Lyla Dejesus
The Zika virus is a mosquito-borne disease that has affected thousands of people worldwide, with outbreaks reported in the Pacific Islands, South and Central America, the Caribbean, Africa, and parts of North and Southeast Asia. While the virus typically causes asymptomatic or mild infections, it has been linked to birth defects and can be sexually transmitted. As such, it is a serious consideration for couples planning to start a family soon after their wedding. Thankfully, there are plenty of Zika-free honeymoon destinations to choose from, including Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Mauritius. For those seeking a tropical paradise without the risk of Zika, the Seychelles and Vanuatu are excellent options, offering pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and luxurious accommodations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Zika-free destinations | Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Morocco, Oman, Mauritius, Seychelles, Vanuatu, Moorea, Guadeloupe, Hawaii, California, the Cook Islands, Gozo, Positano, Korčula |
| Risk areas | The Bahamas, Barbados, Maldives, Mexico, Florida, the Caribbean, the Pacific Islands, South and Central America, Africa, parts of North and Southeast Asia |
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What You'll Learn
Mauritius, a luxurious beach holiday with culture and nature
Mauritius is a popular honeymoon destination, offering luxury, culture, and nature. The island boasts white-sand beaches and cyan seas, with a mix of tranquil lagoons and surf beaches. The North Coast is known for its watersports, while the East Coast is wilder and less touristy, and the South Coast has powerful waves and breathtaking sights. The West Coast is home to the well-known Flic-en-Flac beach, ideal for swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, and diving, with a selection of accommodation, shops, restaurants, and bars nearby.
For those seeking a romantic break, the north-east coast offers secluded coves, luxurious accommodation, and world-class spas. The Shangri-La Le Touessrok Hotel and Spa is a popular choice, with elegant rooms, ocean views, and a variety of dining options. Port Louis, the capital, offers a cultural experience, and the nearby Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden is a must-visit attraction. The island's cuisine is a fusion of Creole, Chinese, European, and Indian influences, and its Sega music, originating from the first slaves on the island, can be heard in many resorts and hotels.
Mauritius also offers a range of luxury beach resorts, such as Trou aux Biches Resort & Spa, located on the north-western coast, and Constance Le Prince Maurice, named after Prince Maurice van Nassau, after whom the island is also named. Paradis is another luxurious option, offering a quiet beach and peaceful gardens, perfect for couples seeking a romantic getaway. For families, the JW Marriott Mauritius Resort is recommended, with its wealth of watersports and kids' club.
Beyond the beaches, Mauritius has a wealth of inland attractions. The Black River Gorges National Park offers walks through thick vegetation, pretty waterfalls, hiking and mountain biking trails, and the chance to spot rare bird species. The 'Seven Coloured Earth' in the Chamarel region is also worth a visit, with its surrealistically striped sand dunes. The island's mountainous interior includes the majestic Le Morne mountain and hectares of tropical forest to explore.
With its mix of luxurious beach resorts, cultural experiences, and natural attractions, Mauritius is an ideal destination for a honeymoon, offering a blend of relaxation, romance, and adventure.
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Australia, for a mix of beaches, cities and the outback
Australia is a great honeymoon destination for couples who want a mix of beaches, cities and the outback. It is one of the best places for couples who want it all: beaches, culture, endless sightseeing and adventure.
The country offers golden sandy beaches, varied landscapes, bustling cities and natural wonders. You can lounge in boutique properties and traverse epic landscapes. The Blue Mountains, for example, get their name from the delicate azure haze that lingers in the region, created by a fine cloud of oil emitted by eucalyptus trees. South Australia is home to some of the country's most dramatic landscapes, including the ancient mountain ranges of the Flinders Ranges. The exclusive Arkaba Conservancy brings wild bush luxury to the outback. Follow scenic roads and rugged walking trails, keeping an eye out for kangaroos, emus and echidnas.
For city lovers, there are plenty of options. Sydney, for example, is home to iconic cultural and architectural sights like the Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. There are also plenty of art galleries, which juxtapose perfectly against the Outback or the Great Barrier Reef. The Great Barrier Reef is home to over 900 islands, offering luxurious resorts, incredible snorkelling, boating, dining and scenic flight experiences.
If you're looking for wine, the Margaret River region is home to some of Australia's top wineries. A stay at Cape Lodge bundles all the perks of a private country estate and a world-class boutique hotel. For a sustainable stay within nature, try Walk Talk Taste's gourmet glamping experience.
Australia is Zika-free, so you can travel there confidently. However, it is a long flight from the US, so it may not be for everyone.
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Europe, including Greece, Italy, France and Sweden
Europe is a safe destination for travel, free from the Zika virus. Within Europe, there are many countries and regions to explore on your honeymoon, including Greece, Italy, France, and Sweden.
Greece is a country of varied landscapes, from ancient historical cities to idyllic islands. Santorini and Mykonos are popular destinations, known for their whitewashed architecture, blue-domed churches, and stunning sunsets. If you're looking for a more relaxed pace, consider the island of Milos, with its secluded beaches and crystal-clear waters. Greece offers a blend of culture, history, and natural beauty, making it an ideal honeymoon destination.
Italy is a romantic country with a wealth of options for honeymooners. The Amalfi Coast, with its dramatic cliffs and colorful villages, is a popular choice. Positano, perched on a steep hillside, offers a pebble beach, a small harbor, and narrow alleys to explore. Take a cable car up Monte Faito at sunset or indulge in wine tasting for a romantic experience. Italy is also known for its delicious cuisine, so be sure to sample gelato and custom-made leather sandals in Positano.
