Three Buzzy Honeymoon Locations in New England and Beyond

The Jacquard Hotel / Courtesy photo

HEAD WEST
Denver, Colorado

Close enough for a weekend getaway but robust enough for a much longer excursion, Colorado’s bustling capital offers just about everything you’d want in a honeymoon locale: a lively craft-beer scene to set the stage for heartfelt toasts, colorful street art to inspire your vacation selfies, and plenty of outdoor activities to keep that newlywed adrenaline pumping. Head to Logan for an easy direct flight, drop your bags at your new digs, and hit the pavement to explore the Mile High City. Considered one of the country’s most walkable urban areas, Denver is relatively easy to navigate by bike, too.

EAT: For a standout western eatery with a little East Coast flair, reserve a table for two at American Elm. The Brooklyn-inspired hot spot, which opened its doors in August 2019, stems from the dining experiences of owner Bob Reiter—a hospitality vet who cut his teeth at food and music venues in New York. Snag a seat out on the patio, where you can enjoy dishes such as crispy lollipop chicken wings or steak frites with bone-marrow butter. Want one more drink before you call it a night? Finish your local brew and Uber to Sotto Voce: Located below Jovanina’s Broken Italian restaurant, the recently opened, candlelit speakeasy offers unique absinthe offerings in addition to a roster of cocktails.

The Jacquard Hotel / Courtesy photo

STAY: Experience gorgeous mountain views poolside on the roof of the Jacquard Hotel, where you can watch the sun set before retiring to your room. Debuted in 2018, the modern property offers a range of accommodations for your postnuptial retreat. Book a king room, outfitted with floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase the Rockies, or splurge on an airy suite with custom furnishings and extra living space.

FLY EAST
Paris, France

Ah, Paris. Consistently ranked among the world’s most popular tourist destinations, the City of Light has long been revered as a hotbed of culture and romance—and for good reason. The chic metropolis, visited by more than 30 million people each year, woos locals and out-of-towners alike with centuries-old architecture, unrivaled history and art museums, and—thanks to more than 100 Michelin-starred restaurants—some of the finest food you’ll ever taste. So grab your passport and a French-American dictionary, and get ready to swoon.

EAT: You’d be hard-pressed to find a more photogenic venue for your first Parisian meal (or celebratory glass of red) than the opulent Le Train Bleu, located inside the Gare de Lyon railway station. Originally constructed in 1900, the Belle Époque masterpiece stuns with crystal chandeliers, fresco-style paintings, and inviting blue-leather banquettes—perfect for sinking into after a long day of traveling. Looking for something less touristy? Tuck into tuna tartare or marinated scallops courtesy of Le Chardenoux, in Bastille. After extensive renovations (and the creation of a new seafood-focused menu), the popular bistro reopened in early 2019.

Le train Bleu / Courtesy photo

STAY: In a city full of luxury lodging options, the historical Hotel Lutetia stands out with recently transformed guest rooms and five on-site dining options—including a restaurant overseen by acclaimed chef Gérald Passedat. Check into the two-level “Amour” suite, where you can marvel at the Eiffel Tower from your private terrace: Dressed up with ornate wrought-iron railings, it’s a cozy spot to sip the chilled champagne you’ll receive upon arrival.

KEEP IT LOCAL
Nantucket, Massachusetts

If your ideal respite from months of wedding planning calls for no more than the classic comforts of New England’s coast, train your sights on the peaceful shores of Nantucket. Inherently charming with stunning ocean views and historical cobblestone streets, the island makes easy work of recharging—and soaking up some much-needed alone time with the one you love. Book yourselves two seats on the fast ferry, pack a couple of books to read on the beach, and embrace an unplugged week in the sun—complete with gallery strolls, scenic bike rides, and all the lobster rolls you can handle.

EAT: New to the Nantucket restaurant scene in 2019, Or, the Whale—named as a nod to Herman Melville’s alternate title for Moby-Dick—welcomes diners with casual vibes and a solid lineup of American dishes. Pull up a chair at the bistro’s 22-seat oak bar, where you can snack on garlicky mussels while you wait for mains such as chicken pot pie with apple-and-arugula salad. For something a little fancier (read: romantic), make reservations at nearby Ventuno. An island staple since its opening in 2011, the beloved eatery serves up all sorts of Italian-inspired goodies, from house-made pasta dishes to fritto misto—a must-try combo of fried calamari, halibut, and shrimp.

The Wauwinet / Courtesy photo

STAY: Also a beloved wedding venue, the Wauwinet sets the bar for island hospitality with its immaculate waterfront grounds and plush rooms and suites. The luxe inn, which was completely revamped in 2019, teems with amenities for a newlywed couple: kayak and paddleboard rentals, lively cooking classes, access to private beaches, and room service from Topper’s, the Wauwinet’s dreamy indoor/outdoor restaurant. Oh, and did we mention the property’s daily cheese-and-wine hour? You’ll want to partake in that, too.

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