Best LGBT+ Honeymoon Destinations for 2026

Intro: the 2026 honeymoon that feels like yours

If you’re searching for gay honeymoon destinations for 2026, you’re probably after two things at once: romance that feels effortless, and a destination where you can hold hands, toast your marriage, and simply exist without second-guessing the room. That’s not “extra”. That’s the baseline for a truly restorative honeymoon.

This guide is built for couples who want beautiful hotels, privacy, and little moments that land: the suite that gets the sunset right; the spa where you’re treated like VIPs, not a “special request”; and the kind of service that makes you feel quietly celebrated.

A quick note on 2026: a few destinations have become even easier to recommend because equality and visibility are moving forward in ways travellers can feel on the ground — including Thailand’s same-sex marriage law taking effect, which makes 2026 one of the first full years where legal recognition and celebration are front and centre.

One ask: if this guide helps, share it with a friend who’s newly engaged — it might save them hours of scrolling. Many couples planning long-haul gay honeymoon destinations also prioritise accommodation that feels genuinely welcoming, which is why understanding why gay-friendly hotels are the way to go can make such a difference.

How we picked these LGBT+ honeymoons (without the fluff)

Competitor lists tend to stop at “it’s friendly”. We went further. Each destination in this series is chosen for:

• Real-world comfort (laws + lived acceptance in tourism areas)
• Luxury that suits honeymoon pacing (not just “nice hotels”, but the right kind of stay)
• Experiences that feel intimate (private tours, slow mornings, and “only us” moments)
• Easy flight logic from the UK, plus best seasons to travel

Now, let’s start with two standout gay honeymoon destinations for 2026 that consistently deliver romance and ease.

1: Iceland — cinematic romance, zero effort

Why Iceland is one of the most reliable gay honeymoon destinations in 2026

Iceland is the honeymoon equivalent of a deep breath. It’s calm, safe-feeling, and wildly beautiful in a way that doesn’t need a filter — glaciers, black-sand beaches, geothermal lagoons, and cosy design hotels where the whole vibe is “warmth and privacy”.

It also has a long-established record on LGBT+ equality, including marriage equality dating back to 2010, which matters when you want your honeymoon to feel normal in the best way.

When to go (quick and useful)

• February–April: best balance for northern lights + fewer crowds
• June–August: midnight sun, road trips, big landscapes (book early)
• September: shoulder-season value, moody skies, excellent food scene

Where to stay (luxury honeymoons, not “just a hotel”)

The Reykjavik EDITION (Reykjavík)

If you want modern glamour with an effortless honeymoon rhythm, The Reykjavik EDITION is a front-runner. Think: harbour views, sleek rooms, a strong cocktail scene, and the kind of service that makes everything feel easy. It’s also perfectly placed for a “city + nature” split: start with Reykjavík’s restaurants and galleries, then escape to the countryside.

How to honeymoon it: book a harbour-view room, lean into slow mornings, and plan one “big” day out (Golden Circle or South Coast), then one spa/reset day.

Linking paragraph (Awake & Wander): If Iceland is calling your name, we can match you with the right room category, arrange private transfers, and build a two-centre plan that balances Reykjavík buzz with countryside stillness — explore more with Awake & Wander Luxury Travel, Where every journey begins with you.

Deplar Farm (Tröllaskagi Peninsula)

This is the “we want seclusion and wow-factor” option. Deplar Farm is remote, design-led luxury with geothermal bliss, dramatic scenery, and a feeling of being tucked away at the edge of the world. For couples who want privacy, this is the kind of place where time stretches — and that’s exactly the point.

How to honeymoon it: go for a shorter stay (3–5 nights) as the “big treat” portion of a trip, paired with Reykjavík for contrast.

Linking paragraph (Awake & Wander): If you’d like Iceland to feel once-in-a-lifetime without being complicated, we’ll curate the right mix of city polish and remote romance, with experiences timed around your pace — explore more with Awake & Wander Luxury Travel, Where every journey begins with you.

Blue Lagoon: The Retreat at Blue Lagoon, Iceland (Grindavík area)

For couples who want spa-first luxury, The Retreat is the iconic choice: tranquil suites, private lagoon areas, and a cocooned atmosphere that’s perfect after a wedding. It’s not about ticking boxes — it’s about sinking into calm.

