Whether you’re a couple that finds romance in relaxation or in adventure, there’s always going to be that place that sparks the flame and sets the mood. For many, that means sand, sun and sparkling blue water.
For others, a vibrant cityscape full of culture and history. Some may find it most idyllic in the remote sanctuaries of undeveloped nature, immersed in the wilderness and well beyond the reach of a cell signal. Discover your personal paradise from our hit list of spots that will have you lovestruck at first sight–whether you’re looking to propose, honeymoon or simply get away. Whether you’re jet-setting with your significant other or looking to treat yourself to a bit of romance and inspiration, these unique, picturesque destinations will not disappoint.
Cayman Islands
Touch down on Grand Cayman and the beat of steel drums welcomes you into the island’s new and improved airport. The wealthiest island in the Caribbean, Grand Cayman has no shortage of celebrity restaurants, world-class shopping and incredible resorts to visit with your partner.
The latest luxury hotel to grace the white sands of Seven Mile Beach is the Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa. Spend the day sipping piña coladas from Coccoloba before taking a boat out to Stingray City for a different kind of romance. Legend has it, if you kiss one of their famously friendly stingrays you’ll have seven years of good luck. Then, spend sunset at the chic, newly renovated beach club The White House. Finish the evening off with a couple’s massage at the The Spa at Seafire.
Lake Tahoe, Nevada
On the border of Reno, Nevada sits one of the country’s most beautiful, cerulean freshwater lakes. Organize a ski weekend at the renowned Squaw Valley and grab a post-run cocktail at Terrace, a summit bar with panoramic views of the Sierras. This spring, cuddle up in the hot tub and play around in their new summit pool with incredible views and a pool bar.
After a long day of snowmobiling, skiing and dog sledding you’ll need to curl up with a glass of Napa red in front of the fireplace at the lakeside Hyatt Regency. If you’d rather stay closer to the airport and nightlife, the luxury boutique Whitney Peak Hotel has sophisticated suites and the world’s tallest rock climbing wall–for couple’s after a little bit of additional adventure. Reno also has plenty of couple’s activities to offer, from craft beer tasting at the Depot, a renovated old train station, to rolling the dice at the Peppermill Resort Hotel casino.
Northern Italy
The canals of Venice, the gastronomy of Florence and the Renaissance art of Milan are reason enough to visit Italy. Couple that with historically romantic Verona, and Northern Italy is a lovers haven.
If traveling on water is a favorite of yours (and it should be), cruise through the region on Uniworld’s Gems of Northern Italy for a leisurely, boutique experience with other like minded millennials in search of a couple’s getaway. Should you prefer to fly and drive, rent a chic car (Modena is home to the country’s best-known auto companies, from Maserati to Lamborghini) and spend your days cruising on land.
After a must-see trip to the Duomo in Firenze, spend some time at the Belmond Villa San Michele in Florence, a former 14th medieval monastery with sweeping views of the area. If being in the center of town is more your speed, a stay at J.K. Place or the Four Seasons Firenze are worth considering. If the outdoors are where you feel most in love, consider a wine tour of Tuscany, and book a day truffle hunting in the forest, capped off by a luxurious lunch where you’ll get to taste the fruits of your labor.
Or, head North to Lake Como, on the Swiss border. Stay in one of the area’s uber historic luxury hotels like Leading Hotels Of The World’s famous Villa D’Este and lounge by the “floating pool” overlooking Clooney’s favorite spots.
If you’re after something more intimate and stylish, check out the Grand Hotel Tremezzo, which boasts a floating pool as well, in addition to two additional pools intimately nestled in their gardens. If you’re looking for a truly otherworldly experience, plan an evening tour of the Grand Hotel Tremezzo’s neighboring villa, Villa Sola Cabiati. Enjoy a glass of champagne as you tour the historic villa, which has bedrooms in it designed for its founding Contessa and Napoleon Bonaparte. Enjoy a private dinner on premises and then head out for a sunset boat ride with a bottle of bubbly for another memorable moment.
Koh Samui, Thailand
Exotic white sand beaches lined with coconut groves and lush forests await on Thailand’s second largest island. Located in the Gulf of Thailand, the island is full of posh resorts like the Belmond Napasai Koh Samui, which welcomes you with fresh coconut ice cream upon arrival. Embrace the culture as a couple–practice couples’ Tai Chi on the beach, followed by a cooking class with your lifelong sous chef.
New Orleans, Louisiana
One of the United States’ most classically charming cities is also an ideal couple’s getaway. Ski the Hurricanes at Pat O’Brien’s and find a seat at the Hotel Monteleone’s rotating carousel bar. For stunning views of downtown head to the newly renovated Pontchartrain Hotel and their rooftop bar Hot Tin. Stay at the Ace Hotel and take advantage of their rooftop pool, equipped with lounge chairs, cocktails and snacks.
The Big Easy is known for its drinking–but don’t forget to sample some of the city’s most incredible meals. After one too many Sazeracs, splurge on crawfish, po-boys and swine fries at Bevi Seafood Co. Then, get into your Sunday best for a classic Creole dinner at Brennan’s, a French Quarter institution. In between meals, grab your honey’s hand a take a stroll through the picturesque mansions and tree-lined streets of the Garden District.
