconnecting in nature while surrounded by world-class amenities.
Why stay here: Alila Ventana Big Sur is arguably one of the best Hyatt properties in North America, perhaps even the world, thanks to its one-of-a-kind location in California’s coastal redwood groves and the value you can get from your Hyatt points.
Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark for elitelike perks and on-property credits, or book using World of Hyatt points for one of the best redemptions in the program. It’s also available through American Express’ Fine Hotels + Resorts and Chase’s Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection, where you can get valuable perks like credits to use on the property, room upgrades and late checkout, depending on the program.
We’ve long been fans of Alila Ventana Big Sur thanks to its picturesque location on one of the most legendary stretches of the Golden State. In 2020, we fell even more in love with the property when it converted to an all-inclusive model.
With its 59 contemporary rustic-designed rooms and suites, you’ll likely fall in love, too. Each has a private deck or balcony, breathtaking views, a walk-in shower and a separate soaking tub, plus a fully stocked minibar. For a honeymoon, splurge for a room with a fireplace or a hot tub.
At The Sur House, enjoy modern American dishes crafted with organic produce grown right on the property, along with other local, seasonal ingredients. Alcohol isn’t included in the pricing, but the resort’s sommelier can help you discover the perfect California red to accompany your meal.
Spend days hiking the rugged terrain, slowing down with yoga, or hitting the indoor and outdoor wellness studios. There are also multiple pools in which to unwind before hitting Spa Alila for a couples soak and massage, starting at $545.
Rates at Alila Ventana Big Sur start around $1,700 per night, based on double occupancy, including all meals and various activities. World of Hyatt members can book this Category 8 property from 35,000 points per night.
Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle
Chiang Rai, Thailand
Best for: Newlyweds whose dream honeymoon includes glamping, elephants and delicious, authentic Thai food.
Why stay here: These Four Seasons tents are more like miniature mansions in the lush forests of northern Thailand — an experience you’ll never forget.
Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark for elitelike perks and on-property credits. Book through American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts for a guaranteed late checkout, $100 spa credit, room upgrades when available and more.
For a honeymoon off the beaten path, Four Seasons’ luxurious glamping resort in the mountains above Chiang Rai, Thailand, is a chic destination where you can connect with nature — and each other.
Sleep in 581-square-foot tents that are airy, full of bamboo furniture and leather accents and have outdoor spaces with views of the lush mountains or the languid Ruak River. For an extra-romantic treat, book a deluxe tent to enjoy each other’s company in a wooden hot tub on the deck.
Outside the tents, visit rescued elephants at the resort’s Elephant Camp; mahouts, the elephant’s caregivers, teach guests about the gentle giants and their efforts to protect them. Treks through the mountains, fishing with locals, cultural tours into Chiang Rai and even half-day visits to a town on the border of Myanmar are on offer.
A candlelight dinner with live, traditional Thai music at the Elephant Camp is a must, as is a private sundowner, or sunset cocktail hour, atop a Land Rover out in nature. And no trip to this Four Seasons is complete without a stop at the open-air Jungle Spa for a full-body bamboo massage infused with local lemongrass oils (90 minutes for $178).
Rates at Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle start at $3,154 per night, based on double occupancy.
Necker Island
British Virgin Islands
Best for: Couples who want to spend their honeymoon on a private island like an A-list celebrity.
Why stay here: Exclusivity is key on Richard Branson’s fabulous private island, where everything from the food to the beaches is top-notch.
Best way to book: Book directly through Necker Island for the best cash rates or trade in 1.7 million Virgin points for a seven-night stay for two guests.
For a honeymoon that you’ll never forget, book a stay on Necker Island, Sir Richard Branson’s private 74-acre hideaway in the British Virgin Islands. There’s a fair chance you might just bump into the legendary billionaire himself.
The island is typically rented out in its entirety, but guests can book individual rooms during select times of the year.
