From sun-kissed coastlines to candlelit castles, these destinations promise unforgettable romance.
Valentine’s Day isn’t just about flowers and chocolate—it’s about creating moments, memories, and magic. For those looking to elevate their celebration, we’ve curated a list of the world’s most romantic getaways—to reference this time of year, or another—each offering an intimate ambiance, breathtaking landscapes, and exquisite stays that will make your trip one for the storybooks.
Santorini, Greece
Sunsets that set hearts ablaze.
Santorini’s magic lies in its ability to make every moment feel cinematic. Imagine standing on a cliffside, your hand in your partner’s, as the sky blazes with hues of orange, pink, and purple, melting into the deep blue of the Aegean. The island’s signature white-washed buildings and blue-domed churches create a dreamlike backdrop, perfect for romantic strolls through narrow streets lined with bougainvillea and cozy cafés.
Stay: Katikies Hotel, Oia – Perched above the caldera, this boutique hotel offers cave-style suites with private plunge pools overlooking the sea, making for an intimate escape.
Dine: Ambrosia Restaurant – A small, candlelit terrace offers one of the best views in Oia, serving modern Greek cuisine with a side of golden sunsets.
Kyoto, Japan
Where ancient romance meets poetic serenity.
Kyoto, Japan’s cultural heart, is a place where romance is whispered by the rustling bamboo and the soft ripples of a koi pond. Couples can stroll through the enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, visit ancient temples framed by cherry blossoms, or take a private boat ride along the Hozu River a dream for romantic getaways. In the evening, lantern-lit alleyways of Gion set the mood for intimate encounters.
Stay: Hoshinoya Kyoto – A traditional ryokan hidden along the Oi River, where couples can experience Japan’s hospitality in the most luxurious way—think kaiseki dining, private onsen baths, and boat rides directly to your room.
Dine: Kikunoi – This three-Michelin-starred restaurant offers kaiseki, the Japanese equivalent of haute cuisine, where each dish is a seasonal masterpiece.
Tulum, Mexico
Jungle whispers and turquoise dreams.
For couples who crave a mix of adventure and relaxation, Tulum offers a secluded paradise. White-sand beaches meet ancient Mayan ruins, while jungle hideaways invite moments of serenity. By day, explore cenotes (natural sinkholes with crystal-clear water), and by night, dine under the stars with the soft sounds of the Caribbean waves in the background. For the couple seeking the truly unforgettable—this tops the list for romantic getaways.
Stay: Azulik – This eco-resort is designed for disconnection from the modern world—no electricity, no Wi-Fi, just candlelit treehouse villas with sweeping views of the sea.
Dine: Kin Toh – Built into the jungle canopy, this avant-garde restaurant serves elevated Mexican cuisine in netted seating pods suspended over the treetops.
Napa Valley, California
A toast to love in rolling vineyards.
Few places embody romance like Napa Valley, where golden vineyards stretch for miles, and every sip of wine feels like a love note. Private wine tastings, hot air balloon rides at sunrise, and cozy fireside dinners make for the perfect getaway for couples who appreciate the finer things in life.
Stay: Auberge du Soleil – Set high above the valley, this resort offers private terraces with vineyard views and a spa designed for couples.
Dine: The French Laundry – One of the most celebrated restaurants in the world, this three-Michelin-starred gem offers an intimate, once-in-a-lifetime dining experience.
Udaipur, India
The city where love floats on water.
Udaipur is the embodiment of royal romance. With grand palaces rising from the lake, candlelit boat rides, and opulent courtyards adorned with marigold petals, this city was made for love. Whether you’re exploring the intricate architecture of City Palace or sipping chai while watching the sunset over Lake Pichola, every moment here feels like a scene from a Bollywood romance—and in our opinion one of the most amazing options for romantic getaways.
Stay: Taj Lake Palace – A former royal residence floating in the middle of Lake Pichola, where couples are treated like Maharajas and Maharanis.
Dine: Ambrai Restaurant – A waterfront setting with flickering lanterns and a view of the illuminated City Palace, making it one of the most romantic spots in India.
Queenstown, New Zealand
Adventure, adrenaline, and alpine romance.
For couples who find love in adrenaline rushes, Queenstown is the ultimate destination. Here, romance isn’t just candlelit dinners—it’s skydiving over dramatic landscapes, taking helicopter rides to glaciers, and sipping wine beside roaring fires after a day of adventure. With snowcapped mountains and shimmering lakes, it’s nature’s perfect love letter.
Stay: Eichardt’s Private Hotel – This historic lakeside hotel combines timeless luxury with breathtaking views of Lake Wakatipu.
Dine: Rātā – Chef Josh Emett’s restaurant offers a modern take on New Zealand cuisine, with dishes inspired by the country’s wild landscapes.
Final Thoughts
Romance isn’t just about where you go—it’s about how a place makes you feel. Whether you’re watching the sun dip into the sea in Santorini, savoring a quiet moment in a Japanese garden, or sharing a bottle of wine in Napa, these destinations offer more than just beauty. They offer the kind of moments that turn into lifelong memories.
This Valentine’s Day, let love take you somewhere unforgettable.
