Travel tips
Cheap honeymoon destinations: 5 places where money goes further
A pool under the palms and dinner by the sea do not have to cost what the Maldives does. Five destinations where a good hotel costs less, and the hotels we would book.
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In short
Bali is our first choice for a honeymoon on a budget, with jungle hotels and beaches within reach. Sri Lanka, Krabi, Crete and the Algarve also give you a lot for your money.
Our first choice: See rooms at The Kayon Resort
A honeymoon with a pool under the palms and dinner by the sea does not have to cost what the Maldives does. The trick is to pick a destination where a good hotel costs less, and to travel when most people do not.
How to get more honeymoon for your money
Travel in shoulder season: May and October in the Mediterranean, or the months either side of high season in Asia, mean lower hotel rates and fewer crowds.
Split your stay: Spend the last nights somewhere special and the rest somewhere simpler. The ending is what you remember best.
Keep the journey short: Crete and the Algarve are a short flight from most UK airports, with no long layovers.
Mention the honeymoon: Many hotels do something extra for newlyweds, and asking costs nothing.
Five cheap honeymoon destinations where money goes further
Ubud
The walkways at Kayon lead down towards the river valley.
Bali: The Kayon Resort, Ubud
The Kayon Resort sits in the jungle outside Ubud, around ten minutes by car from the Monkey Forest and the market. The pools step down towards the river valley, and the spa offers massages and body scrubs. Guests on Hotels.com rate it 10, and many praise the staff. The beaches in the south are a day trip away.
Best for: couples who want jungle and culture, with the beach as an outing.
Book your honeymoon: See rooms at The Kayon Resort
Sri Lanka
In the evening the pool at Sri Sharavi glows against the palms.
Sri Lanka: Sri Sharavi Beach Villas & Spa, Mirissa
Sri Sharavi sits by the beach on the south coast, five minutes by car from Mirissa. Whale watching trips leave Mirissa in season, and the tea country in the highlands makes a good change of pace halfway through. The hotel has a spa and yoga, and bikes are included.
Best for: couples who want to combine beaches with tea country and train rides.
Book your honeymoon: See rooms at Sri Sharavi Beach Villas & Spa
Krabi
The limestone cliffs around Ao Nang rise right behind the pool.
Thailand: Ban Sainai Resort, Ao Nang
Ban Sainai sits in green surroundings below the limestone cliffs, a quarter of an hour by car from Ao Nang beach. From here the longtail boats head out to Railay and the islands offshore. Guests rate it 9.6, and Pool Sala serves Thai food by the pool.
Best for: couples who want island hopping and beaches without staying on the main strip.
Book your honeymoon: See rooms at Ban Sainai Resort
Chania
From the windows at Domus Renier you look straight out at the lighthouse in the Venetian harbour.
Crete: Domus Renier Boutique Hotel, Chania
Domus Renier is in the old town of Chania, with the Venetian harbour and its lighthouse right outside. Spend the evening wandering the lanes to a taverna, and walk to Nea Chora beach during the day. Guests on Hotels.com rate it 10.
Best for: couples who want town and beach in one place, without a long flight.
Book your honeymoon: See rooms at Domus Renier
Algarve
Lagos Atlantic is a few minutes from the cliff beaches around Lagos.
Portugal: Lagos Atlantic Hotel, Algarve
Lagos Atlantic Hotel is a short drive from Porto de Mós and Dona Ana, two of the beaches below the golden cliffs at Lagos. The hotel has more than 700 reviews and a 9.8 rating from guests, and the breakfast gets a lot of praise. Hire a car for a day and drive west to Sagres.
Best for: couples who want cliff beaches, seafood and a shorter journey.
Book your honeymoon: See rooms at Lagos Atlantic Hotel
Frequently asked questions about cheap honeymoons
Where can you go for a cheap honeymoon?
Bali, Sri Lanka and Krabi in Thailand give you a lot of hotel for your money, with spa, pool and beach. In Europe, Crete and the Algarve are good choices, especially in May, June and September. Choose your destination by when you can travel, and you avoid high season rates.
How can you save money on a honeymoon?
Travel outside high season, and split your stay between a simpler hotel and a few nights somewhere you have dreamed of. Book with free cancellation and keep an eye on the rate. Always mention that you are newlyweds.
Is Europe or Asia cheaper for a honeymoon?
Flights are usually cheaper within Europe, while hotels and food often cost less in Asia. On a short trip, Crete or the Algarve make more sense. If you are going for two weeks or more, Bali and Sri Lanka often give more for your money.