After everything has been said and done, after all the festivities have come to an end and you are finally declared “husband and wife”, the one thing every couple looks forward to is their honeymoon. For many, a honeymoon is the first time the husband and wife are traveling to new unexplored locations. I know when I was getting married I spent many, many months trying to figure out where I wanted my wife and I to go. Below, I will share 5 Muslim friendly honeymoon ideas you and your special spouse should consider when planning out your first romantic trip.
Before you read any further, I want to save you lots of time, confusion and stress. If you are confused as to what would make the most romantic honeymoon or if you don’t have the finances to book your own private villa for a week, then trust me when I say this: ANY trip you take with your spouse for the first time will be very special. Even if it means staying in the same country or city and going out for a few days. It is the company and moments you spend together that will make this trip special. Not the location, not the luxurious private villa and especially not the extra cash you spend.
With that said, let’s look at a few halal, Mulsim friendly honeymoon options.
All-Inclusive Resort
Relaxing and laid back. All-inclusive resorts are the most popular option amongst most newlyweds and rightfully so. They are affordable, completely hands-off and luxurious. All-inclusive resorts are an excellent way to get to know each other. All you have to worry about is getting to the airport and once you’re there, everything from the flight, ground transportation, food, and accommodation is all taken care of.
If you do a quick search for all-inclusive resorts, you will see thousands of options. My particular area of choice is anywhere in one of the Carribean islands. Good packages can range anywhere from 500 per person to 2500 per person depending on where and how long you are going for. Cuba resorts tend to be cheaper and although due to the lower price point you are likely to see younger visitors and more of a party scene. Punta Cana and Mexico are also great options with excellent resorts. Jamacia is on the pricier side when it comes to resorts and general expenses but Jamaica also offers some great high-end resorts. My personal favorite is Sandals Ochi. The room I highly recommend is the Romeo and Juliet Honeymoon Villa with Private Pool which is basically your own private villa with a dedicated butler and pool. You can request to have a female butler beforehand so the wife does not have to worry about hijab because butlers are always popping by to see how you’re doing or bringing you something to eat or drink.
Cruise
All-inclusive cruises are similar to all-inclusive resorts. After you book your cruise, there really isn’t much you have to worry about. Accommodation and food are taken care of. All you have to figure out is how you will get to the cruise ship.
A common misconception many who have never been on a cruise have is that it will be boring and there will not be much to do. This is FAR from the truth. Usually, people who say this have never seen a cruise ship. These ships are absolutely enormous. They are floating buildings on the water. There are many activities to do on the ship, including shows, swimming pools, gyms, basketball court and much more. On top of all the entertainment and activities on the ship, most cruise routes dock at certain locations where you get to disembark the ship and explore the town you are in.
Norwegian Cruise Life, Royal Carribean, and Disney Cruise ships are able to accommodate for halal (or kosher) meals on certain routes but you need to inform well in advance. Cruise Critic is an excellent and comprehensive website that will help you decide which cruise you should book for your halal honeymoon!
Umrah
There is also lots to do in Makkah and Madinah that you can do together. Going to historical sights, climbing Jabal Al-Nour and eating all the halal food your heart desires. Jeddah is not too far from Makkah and has plenty of things to do as well. If visas are open then Umrah can be an uplifting, romantic and bonding experience with your spouse that will set your new life on the right trajectory. Insha’Allah.
Umrah is a popular destination for new couples. Many couples like to start off their relationship on the right foot by visiting the House of Allah. It’s an excellent option and may Allah reward you for your good intentions. Umrah can be an affordable trip if done right. Performing tawaf together or just gazing upon the Kabah is truly a bonding experience.
I have a whole set of posts relating to Umrah that will make your journey to the House of Allah easier and will give you an idea of how to prepare and what to expect. I also have a dedicated post on the top 5 hotels in Makkah.