How to honeymoon it: do 2 nights here either at the start (to decompress) or at the end (to float back into real life).

Linking paragraph (Awake & Wander): Want the Blue Lagoon experience without the crowds vibe? We’ll advise on timing, room selection, and how to weave it into a wider Iceland itinerary — explore more with Awake & Wander Luxury Travel, Where every journey begins with you.

2: Thailand — celebratory, glamorous, and newly historic in 2026

Why Thailand has surged for gay honeymoon destinations in 2026

Thailand has always had a reputation for warmth, hospitality, and playful romance — but 2026 is especially meaningful because Thailand’s same-sex marriage law is now in effect (from January 2025), turning honeymoons into something many couples describe as openly joyful rather than quietly cautious.

This destination also wins on versatility: you can do sleek Bangkok luxury, then fly straight into island calm — or go full barefoot glamour from day one. Island escapes such as Mykonos and Koh Samui also appeal to honeymooners who love sun-soaked days and inclusive beach culture, similar to the destinations featured in LGBT+ friendly beaches around the world.

The best honeymoon “shape” (simple, but it works)

• Bangkok (2–4 nights) for rooftop dinners + spa + shopping
• Island (7–10 nights) for beach, privacy, and that honeymoon slowness

Where to stay (honeymoon icons with the right energy)

Capella Bangkok (Bangkok)

Capella is refined, romantic, and wonderfully cocooning — ideal if you want Bangkok to feel like a honeymoon, not a stopover. Expect calm interiors, river views, and service that quietly anticipates you. It’s the kind of place where a single sunset dinner can feel like an event.

How to honeymoon it: one “glam night out” (skyline cocktails), one “reset day” (spa + pool), and one private longtail boat moment on the river.

Linking paragraph (Awake & Wander): If you want Bangkok to feel intimate rather than intense, we’ll build a plan with private transfers, perfectly timed experiences, and room choices that prioritise calm — explore more with Awake & Wander Luxury Travel, Where every journey begins with you.

Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui (Koh Samui)

Koh Samui is a classic for a reason, and this resort leans into honeymoon romance with private villas, palms, and that soft, golden coastal light that makes everything feel more cinematic. It’s also excellent for couples who want luxury without a “scene” — you can be as private or as social as you like.

How to honeymoon it: book a pool villa if you can, take a Thai cooking class, and schedule one private island-hopping day — then leave the rest open.

Linking paragraph (Awake & Wander): If you’d like Koh Samui to feel tailor-made, we can pair the right villa with experiences that suit your energy (slow, social, adventurous, or all three) — explore more with Awake & Wander Luxury Travel, Where every journey begins with you.

Six Senses Yao Noi (Phang Nga Bay)

If your honeymoon dream is “private, design-led, and quietly extraordinary”, Six Senses Yao Noi delivers. The views across Phang Nga Bay are jaw-dropping, and the whole feel is secluded romance with a wellness undercurrent. It’s a brilliant pick for couples who want to disappear into beauty for a week.

How to honeymoon it: do sunrise yoga once, a private boat day once, and spend the rest of the time doing almost nothing — on purpose.

Linking paragraph (Awake & Wander): Want Thailand to feel seamless from airport to villa? We’ll design the routing, transfers, and pacing so your honeymoon feels like one continuous exhale — explore more with Awake & Wander Luxury Travel, Where every journey begins with you.

Portugal — relaxed elegance with a quietly confident LGBT+ scene

Why Portugal shines for gay honeymoon destinations in 2026

Portugal is one of Europe’s most effortless gay honeymoon destinations. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2010, but what really stands out is how normal that feels when you’re there. It’s warm, low-key, stylish, and unshowy — perfect for couples who want romance without performance.

For 2026, Portugal also makes sense logistically: excellent flight connections from the UK, strong value compared with Italy or France, and a hospitality scene that excels at intimate luxury rather than grand formality. Short-haul European honeymoons such as Portugal or Italy can also work beautifully for couples travelling independently, much like the trips highlighted in LGBT+ solo travel: exploring new destinations safely.

