It’s nearly that time again when much of the world unites in a celebration of romance. Why not celebrate this Valentine’s Day with a romantic getaway where you and your special someone can enjoy some quality alone time after what was likely a busy holiday season.
Whether it’s sleeping in castles and enjoying candlelight dinners or taking to the skies in a hot air balloon and lounging on a tropical beach somewhere, there are countless destinations that can ignite passion.
But before you jump on that flight for one of these top romantic holiday recommendations, make sure you can answer “I Do” to the question of whether you have Travel Insurance for you and your plus one.
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
If you’re craving seclusion with your partner while surrounding yourselves with pristine beauty, you can’t go wrong with Bora Bora. This French Polynesian gem offers up a number of luxury resorts that really know how to cater to couples looking for a romantic getaway.
Bora Bora is a place where you can relax in the privacy of your private overwater bungalow and room service comes by way of outrigger canoe. Dive and snorkel the clear warm waters that await you just steps from your bed. You can also plan for couples massages and a wide range of spa treatments.
Bora Bora is known as one of the world’s top honeymoon destinations but you definitely don’t need to have tied the knot to indulge yourselves in all the romantic activities on offer. You’ll be feasting on delicious Polynesian cuisine, arranging picnics on deserted islands, taking sunset sailing cruises or night-time stargazing tours, and enjoying sightseeing flights over the region’s islands which includes heart-shaped Tupai.
Santorini, Greece
Greece’s “island of love” lures couples from all around the world. Santorini is a true romance-igniter of an island that sits in the Aegean Sea, providing beauty in every direction. It’s for this reason that Santorini sees countless marriage proposals every year.
You’ve likely seen those incredible sunset photos taken at the village of Oia, with its whitewashed buildings and blue-domed churches. It’s hard not to fall in love while being constantly kissed by sunny skies and refreshing sea breezes.
You’d be hard-pressed to find accommodation elsewhere in the world that offers up the kind of views you’ll get in Santorini and there is no shortage of stunning infinity pools that allow you to take in uninterrupted views of the sea below the cliffs. Don’t miss the local famous hole in the rock that’s shaped like a heart and maybe even pay a visit to Red Beach, a beach that is actually the colour of love and passion.
Your tastebuds will dance to a mix of Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, fuelling your romantic walks with your partner through charming seaside villages. Enjoy sunset catamaran cruises or make your way up to the Akrotiri Lighthouse for incredible views. There’s also an open-air cinema in the Kamari seaside village.
Paris, France
It’s impossible to include a list of romantic destinations without mentioning the “city of love”. Paris will always rank as one of the world’s most romantic travel destinations and you quickly begin to realise why it has featured in so many romantic movies and why so many songs have been written about the city.
The Eiffel Tower has witnessed its fair share of marriage proposals and the city’s bridges like Pont des Arts Bridge have carried the weight of countless love locks over the years. Make your way up the Eiffel Tower for a glorious view over the city or see the tower it lit up at night from below.
Simply walking hand-in hand through the various Parisian neighbourhoods is romantic, often times being accompanied by the sweet sounds of live romantic music. There are intimate cafes around every corner, artisan chocolatiers, endless museums and art galleries, and beautiful parks and gardens to enjoy a picnic or afternoon siesta with your partner.
Take a cruise on the Seine, dine at Michelin-starred restaurants, enjoy a couples cooking class, or head to Moulin Rouge for a sultry cabaret experience. You can even learn how to say I love you in 250 different languages by paying a visit to Montmartre’s giant Wall of Love known locally as Le Mur des je t'aime.
There are also several so-called Temples of Love scattered around the city where it is said that a kiss within the temple will strengthen your relationship.
Maui, Hawaii
Hawaii has long been a favourite destination for Aussies, and Americans have long used the islands for destination weddings. Hawaii’s second-largest island Maui is especially geared towards those looking to enjoy a romantic getaway.
There are countless resorts to choose from including many offering adults-only luxury. Enjoy sumptuous spa treatments, Polynesian-style luau feasts, and maybe even a bit of hula dancing with your partner.
Book a full-day catamaran tour or ferry across to nearby Molokaʻi or Lānaʻi. There are plenty of golden sand beaches to choose from and driving the Hana Highway will yield plenty of beautiful waterfalls and often a few rainbows.
Visit the Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm in mid-summer to enjoy fragrant fields of more than 20 different varieties of lavender. Enjoy a bit of horseback riding in Maui’s interior or see it from above with a thrilling scenic helicopter ride.
Seychelles
Many couples often look to the Maldives for a romantic honeymoon retreat, but the Seychelles which sits off the coast of East Africa offers a very similar experience in the Indian Ocean despite being separated from the Maldives by more than 2,000km.
The Seychelles is made up of more than 100 different islands and island-hopping is both easier and more affordable than in the Maldives. Here, you will find a mix of cultures and influences from Europe, Africa, and Asia making it a rather unique destination.
You can feel like you’re in Paris one minute and then Africa or India the next. You’ll quickly discover that the Seychelles offers most everything the Maldives can offer and much more. There are far more land-based activities to enjoy in the Seychelles and it’s especially suited to couples who love outdoor recreation and nature.
Hike through rainforests and explore some of the world’s most beautiful beaches including La Digue’s Anse Source D'Argent, Mahé’s Petite Anse, and Anse Georgette on Praslin Island. There are countless islands to visit, many which can be accessed by helicopter or boat.
Feast on Creole cuisine where fresh fish dishes include snapper, bonito, and sea bass. There’s plenty of snorkelling and scuba diving to be had as well as saying hello to the resident giant tortoises.
It was once thought the Seychelles were the location of the Garden of Eden. Beauty lies around every corner of each island and year-round sunshine and warm weather mean holidaying here is great any time of the year. Even the giant endemic coco de mer coconuts are sexy here!
Florence, Italy
Arguably one of Italy’s most romantic cities, Florence offers a refined opulence that will have you and your partner feeling like royalty. Florence is the beating heart of Tuscany, surrounded by beautiful rolling-hills and home to some of Europe’s most beautiful architecture.
Renaissance art in the form of famous paintings and sculptures can be found everywhere, with world famous museums including the Uffizi Gallery and Accademia Gallery to explore. There is no shortage of romantic bridges in the city including Ponte Vecchio where you can pick up some jewellery as a romantic memento of your trip, as well as the historic and equally attractive Ponte Santa Trinita Bridge.
Enjoy spectacular views of the city from Piazzale Michelangelo, the perfect make out spot for lovers, or cruise the River Arno on a traditional flat-bottomed barchetto boat. There are also beautiful gardens to walk hand-in hand such as Boboli Gardens and the Villa Bardini Garden. Simply roaming or relaxing in the city’s piazzas is romantic and there are plenty of delicious cafes and restaurants to enjoy a romantic bite to eat.
Enjoy a hot air balloon flight over Florence or arrange a horse-drawn carriage tour. Check out the Santa Margherita dei Cerchi, a church where the famous Italian poet Dante is said to have met his muse Beatrice. Her tomb lies there today and legend says she has the ability to fix your love life if you leave her a letter at the church.