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Summary List PlacementThe last several months have been hard on everyone, including brides and grooms. Wedding planning has required immense flexibility and patience, with many couples not knowing if they'd be able to continue with their wedding as planned or need to pivot or postpone last minute. However, despite the continuing pandemic, many couples have still tied the knot, or have plans to do so soon, in smaller, distanced, or private ceremonies. The next step is finding an appropriate and safe honeymoon destination to celebrate the momentous occasion.
There are already myriad requirements for honeymoon hotels and resorts: they should have a noteworthy, romantic atmosphere, as well as elevated amenities for newlyweds, plus options for excursions, memorable dinners, and time to relax, connect, and celebrate. In the pandemic age, however, requirements multiply.
While experts say that the safest vacation option is renting a private vacation home, honeymooners typically gravitate toward memorable resorts and hotels that befit such a once-in-a-lifetime occasion. However, not only do hotels need to be special enough to warrant a honeymoon trip, they also should have strict safety protocols in place, ideally with ample social distancing and — better yet — privacy. After all, while honeymoons are supposed to be remote and romantic by design, pandemic celebrations require even more distancing and seclusion for peace of mind.
It's important to note that it's still not possible to guarantee safe travel, with many variables constantly shifting the landscape. As a result, following guidelines from the CDC, practicing social distancing, wearing a mask, hand washing, and checking local and state guidelines before travel is imperative. Travelers should also heed their personal risk level, as well as factors like whether they currently live in or are traveling to a state with elevated cases.
We've selected top-rated romantic hotels in the US based on the following criteria:
- All hotels have exceptional offerings for honeymooners from Jacuzzi suites and wine tours to specific honeymoon packages.
- Every hotel is highly rated. Many properties have been personally vetted, while others are buzzed about and recommended by travelers we know and trust. We've also turned to reviews from trusted traveler sites such as Trip Advisor, Hotels.com, and Booking.com.
- While honeymoons are often thought of as a splurge, we considered a range of budgets so that price wouldn't be a barrier to an unforgettable stay. We have wallet-friendly options, as well as splurge stays, with rates between $134 and $899 per night to start.
- Each hotel has updated COVID-19 policies for safety, which we've noted below.
These are the best romantic hotels in the US for honeymooners, sorted by price from low to high.
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Woodcliff Hotel and Spa – Rochester, New York
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On the outskirts of Rochester, New York, located among the rolling hills of the picturesque Finger Lakes region, the Woodcliff Hotel and Spa offers honeymooners a variety of romantic packages to choose from, all tailored. A popular wedding venue, the hotel features a 9-hole golf course with expansive views, two pools — one indoor and one outdoor — a sun deck, gazebo, and a spa offering massages and body treatments, as well as makeup, hair, and nail services.
Rooms start from $160 per night, including Jacuzzi Suites with small kitchenettes for couples who want extra privacy, a 55-inch LED HDTV, a mini-fridge and wet bar, Keurig coffeemaker, and a spacious Jacuzzi tub large enough for two to soak and unwind. Larger suites from $350 per night include the two-story, 850-square-foot Ontario Suite with views of the grounds, a spa tub big enough for two, and a balcony, close to the spa.
For an upgraded experience, the Once Upon a Vine Package starts from $665, including a night's stay, and comes with a chauffeured four-hour private wine tour of the Finger Lakes region, a picnic-inspired gift in a deluxe basket, insulated wine holder, bottled water, melamine or compostable disposable dining wear, and a large blanket that couples get to keep. Couples are also loaned a Polaroid with instant film to capture romantic moments. Once back at the hotel, honeymooners enjoy dinner for two at Horizons restaurant, followed by spa services at the Elan Spa the next day.
There's also a Spa Getaway package, for $385 including an overnight in a deluxe guest room for two, two 50 minute spa services, chocolate-covered strawberries or a cheese platter and wine amenity, plus breakfast for two.
But you don't have to opt for a pricier package to have a romantic stay. Couples can set off together on a nature hike or retreat to one of the Adirondack deck loungers overlooking the lush scenery. Those who wish to relax and get pampered together at the spa can book a side-by-side couple's massage for up to 100 minutes.
TripAdvisor Ranking: 1 out of 2 hotels in Fairport
Booking.com Rating: 8.9 out of 10
Pros: Beds are extremely comfortable and staff is friendly and attentive.
Cons: The fitness center is closed due to COVID. Some guests report thin walls.
COVID-19 status and policies: This hotel is open with new policies that include:
- Upgraded individual ventilation systems.
- All staff wearing masks at all times.
- Enhanced cleaning regimens.
