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| 25 Dream Destinations for Romantic Getaways |
Looking to rekindle the spark or planning a honeymoon? These 25 romantic destinations around the world are perfect for couples wanting quality time together surrounded by natural beauty, exciting activities, or cultural indulgences.
Why Take a Couple's Vacation?
A getaway designed specifically for two has numerous benefits beyond the obvious one of uninterrupted togetherness. Romantic vacations can bring you closer emotionally and physically, strengthen communication, reduce stress, and make you appreciate each other more.
Exploring new destinations together also creates lasting memories and inside jokes you’ll fondly look back on for years. Experiencing firsts alongside your significant other — whether it’s safari sightings, your inaugural attempt at skiing, or visits to famed landmarks — makes these monumental travel moments all the more special.
Choosing the Ideal Destination
When deciding on a locale for your romantic holiday, consider what you both enjoy and expect out of a vacation. Couples wanting total relaxation may lean toward beachside resorts or spa retreats. If you prefer an active getaway filled with exploration, opt for a location offering ample opportunities for adventure and outdoor recreation. Foodies will plan trips around culinary hot spots and wine regions.
You’ll also want to factor in your budget, the average weather conditions during your travel timeframe, and if you’re looking for seclusion or a lively atmosphere.
25 Top Spots for Romance
Dreamy Asia Destinations
Bali, Indonesia
Known as the “Island of Gods,” Bali enchants visitors with its lush green landscapes, intricate Hindu temples, rich culture, and renowned hospitality. You can fill your days lounging on pristine beaches in the southern peninsula, exploring verdant jungles and terraced rice paddies in central Bali, or discovering underwater marvels while scuba diving or snorkeling.
As the sun sets, the island comes alive. Head to hip Seminyak or Canggu for fancy cocktail bars and vibrant nightclubs. End an evening out by watching the waves crash along sandy shores under starry night skies.
Hakone, Japan
Escape the hustle of Tokyo for the therapeutic hot springs and postcard-worthy vistas of Hakone. Nestled in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, this popular getaway spot allows you to soak in steaming onsen baths, cruise scenic Lake Ashi, ride a cable car up Owakudani’s active volcano, and see iconic Mount Fuji from various angles. Top off romantic days filled with sightseeing and relaxation by staying in a traditional ryokan outfitted with tatami floors, futons, yukatas, and more onsen bathing.
Cappadocia, Turkey
Turkey’s Cappadocia region looks like something straight out of a fairy tale, with its unique geological formations and cave dwellings attracting lovebirds from around the globe. Admire the unusual contours of valleys dotted with towering rock cones during hot air balloon rides at sunrise or while gazing out windows carved into cliffsides.
Descend into fascinating underground cave systems in the area’s subterranean cities and explore Byzantine-era cave churches adorned with vivid frescoes. At night, stay in cone-capped cave hotels for an even more surreal experience.
European Hot Spots
Santorini, Greece
Recognized around the world for its iconic sunsets, dazzling blue and white architecture, and cliffside views, the Greek Island of Santorini tops many couples’ lists of dream destinations. Laze your days away beach hopping along the volcanic caldera before witnessing incredible sunsets that paint the evening sky in vibrant hues. Wander cobblestone streets to admire whitewashed homes and churches in cliffside villages like Oia and Firostefani. Partake in wine tastings harvested from the island’s nutrient-rich volcanic soil. With its striking scenery, upscale resorts, and romantic ambiance, Santorini was made for romantic getaways.
Paris, France
It comes as no surprise Paris is synonymous with love and romance. Strolling hand-in-hand along the Seine and through charming neighborhoods, you’ll be surrounded by French culture, exquisite cuisine, world-famous art, and iconic landmarks. Must-see sights include the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum. Save room for decadent pastries, cheeses, or multicourse French meals. Cap off perfect Parisian days curled up together people watching from a quaint sidewalk café.
