“Two heads are better than one” is very true of many real-world situations, including traveling. While there are great benefits to taking a solitary adventure, there are just as many rewards when you plan a trip with your significant other. Many couples find that they strengthen their connections with each other, develop common interests, and build a unique archive of memories they will cherish for the rest of their lives when they take vacations together.

Regardless of the type of traveler you are or your partner’s interests, consider one of these 10 varied and definitely romantic destinations for your next couples’ trip. Whether you and your partner enjoy relaxing on a tropical beach sipping piña coladas, admiring beautiful buildings in Europe, exploring the California coastline on a road trip, hiking in the Arizona desert, or scuba diving in Asia, you are sure to find the perfect place for your next getaway.

Here are the best romantic destinations for couples around the world.

Los Cabos, México

There are some exquisite five-star hotels with personalized service, and Las Ventanas al Paraiso is among them in Cabo San Lucas and nearby San José del Cabo, both of which are famous for their nightlife and luxury oceanfront resorts. Each year, couples visit this special place where desert meets mountain and ocean; the beautiful resorts have a high concentration of luxury hotels with exceptional service. The resort’s amenities and service level make it a luxurious destination for romantic couples. For example, couples staying at Las Ventanas may find their lover’s name written in the sand outside their beach cabana. Those spending time at Las Ventanas and others like it will not fail to return year after year. Las Ventanas’ spacious suites and its luxurious villas set the standard for luxury throughout Latin America.

Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Amsterdam has captured many people’s hearts because it is so romantic. There are so many winding canals, blooming gardens, and original buildings. Couples who come to the Netherlands in search of romance will never be at a loss for great museums, shops, galleries, and fabulous food! Some hotels also capture the city’s beauty, such as the Pulitzer Amsterdam and its Flower Collector’s Suite. This room has a very special atmosphere, with antique mirrors, natural light, and floral themes. It is reminiscent of a beautiful apartment, with a private exterior entrance and a small sofa area overlooking the canals.

Another popular choice among couples is De L’Europe Hotel on the Amstel River. The hotel has been described as soft, inviting, and comforting. They recently opened 14 rooms designed by the best designers in Amsterdam, including Ronald van der Kemp, one of Holland’s premier fashion designers, and Bibi van der Velden, one of Holland’s leading jewelry designers.

Santa Barbara, California

For more than 100 years, Santa Barbara has been called ‘The American Riviera’ for its luxurious, relaxed lifestyle and wonderful Mediterranean climate. While it is only 90 miles northwest of Los Angeles, the city can feel many miles away from the United States’ second-largest metropolitan area. Because of the city’s somewhat hidden character and its desire for privacy, famous and average people alike come to Santa Barbara seeking a hidden oasis away from their busy lives.

The historic San Ysidro Ranch is the epitome of a romantic getaway, with its many rose and fruit trees, quaint cottages, and famous Stonehouse Restaurant, which is no surprise, as many well-known guests have stayed at the ranch. One of the most famous was John and Jacqueline Kennedy, who spent their honeymoon at the San Ysidro Ranch.

Baja Sur, California

Highway One is an iconic roadway that winds along the Pacific coast close to Big Sur. This region has an abundance of pine trees, which emit pleasant scents and have magnificent views of the ocean, which will touch your spirit and kindle romance at any time of year. To add to the nature of your experience, you can rent a classic car from Monterey Touring Vehicles, which is the only company on California’s Central Coast that rents vintage cars. 

When looking for overnight accommodations, the world-famous Post Ranch Inn sits atop a mountain overlooking Big Sur, offering breathtaking views, a secluded feel, and beautiful surroundings. You can either stay in one of the Tree House Units on the property, which are built on stilts and hidden among the redwood trees, or choose to stay in an Ocean Room with all-glass walls facing the ocean and a roof covered with grasses and flowers.

Rome, Italy

The city of Rome has long evoked deep, emotional responses in those who have traveled there to experience the beauty of its ancient landmarks, such as its monuments, fountains, and plazas. So, if you’re one of the lucky couples who are traveling to Rome on what is termed a “Roman holiday,” you will be introduced to the beauty that is the Italian way of life. You will experience the amazing and rich culinary offerings of Italian cuisine, lifestyle clothing from some of the world’s greatest fashion designers, a vibrant art scene, and a long history layered onto the city of Rome that continues to grow daily. In addition, over the past few years, several NEW world-class hotels have opened in Rome; the latest NEW hotel is Hotel Bulgari Roma, whose flagship hotel is on the famous Via dei Condotti.