Alyeska Resort – Girdwood, Alaska
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Set among Alaska's stunning Chuhagh Mountains only 40 miles from Anchorage, Alyeska Resort offers couples a memorable resort that perfectly walks the line between adventure and luxury. An all-weather destination open in both summer and winter, couples can choose between adrenaline-pumping activities include skiing, glacier hiking, dog sledding, and whitewater rafting. The hotel also offers a tramway with jaw-dropping views of the Turnagain Arm and seven glaciers.
Rooms at Alyeska feature a mountain-chic decor, with amenities including pillow-top mattresses, a heated towel rack, a mini-fridge, and coffee from beloved Alaskan-owned and operated Kaladi Brothers. Rooms on higher floors offer mountain views, while the 1,275-square-foot Royal Suite boasts a two-level parlor with floor-to-ceiling panoramic views, plus a marble bathroom complete with both shower and oversize tub for those truly seeking a once-in-a-lifetime stay.
Alyeska offers eight dining options, ranging from low-key burgers and sandwiches with a killer mountain and glacier view at Bore Tide Bar & Deli to Alaska halibut, white tablecloths, and a Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast award-winning list at Seven Glaciers. Couples can also enjoy the brand-new spa, opening imminently with an indoor-outdoor experience featuring Nordic-style hydrotherapy, plunge pools, barrel saunas, and tandem treatments available. Nearby attractions include Crow Creek Gold Mine, Portage Glacier and the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.
TripAdvisor Ranking: 1 out of 2 hotels in Girdwood
Hotels.com Rating: 8.8 out of 10
Pros: For sheer majesty, it's hard to beat those Alaskan mountain views. High-quality ingredients make dining a notable experience.
Cons: The tram — a major highlight — is currently closed for maintenance and upgrades, although it reopens in December at limited capacity. Rooms are comfortable but a bit plain and not overtly luxurious.
COVID status and policies: This hotel is open with new policies in place that include:
- Face masks worn inside all public spaces at all times.
- Face masks required to ride the tram.
- Our pool and fitness center are currently open to hotel guests only and hot tub and sauna are closed.
- Retail stores will be limited to no more than 50 people.
- The hotel is currently offering no cancellation fees up to 24 hours prior to your stay if you booked through alyeskaresort.com, in person, or through the In-House Reservations team.
The Broadmoor – Colorado Springs, Colorado
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At the foothills of Colorado Springs' Cheyenne Mountain sits The Broadmoor, a more than 100-year-old property set on 5,000 acres and exceedingly popular as both a wedding and honeymoon spot. With two main buildings, several cottages, residences, brownstones, and three elevated glamping experiences to choose from, there's a level of accommodation to suit every type of couple. Guests can enjoy the great outdoors around The Broadmoor without ever feeling stifled or cramped. I've personally stayed at this award-winning hotel and recommend it without reservation.
The 784 accommodations on property are spread over The Broadmoor's sprawling campus. Entry-level rooms come with classically elegant European decor and are currently steeply discounted from their often pricey starting rates. Meanwhile four-story residential-style brownstones come equipped with full kitchens, private terraces, three-car garages, and even a wine cellar. Classic rooms are supremely comfortable, with views of the lake, mountain, or golf course, as well as Keurig coffee makers, plush robes and slippers, and heavenly bedding.
If you want to turn your stay into a splurge trip, romance packages are available including sparkling wine and chocolate-covered strawberries. For an extra splurge, spend the night at luxury wilderness micro-lodge Cloud Camp atop Cheyenne Mountain — another treat I've personally tested — from $875 per night all-inclusive of daily gourmet breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as alcohol, and activities like cooking classes, hiking, and archery.
Colorado's outdoorsy spirit is on full display at The Broadmoor, where guests can choose between a bevy of activities: fly fishing, rock climbing, golf, falconry, and more. There's a lakefront pool open in the summer, a year-round spa pool, and an outdoor, heated lap pool, as well as a destination spa with numerous couples treatments in a dedicated couple suite. Meanwhile, adrenaline junkies can zipline across South Cheyenne Canyon, ride horses in the shadow of Pikes Peak, or hike the scenic Seven Falls waterfall, while lovers of the finer things can dine at Penrose Room, Colorado's sole Forbes Five-Star, AAA Five-Diamond restaurant.
TripAdvisor Ranking: 4 out of 13 hotels in Colorado Springs
Hotels.com Rating: 9.4 out of 10
Pros: The hotel oozes romance at every turn, from quiet, wood-paneled libraries to a cozy speakeasy-esque bar to benches dotted around the lake, perfect for moments of bonding and reflection.
Cons: The 11,000 square-foot infinity pool (plus waterslides!) is a fun draw, but is closed during the winter. Though opportunities for privacy are ample, the hotel is extremely popular and not secluded unless you're springing extra for a remote mountaintop retreat at Cloud Camp.
