The one nation you need to go to on honeymoon if you would like a cheerful marriage

Newlyweds who honeymoon in one specific European country are the most likely to enjoy a happy marriage, according to new research from Hyatt

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Newlyweds who have their first break in Italy are the most likely to have a happy marriage, new research has revealed.

The boot-shaped country came out top in a survey, with 88% of couples reporting to still be ‘happily married’ after holidaying there.

Hyatt polled 2,000 couples on their honeymoon choices and cross-referenced this with the ‘success’ of their current marriage.

And maybe it should come as no surprise after a host of Hollywood stars and Glastonbury headliners have in the past decided to celebrate their nuptials there.

Last year, Brit popstar Charlie XCX headed to Sicily for her second wedding, and more recently, Dua Lipa and Callum Turner have been rumoured to be tying the knot there too.

Second on the list was Thailand, with 87% of people who honeymooned there reporting they are happily married, while Indonesia followed in third at 85%.

Jamaica (84.6%) was fourth, ahead of Portugal (84.2%), and the USA (81.9%) was next, just ahead of Japan (81.8%).

The insight into honeymoon destinations comes as part of Hyatt’s Vows & Venues study, which delved into how wedding and honeymoon preferences are changing.

According to those surveyed, the perfect honeymoon lasts 13 days, with the ideal amount to spend on the getaway coming in at £9,610.

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.

“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 everyday distractions.

“Whether couples are looking for a sun-soaked beach resort, cosmopolitan city hotel or secluded luxury retreat, at Hyatt, we’re dedicated to creating stays that newlyweds will remember long after their trips ends – no matter the location they choose.”

One happy couple that tied the knot and then spent their honeymoon in Italy was Becky Stanton, 39, and her husband, James, 38, from Wiltshire.

They got hitched in 2018 before spending five days on a romantic honeymoon on the Amalfi Coast.

The couple think that the people and food of Italy make it the perfect place for any newlyweds. Becky said the infectious romantic Italian way of life, made them ‘savour every moment’

After tying the knot in Lake Garda, the couple headed along the coast and Becky said:

“I feel like Italian life is slow in the best way possible. It feels so connected and grounded, and that’s how they made us feel.”

The most important part of almost every bride’s big day is the wedding dress, and Becky said that despite having a husband who is a major in the army, she felt the need to get extra protection for her dress…and booked its own seat on their flight.

The mum-of-one said that their intimate wedding with around 50 guests is still being talked about eight years on from the big day.

She said: “It’s this beautiful memory that we have together. Our friends always say it was the best wedding they’ve been to, but I don’t think that’s because of us, I think that’s because of where it was.”

Another happy couple are Nina Motylinski Davies, 44, and her husband, Jonathan Davies, 50, who have now been married for 14 years after honeymooning in Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast.

Nina, from Eastbourne, said Italy is the ‘anchor for romance’ and would love to go back to renew their vows in the near future.

She said: “It is the country of love. It was so romantic, everyone was around holding hands, and everyone just looked like they were in love.

“You just feel so wrapped up in it and the love of the country. There are other places, like you have the big showy places but it’s just not the same. In Italy, there is just more depth and more culture.

“You also have such an amazing history there and all the old buildings. It’s a place where people have been in love for centuries, and you walk in the footsteps of those people who have been in love there for lifetimes before.”

Antonia Gillespie, 38, and her husband, Chris, 41, chose to moon in Italy because of the breathtaking scenery.

The couple from Halesowen, in Birmingham, said it made them feel the ‘most in love they have ever been.’

The mum-of-one said the couple felt ‘even more in love than they ever have been before’ and it even brought out the sometimes-unseen romantic side of her husband.

She added: ‘Chris would always open every door, pull out the chair before we went to dinner, just all the little romantic things that I guess with kids sometimes get forgotten about.’

Completing the top ten list of destinations where people report they are still ‘happily married’ were the Maldives and Mauritius in joint ninth at 81.3%, followed by Spain at 79.6%.

But whilst it seems Italy hosts the couples who are most likely to say they are ‘happily married’, the most common honeymoon destination is the UK, with over a third (34%) of respondents staying on these shores post their wedding.

However, just over three-quarters (76%) of those who honeymooned in the UK reported a happily ever after.

When asked about their perfect honeymoon, it seems that people are still content to sit on a sun lounger, with nearly half (45%) saying a beach break was their ideal post-wedding trip.

It also said the weather was the top reason for honeymoon destinations (47%) and value for money next (45%).

Other important factors include if it’s a romantic destination (24%), how long it takes to get there (21%), access to local attractions (19%) and how the pictures will look on social media (5%).

And when it comes to the place we stay, the most important aspect according to respondents is that a hotel has an all-inclusive option (40%) and is close to the beach (27%)

Apparently, we’d also love a private pool or hot tub (19%), breakfast in bed (12%) and fine dining (10%).

The Hyatt Vows & Venues study also showed a shift in how newlyweds celebrate, with over a third (35%) considering a “buddy moon” – where close friends join a newlywed couple on 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 placed to serve this demand across its portfolio of properties in Italy, Thailand, Spain, France and beyond, offering the space, service and expertise to host honeymoons, destination weddings and the celebration moments in between.

“With romantic locations, specialist honeymoon packages, tailored experiences, and unrivalled hospitality, we create bespoke getaways that reflect each couple’s unique love story.”

TOP 10 HONEYMOON DESTINATIONS WHERE COUPLES REPORT THEY ARE STILL ‘HAPPILY MARRIED’

1. Italy (87.5%)

2. Thailand (86.7%)

3. Indonesia (85.2%)

4. Jamaica (84.6%)

5. Portugal (84.2%)

6. USA (81.9%)

7. Japan (81.8%)

8. = Maldives (81.3%)

8. = Mauritius (81.3)

10. Spain (79.6%)

TOP 10 FAVOURITE HONEYMOON DESTINATIONS

1. UK (34%)

2. Italy (12%)

3. = Spain (8%)

3. = Maldives (8%)

3. = USA (8%)

6. = France (4%)

6. = Greece (4%)

8. = St Lucia (2%)

8. = South Africa (2%)

8. = Portugal (2%)