Travel and romance go hand in hand. Too many movies to count base their stories on a romantic trip to an exotic location. It is what many of us aspire to for our own personal vacation time; but romantic destinations can mean different things to different couples. Whether you seek a thrilling adventure, or a few days of relaxation and repose, check out our top 10 favorite romantic destinations to help you plan your next getaway.
10. Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica
Costa Rica offers the perfect combination of exciting outdoor activities and relaxing romantic escapes for travelers seeing “pura vida”. The entire country provides beautiful landscapes from dense rainforests and epic volcanoes, to healing hot springs and breathtaking beaches. The Peninsula Papagayo is a unique area on the north Pacific coast in the northwest province of Guanacaste. It is home to 31 separate beaches and a host of luxury hotels including the Andaz Peninsula Papagayo. For active guests, the hotel offers snorkeling right off the beach, jet ski rentals and boat charters, and day trips to national parks. Alternatively, guests can visit the luxury spa, take a ceviche making class, or indulge in one of several themed restaurants. Learn more.
9. Corfu, Greece
North Corfu is beautifully mountainous with a stunning jagged coastline, while the center is home to rolling fields. The southern part of the island becomes flatter, with regal cypresses rising from the land’s olive groves. Full of Greek history and mythological tales, this “beautiful and rich land,” as Homer described, remains proud of its artistic and intellectual past. Why not try a romantic wine and olive oil tasting while you bask in the beauty of the island? This tour begins with a scenic drive through the countryside to “Triklino Vineyard” situated in Pelekas. Local varieties of grapes are grown in which traditional oil and wine production tools are displayed. Taste the handcrafted wines and olive oil together with a traditional meze for an exceptional memory you two won’t forget. Learn More.
8. Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Formerly a quaint fishing village on Jamaica’s northeast coast, Ocho Rios boasts beautiful beaches, luxuriant rainforests, and plenty of activities like horseback riding, swimming with dolphins, and rafting on the White River. Explore the beautiful waterfalls that quietly flow through the natural beauty of the island. Our choice for a romantic resort here is Jamaica Inn complete with a complimentary boat ride to Dunn’s River Falls for 2 people including entry to climb the falls. Learn more.
7. Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Bora Bora is one of the most aqua-centric destinations perhaps on Earth. Relax with your loved one on the picturesque beaches, and explore the lush hiking trails around the mountains. We know you've thought of the over-water bungalow as pure relaxation, so why not make it a reality? Our recommendation is to go all out here. Start off with a few nights at the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora before heading off on an unforgettable Paul Gauguin Cruise. Learn more.
6. Riviera Maya, Mexico
If you love to relax on the beach, serenaded by the gentile ocean waves, we suggest visiting the Riviera Maya along the Yucatan’s northern Caribbean coast. This destination is filled with activities for you to do as much or as little as you desire. Dive along the Great Mesoamerican Reef, explore the stalactites and stalagmites in Akumal’s Aktun Chen, snorkel in caverns at Hidden World Cenotes, swim with dolphins or in an underground river at Xcaret park, and discover Mayan ruins at Tulum and Coba. If you want to add a bit of excitement to your romantic getaway, why not try this Private Whale Shark Tour complete with a fish ceviche lunch? Learn more.
5. Bavaria, Germany
What could be more romantic than visiting the area that inspired many of the world’s most treasured fairy tales? Enjoy the Fairy Tale route from Hanau to Bremen with stops through several medieval villages including the home of the Brothers Grimm. The 19th-century Neuschwanstein castle in the Bavaria region inspired Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. The summers offer beautiful hiking in the Bavarian Alps, and of course the lively biergartens are not to be missed with their sky-high steins of wheat beer and delicious pretzels and sausages. Learn more.
4. Napa, California
Chances are you'll be sipping a few glasses of vino on your trip to Napa but there's much more to this beautiful destination than just wine tasting tours. The Spice Islands Marketplace, the Hess Collection, amazing golf and tennis venues, balloon tours, and music venues are all wonderful ideas in this romantic town. Use your complimentary $100 spa credit towards a romantic couples massage at the Carneros Resort and Spa and then cuddle up by the fireplace in your guest cottage. Learn more.
3. Honolulu, Hawaii
Honolulu is the state capital and largest city of Hawaii. There's a ton to see and do on this magical island. Check out the Royal Hawaiian Center, Diamond Head, the USS Arizona (Pearl Harbor) museum and memorial, the King Kamehameha Statue on Waikiki Beach, and much more. Relax on the quiet beach of The Kahala Hotel & Resort before swimming with the dolphins in their private lagoon. Learn more.
2. Capri, Italy
Celebrities flock here for the plethora of luxury hotels and designer labels; you never know who you might see sipping an aperitif in café-lined Piazza Umberto I. Wind your way through the cobblestone streets of the town and pick your favorite flavor of gelato at a corner shop. Take a boat tour of the Grotta Azzurra (Blue Grotto), meander past 19th-century forts on the Sentiero dei Fortini, visit the soaring Arco Naturale stone arch, and hike up to Villa Jovis’ Roman ruins for panoramic views. Settle into the J.K. Place Capri like you would your own luxury villa on the cliffs above Marina Grande. Learn more.
1. Paris, France
With its wealth of romantic venues, Paris is our top choice for a romantic vacation with your loved one. Admire the classic skyline from atop the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the steps of Sacré-Cœur, or the rooftop terrace of the Galeries Lafayette (a Parisian secret). There’s no shortage of exquisite restaurants, but remember that Paris’ parks are perfect for private picnics for two. Have some fun together on a Tour of Giverny, Monet's House & Gardens and discover Monet’s personal universe. Learn more.