COVID status and policies: This hotel is currently open with new policies that include:
- Use of the most recent CDC, state, and federal guidelines as the roadmap for constant reevaluation of all operational protocols.
- Use of high standards of sanitation by utilizing professional products and tools by EcoLab.
- Electrostatic sprayers used to apply Penetrexx, an antimicrobial coating, to high touch areas and fabrics at the property.
- Employee training contains defined and updated personal hygiene expectations and standards.
- Guest area hand sanitizing stations will be made available.
- Appropriate signage will be present throughout the property reminding guests and staff of required social distancing based on each area.
- Interactive guest texting is available via your personal mobile device.
Hotel del Coronado – San Diego, California
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San Diego's beloved Hotel del Coronado has welcomed guests to sunny Coronado Island for more than 130 years. A favorite retreat for celebrities and the setting for the Marilyn Monroe classic "Some Like It Hot," The Del, as it's known, has benefitted from a top to bottom renovation. The 28-acre Victorian-era resort feels modern without sacrificing its bygone charm. I've visited the Del many times over three decades and still feel a thrill each time we cross the Coronado Bridge and catch a glimpse of its iconic red roof. It's now a member of the Curio Collection by Hilton and has a lively, beachy atmosphere.
The Del offers couples a variety of rooms, suites, cottages, and villas, spread between its oceanview main lodge and the newer beachfront area Beach Village at The Del. Rooms in the Victorian building maintain their original character and charm, with a limited number featuring balconies. Couples looking for more privacy or traditional luxury can splurge on an upgrade to one of the cottages at the gated Beach Village from $1,200 per night. While undeniably pricey, each includes a kitchen, living room, fireplace, private patio or balcony and personal concierge, in addition to perks like complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas and private pools for Beach Village guests.
Honeymooners can enjoy open-air dining at one of seven bar and restaurant options, including sustainable fresh seafood at outdoor Serẽa. For those who want to relax with a book and a cocktail, guests can rent a day bed, half moon cabanette, or beach umbrella along Del Beach, or experience a couples' treatment at the redesigned spa. And, of course, the oceanfront location means ample excuses for sunset walks by the crashing waves or al fresco drinks and dessert at one of the beach firepits. Downtown San Diego, the Marina, and the Gaslamp Quarter are just across the narrow bay, quickly accessible by car or ferry.
TripAdvisor Ranking: 14 out of 17 hotels in Coronado
Booking.com Rating: 7.2 out of 10
Pros: The location on one of America's best beaches is a huge plus — and a rarity in San Diego proper. Guests could happily spend all their time on the property, but the resort's easy proximity to San Diego widens its already considerable appeal.
Cons: The historic resort is at the tail end of a renovation in parts of The Views and Victorian building areas, making it important to check with the front desk before committing to a room. In-room dining is currently not offered and, at the moment, Windsor Cottage is closed.
COVID status and policies: This hotel is currently open. As part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, it follows the Hilton CleanStay with Lysol protocols, including:
- Guestroom door seals to indicate no one has entered since the room was thoroughly cleaned.
- Removal of excess in-room amenities, guest-accessible hand sanitizer, and disinfectant wipes throughout the resort.
- Contactless check-in/check-out available.
- Face coverings are required for all team members and guests in public areas with the exception of outdoor areas while maintaining a six-foot distance from others. Disposable masks are available at the front desk.
- Team members are also screened daily for symptoms and receive temperature checks before reporting to work.
- Per state mandate, face coverings are required for all guests in public areas of the resort.
- Check-in for both Hotel del Coronado and Beach Village at The Del is currently located in the Garden Patio.
The Wauwinet – Nantucket, Massachuessettes
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On the far edge of Nantucket, The Wauwinet is an impossibly romantic and quaint adults-only Relais & Châteaux property set on the location of an inn originally dating from 1875. Nestled between Nantucket Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, the remote 33-room hotel is small, but packs an undeniably luxurious punch. The Wauwinet is secluded enough to truly unplug and get even closer as a couple. I personally stayed here on our babymoon and found it to be like a glamorous friend's over-the-top vacation home.
The Wauwinet's elegant, candlelit restaurant, Topper's, features New England coastal cuisine tailor-made for special occasions: think lobster, elevated crab cakes, yellowtail crudo, and oysters so fresh they're harvested a mere 300 yards away. The restaurant is a Wine Spectator Grand Award recipient with more than 1,400 vintages. While the indoor portion of the restaurant is open, there's also a large covered outdoor patio, plus room service available.
