For many, packing the surfboard for a honeymoon might be the quickest possible way to divorce. Yet here are five honeymoon destinations so perfect you (just) might be able to get away with it.
Post Ranch Inn Big Sur House
Taking in the rugged beauty of this special part of the California coastline, each room of the Post Ranch Inn is like mini wood-beamed palace with log fires, hot tubs, and expansive views over the Pacific. Great for checking the swells that march into the area’s many secret breaks (although you’ll have to find them yourself). It’s got an infinity pool and glass-walled restaurant perched on the edge of a 300-foot cliff and they don’t allow pesky kids under 18 or pets of any age. Walk, hike, or surf Big Sur, or simply relax and immerse yourself in the rustic elegance.
Nihiwatu
Nihiwatu Resort on the Indonesian island of Sumba might be the ultimate surf honeymoon destination. The understated luxury, world-class deep-sea diving, private yoga classes, jungle spa, horse rides, Stone Age archaeological sites, and stunning beaches should be enough to keep the non-surfer fairly happy. For the surfer, Nihiwatu’s break, also known as Occy’s Left, is directly out the front of the resort, reels perfectly from 2 to 10 feet, and is available for resort guests only. With 12 villas on the stunning 567 acres of land, privacy also is not an issue.
“No, darling, of course I wasn’t looking at that 300-yard-long lefthander.” Photo courtesy Nihiwatu Resort
Moorea Resort and Spa
The island of Bora Bora in French Polynesia tends to be the idyllic honeymoon go-to spot, but the Intercontinental Moorea Resort and Spa adds world-class waves to Tahiti’s stunning waters. Even without packing the surfboard, a week or two swimming with dolphins, kayaking in the surf, diving the turquoise seas, or relaxing with a bespoke treatment at Helene’s Spa would set you up well for married life. Add the nearby (and also world-class) waves of Haápiti, Temae, and Cook’s Bay and you’ll be doing well not to surf your brains out and risk an early divorce.
Blue water your thing? Moorea is the place to go. Photo courtesy Shutterstock
Kandooma Resort, Maldives
The Maldives’ ultra-turquoise waters and bleached-white sands attract honeymoon couples like bees to honey. Kandooma’s Holiday Inn is no different—a luxury resort with incredible beaches, great bars, luxury spas, high-end restaurants, and incredible sea life. For the surfer, though, the 50-yard walk to one of the best right-handers in the world is the cherry on the icing on top of the wedding cake. With capped numbers guaranteeing no crowds, you can go for a quick surf, rack up the wave count, and be back in no time to lavish attention on your life partner.
The famous Maldives right-hander is in the top left of this image. Photo courtesy Holiday Inn Kandooma
Hotel Tugu Bali
Bali was discovered by surfers in the early ’70s and has been an exotic hub of amazing waves and the scene for plenty of romance ever since. Hotel Tugu is located on the shores of chic surf spot Canggu Beach in southwest Bali. Canggu offers super-fun waves without the crowds and razor-sharp coral of some of Bali’s other, more famous waves. It is also really close to Seminyak, the trendy section of Bali that boasts amazing nightclubs, incredible restaurants, and some of the world’s best shopping. The private suites are dotted among lush gardens and there are five restaurants to choose from if you never want to leave, which is entirely possible.
Not a bad place to start married life. Photo courtesy Tugu Hotel
