Whether you're looking for adventure or want to focus on relaxation, these hideaways and splashy resorts have something for every couple.
Romance is inherent to travel—that feeling of endless opportunity on account of nobody knowing who you are, the mystery of a new place, the beauty bowling you over everywhere you look. But some places are more romantic than others, and only so many can claim the title of the most romantic of them all.
The adventurous will find isolation on an epic scale on northern Iceland's windswept landscape, the traditional serenity on a private island off of Anguilla, and the bohemian layabouts a haven in a compound on the Andalusian coast.
1. DEPLAR FARM, ICELAND Northern Iceland’s Troll Peninsula (do not let such a name conjure images of monsters and turn you off) counts itself amongst the nation’s finest mountain ranges. It is here that sheep outnumber people, and this true remove is utterly romantic, as though you’ve absconded with your lover to an Eden shrouded in mist, and so long as you remain the troubles of the world beyond do not concern you.
The former farm accommodates no more than 32 guests at a time and is therefore perennially quiet and contemplative, and the range of activities in the wintertime is particularly spectacular. There’s also a trek to Langhus Farm for rides aboard Icelandic horses and views of the Arctic Circle over the Greenland Sea.
2. SANTA MARINA, A LUXURY COLLECTION RESORT, MYKONOS
It’s the only sandy stretch of private beach on Mykonos A.K.A. the only spot on the island where you can guarantee some sustained peace and quiet from ceaseless throngs of partygoers, but this is not all that sets the Santa Marina apart from other island hotels.
There’s the swimming, from an impossibly soft sand beach and into conditions uncharacteristically calm for Mykonos, and a sprawling spa with hammam-inspired treatments.
The two restaurants are both laden with light aphrodisiacs one with Asian-fusion seafood galore, another serving taverna-style slow-cooked lamb and grilled octopus. Fear not, however, as the party still gets going at the beachfront bar until the wee morning hours for the Dionysian date nights.
Life at this masterclass in sophisticated elegance revolves around aperitivo hour, which goes down on a breezy outdoor terrace and is accompanied by a jazz pianist.
Villa Igiea takes one back to a time when a couple got all dolled up just to see each other, and to be in the company of others doing the same only enhances the romance that is every-crackling in this Italian air.
In the company of your beloved, make an evening of people watching others who have arrived chasing the same feeling, couples that have been together for decades enjoying their umpteenth martini together, young lovers from aristocratic families stealing away for a weekend, and so on.
4. FOUR SEASONS RESORT BORA BORA
What’s better than doing nothing at all? Doing nothing at all in Bora Bora. Whether you’re a honeymooner or a parent in need of a break, this French Polynesian paradise feels worlds away from the minutiae of every day; and with little but miles of crystalline waters in sight, you and your partner will have almost nothing to distract you from one another.
At this luxury Four Seasons outpost, there are several multi-bedroom beachfront villas and overwater bungalow suites (with either lagoon or mountain views) to choose from. But for the full experience, we’d suggest booking one of the specialty overwater bungalow suites; these one-bedroom set-ups offer nearly 1,600 square feet of space to move around, plus a deck that runs the length of your bungalow or a private plunge pool.
To really up the romantic ante, book a couples’ treatment at the overwater spa suite; beds sit above glass panels on the lagoon, while the outdoor tub has views of nearby Mount Otemanu.
5.ANDBEYOND BENGUERRA ISLAND — MOZAMBIQUE
Getting to this resort off the coast of Mozambique, in the spectacularly sun-dappled Bazaruto Archipelago, takes time: the most efficient route is to fly from Johannesburg to Vilankulos, then hopping an eight-minute helicopter ride to Benguerra Island.
But a bucket list experience like this is worth the extra effort.
Once there, you'll find a low-key paradise with plenty to explore—and with around 140 species of birds, from kingfishers to flamingos, and just 10 casinhas, two cabanas, and one three-bedroom casa, you’re almost more likely to encounter the local wildlife than other people.
You’ll want to spend days lazing on its perfect beaches, with views of the surrounding lagoon—but there’s also horseback riding, sunset cruising on a traditional dhow, and big game fishing to be sampled. Don’t miss a visit to see the flock of flamingos that inhabit a nearby freshwater lake—especially with a “castaway picnic” to accompany you there and beyond to a completely secluded beach.