Each of the 32 rooms within the main lodge are so delightfully cozy and adorably preppy that you'd be forgiven for wanting to burrow under the 400-thread-count Pratesi sheets all day. Rooms feature Queen-sized beds, plush robes, and welcome touches like fresh local wildflowers and personalized stationery, as well as HD flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. Some rooms have garden views, while others have views of Nantucket Bay. There are also four private cottages available around the back of the property for even more seclusion, with a living room and fireplace.
While guests have the option of taking transportation to The Wauwinet's in-town sister property the White Elephant for a couple's spa day, in-room treatments can also be arranged. The two private beaches are the undeniable stars at the hotel, but when not sunning or swimming, guests can also get their competitive juices flowing over tennis, take one of the free bicycles to ride ACK's picturesque back streets, choose from fishing, kayaking or sailing, or make like a local and partake in lobstering or oystering. And, at the end of a long day, unwind in the Adirondack chairs on the sweeping lawn, or roast s'mores by a beachfront firepit.
TripAdvisor Ranking: 8 out of 13 hotels in Nantucket
Booking.com Rating: 9.4 out of 10
Pros: The hotel is luxurious, artfully decorated, and includes excellent guest services. There's also a free shuttle to take guests into town.
Cons: Because of its Nantucket location, The Wauwinet is only open half the year, from April to October.
COVID status and policies: This hotel is currently accepting reservations for next season with new policies that include:
- Requiring temperature checks for each team member before each shift using a non-contact thermometer.
- Safety glass partitions will be installed at the reception areas.
- Every room will be thoroughly cleaned between guests using foggers and sanitizing solutions.
- All rooms have been reviewed for items that cannot be sanitized – those items have been removed or replaced.
- High-touch surfaces in public spaces will be disinfected every hour.
- There will be tissue stations by every door so guests will not have to touch handles, as well as hand sanitation units in all high-traffic areas.
Baker's Cay Resort – Key Largo, Florida
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A stylish tropical destination in the Florida Keys, it's easy to forget you're still in the continental US when at Baker's Cay Resort. A 15-acre property with serious Caribbean vibes, Baker's Cay is a perennial honeymoon favorite thanks to sandy beaches, a nature sanctuary, and the option for scuba diving. While Baker's Cay might run on laid-back island time, there's no shortage of activities to keep you busy. Honeymooners can bond over Paint and Sip, get their adrenaline pumping with parasailing or jetskiing, take a day trip to Key West in a seaplane, or toast each other during a sunset cruise through the bay.
Rooms are airy, with coastal modern decor, oceanfront or lush greenery views, private balconies, and separate sitting areas. They also include blackout curtains and air conditioning for an extra comfortable night's sleep. Meanwhile, bathrooms have a stylish design wall, large sinks, and feature Lather bath products and eco-conscious bath amenities infused with locally sourced Keez Beez honey.
Honeymooners can book the three-night Bubbles & Love package, starting from $275 per night, including room, bubbly welcome drink, private sunset table per two overlooking the pier, plus a bottle of bubbles, and a $50 resort credit. Couples can also arrange a beachfront table with a private server, bottle of bubbly, and four-course dinner, or a one-hour couples photo session.
TripAdvisor Ranking: 5 out of 21 hotels in Key Largo
Booking.com Rating: 8.5 out of 10
Pros: With crystal clear waters, tropical weather, and gorgeous views, it's not hard to pretend that you're in the Caribbean. While the pool is on the smaller side, it's usually not crowded, and the waterfall and lush greenery surrounding it make for a relaxing atmosphere.
Cons: Though the $38 daily resort fee isn't cheap, it includes a host of amenities, including beach chairs, bikes, umbrellas, hammocks, fishing rods, paddleboards, and more. The manmade beach area is small and can feel cramped at times.
COVID status and policies: This hotel is currently open with new policies, including:
- Face coverings required inside all buildings and outside when unable to maintain a six-foot distance.
- Housekeeping is conducted between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and guests are asked to be out of the room, or to let the front desk know of a better time. Do Not Disturb requests are honored.
- Towels and other items are available upon request at any time.
- Sanitizing stations have been placed throughout the resort for use.
- Resort amenities such as arts and crafts, pool games, bikes, activities, and sunset toasts all occur within new parameters of physical distancing as well as disinfection processes.
- Hilton Cleanstay provides a room seal to indicate that guest rooms have not been accessed since they were cleaned.
- Contactless check-in and check-out is available with digital key.
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Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee – Lake Oconee, Georgia
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For those seeking a property that artfully strikes the balance between rustic and luxurious, there's the Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee. Located roughly equidistant between Atlanta, Augusta, and Macon, the property is in Georgia's picturesque Lake Country, a favorite weekend retreat with no shortage of outdoorsy things to do.
