Revealed! World’s best honeymoon destinations according to Facebook

Facebook has revealed the world’s top honeymoon locations based on check-ins and they include idyllic destinations in America, St Lucia and Brazil.

While no romantic spots in Europe were included in the top ten list, the closest destination was Antalya in Turkey, which came in at number eight.

Las Vegas, USA was named the number one destination for honeymoon check-ins worldwide. Sin City was followed by Lahaina and Honolulu in America, while Playa del Carmen and Cancun in Mexico took the fifth and sixth spots.

In a blog post, Facebook Data Analyst Dustin Cable wrote: “19% of US honeymooners travelled internationally, but it was couples from South Korea who travelled the greatest distance to their honeymoon destinations, with a median trip of 4,000 miles away from home.

“More than 100 couples checked into a place father than 12,000 miles away from home, almost exactly on the opposite side of the planet from where they started their journey. Couples living in Spain who travelled to New Zealand and Peruvians who travelled to Thailand made up a large proportion of this group.”

According to Inside Facebook, the social networking site said that the list was based on couples who posted a marriage life event in 2014 and checked into a location within two weeks of the marriage date, with check-in locations within 20 miles of their hometown excluded.

Top 10 honeymoon destinations in the world according to Facebook:

1. Las Vegas, USA
2. Lahaina, USA
3. Honolulu, USA
4. Playa del Carmen, Mexico
5. Cancún, Mexico
6. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
7. Montego Bay, Jamaica
8. Antalya, Turkey
9. Castries, St. Lucia
10. Gramado, Brazil

Ten of the best honeymoon islands

• Bora Bora, Tahiti

  
  This paradise island is part of French Polynesia in the Pacific Ocean, and its over-water bungalows, azure-blue sea and rich culture have long been attracting hordes of honeymooners. From watersports (jetboating, snorkelling, waterskiing), and adventure (4×4 safaris, shark and ray feeding, hiking) to relaxation (private lagoon tours, massages, sunset cruises) and culture (local art galleries, Tahitian dancing), this island’s got it all.
  Best time to go: May to October. Visit boraboraisland.com

• Hamilton Island, Whitsundays, Australia

  
  Coral reefs, tropical beaches, endless sunshine – it’s not hard to see why the Whitsundays , a collection of 74 islands in the Great Barrier Reef just off Queensland, has honeymooners going weak at the knees. Hamilton Island is the most popular holiday choice, where you can indulge in watersports of every form, tour the beautiful lush green forests flanking the soft white sands, enjoy the new golf and yacht clubs, or take part in one of the many events, from half marathons, to celebrity chef masterclasses and photography workshops. The best bit? There’s accommodation for every budget, from three-star hotels, to all-out luxury.
  Best time to go: September to May. Visit whitsundaysaustralia.com

• Santorini, Greece

  
  Greece has a host of beautiful islands, but Santorini remains one of the most enduringly popular. Why? Its stunning landscape. Thousands of people flock here to see the submerged ‘caldera’, the volcano crater, which sits in the middle of a 32-mile basin of water, where you can swim in hot springs. Around the basin, sitting high up in the cliffs, you can see some of the most stunning traditional villages in Greece (think small white houses with blue shutters on narrow paved streets). Whether you want to visit museums, eat mouthwatering Greek fare at traditional tavernas, or sunbathe poolside while soaking up the view, Santorini’s a honeymoon heaven. But beach-lovers take note, the sand here is black, so probably not for you.
  Best time to go: April to September. Visit santorini-island.biz

• Kauai, Hawaii

  
  Thanks to their white sandy beaches, lush forests, volcanoes and rich cultural history, all of Hawaii’s islands – Maui, Kauai, Big Island, Lanai, Molokai, and Oahu – would make fabulous honeymoon spots. But Kauai offers some of the best beaches and whale and dolphin-spotting opportunities in Hawaii. You can also check out fab views of the Makaleha Mountains at Opaekaa Falls, visit Kappa Town to pick up native crafts and jewellery, or head to Poipu Point to enjoy secret, secluded beaches. Need more? There’s also magical waterfalls, horseriding trails, picturesque villages, brilliant surfing and luxury resorts. Perfect. If you’re looking for a bit of after-dark dancing, Maui might be more up your honeymoon street. Or choose Oahu’s Waikiki Beach if you’re real surfing nuts.
  Best time to go: May to October. Visit honeymoonersreviewguide.com

