I am not going to tiptoe around it or sugar coat reality, planning a wedding is a hellish nightmare. When the engagement ring slips over your finger any excitement about a picture-perfect wedding usually dissolves when the wedding plannning begins. Your honeymoon is about more than celebrating your new life together. It is about recovery. Here are ten exquisite honeymoon destinations that provide relaxtion, adventure and romance.

Tortilis Camp, Kenya

Photo of the Private House deck, courtesy of Tortilis

What better way to recover from months of wedding planning than sipping champagne on the deck of your own private house on the Tortilis Camp property with gorgeous views of Mt. Kilimanjaro in the distance. Um, nothing! Don’t forget to plan a little adventure, too. The Tortilis Camp offers world-famous safari tours.

Provence, France

Lavender and Sunflower fields of Provence. Photo Courtesy of John Miller.

When considering a honeymoon in France many people immediately assume Paris is the way to go. However, consider an inland honeymoon to the south of France, specifically the region of Provence. Provence is a tapestry of medieval beauty among  fields of sunflowers and lavender.  Wine lovers will be treated to exceptional regional wines cultivated from the grapes found in the endless vineyards that create a beautiful landscape.

Santorini Island, Greece

Photo courtesy of Travel Guide Greece.

While you may be beginning your future as a newly married couple, exploring the rich history of the Greek Isles is as romantic as you can get on a honeymoon. Crystal blue waters, amazing food and a welcoming atmosphere will beckon you to leave your honeymoon suite at least once in a while.

The Alps, Switzerland

Photo courtesy of Weddings and Flowers

While some couples prefer a tropical honeymoon, snow bunnies may prefer a Swiss honeymoon where they can ski picturesque slopes during the day and warm fires for nighttime snuggling. St. Moritz, Switzerland, pictures above, is famous for its honeymoon ski resorts.

Istanbul, Turkey

A stunning honeymoon destination

Why be like everyone else? Take a chance and spread your traveling wings. A trip to Istanbul, Turkey is an exotic way to spend time together as newlyweds. Rich in history and luxury, Istanbul will not disappoint.

 Thailand

Photo Courtesy of The New Indian Bride

Who says luxury honeymoons are only for the wealthy? Thailand is an affordable honeymoon destination for the average newlywed couple. You may not be able to land digs quite as luxurious as the one pictures above, but clean properties with Western amenities can be found at reasonable prices. Don’t forget to indulge in the local cuisine and, just maybe, catch an elephant ride or two.

These six honeymoon destinations are incredible, but are you a couple who prefers to keep in simple and stay stateside? No fear. Our Top 10 list of desirable honeymoon locales continues with four spectacular locations in the United States. Read here for our final four desirable honeymoon locations.

Previously, we brought to you six out of ten desirable honeymoon locations for newlyweds: Kenya, Provence, Switzerland, Turkey and Thailand. However, we recognize that some newlyweds prefer to stick closer to home within the borders of the United States. Here are four unexpected places to visit on your honeymoon that will afford you memories to cherish.

Mystic, Connecticut

Photo Courtesy of Destination I Do Magazine

Some people may only connect Mystic to pizza thanks to one of Julia Robert’s first films about a pizza joint called Mystic Pizza. However, if you and your groom enjoy the water and are looking for a charming location to forget about the rest of the world for a few days, this New England town is the perfect place. Here you will find endearing bed and breakfast establishments, family-owned restaurants and enough romantic charm for a three honeymoons. The prices here are reasonable, too. Always a plus, right?

Cumberland Island, Georgia

One of Cumberland Island’s deserted beaches

This remote island off the Georgia coast, accessible only by a daily boat ride, is a remote and relaxing way to spend your honeymoon without interference from the outside world. For true adventurers, you could rough it in the rustic camping areas, but if you prefer your water and electricity try the Greyfield Inn. The only property on the island that offers lodging and really the only place you will find electricity and other amenities. This island is home to feral horses, untouched beaches, plantation ruins and Southern charm.

Napa Valley, California

Napa Valley is the romantic honeymoon destination. Photo Courtesy of Napa Marriott.

If your budget will not allow for an Italian or a Provence honeymoon, the Napa Valley is just as spectacular and closer to home. Spend your evenings sipping wine, overlooking rolling hills. Looking for an adventure? Inquire about a hot air balloon ride over the wine country for a different perspective.

Lake Tahoe, California

Lake Tahoe, California. Photo courtesy of Google Images

The crystal blue waters of Lake Tahoe will trick you into believing you are in a tropical paradise. The mountains and jagged cliffs that rise out of the lake waters are breathtaking. Honeymooning in the winter? Consider adding a ski package to your honeymoon plans. Be sure to find a location with a hot tub to enjoy sizzling nights under the starry Lake Tahoe sky.

So, that’s it! Of course, these locales are only a few of the millions of choices for newlyweds to honeymoon. Where did you spend your honeymoon?