If you can snag one of those coveted accommodations — ranging from the master suite with 180-degree ocean views and an outdoor bathtub to a Balinese-style house on a cliff with a plunge pool and an open-air bath — you won’t regret the trip.
All the classic activities — including kayaking and paddleboarding, scuba diving, snorkeling, hiking, yoga and tennis — are available. At the Samudra Spa, salt scrubs, jet lag recovery treatments and crystal chakra balancing sessions are available to book in treatment rooms open to the ocean.
The island’s team of chefs can make every meal exactly as you want, and all meals and alcoholic drinks are included in the stay. Just keep your eyes peeled for the floating sushi bar because what’s a honeymoon without a spicy tuna roll in a pool?
Rates at Necker Island start at $5,650 per night in 2024, based on double occupancy, with a four-night minimum stay. Individual rooms are only available to book during “celebration weeks” at intervals throughout the year. The entire island can be reserved for up to 48 guests in 24 rooms for $140,000 per night.
Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape
Bali, Indonesia
Best for: Couples who want a honeymoon infused with nature, spiritual wellness and Zen.
Why stay here: Off-the-beaten-path Buahan is a place where guests escape the touristy crowds of Bali for an enlightening cultural experience.
Best way to book: Book through Accor Live Limitless for the best rates and to earn and redeem points.
Deep in the jungle, about an hour north of Ubud, the adults-only Buahan (the first Banyan Tree Escape property) is a dreamy place for a honeymoon.
With a “no walls, no doors” philosophy, the resort’s traditional-style buildings are constructed from wooden elements and surrounded by lush greenery. Villas are called “bales” and are entirely open-air, with private infinity pools and hand-beaten copper bathtubs. With only 16 bales available, the experience is quite intimate.
Meals are served at Open Kitchen and feature ingredients that all come from within an hour’s drive from the property or are grown right on the grounds.
At breakfast, the buffet proffers dishes like nasi liwet rice with braised tempeh, egg and spicy sambal. Lunches might include chicken skewers and rice balls, while rotating multicourse dinners mean you never have to worry about eating the same thing twice.
Stop by The Botanist Bar afterward for a craft cocktail using herbs grown in the garden. (Note that alcohol is not included in the rate.)
During your stay, join an aerial yoga class, experience nature on a hike or learn the art of Loloh, traditional Balinese medicine. You can also go on a foraging excursion to learn about local plants and then join an immersive cooking class to learn how to recreate a traditional dish at home.
At the Toja Spa, book the Buahan Bliss, the signature treatment with a dry body brush, stimulating massage and detoxing body wrap.
Rates at Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape start at $965 per night (half board), based on double occupancy.
Zoëtry Mallorca
Mallorca, Spain
Best for: Couples in search of both historical architecture as well as modern luxury.
Why stay here: Set in a traditional Mallorcan-style farmhouse with a historic church and windmill, this property is full of old-world charm.
Best way to book: Book Zoëtry Mallorca directly through the Zoëtry website. Because this resort will soon join World of Hyatt, you will be able to book via Hyatt to earn and redeem points in the near future
For an unexpected honeymoon experience, step back in time at Zoetry Mallorca, in the countryside of the Spanish island of Mallorca. Built within and around a historic 14th-century estate, this Hyatt-affiliated property wows with Old World Mediterranean style, vine-covered stone buildings and plazas with bubbling fountains. There’s even a windmill and a large neoclassic church.
Meals at Es Mercat feature coastal Mediterranean flavors served in a neutral-toned and airy dining room, though the concierge can help organize a special chef’s dinner at a long table in a private room. Spanish-themed cocktails are best consumed under the stars and twinkling patio lights of Coto or in the living-room-like Sa Clasta Bar.
Spend your days relaxing by the adults-only pool in a cabana before joining a guided vineyard tour and wine tasting at Bodega Bordoy, a quick jaunt from the hotel. After a day of sipping luscious Spanish wine, book a spa session for a relaxing treatment with Natura Bisse products, followed by a soak in the indoor hydrotherapy pool.
