The world's most romantic destinations
Below is a list of some of the world's most romantic destinations. These places
are the perfect locale for a honeymoon or a hot and spicy holiday with a lover.
(In alphabetical order)
Amsterdam,
Netherlands
Amsterdam is a haven for lovers and the city makes no effort to conceal its
romanticism. Couples stroll hand-in-hand along the city's canals and on the
narrow lanes that make up the city centre. There are amazing restaurants around
every bend and for the more adventurous the clubs at Leidseplein are pulsating
throughout the night.
Bali,
Indonesia
Bali immediately comes to the forefront of one's mind when thinking of
romantic holidays and with good reason. There's not much that compares to
sharing a luxury villa with your significant other, surrounded by jungle and
white sand beaches while indulging in couples massages and yoga lessons.
Barcelona,
Spain
Barcelona is a great city in just about every respect and romantic appeal is no
exception. Perched on the Mediterranean with a mountain backdrop, Barcelona
boasts a fairy-tale architecture including many works by Gaudi and a large gothic quarter. Any lover would be impressed by a trip to Barcelona
and if staying in isn't your style you're in luck as Barcelona is one of the
world's most happening places for nightlife.
Bora Bora,
French Polynesia
Located in the South Pacific, Bora Bora could make a serious case for most
beautiful island in the world. Popular with honeymooning couples, the island's staple
accommodation consists of bungalows over the water built along a dock. However
you would be wise to save the island for your favourite significant others as
it's out of the way and a bit
expensive to reach.
Buenos Aires,
Argentina
Considered the culture capital of Latin America, Buenos Aires is a great
choice for the couple that enjoys city life. Luxury apartments, chauffeured
cars and fine dining are all more affordable here than in many destinations.
Buenos Aires is also a great place to show off your dancing skills or to pick up
some new ones... tango lessons anyone?
Dubrovnik,
Croatia
Dubrovnik is an absolutely stunning walled city located on the Adriatic
Sea in the country of Croatia. It's hard not to feel romantically inclined when
surrounded by this much beauty. A great way to arrive to Dubrovnik is by
ferry via either Italy or another coastal Croatian town. The sailings on the
Adriatic Sea are beyond sublime and it's possible to camp out on the ship decks
creating a unique sense of both roughing it and romanticism.
Giza (Cairo),
Egypt
Giza is a suburb of Cairo but it can feel like a whole world away. Free from
most of the craziness that's served up in Cairo's streets, Giza is best known as
home to the pyramids. They sit on the edge of town at the point where the city
ceases and the great Sahara Desert begins. You should be able to easily snag a
hotel room offering pyramid views and from then on the romance is smooth
sailing. Watching the sun set over the pyramids from the comfort of your hotel
balcony is quite possibly the most romantic thing ever. Another
great way to experience the pyramids is to take a camel or horseback trip
through the desert and up to the pyramids themselves.
Hoi An,
Vietnam
Hoi An is a small town located in the center of Vietnam south of the city of
Da Nang. The town is located on the coast and is centered along the An Hoi
Islet. Hoi An was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 in recognition
of it being a prime example of local 15th century architecture. The town
derives its romantic appeal from the small streets filled with interesting shops
and restaurants, a lovely waterfront and romantic river cruises.
Luang Prabang,
Laos
Luang Prabang is located in north-central Laos and is the unique position of
being the most popular destination in a decidedly hidden country. Located on the
Mekong River and surrounded by mountains and jungles, there's no denying Luang
Prabang's natural beauty. Beyond that the town is a quaint and charming place
with many outdoor dining options and small guest houses.
Marrakech,
Morocco
Located on the western edge of the Sahara
Desert and nestled up against the Atlas Mountains, Marrakech is a romantic's
dream. The focal point of the city is its medina (walled city.) Inside this medina are narrow lanes, interesting shops,
small/cosy restaurants, several gorgeous palaces, and a countless number of
bazaars. A popular accommodation type in Marrakech is what's called a riad.
Riads are guest houses where the rooms overlook a central courtyard that
sometimes contains a splash pool. There are some truly extravagant riads and
those seeking a romantic trip could definitely do worse.
Montreal,
Canada
A slice of Europe under North American skies, Montreal's centre is called
Ile-de-Ville and is located on Montreal Island at the confluence of the Saint
Lawrence and Ottawa Rivers.
On this highly dense island you'll find everything from world-class restaurants,
great nightlife, plenty of boutique hotels to stunning architecture.
Paris,
France
Known as the 'city of lights', Paris is world famous for its romantic appeal
and as its moniker suggests the city really comes alive at night. Elegance
permeates the way of life here and the city is filled with fine dining
establishments and great shopping... not to mention the Eiffel Tower.
San Francisco,
California
Often considered the most beautiful city in the United States, San Francisco
enjoys a privileged location jutting out on a peninsula surrounded by the
Pacific Ocean and the harbor. But the city's romance comes from more than just its
physical location, there's the interesting mix of cultures, the Victorian
architecture, plenty of opportunities for harbor cruises, fine dining, unique
boutique hotels and of course the stunning views of the Golden
Gate Bridge. It's easy to see why Tony Bennett left his heart here and you just might
too.
Santorini,
Greece
Santorini is the
most famous, most often visited and arguably the most beautiful of the Greek
Islands. The island
consists of an ancient volcanic rim overlooking a sea filled caldera. If its
physical beauty isn't enough for you, Santorini is also considered
one of the world's best places to watch the sunset and the northern village of Oia offers spectacular views
of the sun dipping into the Aegean with the island of Ios in the distance.
Udaipur,
India
Situated on Lake
Picchola, Udaipur is
famous for its stunning Lake Palace and holy ghats along the waterfront. The
city is on the forefront of Indian luxury travel and romantically inclined
visitors are best served booking a hotel with a view and a rooftop restaurant.
You can even do one better and choose a hotel with a rooftop pool. I hope you like Indian food...
Venice,
Italy
There's nothing subtle about Venice's romantic appeal. It's a city built on
the water, it's home to some beautiful architecture, and is well known for its
canals and gondola rides. While the city isn't a cheap place to visit, happy
couples have been taking sunset gondola rides in Venice for centuries. Though it
might be best to avoid the city during the hot and crowded summer months.
Zululand,
South Africa
You might be surprised to see a place as exotic as 'Zululand' on this list,
but I do have my reasons... namely Mkuze Falls. Mkuze Falls is the name of a
private game lodge in Kwa-Zulu Natal, besides being home to a countless number
of animals in its private game reserve, including: lions, elephants, rhinos,
crocodiles, cheetahs, and leopards; it's also much more than that. The lodgings
here are wonderful and definitely romantic. Guests stay in small detached bungalows
that are equipped with their own courtyards and outdoor hot tubs. The dining at
the lodge is fantastic and there are nightly cultural performances. While it is
a bit pricy, huddling up with your loved one in a blanket while you depart on an
early morning safari ride through the African wilderness is an experience that's
well worth it.
- Article written in whole by Dakota Smith - Travelers Digest