Rooms overlook either Lake Oconee or the gardens, each with a private balcony or patio, sweeping views, and elegant marble-trimmed bathrooms with Asprey bath amenities, plush robes and slippers, spacious marble baths with separate rain showers, and double sinks. Couples seeking extra privacy can spring for a lake house or cottage, each with a kitchen, wrap-around porch, fireplace, and living room. Suites, meanwhile, offer sitting and living areas, as well as a separate powder room. Every room has the option of upgrading to Club Level Access, which includes a dedicated concierge, breakfast, lunch, and hors d'oeuvres throughout the day, plus complimentary alcohol.
Romantic dining à deux is available and couples can arrange a relaxing private dining experience by the lake, with a three-course meal and wine selection on Adirondack chairs by a personal bonfire, among other experiences. However, the restaurants on offer are just as appealing. Dining includes coastal fare at Gaby's by the Lake, Linger Longer steakhouse with views of the golf course, and regional Southern dishes with local ingredients at Georgia's. For a nightcap, couples can toast each other in the Barrel Room, which features the Southeast's largest custom selection of personalized barrels of whiskey and bourbon.
Active couples will feel right at home. Highlights include an infinity pool overlooking the lake, access to five championship golf courses, the Sandy Creek Sporting Grounds including fishing, archery, and clay shooting, and activities ranging from kayaking and standup paddleboarding in the summer to ice skating and nightly roasted s'mores in the winter. There's also a 27,000 square foot spa, including a room dedicated to couples' treatments, complete with a soaking tub.
TripAdvisor Ranking: 1 out of 4 hotels in Greensboro
Booking.com Rating: 9.2 out of 10
Pros: The resort's Southern charm combined with classic Ritz-Carlton elegance makes even entry-level rooms memorable and luxurious.
Cons: The hotel charges a nightly resort fee, though it does include amenities such as Wi-Fi and activities such as paddleboarding.
COVID status and policies: This hotel is open and as a Marriott following the brand's new policies that include:
- All guests (ages 2 and older) must wear masks in indoor public areas of the hotel.
- For the indoor restaurants and Club Lounge specifically, face masks may only be removed when eating or drinking.
- Mobile Key, eFolio delivery, and mobile requests via the Marriott Bonvoy app are available.
- Front desk, bell desk, and concierge desk all equipped with plexiglass panels at counters.
- Reduced occupancy levels to accommodate social distancing requirements.
- Arrival queues throughout resort clearly marked for appropriate social distancing.
- Seating in restaurants, lounges, pools and beach are spaced apart in accordance with state laws.
- Housekeeping services will be performed when the guests are not present in the room.
- In all restaurants, tables, chairs, and service equipment are sanitized after each use and at regular intervals.
The Grand Hotel – Mackinac Island, Michigan
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Famous as the uber-romantic hotel from the classic film "Somewhere in Time," Mackinac Island's Victorian resort The Grand Hotel calls to mind days gone by. That's largely due to the fact that it dates back to 1887. The grand dame resort holds court on Michigan's Mackinac Island, a timeless place where cars are banned and bicycles and horse-drawn carriages abound. The Grand is the type of hotel where guests lounge with drinks on rockers dotting the iconic front porch (the world's longest), which features stunning views of the Straits of Mackinac.
With 397 rooms, incredibly, no two are alike. Each is uniquely decorated by Carleton Varney of Dorothy Draper & Co, who has also styled the White House. Many rooms have lake views, while others overlook the Straits of Mackinac or the 18-hole golf course. Bathrooms are equally eclectic, with an undeniably original character of their own, and some even feature deep soaking tubss.
Newlyweds can book a 3-night Honeymoon and Anniversary Package complete with fresh-cut flowers from the hotel's Margaret's Garden, a champagne basket, and the resort's beloved freshly-made fudge. Other package highlights include a private hourlong horse-drawn carriage ride, fine dining, and afternoon tea in the hotel's parlor. Returning guests receive 10% off of their next stay in case you want to make it an annual anniversary stay.
Bikes are popular because of the island's lack of cars, while other activities include lawn games like bocce and croquet. Couples have no shortage of dining options with 14 on-site bars and restaurants, including a Victorian ice cream parlor and a restaurant housed in a Tudor mansion.
The elegant hotel has made a tradition of dressing up for dinner. The Main Dining Room, there's a dress code after 6:30 p.m. including coat, tie, and slacks for men and dress, skirt, or pantsuit for women. And in keeping with the hotel's historic feel, the 220-foot pool is named after old Hollywood star Esther Williams.
Note: The next available bookings for this hotel are not until May 2021.
