Can Your Honeymoon Destination Predict Your Marital Happiness? New research suggests this could be possible! | News
The newlyweds dreaming of La Dolce Vita may be on to something. A new survey of 2,000 adults shows that people who honeymoon in Italy are the most likely to report having a “happy marriage.”
Hyatt1 commissioned a survey of people’s honeymoon destinations and asked them to share their current marital status, offering options like “happily married,” “unhappily married” and “divorced.” The boot-shaped country topped the list, with 87.5% of people who honeymooned there reporting they were still ‘happily married’2. This should come as no surprise as a host of Hollywood stars and Glastonbury headliners have decided to honeymoon in the spot famous for pizza, pasta and Prosecco.
Thailand came in second with 86.7% of people who honeymooned in the Land of Smiles reporting they were ‘happily married’, followed by Indonesia with 85.2%. Jamaica (84.6%) came fourth, just ahead of Portugal (84.2%). The US (81.9%) followed, closely followed by Japan (81.8%). The top 10 was completed by the Maldives and Mauritius (both 81.3%) and Spain (79.6%). The findings provide a fascinating counterpoint to ONS data3 showing that around 42% of marriages in Britain end in divorce.
Interestingly, Britain itself is the most common honeymoon destination for Brits, despite Italy hosting the couples most likely to say they are ‘happily married’ – with more than a third (34%) of respondents staying on home soil. However, only 76.4% of these couples reported being ‘happily married’, suggesting it may be worth moving further afield.
Michel Morauw, Managing Director North EAME at Hyatt said: “A honeymoon is typically the first big trip couples take after getting married, so it’s no surprise that people remember where they went and what that trip felt like. While Italy ranked highest in this survey, it’s clear that every couple wants a destination that feels special, memorable and allows them to get away from the distractions of everyday life. Whether couples are looking for a sun-drenched beach resort, a cosmopolitan city hotel or a secluded luxury sanctuary, at Hyatt, we are committed to creating stays that newlyweds will remember long after their trip – no matter the location they choose.”
The makeup of the perfect honeymoon
What does the ideal post-wedding outing look like? According to respondents in the Hyatt Vows & Venues survey, the perfect honeymoon lasts 13 days and costs £9,610. Almost half (45%) of people say they prefer a classic beach holiday, while one in five (20%) prefer a city trip. Cruises appealed to 17% of people and 8% opted for an adventure holiday.
The research went further and discovered the reasons we choose our honeymoon locations, with weather topping the list for almost half (47%) and value for money second (45%). Other important considerations for respondents include romantic appeal (24%), travel time (21%), access to local attractions (19%) and hotel brand reputation (18%). A small but notable 5% admit that Instagram worthiness influences their decision.
And when it comes to where we stay, according to respondents, the most important aspect is that a hotel has an all-inclusive option (40%) and is close to the beach (27%). Apparently we also like a private pool or hot tub (19%), breakfast in bed (12%) and good food (10%).
Room for one more?
The Vows & Venues research also showed a shift in the way newlyweds celebrate, with more than a third (35%) considering a ‘buddy moon’ – where close friends join a newlywed couple for all or part of their honeymoon. Half of us would consider an “early moon” (a pre-wedding getaway), and 47% are open to “mini moons” (shorter trips) or a “multi-location moon” (hopping between destinations).
Morauw added: “Hyatt is well positioned to meet this demand across its portfolio of properties in Italy, Thailand, Spain, France and beyond, providing the space, service and expertise to organize honeymoons, destination weddings and the celebratory moments in between. With romantic locations, specialist honeymoon packages, bespoke experiences and unparalleled hospitality, we create tailor-made getaways that reflect each couple’s unique love story.”
Whether you’re drawn to the timeless romance of Italy, the tropical allure of Thailand or the convenience of a staycation in Britain, one thing is clear: the honeymoon you choose could well set the tone for the wedding that follows.
TOP 10 HONEYMOON DESTINATIONS WHERE COUPLES REPORT THEY ARE STILL ‘HAPPY MARRIED’
Italy (87.5%)
Thailand (86.7%)
Indonesia (85.2%)
Jamaica (84.6%)
Portugal (84.2%)
USA (81.9%)
Japan (81.8%)
Maldives (81.3%)
Mauritius (81.3%)
Spain (79.6%)
TOP 10 FAVORITE HONEYMOON DESTINATIONS
UK (34%)
Italy (12%)
Spain (8%)
Maldives (8%)
USA (8%)
France (4%)
Greece (4%)
St. Lucia (2%)
South Africa (2%)
Portugal (2%)