Amalfi Coast, Italy
The dramatically beautiful Amalfi Coast may be Italy’s most iconic stretch of coastline. Sheer cliffs tower above charming seaside villages and secluded pebbled beaches lining Tyrrhenian Sea shores. Soak up impressive vistas while navigating winding cliffside roads. Explore pastel-hued villages like Positano and Ravello connected by steep stone staircases. Coastal hiking trails treat you to spectacular scenery with every turn. Unwind in your hotel’s infinity pool overlooking azure waters or indulge in world-class spa treatments.
Dalmatian Coast, Croatia
Sail into secluded coves and tiny ports along Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast aboard a private charter boat or yacht. Island hop to discover charming coastal towns like Šibenik, Trogir, and Primošten dotted with medieval architecture. Relax on isolated beaches and pebbly shores lapped by crystalline seas, with opportunities to swim, snorkel, kayak, and more. At night, dine under starry skies on freshly caught seafood paired with local wines before falling asleep to gentle ocean waves.
Cotswolds, England
Meandering country lanes connect impossibly quaint villages across the Cotswolds’ gently rolling green hills and limestone buildings with honey-colored stone roofs. Base yourself in a storybook town like Castle Combe or Tetbury before setting off to explore neighboring hamlets and countryside vistas. Pop into cozy pubs and teahouses for refreshments between sightseeing. Tour stately manors and gardens showcasing the region’s finest landscapes.
Fun & Exotic Safari Destinations
Tanzania
A once-in-a-lifetime romantic adventure awaits at Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park. Descend into Ngorongoro, the world’s largest intact caldera brimming with wildlife. Witness incredible scenes of predators chasing down prey across Serengeti’s sprawling grasslands during the Great Migration from July through October. Marvel at herds of elephants, zebras, wildebeests, and more roaming freely through both sites. Viewing this abundance of wildlife against picturesque backdrops of acacia trees or grassy plains will leave you awe-struck.
South Africa
Home to some of sub-Saharan Africa’s finest game reserves and national parks, South Africa promises unforgettable safari encounters for couples. Track the Big Five in Kruger National Park by open-top vehicle or on guided bush walks through diverse habitats supporting over 500 bird and 100 mammal species. Stay in luxurious lodges perched along Madikwe Game Reserve’s bushveld terrain, offering more exclusivity than some larger parks. Or enjoy safaris showcasing the Western Cape province’s incredible botanical diversity in Addo National Park.
Romantic North America Spots
Tulum, Mexico
Strike the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation with a visit to Tulum situated along Mexico’s Caribbean coastline. Unwind on picturesque beaches before exploring well-preserved Mayan ruins clustered along dramatic cliffsides. Cool off by swimming in cenotes, the region’s famed sinkholes filled with crystalline freshwater pools. Refuel with authentic Yucatán cuisine between adventures.
Whistler, Canada
Few things bring couples closer together than shared exhilarating experiences, like downhill skiing and snowboarding at Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort. Carve through powder glades and cruise groomers suited for all levels before warming up fireside with hot cocoa or cuddling close on ski lifts. Take a break from the slopes to wander Whistler Village’s lively pedestrian walkways lined with alpine-style shops, bars, and eateries.
Napa Valley, California
Wine tasting beneath sunny skies creates an idyllic backdrop for romance in California’s famous Napa Valley. Travel from vineyard to vineyard sampling world-class Cabernets and Chardonnays. Dine on farm-to-table fare between tastings or enjoy lavish multicourse meals at any of Napa’s outstanding restaurants. Retire each evening to luxurious accommodations with couples’ massages, soaking tubs, and fireplaces to set the mood.
Charleston, South Carolina
Brimming with old-world Southern charm, antebellum architecture, and coastal landscapes, Charleston captures hearts with its romantic ambiance. Stroll hand-in-hand through rainbow-hued neighborhoods and historic sites before admiring panoramic vistas of the city skyline and harbor from Waterfront Park. Enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides past grand mansions and lush gardens. Treat your taste buds by sampling Lowcountry cuisine at one of Charleston’s many extraordinary dining establishments.