TripAdvisor Ranking: 7 out of 12 hotels in Mackinac Island
Kayak Rating: 9.4 out of 10
Pros: Couples who seek a sense of place and occasion will adore The Grand Hotel's tradition of dressing up for dinner and the resort's timeless, romantic feel. No tipping is required.
Cons: As an older resort, walls can be thin and some rooms are slightly dated. The hotel is only open half of the year and is closed for most of the winter and spring.
COVID status and policies: This hotel is currently accepting reservations for next season. New policies include:
- The Main Dining Room and other restaurants will observe new maximum capacities, as well as utilizing disposable menus. Mandatory face masks for bartenders and servers will be required.
- All on-property hotel staff are undergoing COVID-19 training and will be screened daily with a temperature check and a short questionnaire.
- There is a Michigan state-mandated order that requires all to wear face coverings in indoor public spaces and crowded outdoor spaces.
- The hotel implemented enhanced sanitization protocols across the hotel, developed with guidance provided by local health authorities, the CDC, AHLA Safe Stay guidelines, and other governmental agencies.
- Some activities and amenities have been suspended including carriages, in-room movies, sauna, and children's programs.
Terranea – Rancho Palos Verdes, California
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Set on 102 acres of prime real estate overlooking the Pacific Ocean on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, Terranea feels like the French or Italian Riviera, but is less than an hour from downtown Los Angeles. The resort is enormous, yet manages to feel intimate thanks to its wide variety of outdoor activities, as well as accommodations well-spaced throughout the property. I've visited many times and frequently recommend this resort to Southern California friends looking for a memorable vacation within LA's city limits.
While Terranea offers scores of private casitas, bungalows, and villas, honeymooners looking for a bargain will still love the comfortable, elegant rooms in the resort's spacious main building. Rooms are large and airy, featuring balconies or patios with coastline views as well as flatscreen TVs and iPod docking stations. Bathrooms include robes and feature L'Occitane bath amenities.
Dining is of paramount importance — it's Southern California, after all — and the hotel delivers with nine restaurants and bars, ranging from casual poolside fare to upscale fine dining options. In-room dining remains open if couples would prefer to eat on their patio or terrace.
Fun is the name of the game at Terranea, where active couples are spoiled for choice. Offerings include golf at the nine-hole oceanfront course, horseback riding, tennis, falconry, boat excursions, open-air painting, Lexus test driving, seaside yoga, kayaking, whale watching, tide pooling, surfing, and more.
Relaxation is on the menu, too. Terranea has four heated pools, including an adults-only offering and a 140-foot waterslide at the main pool. (Sadly, however, the popular waterslide is closed due to COVID.) There's also a whopping 50,000 square foot spa, still open, though with a limited menu.
TripAdvisor Ranking: 1 out of 2 hotels in Palos Verdes
Booking.com Rating: 8.9 out of 10
Pros: Regardless of the room category, nearly every accommodation at Terranea provides some sort of gorgeous beach view. Dining focuses heavily on fresh, local ingredients and sustainable practices, meaning even the casual eateries feature delicious fare, while the higher-end restaurants are extremely memorable.
Cons: While the enormous and well-equipped spa is usually a draw, due to COVID many amenities are closed, including locker rooms, saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs, cold plunges, the fitness center, and the salon. The $40 nightly resort fee is expensive, though it does cover enough amenities to feel worth it.
COVID status and policies: This hotel is open with new policies that include:
- Housekeeping services have been placed on hold, but the will provide additional items if requested.
- The resort is a smoke-free and cashless property.
- The Resort Pool, cielo point, The Spa Pool, and Vista Pool are open with physical spacing and monitoring. The water slide, hot tubs, and splash pad are currently closed due to LA County regulations.
- The Links golf course is open for advanced tee times. At this time, rental clubs, all practice and putting greens, including golf studios, and complimentary golf Q&A are currently unavailable.
- At this time, spa amenities remain temporarily closed; select 60-minute treatments at The Spa at Terranea are available for overnight resort guests only, with limited availability and reservations required.
Topnotch Resort – Stowe, Vermont
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Winter newlyweds should consider Topnotch Resort, a 120-acre property nestled in the picturesque village of Stowe, Vermont. The property is within easy access of numerous ski resorts, including Stowe itself. Topnotch exudes sophistication and warmth, making it an idyllic pick for honeymooners seeking an, ahem, top-notch destination that befits the name.
While entry-level rooms start from $194 per night, they don't offer much romance. It's the spacious suites and Resort Homes starting at $450 that offer honeymoon-worthy stays. Resort Homes have multiple bedrooms for spreading out, kitchens and living rooms, as well as fireplaces and decks or backyards for added privacy. Homes also have free Wi-Fi, bathrobes, and shuttle service to the main hotel building available on-demand, as well as access to the resort's amenities such as pool and spa.