The ideal honeymoon rhythm

Portugal works beautifully as a two-part honeymoon:

• Lisbon (3–4 nights): culture, food, rooftops, slow evenings
• Algarve (5–7 nights): beach, spa time, golden cliffs, and privacy

Where to stay

Bairro Alto Hotel (Lisbon)

This is Lisbon romance done properly. Bairro Alto Hotel blends heritage architecture with contemporary calm, and its rooftop terrace is one of the city’s most romantic spots for sunset drinks. The atmosphere is inclusive without being labelled — you simply feel welcome.

How to honeymoon it: choose a river-view room, take a private tram-style city tour, and plan one indulgent tasting-menu dinner.

Linking paragraph (Awake & Wander): If Lisbon appeals but you want it to feel unrushed and romantic, we’ll curate experiences around your pace — not a checklist — with the right room and reservations secured in advance. Explore more with Awake & Wander Luxury Travel, Where every journey begins with you.

Vila Vita Parc (Algarve)

For classic honeymoon luxury, Vila Vita Parc delivers. Set above the Atlantic, it offers multiple restaurants, excellent spa facilities, and secluded corners that feel genuinely peaceful. It’s ideal if you want beach time without the party scene.

How to honeymoon it: mix slow pool days with one private coastal boat trip and a sunset dinner overlooking the sea.

Linking paragraph (Awake & Wander): We’ll help you choose the right part of the resort — and the right season — so your Algarve stay feels intimate rather than busy. Explore more with Awake & Wander Luxury Travel, Where every journey begins with you.

São Lourenço do Barrocal (Alentejo countryside)

If you prefer countryside romance over the coast, this wine-estate hotel near the Spanish border is quietly exceptional. Think minimalist luxury, open skies, and a pace that encourages reconnection.

How to honeymoon it: pair with Lisbon first, then retreat here to slow right down — wine tastings, cycling, and candlelit dinners.

Want a Portugal honeymoon that feels unexpected? We’ll design a route that balances culture with true escape. Explore more with Awake & Wander Luxury Travel, Where every journey begins with you.

4: Italy — iconic romance with the right planning

Is Italy a good choice for gay honeymoon destinations?

Italy isn’t always labelled first in lists of gay honeymoon destinations, but with the right regions and hotels, it can be extraordinary. While national legislation is more conservative than some neighbours, tourist areas — especially luxury resorts — are polished, discreet, and welcoming when you choose carefully.

For couples drawn to cinematic romance, Italy remains unmatched.

Where Italy works best for LGBT+ honeymoons

Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is pure visual drama: cliffside villages, lemon groves, and sea views that feel almost unreal. It’s best for couples who want elegance and atmosphere over nightlife.

Top hotel picks:

• Le Sirenuse (Positano): Iconic, refined, and deeply romantic
• Il San Pietro di Positano: Private beach access and exceptional service

How to honeymoon it: travel outside peak August, prioritise views over location, and build in downtime — Amalfi is about soaking it in, not rushing.

Linking paragraph (Awake & Wander): We’ll handle transfers, room positioning, and timing so your Amalfi honeymoon feels seamless rather than stressful. Explore more with Awake & Wander Luxury Travel, Where every journey begins with you.

Lake Como

If your idea of romance is quieter and more refined, Lake Como delivers calm glamour. Boat rides between villages, lakeside lunches, and grand villas set the tone.

Top hotel picks:

• Passalacqua: Ultra-luxury, intimate, and perfect for honeymoons
• Villa d’Este: Classic, historic, and wonderfully polished

How to honeymoon it: stay central, travel by boat, and let days unfold slowly.

Linking paragraph (Awake & Wander): For Lake Como, hotel choice makes all the difference. We’ll match you to the property that suits your energy and privacy needs. Explore more with Awake & Wander Luxury Travel, Where every journey begins with you.

Taormina, Sicily

Sicily offers warmth, flavour, and a slightly more expressive atmosphere than northern Italy. Taormina, in particular, has long been popular with LGBT+ travellers and feels relaxed yet glamorous.

Top hotel picks:

• Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo: Views of Mount Etna, old-world romance
• San Domenico Palace: Elegant, historic, and cinematic

How to honeymoon it: combine cultural days with slow evenings and one standout dining experience. Sicily rewards thoughtful planning. We’ll design a honeymoon that balances beauty with ease and comfort. Explore more with Awake & Wander Luxury Travel, Where every journey begins with you.