Explore a new country
Exploring a new country with someone is one of the most bonding experiences a couple can have. Being in a new place, trying out new things and knowing no one in a country except your spouse is something special. If done right, in my personal opinion, this is the best option for a honeymoon. You will not get bored, you will come back with many wonderful memories and you will get an opportunity to explore a new culture.
I’ve had the privilege of traveling to many new countries with my spouse and the countries below are my top picks of Muslim friendly, halal honeymoon countries are:
Spain
Spain is where my wife and I went on our honeymoon. I had already backpacked through Spain a year before and found it to be absolutely beautiful. The weather, the people and the rich Islamic history. We have a detailed Spain Travel Guide highlighting exactly where you should go and what you should do.
Turkey
Turkey is no stranger when it comes to Muslim friendly honeymoon destinations. The country is blessed with beautiful weather, scenery, and food. Visiting the many Masjids is an experience in and of its own. Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Izmir are beautiful cities that can offer a safe and romantic environment for any new couple.
Canada
Canada, unlike other warmer countries, is the best visit in the summer months. The weather can be harsh in the winters especially in some southern areas. Canada is one of the friendliest places you’ll visit and there is lots to do in major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa, and Montreal. If you want to experience nature and see Allah’s beautiful creation then head over to Banff and Jasper National Parks near Calgary, Alberta of check out one of the wonders of the world by visiting Niagara Falls, Ontario. We have a detailed Canada Travel Guide highlighting exactly what you should do, see and eat in Canada.
Switzerland
If you want to see stars up close, marvel over mountains and reflect on how tiny you are then Switzerland is the place to go. The scenery will completely blow you away. I have yet to see the mountains so beautiful and greenery so lush. I have been to Switzerland multiples time and I would go back again in a heartbeat. Check out the Switzerland Travel Guide for more details.
Malaysia
If you want to meet the nicest people in the world, enjoy warm weather and see beautiful Masjids than look no further than Malaysia. A true gem of a country located right above Singapore. Malaysia is affordable, beautiful and most importantly a very Muslim friendly honeymoon destination.
Backpacking
This Muslim friendly honeymoon is for those who are a bit more adventurous and not recommended for every new couple. Before you go this route, you need to make sure that both you and your spouse are up for a hectic, cheap and adventurous trip. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea and it’s very likely one spouse might be expecting a more romantic and relaxing getaway. Backpacking can be a lot of fun, especially if you make the effort to experience new cultures, food and ways of life.
When it comes to backpacking safely and comfortably as a new Muslim couple, you need to keep in mind where are you traveling and where you are staying. Backpacking usually entails staying in Hostels which I don’t recommend. When you staying in a hostel you are either staying in an all-male or all-female room or you are sharing a room with both males and females. Some hostels do offer private rooms, so if you are looking to save some money then that is an option. My recommendation, however, is if you are going with your spouse for the first time, it makes sense to stay in a hotel with a private washroom and private room.
In terms of location, here are many many options, Allhumdulilah. If you want to be backpack on a budget than South-east Asia is an ideal location. Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia are excellent options. Finding halal food, masjids, and friendly people will not be a problem here.
Backpacking through Europe is also a great option. Due to the ease of traveling between countries, you can explore a lot of places in a short amount of time for a low cost. Check out Spain, Hungary, Czech Republic, Austria.
In Conclusion…
I want to emphasize and reiterate again that don’t dwell upon your honeymoon destination too much. Don’t get lost in the nitty-gritty of planning out the most epic honeymoon. Rather, my sincere advice to you is to pick one of the options above and go with it. Don’t let money get in the way of you thinking that the trip will not be special because you have not spent an X amount of dollars.
The honeymoon will always be special because your spouse’s company is what will make it special. Not the location, the money and not the luxury.
May Allah shower His mercy upon you and your spouse, may Allah shower His infinite mercy upon your marriage and may he exponentially increase the love between both of you. insha’Allah.
If you have any questions you can connect with me on Instagram.