Speaking of the spa, it's destination-worthy in its own right, with services including side-by-side massages, and amenities like a co-ed sauna, an indoor pool and hot tub complete with waterfall, and an outdoor heated pool for adults. Other highlights at the resort itself include a tennis center with tennis and pickleball courts, an equestrian center that offers romantic carriage and sleigh rides, as well as dog sledding, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing. The Roost restaurant features local cheeses, bounty from nearby farmers, and organic, hormone-free ingredients whenever possible.
TripAdvisor Ranking: 8 out of 25 hotels in Stowe
Booking.com Rating: 9.1 out of 10
Pros: Despite COVID, the service and staff remain stellar.
Cons: Though guests can normally choose between two restaurants, one — Flannel — is currently closed, although some of its dishes are on the menu at The Roost. Hot tubs are currently closed.
COVID status and policies: This hotel is currently open with new policies that include:
- Guest rooms and public areas are cleaned using industry-leading cleaning and disinfecting protocols provided by ECOLAB.
- The frequency of cleaning and disinfecting has been increased in all public spaces with an emphasis on frequent contact surfaces.
- Rooms are sealed with a sanitation label. All in-room disposable amenities are available on request.
- Any area where guests or team members queue will be clearly marked for appropriate physical distancing.
- Restaurants and bars will reduce seating capacities to allow for a minimum of six feet between each seated group of guests traveling together.
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Four Seasons Maui – Maui, Hawaii
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Located on Maui's sandy, sublime Wailea Beach, the Four Seasons Resort Maui is almost tailor-made for honeymooners. The experience begins from the moment you check-in, with a lei, tropical welcome drink, and aromatherapy towel, immediately setting the tone for paradise. Couples can while away sun-soaked days in the adults-only Serenity Pool before partaking in complimentary amenities such as chilled pineapple bites and Evian spritzes.
If sunning poolside is preferred, there are eight cabanas to choose from and three pools. There's no worrying about waking up at the crack of dawn to ferociously claim a chair. The resort offers a whopping 81 ocean- and pool-facing cabanas, all complimentary, while down by the sand, the beach concierge will set up chaise lounges and umbrellas for oceanfront relaxing.
I've stayed here before and was thoroughly impressed with the resort's attention to detail and friendly service. And though Four Seasons Maui is supremely luxurious, it never feels ostentatious or try-hard. Even the entry-level rooms are quietly sublime, with perks like your own balcony or terrace in addition to 600 square feet of space. Each room includes a refrigerator and Nespresso machine, soaking tub, separate walk-in shower, 65-inch TV with Chromecast streaming, and plush Four Seasons bedding.
Dining options are plentiful, ranging from romantic al fresco oceanfront dining at Ferraro's Bar e Ristorante to the see-and-be-seen Spago by Wolfgang Puck for a meal you'll never forget. There's also the option of a romantic Ultimate Dinner, where a chef creates a specialized multi-course menu served at a private table overlooking the ocean, or lower-key drinks and sushi in the oceanview Lobby Lounge.
With Maui as a playground, the resort is never short on activities. Couples can enjoy snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, whale watching, canoeing, surfing, and scuba diving, among many other memorable excursions. There's also a spa with al fresco treatments and guided meditations. And for honeymooners looking to make picture-perfect memories, so-called Unforgettable Experiences are available like candle-lit private pool time at night. The resort is located within the larger Wailea complex, close to both Wailea Golf Club and The Shops at Wailea.
TripAdvisor Ranking: 2 out of 9 hotels in Wailea
Booking.com Rating: 9.3 out of 10
Pros: Prime oceanfront location on arguably Maui's best beach, plus numerous dining options. Even entry-level rooms are overtly luxurious.
Cons: Though extremely romantic with adult-only areas, the resort is also very family-friendly, which may be a con to some honeymooners.
COVID status and policies: This hotel just reopened with new policies in line with Four Seasons 'Lead with Care' initiative that include:
- New screening procedures that may include temperature checking as well as a series of questions regarding health and recent travel.
- Out-of-state visitors must present evidence of a negative COVID-19 test result upon arrival in Hawaii and at the Resort.
- All employees and guests over the age of 9 must wear masks.
The Lodge at Woodloch – Hawley, Pennsylvania
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Recentering and reconnecting is the north star of Pennsylvania's destination spa resort The Lodge at Woodloch. Located in Northeast Pennsylvania's famed Pocono Mountains, the resort is an elegant, adults-only property 95 miles from both New York City and Philadelphia. Despite the high price, the resort offers excellent value. All stays are inclusive of three gourmet meals per day, plus a long list of classes and activities ranging from fitness and wellness classes to art and cooking.
