By Betsy Goldberg
Looking to treat your true love (and yourself) to a romantic getaway? Wondering where the hottest spots for romance are around the world. Going Places Travel has 10 great ideas for your romantic travels.
But why should honeymooners have all the fun? Capture the excitement of a newlyweds’ voyage by visiting these top destinations for a romantic getaway.
1. Italy
La dolce vita indeed! This ever-popular country seems tailor-made for a romantic getaway.
Stroll from village to village in the picturesque Cinque Terre region. Don’t miss the trail between Riomaggiore to Manarola, known as the Love Walk. It received its name because the path provided an easy way for young lovers in the two towns to unite.
Or take a gondola ride along Venice’s canals, then explore its narrow streets. Cap off your wanderings by toasting each other with Bellinis at their watering hole of origin, Harry’s Bar.
Lake Como’s idyllic setting is perfect for romance. Stay at a stunning villa, visit quaint resort towns, and enjoy great views of the surrounding mountains.
Verona was the hometown of arguably literature’s greatest couple. There, visit the house said to belong to the real-life Juliet. You’ll even see the balcony where she allegedly stood when Romeo courted her by moonlight.
2. Maui
Warm weather. Gorgeous beaches. Palm trees. Tropical flowers. Breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. Maui is perfect for a romantic getaway.
Delight in the coastal views you’ll encounter while driving along the road to the historic village of Hana. Head to Haleakala Crater to experience the dramatic sunrise 10,000 feet above sea level. Sail away on a sunset cruise and enjoy traditional Hawaiian cuisine and music. Take in even more local culture at a luau, where you’ll sip Mai Tais, wear fragrant leis and dine on dishes such as kalua pork and lomi lomi salmon.
3. French Polynesia
Nothing symbolizes romance like a couple ensconced in their own private overwater bungalow. And French Polynesia specializes in the luxurious thatched-roof accommodations. Enjoy cold drinks from your balcony. Jump into the gorgeous water for a refreshing dip. Or admire the view of colorful fish swimming by from the window in your floor.
If you ever leave the welcoming bungalow, discover the dramatic mountain views and lush greenery of the islands. Inhale the fragrance of local flowers such as the gardenia, and the famed Tahitian vanilla. Pick up a souvenir fashioned of iridescent Tahitian black pearls.
4. Maldives
The Asian island nation is made for romance. It features glistening white sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, swaying palm trees, lush green forests, plenty of luxury resorts and a peaceful pace of life. Spend a day hopping to some of the 200 inhabited islands. Take a swim (or snorkel, or dive) and spot exotic tropical fish and magnificent coral reefs. Or enjoy a quiet village stroll along sandy streets and spy the day’s catch being unloaded.
In the evening, capture your own meal on a moonlight fishing expedition. Or savor a private beachside candlelit dinner barefoot in the sand.
5. Mexico
Mexico has all the ingredients for the perfect romantic destination: great weather, scenic beaches, striking natural beauty. Cool off with a refreshing margarita under a beach palapa or in a poolside cabana. Feast on fresh seafood – perhaps grilled shrimp, a ceviche or fish in coconut-chile sauce.
Mexico also features charming towns worth a wander. Roam the streets of fishing villages like Sayulita or Zihuatanejo. Explore colonial locales such as San Miguel de Allende or Oaxaca. The majesty of archaeological sites such as Chichen Itza, Uxmal, and Tulum (with its waterfront setting) will take your breath away.
6) France
France’s historic cities and towns, world-renowned wines and delectable cuisine create an undeniably romantic mood.
Paris is the country’s crown jewel for a romantic getaway. Head to the top of the Eiffel Tower for a breathtaking city view. Then get lost in the streets of a charming area such as Montmartre, the Latin Quarter or Ile de la Cite.
Outside the City of Light, meander your way through vineyards in the fabled wine regions of Champagne, Beaujolais and Burgundy. If you prefer grand history, visit chateau country in the Loire Valley. Soak up sun instead? Head for Provence and the French Riviera. Looking for a more active experience? Picturesque ski villages abound, such as Courchevel and Megeve.
7. Bali
In addition to the gorgeous weather and scenery, Bali’s cities and towns offer a multitude of opportunities for a romantic getaway. Hip Seminyak features plenty of restaurants with memorable local delicacies such as roast pork and Indonesian standards like nasi goreng (fried rice).
On the scenic side, Ubud is surrounded by lush rolling rice paddies. It’s the artistic and literary hub of the island. Enjoy a music or dance performance, visit art galleries or stroll through craft markets.
Nusa Dua is famed for its long beaches with soft white sand beckoning you for a romantic stroll. Also get back to nature with a glass-bottomed boat ride to Serangan Island and its turtle-conservation area.
8. St. Lucia
To visit St. Lucia is to experience pristine nature. It’s a setting perfect for a romantic getaway, with its backdrop of gorgeous palm-fringed beaches, unspoiled rainforest, scenic waterfalls and the majestic Piton Mountains. The warmth of the locals and authentic culture enhance the appeal of this island paradise.
Adventurous couples will find romance in rainforest zip-lining, surfing in the warm ocean or hiking to the summit of Gros Piton mountain. Others will want to relax in this lush tropical setting, opting for a sunset cruise complete with Champagne or dancing to the rhythms of local musicians.
9. Fiji
From your beachfront bure (Fijian cottage), delight in views of the sapphire sea, green hills and lagoons. Relax on your veranda’s daybed or hammock for two as you take in the scenery.
Or seek adventures farther afield. A romantic picnic on your own idyllic private island, with sparkling wine, lobster and tropical fruit. Or a sunset stroll along the silky sand of a beach lined with palm trees. Trek through rainforests to cool off in waterfalls. Or bathe in a thermal mud pool, believed to have healing properties. Finally, relax with a traditional Fijian balancing bobo treatment for two in a bure or on the beach.
10. Turks and Caicos
The 40 islands and cays of Turks and Caicos enjoy 350 days of sunshine a year, and 83-degree temperatures to accompany that sun.
Romantics will want to sink their toes into the soft white sand of Grace Bay Beach. The three-mile-long beach in Providenciales is consistently named one of the world’s best beaches.
The country is also home to the world’s third largest barrier reef. Snorkel hand in hand through the amazing turquoise water and take in the beautiful sight of the coral. You might even hear the sounds of nearby humpback whales as you’re swimming.
For more adventure, go spelunking in the large limestone caves of Middle Caicos, with their thick stalactites and stalagmites.
Booking Your Romantic Getaway
Want to escape for a romantic journey? Contact a Going Places Travel advisor. They’ll partner with you to design a trip filled with plenty of special moments and memorable experiences.