Also, Romeo Roma, recently opened at Palazzo Capponi, a 16th-century Baroque structure located right near Piazza del Popolo, has undergone an amazing, complete transformation due to Zaha Hadid Architects into a world-class hotel with large, luxurious guestroom spaces and beautifully restored frescoes, as well as 21st-century state-of-the-art amenities, including a retractable glass roof over the old courtyard. Another unbelievable aspect of the hotel is its glass-bottom pool, which sits over the site of the ancient Ripetta port, adding another highlight to its charm.

Anguilla

With a mere 35 square miles and a population of only 15,000 people, Anguilla Island is a remote paradise that boasts peaceful backroads, deserted cays, and rustic villages where goats graze. Despite its isolation, Anguilla is known as the “Culinary Capital of the Caribbean,” offering visitors an array of dining options that range from simple beach shacks and roadside grills to upscale restaurants and hotel bars run by celebrity chefs who have moved here to retire.

But beyond the food, many visitors come to Anguilla for relaxation and rejuvenation at resorts such as The Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla. The property features beautiful beaches, memorable culinary experiences, and an award-winning spa with stunning ocean views.

Venice, Italy

With so many different things to discover within the canals and architecture of Venice, also known as the “Queen of the Adriatic,” this is definitely a place that will awaken your senses. As you explore late nights through the streets or take daytime trips on a water taxi to nearby islands, you will always find something new and wonderful waiting for you, just like the craftsmen who create lace and blow glass, just as they have been doing for hundreds of years.

You may find that the Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel in Venice, has the most elegant and timeless accommodations available; its suites on the Grand Canal overlooking the water, wonderful food from the Club del Doge Restaurant (with incredible service), and spectacular ambiance will create a romantic atmosphere that is perfect for romance.

Paris, France

Every sort of romance must be represented in Paris, with its glorious Seine River, breathtaking museums, stunning architecture, and fashionable culture, so we would like to highlight the City of Lights as a beloved destination for lovers, past and present.

Paris has an abundance of great places to stay: small, romantic boutique hotels and larger hotel chains, but one hotel stands out for romance more than any other—The Ritz Paris. The 19th-century luxury hotel situated at Place Vendome, where royalty once gathered, retains its graceful elegance, grand scale, and abundant romance, making it worth spending a great deal of money for an extraordinary visit.

Lake Como, Italy

During sunset, few places are as charming or romantic as Lake Como. Quaint villages, postcard-worthy scenery, and elegant places to stay combine to create an atmosphere of nostalgia and Italian style — especially if you enjoy it while riding in a classic wooden Riva.

For the most pampering, check out either the gorgeous hotel Grand Tremezzo—a former villa with a floating pool—or the sumptuous Villa d’Este, which is where Elizabeth Taylor began her relationship with Richard Burton and still has fantastic grounds, stunning accommodations, and a massive 17th-century shell grotto with a beautiful view of the lake.

Sedona & Tucson, Arizona

In terms of general wellness, Arizona is the place to go in the entire Southwestern United States; its impressive landscape and red rock regions will help calm, clear, and revive anyone, as will the many hotels offering holistic healing. Some visitors are drawn to the thrilling adventures available in this region; others come to experience a more tranquil, natural retreat—perhaps with a loved one or friend.

Two wonderful options for the retreat seeker are the Miraval Resort and Spa, which is an all-inclusive destination with a host of fitness classes, wellness activities (including body treatments), and healthy eating; and The Enchantment Resort & Spa in Sedona, which features the Mii amo spa with its extensive offerings (from partner yoga to massages) as well as private connection ceremonies. Additionally, both of these resorts are located within a short distance of the new Ambiente Hotel, one of only two Michelin Key Hotels in Arizona and the first and only all-inclusive hotel in Sedona that caters exclusively to couples seeking romance.

Conclusion

Ultimately, what makes a romantic getaway special is not the actual location, but rather all of the things you get to do together while on vacation as a couple! Each place offers something unique where you can reconnect as a couple, experience new things, and form lasting memories. Whether it’s wandering through the historic streets of Paris, soaking up some sun on the beach in Los Cabos, or exploring the natural beauty of Big Sur, these romantic destinations provide plenty of opportunities to create shared experiences. The greatest trips are the ones where love, discovery, and experience overlap!

FAQs