There are some honeymoon destinations that are so bankruptingly expensive that they might actually make your wallet cry (and you know salty water is never good for leather). However, there’s a good reason these locals cost so damn much—they’re amazing. They’re once-in-a-lifetime, unforgettable experiences that truly earn the title of “Ultimate Honeymoon.” If you want to splurge, then definitely think about treating your soon-to-be-wife with one of these “happily ever after” guaranteed honeymoons. Sure, you might go broke after, but it’s your honeymoon. Go large or go to Tampa
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Maldives
The Maldives National University, Rahdhebai Hingun, Malé, Maldives
The island republic of the Maldives is one of the most expensive places in the world. You’re in the middle of nowhere (in the Indian Ocean and southwest of Sri Lanka). So of course, everything is imported and features an inflated price tag. But you want to get as far away as possible and still frolic on white beaches, swim in crystal clear waters, and snooze in overwater bungalows. Well, so do a lot of other honeymooners, which pumps up that price tag even further. If money is no object, you’re likely to plow through twenty-grand for a week stay.
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Japan
Tokyo, Japan
Can we talk about the Yen? It’s a powerful currency, so any honeymoon to Japan is going to max out your AmEx. Whether you go to Tokyo, Osaka or Kyoto, you’re going to pay a lot. The tradeoff? The best sushi and ramen along with the most Michelin restaurants in the world as well as non-stop Japanese hospitality (bonus: there’s no tipping). Oh, and Anime you could ever want, if that’s your thing.
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Switzerland
Geneva, Switzerland
Switzerland is one of the most expensive cities in the world but you can still enjoy great hotel suites and eat well without breaking the bank. But, (and yes, there’s a but), expenses will add up quickly, especially if you go skiing (who doesn’t want to ski in the Swiss Alps?). Eat yourself to death with the finest cheese and chocolates and shack up at world-class hotels straight out of fairy tales, like the Dolder Grand, Beau Rivage, Lausanne Palace, and Gstaad Palace, all of which happen to be former palaces.
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Bora Bora
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
When you start planning your ideal honeymoon, Bora Bora is probably what you’re picturing. This island paradise is the reason why people go on honeymoons in the first place. Other places wish they could be Bora Bora making it one of the most sought-after honeymoon destinations in the world. Even French Polynesia sounds expensive, with its world-famous lagoons and overwater bungalows. Ten grand can easily buy you a truly amazing week here (double if you fly first class).
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Seychelles
Seychelles
Like the Maldives, Seychelles (a string of islands in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Africa), are what honeymoon fantasies are made of. Crystal-clear water, beautiful sandy beaches, tons of privacy and super fresh seafood. The only difference is that the resorts aren’t all overwater bungalows, and the sea does have coral in it (not a ton, but you don’t have clear water for miles like the Maldives or Bora Bora). Don’t expect to pay less than $1,000 a night here at five-star properties like Four Seasons and Banyan Tree. Due to the location, your flight will connect somewhere like Cape Town or London, so definitely take advantage of that with a few nights stopover.
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St. Barths
St. Barths, Saint Barthélemy
St. Barths in the Caribbean is a French territory (population is French, not local Caribbean) so you’ll be popping plenty of corks with a seemingly unending flow of wine and champagne. But you’re going to need to eat too and lucky for you most menus revolve around fresh lobster. Beaches are au natural and hopping on yachts is highly encouraged. There’s really not much you can do here but splurge. Resorts like Guanahani will set you back at least a grand a night.
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Norway
Norway
At time of writing the U.S. dollar is currently trading at about 13 cents to the Norwegian Krone. That is not a friendly exchange rate, which makes Norway and other Scandinavian countries so damn expensive to visit. But where else could you gaze upon those breathtaking fjords or stay in lodges and play with wolves (literally, as you can stay in a lodge where wolves were raised with humans). Oslo also features some awesome historic attractions, especially if Viking history is your thing. Plus the locals love meeting Americans because they rarely see them (or is it because of all the money they spend?)
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Africa
Cape Town, South Africa
Ok, talking in terms of an entire continent can be difficult, but if you’re headed to Africa for your honeymoon, it’s most likely for a safaris. It’s a trek to get to countries like Botswana and Zimbabwe and, when you’re there, safaris aren’t like a trip to Great Adventure. These lodges are out in the middle of nowhere, so they have to justify expenses by charging a lot. Safaris can cost you up to 20 grand depending on where you stay and how you roll.