Best Aussie & South Pacific Destinations
Whitsunday Islands, Australia
This tropical archipelago floating in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef treats couples to idyllic island settings amid some of the planet’s most vibrant marine life and ecosystems. Laze on Whitehaven Beach’s silky sands or beneath swaying palms on the islands’ secluded coves and bays. Snorkel vibrant reefs through turquoise waters or admire the coral menagerie through glass-bottom boats and semi-submersibles. Charter private yachts for exclusive access to lesser-known islands and beaches.
South Caicos, Turks & Caicos
Ringed by talcum-soft sand shores, shallow turquoise seas, and colorful coral reefs bursting with tropical fish, the remote South Caicos island in the Turks and Caicos archipelago feels like your own private Caribbean paradise. Check into secluded luxury resorts like Sailrock or Beach House, offering romantic beachfront suites, infinity pools, exquisite dining, and stunning sunsets over the Caribbean Sea.
Exotic & Adventurous South America
Easter Island, Chile
Shrouded in mystery, the remote Polynesian island of Easter Island promises adventurous couples ample intrigue along with incredible scenery. Decode the significance of the island’s enigmatic towering stone Moai monoliths left behind by Rapa Nui ancestors. Traverse rugged volcanic terrain by four-wheel drive or on horseback to discover petroglyph-covered cave systems, volcanic craters, and forested areas. Relax on palm-fringed beaches before witnessing vivid sunrises and sunsets. With daily flights from Santiago, Easter Island makes an exciting extension to Chilean travel itineraries.
Iguazú Falls, Argentina/Brazil Border
Situated between Argentina and Brazil, Iguazú Falls impresses lovebirds with its sheer vastness and awe-inspiring beauty as torrents thunder over 275 individual waterfalls spanning nearly two miles across lushly forested parks and islands. Get face to face with the thunderous Devil’s Throat cascade from lookout points suspended above the falls. Or marvel at nature’s force while walking the upper and lower observation circuits offering nonstop panoramas. Adventurous duos can add helicopters rides and jet-boating excursions for more heart-pounding thrills.
Activities & Experiences for Couples
Adventure & Nature Excursions
Hiking & Trekking
Navigating scenic trails alongside your significant other makes for exhilarating and romantic excursions surrounded by Mother Nature’s beauty. Handholding helps on steep sections of New Zealand’s iconic Multi-Day Great Walks traversing dramatic landscapes from lush rainforests to Alpine meadows. Peru’s Inca Trail combines moderate 4-day treks culminating at mystical Machu Picchu ruins with camping under clear night skies.
Snorkeling & Scuba Diving
Few underwater realms compare to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, where couples float weightlessly through vibrant coral gardens and schools of tropical fish at sites like Heart Reef. Schedule romantic night dives in the Maldives, where you may encounter sea turtles, sharks, and glowing plankton sparkling like underwater stars.
Safaris
Whether it’s seeing Africa’s Big Five for the first time or gasping simultaneously when a lion takes down a wildebeest in Tanzania’s Serengeti, wildlife safaris deliver unforgettably exciting shared moments. Spot elephants, hippos, zebras, and more mammals during romantic cruises along the Chobe River bordering Botswana and Namibia.
Relaxation & Wellness Treatments
Destination Spas
Pamper yourselves with rejuvenating experiences designed to melt away stress and strengthen your relationship’s foundations. Try fusion massage and bodywork therapies as a couple at luxury Thai spa resorts like Chiva-Som Hua Hin or The Sarojin. Enjoy outdoor hydrotherapies at New Zealand wellness retreat The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs, set amidst subtropical North Island landscapes.
Natural Hot Springs
Soaking in thermal mineral waters elicits feelings of relaxation and romance, especially when situated amid striking scenery. Japan boasts tranquil hot spring resorts called “onsen” towns at the base of Mount Fuji and in historic areas like Kyoto and Nara. New Zealand’s thermally active North Island harbors soothing springs with purported healing properties, such as hamlet Tapawera’s mineral-rich Rainbow Springs.