5: Japan — refined, respectful, and unforgettable

Why Japan belongs on a list of gay honeymoon destinations

Japan may not be the loudest choice on lists of gay honeymoon destinations, but for couples who value respect, discretion, and depth, it can be extraordinary. Public attitudes are generally polite and non-confrontational, and luxury hospitality in Japan is rooted in anticipation — service that reads the room without ever intruding.

For 2026, Japan continues to grow as a honeymoon favourite thanks to improved flight availability from the UK and a new wave of luxury ryokan and hotels designed for privacy and calm.

This is a destination for couples who want their honeymoon to feel intentional, meaningful, and quietly romantic. For couples who enjoy pairing romance with heritage and local traditions, destinations like Kyoto and Lisbon echo the experiences explored in our guide to gay cultural holidays.

The ideal honeymoon flow

Japan works best when it’s paced gently:

• Tokyo (3–4 nights): modern energy, food, design hotels
• Hakone or Mount Fuji area (2–3 nights): nature, private onsen
• Kyoto (3–4 nights): temples, tradition, and stillness

Where to stay

Aman Tokyo (Tokyo)

Aman Tokyo feels like a sanctuary suspended above the city. Minimalist interiors, skyline views, and a serene spa make it ideal for honeymooners who want Tokyo without sensory overload.

How to honeymoon it: focus on food — private dining, sushi counters, and slow breakfasts with city views.

Linking paragraph (Awake & Wander): We’ll shape Tokyo around calm rather than chaos, with private guides and pacing that suits a honeymoon. Explore more with Awake & Wander Luxury Travel, Where every journey begins with you.

Gora Kadan (Hakone)

Once a retreat for the Imperial family, Gora Kadan is refined, traditional, and deeply peaceful. Private onsen baths make it particularly well suited to couples who want intimacy and restoration.

How to honeymoon it: choose a suite with a private bath, keep schedules light, and let the rituals of Japanese hospitality do the rest.

Linking paragraph (Awake & Wander): If you’d like Japan to feel restorative rather than rushed, we’ll curate the right ryokan and transitions between regions. Explore more with Awake & Wander Luxury Travel, Where every journey begins with you.

The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto (Kyoto)

Set along the Kamogawa River, this hotel blends Western comfort with Japanese aesthetics. It’s one of Kyoto’s most reliable luxury bases for couples who want both privacy and access to culture.

How to honeymoon it: private temple visits early in the morning, followed by slow afternoons back at the hotel.

Linking paragraph (Awake & Wander): Kyoto rewards thoughtful timing. We’ll design days that avoid crowds and lean into intimacy. Explore more with Awake & Wander Luxury Travel, Where every journey begins with you.

Jamie Says:

"The best honeymoons aren’t about proving anything. They’re about exhaling — and choosing a place that welcomes your love as naturally as the ocean welcomes the tide."

Jamie Wake, Managing Director

Booking with confidence: why protection matters on your honeymoon

Your honeymoon is not the trip to compromise on reassurance. When you book with Awake & Wander Luxury Travel, you benefit from:

• ATOL protection, safeguarding your flights and holidays
• Supplier Failure Insurance, offering extra peace of mind
• Carefully vetted hotels and partners who understand luxury and inclusivity

It means that if plans change — or the unexpected happens — your honeymoon investment is protected. Wherever you choose among these gay honeymoon destinations, booking with the right financial safeguards matters — especially for milestone trips — as explained in our overview of ATOL-protected holidays.

Why book your gay honeymoon with Awake & Wander Luxury Travel

Planning a honeymoon is personal. Planning a gay honeymoon destination should feel effortless, not like research homework.

We specialise in designing luxury honeymoons that are:

• Thoughtfully paced
• Inclusive without being labelled
• Built around how you want to feel — not just where you want to go



From first ideas to final details, you’ll work with someone who understands both luxury travel and the nuances that matter to LGBT+ couples.

If you’re ready to start shaping a honeymoon that feels like you, you can call us on 01495 400011 or use our enquiry form. Our website’s search tool also allows you to explore inspiration and begin building a bespoke journey — as unique as you are.

Where every journey begins with you.

Frequently Asked Questions