St. Lucia
This small Caribbean island is the ideal place for an adventurous couple. With more lush mountains than the average island, there are plenty of trails to climb for optimal views of the coast. You cannot go wrong with a stay at Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort, where their private beachfront feels like a slice of heaven and your hotel room feels more like a secluded bungalow with a private pool than the average luxury suite.
Water sports abound on the island, from snorkeling, sailing, windsurfing and boating. Plus, it’s just a short flight from the east coast of the United States, so you don’t have to fly far for a weekend away with your loved one.
Yaron Island, Japan
Known as the “Pearl Of The Orient,” this coral-surrounded island is Japan’s best kept romantic secret. Most people don’t think of pristine sand and reefs when they think of Japan, but this place is not to be missed. Take a ferry from Kagoshima or Okinawa to reach this Southern island paradise. Make sure you check ferry times–they only run once a day each way.
Spend a few nights at the Imperial Hotel Tokyo before you make your way south to this secluded island. Accommodation on the island is scarce, but you’ll be spending all your time at Yurigahama Beach anyway. This famous spot is a sandbar that only appears when its low tide during the spring and summer. Choose from locally run resorts like Pricia Resort Yoron or Hoshizunaso. Ask the owners where to find Misaki’s Shaved Ice and indulge in a big serving of it by the beach. This is the trip worth taking for couple’s who have seen it all when it comes to the Caribbean and Europe and are looking for something extraordinary.
Languedoc Roussillon, France
As France’s most underrated wine region, this laid back area has incredible chateaus to stay in and rosés to sip on. Book your own private chateau, owned by the region’s premiere wine-maker Gerard Bertrand. Château la Sauvageonne is an isolated property perched high over Bertrand’s rolling vineyards. Take a dip in the infinity pool while you sample some award-winning wines. Or, book a room with a wine tour at Château l’Hospitalet.
To live out your most romantic fantasies you can also book your own castle on Airbnb. Stroll through the market stalls of Les Halles de Narbonne, sample the region’s prized local olive, Lucques. La Cambuse du Saunier is the ideal date night for two. Go for the mussels or the Insta-worthy pink salt marsh overlooking the restaurant.
Bora Bora
This small South Pacific island is every couple’s number one place for romance–and with good reason. Stand in your overwater bungalow at the Four Seasons Bora Bora, looking down at the colorful fish and crystal clear water. This is one of the island’s most iconic properties with plenty to do besides lounging in a thatched roof cabana overlooking the lagoon. Book a treatment at the spa using holistic treatments, rent a stand up paddleboard or a waterbike, or simply lay out and enjoy the sun and sand.
For an authentically Polynesian stay, head to the Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort. If you’re planning to surprise a special someone, look at a number of romantic packages they offer. From here you can visit stunning Visit Matira Beach, rent jet skis and create his and her scents at the Coqui Coqui perfumery.
Iceland
Gazing up at the Northern Lights is a once in a lifetime experience for most. Doing that while relaxing in your private Blue Lagoon Retreat is a game changer. Starting on April 1st, you can stay at one of the new properties 62 elegant suites, TV-free for optimal one-on one time.
Once you’re both rejuvenated, rent a car and make your way around the Ring Road to pass active volcanoes, the Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, crystal ice caves and glaciers you can climb. Stop off at the Ion Adventure Hotel for ultimate seclusion and another chance to view the unforgettable Northern Lights.
Whitsunday Islands, Australia
Off the coast of Queensland, 74 islands make up the Whitsundays. The areas crown jewel is Whitehaven Beach, an impossibly turquoise isolated beach with squeaky white sand mixed throughout. You’ll need to take a sailboat out there when the tide is right and if you’re up to it, a helicopter ride to fully experience its beauty from above.
On the secluded tip of Hamilton Island, is Qualia, an ultra-modern escape with an equally stunning spa. Plan day trips out of Hamilton Island to go snorkel at the world’s most famous reef. If the season is right, you and your partner could catch a glimpse of the migrating whales.
Maldives
Another bucket-list destination for lovers young and old, the Maldives tops the charts for honeymoons and romantic respites alike. There is no shortage of high-end private overwater bungalows and secluded beaches to visit on over 1,000 coral islands that make up the Maldives. Let the kind people at Moodhu Holidays Maldives arrange flights and any special surprise moments.
This spring marks the opening of one of the island’s most anticipated properties, Leading Hotels Of The World’s new Baglioni Resort Maldives. This eco-friendly resort offers the finest modern features with Italian touches. The Kanuhura Maldives offers a more laid back boho-chic experience amongst the corals. Both properties have opulent spas perfect for a couple’s massage by the beach. If you are looking for optimal luxury, opt for a stay at Soneva Fushi, undoubtedly the islands’ most high-end resort. If you are after service you know and love in a place that seems far away and unfamiliar, Four Seasons Maldives and One & Only Reethi Rah never disappoint.