6. LION SANDS GAME RESERVE — SOUTH AFRICA
Set on the banks of the Sabi River, this luxurious resort on 10,000 acres comprises four lodges and two villas. Ivory Lodge rooms, done in ebony and ivory, have African artefacts and views of the reserve and its occupants from private terraces with plunge pools, while the cream and beige rooms at River Lodge have freestanding tubs as well as indoor and outdoor showers.
Three unique treehouses, Chalkley, Kingston, and Tinyeleti, couldn't be more romantic, lit by lanterns, candles, the stars and the moon. After viewing elephants and lions on open jeep drives, enjoy traditional Boma dining, then settle in for the night, surrounded by the distant sounds of hippos, hyenas, leopards, and lions.
7.LES FERMES DE MARIE — FRANCE
This pioneering, chalet-style hotel was built from scratch in 1989 out of old timbers salvaged from Savoyard farmhouses. It was the brainchild of local couple Jocelyne and Jean-Louis Sibuet, who went on to create a mini empire of small, interesting properties scattered across the Alps, Lyon, Provence, and St. Bart’s.
Along with all that gorgeous pine—sloping beamed ceilings, slated wood terraces, four-posters, and open fireplaces—comes comfort: a cozy mix of textures and muted shades from silvered cow-skin rugs and creamy flannels to soft wool plaids and deep leather sofas, plus the occasional baroque carved antique.
After a stint on the powdery slopes, have lunch on the terrace of Le Restaurant Alpin and order the divine three-cheese fondue—worth every calorie. Those who aren’t die-hard ski bums can work it off in the heated indoor pool at the Pure Altitude Spa, where signature treatments are packed with Arctic berries, botanical extracts, and anti-aging mountain edelweiss.
8. TIERRA PATAGONIA
There’s something about feeling like you’re teetering at the far margins of the world—albeit with the person you love—that’s undeniably romantic. At the 40-room Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa, set on the edge of Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia, you and your partner will feel as though you’re really out there.
Banked with earth and clad in lenga beechwood, the low-slung hotel winds for 650 feet along the base of a bluff, its aerodynamic shape barely interrupting the gales that whip in from Patagonia’s Southern Ice Field; guest rooms are understated, outfitted in a clean palette of wood, wool, and leather, all to emphasize the spectacular views of pampa and peak beyond.
The hotel offers guided excursions within and around the park, including hiking trips and adventures on horseback; spend the day exploring, then retreat to your superior room, where you can continue to marvel at the views from the warm waters of a deep-soak bathtub.
9. HOTEL ESENCIA — MEXICO
Right on Xpu-ha Beach, the best stretch of white sands on this part of Mexico’s Caribbean coast, Esencia is one of those hotels that is spoken about in hushed tones by bohemians in the know, none of whom want to let this secret get out.
But those who do make it here discover a small, natural beauty of place set on a palm-swaying estate on the edge of the tumbling sea. There are hammocks to laze in, and a dimly lit spa where bespoke blends—made from ingredients harvested from the waters of the Caribbean and the surrounding Mayan jungle—are crushed into poultices to help smooth out knots.
For snorkeling among rainbow-colored fish, the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef is a five-minute hop on the hotel’s catamaran. Hungry? There are ceviches and tacos to try at Mistura, a restaurant with views of the moon-dappled sea, and a wooden beach bar housed under a two-story palapa that does the best margaritas in Mexico.
10. JUMBY BAY ISLAND — ANTIGUA
This 300-acre private island off the North coast of Antigua delivers a level of comfort possible only in the Caribbean.
The terrain is rugged and wild, populated with darting lizards, and free from any traffic that isn’t embarked on foot—it’s a “no cars, no keys” policy here.
Come and go as you please from your suite or villa to any of the three restaurants, spa, several beaches, and all around the island. Whether you go for the suite or the villa, there’s plenty of room to play house: each suite has a bright entry courtyard of its own outfitted with wicker chair swings and a terrace overlooking the beach.
Contents per Cntraveler.com
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