Italy Tops Honeymoon Destinations for Happy Marriages, Study Finds

A recent study by Hyatt has revealed that newlyweds who honeymoon in Italy are most likely to enjoy a happy marriage. The survey of 2,000 couples found that 88% of those who chose Italy for their post-wedding trip reported still being happily married, making it the top destination for marital bliss.

Top Honeymoon Destinations for Happy Marriages

Thailand secured second place, with 87% of couples reporting happiness, followed by Indonesia at 85%. Jamaica (84.6%), Portugal (84.2%), the USA (81.9%), and Japan (81.8%) also ranked highly. The Maldives and Mauritius tied at 81.3%, with Spain rounding out the top ten at 79.6%.

The findings come from Hyatt's Vows and Venues study, which examined evolving wedding and honeymoon preferences. According to the survey, the ideal honeymoon lasts 13 days with a budget of £9,610.

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Real Couples Share Their Italian Honeymoon Experiences

Becky Stanton, 39, and her husband James, 38, from Wiltshire, married in 2018 and honeymooned on the Amalfi Coast. Becky praised the Italian lifestyle, saying, 'Italian life is slow in the best way possible. It feels so connected and grounded.'

Nina Motylinski Davies, 44, and Jonathan Davies, 50, honeymooned in Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast 14 years ago. Nina called Italy 'the anchor for romance' and said, 'It is the country of love.'

Antonia Gillespie, 38, and her husband Chris, 41, from Birmingham, said their Italian honeymoon made them feel 'the most in love they have ever been,' with Chris showing a romantic side by opening doors and pulling out chairs.

Popularity of UK Honeymoons

Despite Italy's success, the most popular honeymoon destination remains the UK, with 34% of newlyweds staying on home soil. However, only 76% of those who honeymooned in the UK reported a happy marriage.

The survey also found that weather (47%) and value for money (45%) are top factors in choosing a honeymoon destination. Other considerations include romance (24%), travel time (21%), and proximity to attractions (19%).

Changing Honeymoon Trends

The study highlighted a shift in how couples celebrate, with 35% considering a 'buddy moon' (bringing friends along), 50% open to an 'early moon' (pre-wedding break), and 47% interested in 'mini moons' (shorter getaways).

Michel Morauw, Managing Director North EAME at Hyatt, said, 'A honeymoon is typically the first major trip couples take after getting married, so it's no surprise that people remember where they went and how that trip felt.'

Accommodation Preferences

When selecting a hotel, couples prioritize all-inclusive options (40%), beachfront locations (27%), private pools or hot tubs (19%), breakfast in bed (12%), and fine dining (10%).