Rates at Zoetry Mallorca start at $450 per night, based on double occupancy.
The Green O
Greenough, Montana, USA
Best for: Design-savvy travelers looking for a discrete, luxurious Western retreat.
Why stay here: Stunning accommodations and a wealth of outdoor activities where you can find inspiration in Montana’s wild and rugged landscapes are available here.
Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark for value-added benefits like space-available upgrades and on-property credits.
Nothing says wildly unique honeymoon like an architectural timber house hidden amid a dense forest where children are not allowed, and you can’t see your neighbors. This adults-only resort from the same folks as Paws Up sits on 37,000 acres of pristine woodland in the Montana wilderness.
The resort comprises just 12 abodes, each a bit unique. All have gargantuan expanses of glass windows for imbibing the raw beauty of the forest from the comfort of a king bed or a luxurious living room. Not to mention, they also have hot tubs or expansive terraces.
The activities on offer differ depending on the season. Romance-seekers can soar in a hot air balloon above the Swan Range or cruise over Glacier National Park in the springtime, ride horses across blankets of snow come winter and rappel down a 170-foot rock face in the summer.
Lest you think this retreat is too adventurous, consider adding an “Apres Adventure” couples massage ($270 for 60 minutes) in the comfort of your cabin (called a haus here) or a blissful forest bathing session for two.
The culinary program is as intimate as the resort concept and takes place in The Social Haus; there’s a bar, lounge and dining area from which couples can watch the chefs practicing their craft in the open kitchen. An elaborate eight-course tasting menu is presented each night, and breakfast and lunch are also full of mouthwatering surprises each day.
Rates at The Green O start at $2,268 per night, based on double occupancy.
Naviva, A Four Seasons Resort, Punta Mita, Mexico
Punta Mita, Nayarit, Mexico
Best for: Trend-makers and trend-spotters hoping to stay in one of Mexico’s most exciting new resort concepts.
Why stay here: Kitted-out luxury tents perched on jungly rock outcrops above the crashing Pacific, with personalized service and an anytime, anywhere, anything service philosophy.
Best way to book: Book directly with Four Seasons for the best rates and packages.
If there’s anywhere to be one with nature, it’s at this sustainable retreat sprawling across 48 unspoiled acres along Mexico’s Pacific coast. Biophilic design principles inform everything from the overall resort footprint to the shape of its 15 beyond-luxurious tents.
Only adults are allowed on the property, but since it’s next door to the Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, guests can mosey on over to dine in the hotel’s restaurants and take advantage of its other facilities. However, you probably won’t be eager to leave your spacious private tented cocoon, thanks to the plethora of cushy places to lounge, sleep, swim, sunbathe and more.
The all-inclusive pricing here is truly that: In order not to distract couples from their experience, a stay here includes all food and alcoholic beverages at all times of day or night. This includes in-tent and specialty dining, say, on a secret sandy beach or deep in the forest. Of course, meals at Copal Cocina — which highlights open-fire cooking and seasonal fresh catch — and the sunset-facing Risco Terrace are part of the bounty of options.
Rates also include a spa treatment per person plus mind-body practice sessions, community activities and more. These include shore fishing, Aztatlan ruins hike, small-batch Mexican spirits tasting, full and new moon temazcal and mezcal bonfires.
Rates at Naviva start at $5,375 per night, based on double occupancy.
COMO Laucala Island
Laucala Island, Cakaudrove Province, Fiji
Best for: Next-level romance and togetherness on one of the most luxurious private islands in the Pacific Ocean.
Why stay here: With just 25 villas sprawled across a pristine rolling tropical landscape of 3,200 acres, this nearly self-sustaining Fijian resort is perfect for couples epitomizes exclusivity and intimacy.
Best way to book: Book directly through the resort.
If potentially sleeping in the same bed as George Clooney is a priority, you’ll have a pretty great shot at it on Laucala Island. There are just 25 private villas at what is actually one of the largest private island resorts in the world. That translates to an incredible amount of space for couples who choose this very romantic — and pricey — option for their honeymoon.