• Phuket, Thailand

  
  As it has some of the most luxurious resorts in Thailand (Sarojin, Banyan Tree, Amanpuri, Aleenta), Phuket is widely thought of as the country’s top honeymoon getaways. Don’t be put off by its development (yes, there is a MacDonald’s here), there’s still some beautiful peaceful beaches, romantic seafood restaurants, and protected nature areas. If you want to avoid the partying, head away from Patong Beach towards the north of the island, where you’ll find pineapple plantation, deserted beaches and rural villages.
  Best time to go: November to March. Visit phuket.com

• Antigua, Caribbean

  
  When it comes to the Caribbean, your simply spoilt for honeymoon choice. In fact, it’s a feature all on its own. You could choose from Anguilla, the Bahamas, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, St. Lucia, Turks and Caicos and more. But we’re in love with the Antigua, where you’ll find some of the friendliest people and softest white-sand beaches in the world. You can choose from fabulous all-inclusive resorts (Curtain Bluff), to modern, cool (Carlisle Bay), and private island world-class wow-factor (Jumby Bay).
  Best time to go: December to April. Visit antigua-barbuda.org

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The most extravagant honeymoon suites ever

• The Grand Water Villa, OneOnly Reethi Rah, Maldives

  There’s water villas, and then there’s the Grand Water Villa at the ultra-luxurious OneOnly Reethi Rah. We’re talking 2,500 square-feet of Maldivian heaven, with a terrazo tub and private pool, unrivalled turquoise sea views – well, you’re practically in it – and 24-hour butler service. Sigh.

• Royal Terrace Suite at the Plaza, New York

  The Plaza Hotel in New York City boasts the Presidential Suite, home to some seriously wealthy customers. It’s a two-level, 7,800 square-foot space that takes up an entire floor of the hotel. There are six bedrooms, seven bathrooms, two living rooms, a well-stocked library, and a private wine cellar, not to mention the private staff of maids, butlers, and a chef. Fancy shopping on Fifth Avenue? Your chauffeur and his Rolls Royce will happily oblige!

• Otemanu Over-Water Villa, Four Seasons Resort, Bora Bora

  When we dream of our fantasy honeymoon, the Otemanu Over-Water Villa in Bora Bora is pretty much what comes to mind! Featuring a deck the length of the villa – with a ladder leading into the lagoon – its own infinity pool, and a glass floor with views straight through to the vivid ocean life below, it’s perfection on stilts.

• The Private Reserve at the Six Senses Zighy Bay, Oman

  Described as a ‘palace of wonders’, the Private Reserve at the Six Senses in Oman sits proudly on its own stretch of private beach, and consists of three stunning villas. Make the most of the views over the Gulf of Oman while you’re working out in your private gym or swimming in your own giant infinity pool. The fact there’s nannies’ quarters, not to mention private security quarters, might indicate just how plush this 3,000 square-metre pad is.

• The Sanctuary Villa at Parrot Cay, Turks Caicos

  The fact that Donna Karan helped designed this suite should hint at its exclusivity. Parrot Cay is one of the island’s most secluded resorts, and the Balinese-style Sanctuary villa (think teak furniture, candles, and oversized day beds), is its hidden gem. Step out of the second-floor master bedroom to 360-degree views, while away the hours in your own infinity pool, then when you’re peckish ask your personal chef to rustle you up a fresh-from-the-sea fish lunch.

• The Duhau Suite and Palacio Duhau, Park Hyatt, Buenos Aires

  What really says ‘exclusive’ to you? A suite sat atop a renovated palace with its own private entrance? Yep, we thought so, too. Decked out with a sumptuous décor and antique furniture, the Duhau also offers a butler service, and a wrap-around terrace affording views of the beautiful Buenos Aires skyline.