France, with its rich culture and history, offers a range of experiences for honeymooners. Paris, the city of love, is a popular choice with its iconic landmarks, romantic atmosphere, and world-renowned cuisine. Beyond the capital, explore the charming regions of Provence, with its lavender fields, or Burgundy, known for its wine. France also boasts beautiful coastal areas, such as the French Riviera, offering a combination of luxury and scenic beauty.
Sweden, a Scandinavian country known for its natural beauty and progressive culture, offers a unique honeymoon experience. Explore the vibrant city of Stockholm, with its historic old town, Gamla Stan, and numerous islands connected by canals and bridges. Venture north to Swedish Lapland for a chance to see the Northern Lights and experience the midnight sun. Sweden also offers a range of outdoor activities, from hiking and skiing to relaxing in a traditional sauna.
These European destinations provide a mix of culture, history, natural wonders, and romantic experiences, all while being free from the Zika virus, ensuring a safe and memorable honeymoon.
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The Seychelles, for turquoise waters and white-sand beaches
If you're looking for a Zika-free honeymoon destination with turquoise waters and white-sand beaches, look no further than the Seychelles. Floating in the Indian Ocean off the coast of East Africa, the Seychelles is a cluster of 115 islands that has become a popular tourist destination, especially for honeymooners. With its crowd-free islands, azure waters, chalky-white sand beaches, and tranquil environment, the Seychelles offers a unique experience that rivals mainstream destinations like Mauritius, Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia.
When it comes to choosing a beach in the Seychelles, you'll be spoilt for choice. Anse Lazio, located northwest of Praslin Island, is renowned for its stunning white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Surrounded by lush green vegetation and tall palm trees, it provides the perfect setting for relaxation and tropical sunshine. Anse Source d'Argent, located on the Island of La Digue, has been rated one of the most photographed beaches in the world. It boasts flawless white sand, gigantic granite boulders, and crystalline tropical waters, creating an idyllic spot for a romantic getaway or family holiday. The calm waves and shallow waters make it ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and kayaking.
For those seeking seclusion, Anse Georgette on Praslin Island offers exceptionally soft, white sand and turquoise waters. Access to this public beach is limited by the Constance Lemuria resort, which requires non-resort guests to call ahead and reserve a visit, ensuring the area remains clean and uncrowded. Another quiet option is Anse Major, a hidden treasure situated far from roads and hotels on Mahe Island. Its tranquility, lush green jungles, and calm waters make it a perfect spot for swimming and Instagram-worthy photos.
If you're looking for a beach that offers a variety of activities, consider Beau Vallon, the most popular Seychelles beach. With a wide bay and gentle waters, it is ideal for swimming and a range of water sports. Anse Volbert, located on Praslin Island, is another popular choice, known for its dazzling white sand and azure waters. It is a great location for swimming and other water sports, and it has numerous top-notch accommodations. So, whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or a combination of both, the Seychelles has something for everyone.
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Moorea, a South Pacific island with green peaks and a turquoise lagoon
Moorea, Tahiti's sister island, is a heart-shaped island in the South Pacific Ocean. It is a geographical marvel, with eight towering mountain peaks rising from a translucent lagoon, creating a rugged silhouette that can be seen from the west coast of Tahiti. Its northern shore is split by two symmetrical bays, Cook's Bay and Opunohu Bay.
Moorea is a haven for divers and snorkelers, who flock to the island to explore one of the world's largest coral reef ecosystems. The coral reefs here sport an exciting diversity of marine life, with over 500 species of coral fish, as well as numerous molluscs, echinoderms, and crustaceans. Behind the fringing reef are sharks, rays, swordfish, and sea turtles. From July to October, humpback whales pass by the island, and tourists are offered the chance to go whale and dolphin watching.
The island is administratively part of the commune of Moʻorea-Maiʻao, in the administrative subdivision of the Windward Islands. The main village is ʻĀfareaitu, and the largest village is Pao Pao, located at the bottom of Cook's Bay. The second-largest village is Maharepa.
There are several luxury resorts on the island, including the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort and Spa, which offers a relaxing getaway between two serene bays. The resort features elegant suites in a contemporary Polynesian style, with wide glass doors and oversized marble baths. The Manava Beach Resort and Spa is another option, featuring thatched-roof buildings in the Polynesian style. The Sofitel Moorea Ia Ora is a luxurious beach resort on pristine white sands, less than a ten-minute flight away from Tahiti.
Moorea is a great choice for a honeymoon destination, with its combination of relaxed, small-island vibes, white sand beaches, crystal clear lagoons, and lush greenery. The island is also home to ancient maraes, or open-air temples, as well as abundant pineapple plantations that lie in its mountainous interior.
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Frequently asked questions
Europe is free of the Zika virus, so countries like Greece, Cyprus, Italy, France, Croatia, and Sweden are all great options. If you're looking for somewhere further afield, Hawaii, Seychelles, Botswana, Mozambique, and Morocco are also Zika-free.
The Zika virus is transmitted by mosquitoes and can cause serious birth defects in babies. While the virus typically only causes a mild infection or no symptoms at all for most people, it can be more serious for pregnant women and women planning to conceive.
The only way to prevent a Zika infection during pregnancy is to avoid travelling to areas with a risk of Zika. If you are not planning to start a family immediately after your wedding, there is no reason you can't go to a destination where Zika is a risk, as long as you take precautions not to get pregnant. If you are still concerned about contracting Zika, be sure to use insect repellent and wear long clothing to avoid mosquito bites.