Each accommodation has its own large swimming pool (but don’t miss your Instagram moment in the glass-sided lap pool), multiple bathtubs and living areas; they also have an extraordinary number of other luxuries, big and small. The attention to detail and personalized service take the experience over the top.
Enjoy a cruise on a classic 70s sailing yacht to a castaway beach picnic, set off in pursuit of waterfalls, or kayak through mangroves. There are world-class waves to surf nearby, as well as horses who will happily let you ride them bareback into the ocean. In short, it’s full of island paradise fantasies, and the staff will ensure you enjoy all the activities you wish.
As a Como property, there are prolific wellness offerings, but a Fijian Bobo massage should certainly be on the itinerary. The island is nearly self-sustaining, with an incredible amount of produce and protein grown and raised on it or nearby. It goes into the innovative meals served at the four food and beverage venues, including the fine dining Plantation House and Rock Lounge overlooking the South Pacific.
Rates at Como Laucala Island start at $6,100 per night, based on double occupancy.
Wilderness Mombo
Okavango Delta, Botswana
Best for: Once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters in a fantastically abundant portion of Botswana’s Okavango Delta.
Why stay here: Fully solar-powered yet as plush as it gets, this storied safari lodge on Chief’s Island in the 111,200-acre Moremi Game Reserve sets an example in sustainability and conservation.
Best way to book: Book directly through the resort for the best rates and packages.
As far as African safaris go, it’s nearly impossible to find a more vibrant landscape than the Okavango Delta. This extraordinarily sustainable yet incredibly luxurious camp is the perfect place to take in all the scenery. Captivating big cats and large elephant herds are especially plentiful, which creates many opportunities for once-in-a-lifetime thrills.
There are nine tents of wood and canvas with private plunge pools overlooking the floodplain and more than 111,000 acres of exclusive wilderness — you do the math. Every experience feels ultra private and is highly customizable thanks to the fact that every couple gets a dedicated safari guide; the guides are extremely knowledgeable about each and every species out in the bush but are also likely to mix the perfect cocktail at sundown. If you’re really ambitious, add on an aerial safari via helicopter.
Camp cuisine is excellent here. You can expect made-to-order wood-fired pizzas as well as high-end dishes incorporating indigenous ingredients, all paired with exclusive South African and other international wines from the cellar.
Rates at Wilderness Mombo start at $2,590 per person, per night, based on double occupancy.
Singita Kwitonda Lodge
Ruhengeri, Rwanda
Best for: Adventurers aiming to experience mountain gorillas up close from a vivid, sumptuous and handcrafted home base.
Why stay here: The experience at this Rwandan lodge on the edge of Volcanoes National Park is truly 360 — every tiny detail is thoughtfully considered, from the sublime bathrooms to the pre- and post-gorilla trekking amenities.
Best way to book: Book directly through the resort for the best rates and packages.
A honeymoon is an amazing time to check something off your shared bucket list, and trekking with threatened mountain gorillas in their ruggedly lush habitat is a particularly life-affirming one. This sumptuous lodge within sight of Volcanoes National Park — which holds one-third of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas — is an epic place from which to experience the wonders of some of our closest primate cousins.
When you’re not trekking to see the great apes, the eight suites that make up Kwitonda Lodge are a dreamy place to hang out. You can take in the primordial landscape through wide windows as you lounge on the cloud-like bed, a window seat perch, a sofa made for napping, a relaxing bathtub or even a massage bed set up for wellness treatments. Outside, each has its own heated plunge pool, so that’s also an option — as are the indoor and outdoor fireplaces.
A large on-site nursery and vegetable garden help feed guests in the dining room, where local craftsmanship is on display as much as gourmet local cuisine. Food and drink menus throughout the day and evening celebrate Rwandan ingredients and flavors while also catering to international palates.
