No man is an island, but for couples seeking an intimate getaway, the literal insularity of an island destination holds a lot of appeal. Newlyweds often need to recharge their batteries as well as celebrate their spark, so an island honeymoon can provide a sense of separation from the whirlwind of the wedding as well as a relatively compact area to explore once rejuvenated.
Here are three newly renovated oceanfront resorts in Hawai‘i and Thailand that offer cocoon-worthy rooms and suites, notable dining and romantic experiences onsite, plus opportunities for light adventure within a short distance. Not-yet-engaged couples, take note: These properties also provide the perfect setting for popping the question.
KAUA‘I
Just a couple of miles from the Līhu‘e airport, OUTRIGGER Kaua‘i Beach Resort & Spa is its own verdant oasis in the center of the Garden Isle, with multiple pools inviting guests to linger onsite. Once couples have caught their breath, there’s a wealth of nearby activities, trails and restaurants to explore.
Room with a view: Book one of the newly remodeled oceanfront club rooms for a dazzling view of sparkling waves as well as a king bed, love seat and furnishings in natural materials and a sand-and-blue palette. Access to the new Voyager 47 Club Lounge, opening in fall 2026, includes a buffet breakfast with tropical juices, seasonal fruit, pastries and hot dishes such French toast with warm coconut syrup, scrambled eggs and Portuguese sausage, among other fare. Return to the indoor/outdoor garden lounge for sunset cocktails, wine and craft beer, paired with nibbles of charcuterie, crudités and salads, plus daily specials such as poke bowls and teriyaki skewers.
Divine dining: Ocean House, the newest restaurant by celebrated Hawai‘i Regional Cuisine cofounder Roy Yamaguchi, debuts in June 2026 with a menu inspired by the sea, the agricultural bounty of Kaua‘i and the multiethnic local cultures. Start with fresh sashimi and sushi, then order a luau plate and hot noodles to share.
Romantic touch: Rise early for the sunrise beachfront ceremony led by cultural practitioner Kumu Maka Herrod, then stroll along the uncrowded white sands of 2-mile Nukoli‘i Beach, best suited to beachcombing, to Lydgate Park and back.
Adventure time: Rent a tandem kayak and admire the fringing green mountains while paddling the Wailua River on your own, or go on a guided kayak tour that includes a hike to ‘Uluwehi (Secret) Falls. In both cases, Wailua Kayak Adventures will make sure you’re among the first on the river, with tour groups kept deliberately small.
HAWAI‘I ISLAND
Set on 27 oceanfront acres lined with lava rock cliffs, OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa boasts easy access to Kailua-Kona’s sandy beaches and bustling nightlife as well as Kona coffee farms, quaint plantation towns and local-style restaurants. A scenic 90-mile drive leads to the dramatic sights of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, a fascinating destination even when lava isn’t fountaining every few weeks, as it has been for over a year.
Room with a view: For plenty of room to relax and admire spectacular views, book one of the recently renovated club oceanfront suites, which include a separate bedroom, living area and lanai (balcony) with seating; the deluxe version comes with a sprawling sun deck with a four-poster day bed as well as table and chairs with a Riviera-style umbrella. Club rooms can enjoy daily island-sourced breakfasts with Kona coffee and sunset drinks and pupus (appetizers) in the ocean-view Voyager 47 Club Lounge, and receive free daily valet parking—a plus for couples planning lots of excursions.
Divine dining: While the new Duke’s oceanfront restaurant is expected to open later this year, the twice-weekly Feast & Fire luau makes for a magical night of authentic hula, vivid Hawaiian storytelling and top-notch island cuisine under the stars. The Polynesian fire dancing at the end will definitely get hearts pumping, too.
Romantic touch: Book a couples massage from the onsite Asana Spa, then relax on a private daybed by the tranquil adult pool, perhaps with a mango mojito and fish tacos from Holua Poolside Bar & Lounge.
Adventure time: A short walk to Keauhou Bay brings all kinds of water activities into play, including kayaking, stand-up paddling and nighttime snorkels and dives among giant, ethereal manta rays. The most eco-friendly and intimate combination of experiences is the night snorkel on a double-hulled outrigger canoe (wa‘a kaulua) led by Anelakai Adventures, a Native Hawaiian family-owned company that also offers morning cultural tours with snorkeling amid reef fish.
PHI PHI ISLAND, THAILAND
Set along the secluded white sand of Laem Tong Beach on the northern tip of Phi Phi Island, the 63 villas of OUTRIGGER Phi Phi Island Resort can only be reached by boat. The pristine coastline, which lies within a national park, is home to stunning limestone cliffs and vibrant coral reefs, while the newly opened resort is a wellness sanctuary with open-air yoga salon, state-of-the-art fitness center, lap pool and spa services.
Room with a view: The nearly 1,300-square-foot Hilltop Ocean View Pool Villa features panoramic Andaman Sea views and exquisite privacy, due to its perch above the lush tree line. Besides a private pool and large sun deck, highlights include the spa-like bathroom with a deep soaking tub and the high ceilings and gracious Thai touches in the roomy living and sleeping areas.
Divine dining: Edgewater Bar & Grill creates beachfront date nights with live acoustic music, grilled seafood and cocktails. To make even more special memories, book a five-course, chef’s table experience or a private, candlelit beach dinner for two. Couples can also take home some Thai culinary skills, thanks to a private seaside cooking class with Iron Chef Thailand winner Chef Satya Beeknoo.
Romantic touch: Book a relaxing in-villa spa treatment such as the Serenity Thai Herbal Massage, an Asian fusion treatment that combines herbal compresses with blended oils and customized massage pressure techniques, then amble over to the sand and sink into a cushion for a starlit Beach Movie Night, held three times a week.
Adventure time: Kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and snorkeling in the achingly clear water of the Andaman Sea reveal its colorful marine life, while easy hikes along the coast and through the forest lead to spectacular viewpoints.
