After the whirlwind of wedding celebrations, it’s time to soak up bliss on a honeymoon that’s all about pure joy. Whether it’s basking in Fiji’s sun-drenched shores, indulging in Italy’s sweet life, chasing golden sunsets on the Sunshine Coast, or finding serenity in Kyoto, these dreamy destinations guarantee smiles that last well beyond the big day. Lisa Perkovic has a treat for us all today on Polka Dot Honeymoons – it’s time to hear all about the happiest honeymoon destinations! 

Photography by Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome 

What happens after the happiest day of your life? The happiest honeymoon of course! To be honest, honeymoons have huge potential to be an even happier occasion than the big day. Throw out the wedding planning lists and pull out the holiday itinerary because here’s four honeymoon locations where you won’t be able to wipe the grin off your face.

Photography by Six Senses Fiji 

Bula Fiji

Voted the ‘happiest place on Earth’ too many times to count and nicknamed the ‘isles of smiles’, Fiji has happiness in spades. It’s not just picture perfect crystal clear water and swaying palm trees brightening your mood. It’s the people. Get used to big smiles and friendly ‘bulas’ everywhere you go. Throw in some serious luxury and you’re all set. At Six Senses Fiji on Malola Island, honeymooners lap up low key luxury from their villas.

Photography by Six Senses Fiji 

A private plunge pool and outdoor bath tub do the trick, but you can up the romance factor with private sunset dinners on the beach. Or hide away from the world at Six Senses’ famous spa with a couples treatment or two. Start off with a Fijian Bobo massage, using local oils and herbs from the island garden, then delve deeper into wellness programs, facials and Ayurveda body treatments.

Photography by Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome 

La dolce vita in Italy

It translates into the ‘sweet life’ and the Italians certainly know how to live it. Whether you’re heading to the Tuscan countryside to sip chianti as the sun goes down, or you have a date with the Trevi fountain in Rome, Italy treats honeymooners well.

Photography by Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome 

This year marks the Jubilee 2025, an important Catholic Holy Year expected to bring visitors to Rome and the Vatican City from all over the world. For an extra special spot to rest your head, the Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome Hotel overlooks the Piazza della Repubblica and is the stuff Roman holiday dreams are made of. Start your day with an espresso and a visit to the fourth floor, originally one of Rome’s oldest granaries for a dose of history before you even leave the hotel. The day spa brings the best of Anantara hotels’ wellness programs to the eternal city and is just the antidote after a day on your feet.

Photography by Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort 

Lap up the Sunshine Coast

If your dopamine hit comes in the form of blue skies and sunny days, make a beeline for the Sunshine Coast. Take your pick from any of the beach towns dotted along Queensland’s long stretch of coast. Noosa will always be a crowd pleaser, especially if you’re keen to wine and dine after a trip to the beach.

Photography by Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort 

The Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort sits right in Hastings Street and is just a few minutes walk through to Noosa Main Beach. That’s if you can tear yourself away from the pool and the swim up bar. Rise early to beat the crowds on the Noosa Coastal Boardwalk – it’s a comfortable 5km walk along the coastline in Noosa National Park.

Photography by Ritz-Carlton Kyoto 

Calm Kyoto

Happiness is in the eye of the beholder, and if there’s one place that’s easy to find your inner zen, it’s Kyoto. That might mean enrolling as a couple in a meditation class or a visit to one of this ancient city’s many temples.

Photography by Ritz-Carlton Kyoto 

It could also look like an afternoon learning the art of Japanese tea ceremonies, origami, or even zen garden raking. Then there’s the sensory explosion of a visit to Nishiki Market, where you can taste your way through all manner of Japanese delicacies. The soy milk doughnuts are top of our list. Evenings are for winding down in a ryokan inn’s onsen. If you’re after luxury, check out The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto, where spa treatments start with a traditional Japanese green tea ceremony and in some cases incorporate local tea leaves into your treatment.

No matter where you choose to honeymoon, the key ingredient is happiness- whether it’s found in a sunset dinner by the sea, a cozy stroll through ancient streets, or simply in each other’s company. These destinations promise unforgettable moments, setting the perfect tone for your next big adventure – a lifetime together.

About Lisa Perkovic: Lisa has spent the past decade travelling the world writing for Australia’s leading newspapers, magazines, and blogs about all things travel. Her own honeymoon was her pièce de résistance – an epic journey to the Maldives and South Africa. Now she loves nothing more than sharing destinations and tips to help other newlyweds work out how to have the honeymoon of their dreams.