The lodge has a conservation room full of books and artifacts where staff give talks and show films on Dian Fossey, the gorillas and much more. For those heading out on their trek, the gear room is stocked with water-resistant pants, hiking boots, gloves and more necessary items to borrow. Community and village visits, yoga, hiking and cycling tours are also part of the experience; you can set up bird-watching and golden monkey trekking excursions, too.
Rates at Singita Kwitonda Lodge start at $2,245 per person, per night, based on double occupancy.
Best credit cards for booking all-inclusive honeymoon hotels
Here are three great credit cards to use for booking stays across a variety of hotel chains and independent properties while still enjoying money-saving features and high-end benefits.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
THE POINTS GUY
Earning rates: This card earns 5 points per dollar on airfare purchased directly with the airlines or through the Amex Travel portal (on up to $500,000 of airfare purchases per calendar year). Plus, you’ll earn 5 points per dollar on prepaid hotels booked with Amex Travel. All other purchases earn 1 point per dollar. Remember, Amex points transfer to Hilton Honors at a 1:2 ratio, to Marriott Bonvoy at a 1:1 ratio and to Choice Privileges at a 1:1 ratio, and there are sometimes transfer bonuses.
Benefits: This card is absolutely packed with perks, but among the travel-related ones you’ll want to maximize, including some hotel-specific benefits, are:
- Up to a $200 annual hotel credit, in the form of a statement credit, on prepaid Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings with Amex Travel when you pay with your Amex Platinum (Hotel Collection stays require a two-night minimum).*
- Access to Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection.
- Complimentary Gold status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy.*
- Up to $200 in statement credits annually for incidental fees charged by one airline you select.*
- Up to $200 annually in Uber Cash, valid on Uber rides and Uber Eats orders in the U.S. (split into monthly $15 credits plus a $20 bonus in December).*
- Up to $189 in statement credits to cover your Clear Plus annual membership.*
- A $100 statement credit for Global Entry every four years or an up-to-$85 fee credit for TSA PreCheck every 4 1/2 years (depending on which application fee is charged to your card first).
- Access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, including Centurion lounges, Priority Pass lounges, Airspace lounges, Escape lounges, Plaza Premium lounges and Delta Sky Clubs (when traveling on same-day Delta flights, limited to six annual visits from Feb. 1, 2025).*
*Enrollment is required for select benefits.
Annual fee: $695 (see rates and fees).
Read our review of the Amex Platinum card.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
THE POINTS GUY
Earning rates: Earn an unlimited 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5 miles per dollar on flights booked through Capital One Travel and an unlimited 2 miles per dollar on all other purchases.
Benefits: Cardholders get $300 in credits annually for bookings made through Capital One Travel, plus 10,000 bonus miles every account anniversary, starting on your first anniversary (worth $100 toward travel). Through the Capital One Premier Collection, cardmembers can enjoy free breakfast, on-property credits and room upgrades (if available) on stays at participating properties booked through Capital One Travel. They also receive up to $100 in statement credits for either TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.
Annual fee: $395 (see rates and fees).
Read our review of the Capital One Venture X.
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
THE POINTS GUY
Earning rates: This card accrues 5 points per dollar on travel booked through the Chase travel portal, on Lyft purchases (through March 2025) and on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases of $150 or more (through March 2025, with a limit of 25,000 bonus points). It also racks up 3 points per dollar on dining, select streaming services and online grocery store purchases (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs); 2 points per dollar on all travel not booked through the Chase travel portal; and 1 point per dollar on everything else.
Benefits: Cardholders receive a $50 statement credit on hotel stays purchased through the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal upon opening the card and each following cardmember anniversary. They also receive a 10% bonus based on their total spending during the account anniversary year at a rate of 1 point for each $10 spent. This card also has some of the best travel protections in the industry, including trip cancellation insurance, trip delay insurance and primary rental car coverage, among other policies.
Annual fee: $95.
Read our review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred.
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For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here.
