Luxury travel experts at Kuoni have revealed significant shifts in honeymoon travel preferences for 2025, highlighting an increased demand for exotic and secluded destinations. Their research, which analyzed internal booking data from the past two years alongside Google search trends, indicates that honeymooners are prioritizing remote and picturesque locations, particularly in the Indian Ocean region.
Travel industry professionals have observed that post-pandemic honeymooners are seeking destinations that provide privacy, adventure, and luxury, moving away from traditional European hotspots in favor of more exclusive, nature-rich settings. Caroline Child, Marketing Director at Kuoni, noted that destinations offering a retreat from the fast-paced modern world are experiencing a surge in popularity.
According to Kuoni’s data, page views and bookings for destinations such as the Seychelles, Mauritius, and Sri Lanka have witnessed a significant increase year-on-year, reflecting a growing preference for bucket-list experiences.
The 2025 Global Honeymoon Leaderboard
Based on Kuoni’s ranking system, which assigns a trending score out of 100, the Seychelles emerges as the most sought-after honeymoon destination for 2025, followed closely by Mauritius and Italy.
The top ten honeymoon destinations for 2025, as determined by search trends and booking data, are:
- Seychelles – 83.3
- Mauritius – 78
- Italy – 73.3
- Thailand – 73.2
- Sri Lanka – 73.1
- Indonesia – 70.9
- Barbados – 66.2
- Malaysia – 64.2
- Kenya – 62.6
- Maldives – 62.4
This shift in preferences underscores a growing trend toward immersive and experiential honeymoons, with many couples choosing adventure-filled itineraries and luxury retreats over conventional romantic getaways.
The Seychelles: The World’s Most In-Demand Honeymoon Destination
According to Kuoni’s research, the Seychelles has seen a 125% surge in Google searches for honeymoon trips, accompanied by an 86% increase in bookings. The Indian Ocean archipelago, often compared to the Maldives for its pristine beaches and turquoise waters, is gaining popularity among honeymooners seeking a less commercialized, nature-driven alternative.
Tourism experts attribute this rising demand to the Seychelles’ rich biodiversity, unspoiled beaches, and its unique blend of Creole culture and tropical landscapes. With its islands dating back over 750 million years, and its waters hosting over 1,000 marine species, the Seychelles offers a combination of luxury, seclusion, and adventure, making it the ultimate post-wedding escape.
Mauritius: A Honeymoon Paradise with Endless Possibilities
Mauritius ranks second on Kuoni’s list, cementing its reputation as one of the top honeymoon destinations for 2025. The African island nation, which was also recently named Tripadvisor’s Best Honeymoon Destination for 2025, is attracting an increasing number of newlyweds with its high-end resorts, diverse outdoor activities, and spectacular natural scenery.
Kuoni’s internal booking data shows that Mauritius remains one of the most frequently booked honeymoon destinations, driven by 4,000+ monthly Google searches for honeymoon travel. Couples choosing Mauritius can experience:
- Luxury beachfront resorts with private villas
- Exciting water sports, snorkeling, and catamaran cruises
- Scenic hikes through lush forests and mountains
- Fresh local seafood and diverse culinary experiences
The combination of adventure and relaxation makes Mauritius an ideal choice for honeymooners seeking both romance and exploration.
Italy: A Classic Romance Destination That Never Fades
Italy, which secured the third spot in Kuoni’s rankings, continues to attract newlyweds in search of timeless romance. As one of the world’s most famous honeymoon destinations, Italy saw a 122% increase in bookings for 2025, making it the most in-demand European location for honeymooners.
Tourism professionals point to Italy’s diverse landscapes, historic landmarks, and world-class cuisine as key reasons for its enduring popularity. Couples can choose from a variety of romantic getaways, including:
- Tuscany’s rolling vineyards and countryside retreats
- The canals of Venice for an enchanting city escape
- The dramatic coastline of the Amalfi Coast and Capri
- Rome’s rich history, ancient ruins, and bustling piazzas
With its blend of culture, history, and unparalleled gastronomy, Italy continues to be a dream honeymoon destination for many couples around the world.
Thailand and Sri Lanka: Rising Stars in Honeymoon Travel
Thailand and Sri Lanka round out Kuoni’s top five honeymoon destinations, with both countries experiencing a notable surge in bookings and online interest.
Thailand, ranked fourth, has established itself as a tropical paradise for honeymooners, offering a perfect mix of luxury, adventure, and affordability. Kuoni’s data reveals that Thailand received 6,600 monthly Google searches for honeymoon travel, making it one of the most searched honeymoon destinations globally.
- The island of Koh Samui, in particular, has gained attention following its feature in the latest season of HBO’s The White Lotus, a phenomenon that previously led to a 50% increase in searches for Taormina, Sicily, after season two aired.
- Thailand’s beaches, night markets, and luxury resorts offer a diverse range of experiences for honeymooners, from serene retreats to vibrant city nightlife.
Sri Lanka, securing the fifth position, is increasingly favored for its blend of cultural experiences, stunning coastlines, and wildlife encounters. The 50% rise in bookings and 21% increase in Google searches highlight the growing interest in Sri Lanka as a top-tier honeymoon destination.
Honeymooners visiting Sri Lanka can enjoy:
- Golden beaches and surfing in the south
- Lush tea plantations in the central highlands
- Wildlife safaris in Yala National Park
- Historical exploration in UNESCO-listed cities like Galle and Sigiriya
This combination of relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion positions Sri Lanka as an increasingly popular choice for newlyweds looking beyond traditional honeymoon hotspots.
A Global Shift in Honeymoon Travel Trends
Kuoni’s research signals a larger transformation in the honeymoon travel industry, with couples increasingly favoring exotic, secluded, and adventure-rich destinations over conventional options. The findings suggest that:
- The Indian Ocean region continues to dominate honeymoon travel, with Seychelles, Mauritius, and Sri Lanka ranking among the top five.
- Luxury and nature-driven experiences are in high demand, as couples prioritize private getaways over crowded tourist hubs.
- The influence of pop culture is shaping travel trends, as seen in the rising interest in Thailand following its appearance in The White Lotus series.
These shifts indicate that the future of honeymoon travel will be defined by unique, high-value experiences that blend romance, exploration, and exclusivity.
Redefining Romance in Travel for 2025
Kuoni’s 2025 honeymoon destination rankings reflect an evolving preference for immersive, luxury-driven, and secluded experiences, with the Seychelles emerging as the top choice for newlyweds. With demand rising for exotic and adventure-filled honeymoons, the travel industry is set to see continued growth in personalized and high-end honeymoon experiences.
The post Seychelles, Mauritius, and Italy Lead Kuoni’s 2025 Honeymoon Hotlist as Newlyweds Seek New Exotic Getaways appeared first on Travel And Tour World.
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