Idyllic Beaches
Swaying palms. Powder-soft sand. Turquoise waves lapping gently ashore. Iconic beaches worldwide set the stage for leisurely romantic getaways where you lounge carefree for hours. Visit world-famous stretches like Australia’s Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays Islands, voted one of the top beaches on the planet. Or escape to more remote yet equally picturesque strands on islands like The Baths at Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands.
Cultural & Culinary Pursuits
Wine Tasting Tours
Sip and savor your way through romantic wine regions like Tuscany, Bordeaux, Napa Valley, or South Africa’s Stellenbosch surrounded by rolling vineyards and charming towns. Sample bold Tempranillos in Spain’s Rioja Alavesa countryside dotted with bodegas. Embark on sweet wine trails through Sauternes, France crafting coveted bottles often enjoyed with foie gras.
Local Cuisine
Immerse yourselves in culinary capitals known for signature dishes that tantalize taste buds. Share Spanish tapas and sangria over lively conversation in Madrid or San Sebastián. Graze through pungent French cheeses and crusty baguettes purchased from Parisian markets and specialty fromageries. Become noodle connoisseurs by sampling various regional Vietnamese specialties – including hearty bowls of pho served for breakfast – while visiting Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
Historic Sites & Museums
Exploring UNESCO World Heritage sites and intriguing museums creates plenty of moments to walk arm in arm recounting your mutual adventures. Meander through intricately decorated Moorish architecture of Spain’s Alhambra Palace hand in hand. TRAVEL back to ancient times while discovering Egyptian mummies and King Tutankhamun’s golden sarcophagus at Cairo’s Museum of Egyptian Antiquities.
Romantic Experiences
Luxury Accommodations
Surround yourselves in opulence by booking lavish accommodations embellished with candles, rose petals, champagne, and couples’ spa treatments. Check into palatial overwater bungalows perched atop Maldivian lagoons. Soak in private hot tubs on secluded vineyard estate patios across Napa Valley. Experience English countryside manors converted into award-winning boutique hotels.
Sunset Cruises
Toast to your relationship against colorful evening skies illuminated brilliant shades of ruby, tangerine, and violet by the setting sun. Sip cocktails aboard catamarans drifting along Santorini’s caldera rim or during Champagne cruises along the Seine River with views of the Eiffel Tower. Or witness the elusive green flash phenomenon occurring just as the sun dips below horizons off Islands like Hawaii.
Exclusive Dining
Some of the world’s premier dining venues cater exclusively to couples craving intimacy. Book the Chef’s Table, nestled in the kitchen at three-Michelin-starred Alinea in Chicago. Try the 20-plus course tasting menu showcasing seasonal ingredients from Copenhagen’s Noma, lauded as one of the world’s best restaurants. Enjoy private dining experiences in natural settings through companies like Tanzania’s Asilia Africa or at medical wellness clinic Lanserhof Tegernsee’s restaurant overlooking Germany’s Bavarian Lake Tegern.
Romantic Vacation Tips & Ideas
- Charter private planes, yachts, or villas for exclusive couple time
- Learn something new together like cooking classes, pottery workshops, dance lessons
- Plan surprise picnics, adventures, or outings for your significant other
- Research activities unique to the destination like vodka tasting in Russia
- Focus evenings on date nights instead of extensive sightseeing
- Request rooms with stellar amenities like plunge pools, fireplaces, steam showers
- Book couples’ massages, facials, and wellness therapies
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should newlyweds go on a honeymoon?
Bora Bora, Maui, Santorini, and the Maldives rank among popular honeymoon spots worldwide thanks to their romantic overwater bungalows, postcard-worthy scenery, and couples-focused amenities.
What is the most romantic vacation destination?
Paris, France earns the top spot as the world’s most romantic getaway according to travelers thanks to its candlelit bistros, champagne cruises along the Seine, and iconic sights like the Eiffel Tower.
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