The Best Island Vacations for Couples in 2023

Looking for the most romantic island getaways? Our list of the best tropical vacations for couples includes tips and where to stay!

Whether you’re traveling for your honeymoon or just looking for a romantic island getaway, these destinations offer fun and unique ways to spend time together. As two people who have made it their mission to scour the globe for the best tropical vacations for couples, we’ve narrowed down our list to ten of our favorites!

Best Tropical Vacations For Couples

Mauritius

This little island is lush with sugarcane fields, tea plantations, and hidden villages to explore with your honey. One attraction lets you walk on the bottom of the ocean with a unique helmet which allows you to breathe normally underwater — no scuba training required.

To book land and sea tours for your stay in Mauritius, I recommend Viator Tours.

We stayed at the Four Seasons and the St. Regis while on the island and both of these resorts are the epitome of romance. I recommend staying at both resorts, that way you can experience two different sides of the island.

Bonaire

Snorkeling and Scuba diving enthusiasts can enter the undersea world of Bonaire, which is one of the best places in the world to get your Scuba certification. You can book Bonaire snorkel tours here.

If you and your partner are sporty, you can learn to windsurf. Wildlife enthusiasts will find over 200 species of birds, and history buffs can see some Caquetio Indian drawings.

Sand Dollar Condominiums offers comfortably-decorated studios and apartments — all with sea views. If you prefer a hotel that is steps away from some of the best diving on Bonaire and has excellent Scuba instructors, Buddy Dive Resort is your place. We absolutely loved our stay at both of these places.

Aruba

Perfect for honeymoon travel, Aruba hosts restaurants that give you a private dinner with your feet in the warm sand or water. Try tandem parasailing or have a romantic horseback ride on the beach. Drive up to the California Lighthouse to enjoy scenic vistas while staying cozy in your car.

Palm Beach is where you will find a plethora of romantic hotels. Aruba Marriott Resort knows how to cater to couples and the views from your balcony will take your breath away. This resort will always hold a special place in my heart.

Read more: 10 Best Things To Do In Aruba

Maui

For bohemian couples, Maui offers wine tasting, yoga workshops, and a seed-to-cup coffee tour. Take a road trip to Hana village and, along the way, visit the Seven Sacred Pools and camp under the stars. From waterfall swims to zipline challenges, there are countless ways to spend time together.

You can even take a day trip to the quiet island of Molokai.

The Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa and the Grand Wailea Resort & Spa are our two favorite spots to stay on Maui for romance. Both of these resorts have amazing snorkeling right out front, delicious restaurants, and perfectly-landscaped properties.

An afternoon snorkel with turtles, followed by happy hour by the pool (AKA lazy river) is an ideal day for us on this Hawaiian island.

Lanai

Nicknamed “The Private Isle,” you’ll need four-wheel drive to travel on the unpaved roads, but nature abounds. Early morning or sunset walks or bike rides in the Garden of the Gods will leave you both breathless from the myriad colors and long shadows of its rock formations.

A quiet stay at the Four Seasons at Manele Bay will make you feel like you two are the only people on the island. You may even get a chance to swim with wild dolphins in the bay!

Read more: 5 Adventure Activities in Lanai

Thailand

If you like couples travel for culture, Thailand is lavish with ancient temples and floating markets. Rent a cottage on the beach on one of Thailand’s amazing islands — then take Thailand home with a couple’s cooking class. Of course, no visit would be complete without a couple’s Thai massage.

For tips on where to stay in Thailand, read our post on the 10 best islands to visit in Thailand.

Cook Islands

In July, whales visit the islands to breed, making whale-watching easy. Year-round, you and your partner can enjoy beach barbecues with fire-pit ovens, romantic kayak trips to private beaches, and boat rides in glassy lagoons perfect for snorkeling. Find the best tour for you here.

For tips on where to stay, visit our Insider’s Guide to Travel in the Cook Islands.

Bali

Want to get away from the world? A romantic tropical getaway would not be complete without a stay at a secluded villa amidst quiet rice paddies. For some sweet moments, make your own chocolate at the Pod Chocolate Factory and release baby sea turtles safely into the ocean. For adventure, visit the underground houses of the Gala Gala Caves or brave the swings and bridges of the Treetop Adventure Park.

Find accommodation options in Bali on Booking.com.

Bora Bora

One of the most romantic island getaways, Bora Bora can’t be beat! Live the tropical island life to its fullest by staying in an overwater bungalow at Conrad Bora Bora Nui. Breakfast is delivered by canoe, but be sure to eat like the locals at roulettes (think food trucks). Explore the ocean in a submarine scooter or swim with the sharks and rays.

Moorea

Couples can stay in bungalows here, too, and Moorea offers Monoi-oil massages scented with vanilla, coconut, and tiare blossoms. Go on guided hikes to explore ocean vistas, peaks, and lava tubes. If you’re looking for a souvenir of your island destination, visit the pearl farms to find beautiful black pearls.

The Sofitel Moorea La Ora Beach Resort and Manava Beach Resort are where you will find the best value when it comes to overwater bungalows. We absolutely loved our stay at Manava (pictured below)!

Read more: Where to Stay in Moorea: The Best Hotels in Moorea and Moorea On A Budget: In Depth Moorea Travel Guide

Photo Credit: Roderick Eime