Each of the 58 rooms and suites has a luxurious, warm feel, full of wooden accents and elegant, muted colors. Bathrooms are large, featuring marble walk-in showers, robes and slippers, and double sinks, while rooms boast restorative views of the gardens, private lake, or rock garden waterfall from private verandas. Packages are available to add to room rates, such as the Romance Package including a bottle of red wine, two Riedel wine glasses to keep, sweet treats made by the chef, fresh flowers, a couple's yoga book, and body lotion.
Dining features organic and locally-grown ingredients at farm-fresh Tree Restaurant and Bar for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as chef-led garden dinners including wine pairing, with this perk for diners. The resort offers popular activities including golf, tennis, yoga, wine tasting, and biking. But there are also more eclectic offerings on tap for couples who want to get off the metaphorical beaten path, such as archery, disc golf, geocaching, a sunrise photography walk, kombucha tasting, forest bathing, full moon walks, and fire making. For those seeking a more unique honeymoon that's still luxurious, The Lodge at Woodloch is sure to hit the mark.
Pros: No cash is needed, as tipping is included. Unlike many spa resorts, activities are truly all-inclusive.
Cons: Couples hoping to bring their furry friends with them aren't allowed, as it's a pet-free property.
TripAdvisor Ranking: 1 out of 7 hotels in Hawley
Booking.com Rating: 9.7 out of 10
COVID status and policies: This hotel is open with new policies that include:
- As guided by OSHA, all staff will wear masks during their time on property and will have their temperature checked upon arriving to work each day.
- Guests will have their temperature taken on arrival and masks are required in all public indoor locations and any outdoor location where social distancing cannot be maintained.
- Existing and enhanced housekeeping procedures for cleanliness and sanitization (including EPA-approved disinfectant) that meet and exceed industry best practices and standards have been instituted on a heightened schedule.
- Additional hand sanitizing stations have been placed in common areas throughout the property.
Montage Deer Valley – Deer Valley, Utah
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Set amid the craggy mountains of Utah's breathtaking Deer Valley, Montage Deer Valley is a ski-in/ski-out resort for ski couples hoping to catch arguably some of the best, fluffiest powder in the country. Though the Montage Deer Valley is open year-round and provides equally spectacular views and amenities during the spring, summer, and fall, the stately resort really shines during ski season. Last time I visited, the resort was covered in a thick blanket of snow, turning the entire property into a postcard-perfect scene.
Memorable activities are endless and begging to be photographed and framed from dog sledding and bobsledding to snuggling underneath thick blankets during a horse-drawn carriage ride. And, of course, skiing and snowboarding are available on the slopes with the lifts literally feet away.
Montage resorts are particularly known for their service and attention to detail, and this hotel is no exception. Entry-level Kings have views of the resort or the mountain, with a gas fireplace in the sitting area, wood-paneling, elegant furnishings, and bedding so soft you'll have to scrape yourself out of the covers. Marble bathrooms feature a separate walk-in shower and soaking tub, and every room enjoys a private balcony or patio from which to enjoy the crisp mountain air.
Honeymooners can unwind in Montage's massive 35,000-square-foot destination spa with both separate men's and women's areas and a co-ed relaxation area and pool. In addition to the hydrotherapy, Vichy, Thai, and therapy treatment rooms, there's also a couple's serenity suite featuring two copper tubs and a mountain view for relaxation treatments together.
There are seven restaurants ranging from fine dining with tablecloths to surprisingly fantastic sushi to an après-ski yurt to a pub complete with a bowling alley. And, of course, couples can also order room service or arrange private dining at one of the resort's awe-inspiring vistas.
TripAdvisor Ranking: 8 out of 59 hotels in Park City
Booking.com Rating: 9.0 out of 10
Pros: Numerous high-quality restaurants, and an endless array of activities no matter the weather or season. Wi-Fi is free and every room boasts a balcony with killer views.
Cons: Though the resort is limited to 50% capacity because of COVID, it is popular and therefore frequently booked to that updated limit.
COVID status and policies: This hotel is open with new policies that include:
- Enhanced focus on overall cleanliness and hygiene, including increased frequencies of sanitization and deep cleaning for high-touch areas.
- Integration of the latest cleanliness technologies including the use of electrostatic sprayers, UV wands and devices, and particulate level air filtration systems.
- Complimentary guest access to ONE MEDICAL and their award-winning combination of cutting edge technology and healthcare providers, allowing seamless virtual care while away from home.
- Complimentary hand sanitizer and facial coverings provided to all guests.
- Encouraged use of email and text for all guest transactions where appropriate, including check-out.
- Housekeeping services can be declined by guests during stay or staggered, based on guest preference.
