By Julius Choudhury
With the newlywed Pippa Middleton and James Matthews headed to the French Polynesian island of Tetiaroa for their honeymoon, here are some other beach destinations you can consider for your romantic trip.
Kingston, Jamaica
There’s never a dull moment in this Caribbean island. Couples can swing to reggae music on Fort Clarence beach (with a little help from the famous Jamaican rum) or simply opt for a quiet, romantic walk. Either way, the pristine waters and white sand do not disappoint.
Seychelles
Seychelles
An archipelago of over 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, Seychelles offers some of the most picturesque beaches in the world. Do visit the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve on Praslin Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its beautiful flora and fauna. Besides diving, fishing, sailing and snorkeling, couples can enjoy walk trails, horse trails and island-hopping.
Santorini, Greece
Santorini, Greece
Famous for its black, red, white and gray sand, and crystal clear blue waters of the Aegean Sea, the Santorini island is a popular tourist spot. Most beaches are reasonably well connected to the main towns of Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli and Oia and hiring a car to navigate through the island is a good option. The city makes for a romantic setting with colorful domes and pastel walls contrasting with largely white buildings.
Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town, South Africa
The city offers something for all kinds of tourists – from world class restaurants in the central city to Robben Island and the District Six Museum for those interested in the history of South Africa. There are also many secluded beaches such as Beta Beach and Oudekraak, if you’re looking for a quiet relaxing time.
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
This French-administered island in the Pacific offers a host of watersport options, in addition to the mesmerizing sights of turquoise waters, white sand and coral reefs.
Zanzibar, Tanzania
Zanzibar, Tanzania
Located off the east coast of Tanzania, this quaint island is famous for its powdery-white beaches that are relatively under-explored. The Zanzibar Channel runs west of the island which is where the main town (Zanzibar Town) and the famous UNESCO World heritage site of Stone Town are located.
Taveuni, Fiji
Taveuni, Fiji
Also known as Garden Island, it’s famous for its black sand beaches, spectacular dive sites and the Bouma National Heritage Park – that protects over 80% of Taveuni's total area – on the eastern side of the island.
St. Kitts and Nevis
St. Kitts and Nevis
The beautiful twin islands in the southern Caribbean are a honeymooners' delight, offering a mix of luxurious resorts and breathtaking landscapes, with a fair share of history, art and culture. St. Kitts has a wide selection of restaurants, bars and hotels, while Nevis is more staid and opulent. Couples can also soak in some sun on the beautiful Oualie Beach and Frigate Bay. Brimstone Hill Fortress (pictured) in St. Kitts is a must for those interested in history.
Costa del Sol, Spain
Costa del Sol, Spain
Located in the southern part of Spain, Costa del Sol has a glittering Mediterranean coastline that has been attracting tourists for many years. Malaga, the capital of the region, is a city seeped in history and has some quaint cafes and historic alleys worth exploring.
Koh Tao, Thailand
Koh Tao, Thailand
Located in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Tao is known internationally as Thailand’s dive island. While most beaches on Koh Tao are excellent watersport venues, Freedom Beach offers a surprisingly secluded getaway.
Kauai, Hawaii, USA
Kauai, Hawaii, USA
This island in central-Pacific boasts beautiful tropical rainforest and white-sand beaches. Hanalei Bay, on the North Shore is a surfing hotspot, while Tunnels Beach is one of the best snorkeling and diving destinations in Kauai.
Maldives
Maldives
The island nation is famous for its beaches and corals, and is a must-visit destination for watersport lovers. Maldives is close to the equator, so avoid visiting between May and November as it gets quite humid.
Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
This archipelago of volcanic islands is a treasure trove of stunning natural beauty and exclusive animals, making it a thriving tourist destination. Snorkel and dive in clear waters of the Pacific and take a moment to be bowled over by sea lions, sea turtles, iguanas and flamingos. Travel Tip: Book way in advance as the government keeps a cap on visitors to reduce human footprint.
Vancouver Island, Canada
Vancouver Island, Canada
Known for its clean, scenic beaches, Vancouver Island is an excellent destination for snorkeling, surfing, scuba diving or simply relaxing by the sea.
Costalegre, Mexico
Costalegre, Mexico
Translated to “Coast of Joy,” Coastalegre is a bouquet of secluded beaches, small bays, fishing villages and cliffs. The region also has a number of opulent resorts to make your honeymoon special.