While they say that romance can blossom anywhere in the world if you’re with the one you love, there are certain destinations that are almost certain to set the mood.
More often than not, we tend to be lured by islands when we wish to spend time with our significant others.
It definitely doesn’t hurt that many islands are located in beautiful climates with breathtaking ocean and sunset views or that many allow you to easily escape the stress of everyday life.
Australia is blessed to offer a number of romantic island paradises. Whitsunday Islands such as Hamilton and Hayman or Lord Howe Island in the Tasman Sea come to mind. Of course many marriage proposals have happened during scenic flights over Great Barrier Reef’s Heart Reef which is actually shaped like a heart.
If you’re after a more exotic destination to spend time with the love of your life this Valentine’s Day, then you’re in luck. We have scoured the globe, searching from the Pacific to the Mediterranean to bring you the world’s most romantic island getaways.
Whether you’re into a bit of seclusion or just want to simply surround yourselves in beauty, these romantic islands definitely won’t disappoint.
Just remember to commit to a travel insurance policy before your romantic holiday, because nothing is less romantic than not having protection for the many travel disasters that can otherwise kill the mood rather quickly.
Kauai
When it comes to natural beauty, Hawaii’s oldest island has been especially fortunate.
Known as the Garden Isle, Kauai is home to dozens of secluded beaches, rainforests, canyons, caves, and waterfalls. Hiking trails lead to the island’s many natural wonders, or you can opt for a much more relaxing helicopter tour over the landscapes.
Enjoy a picnic on the Hanalei Pier overlooking the stunning bay, check out the Ninini Point and Kilauea Lighthouses, snorkel the clear waters of Tunnels Beach, discover the hidden mysteries of Makauwahi Cave, and be captivated by the scenery along the Na Pali Coast.
The rather small island will allow you to catch the sunrise over the ocean on the east coast in the morning and then easily experience sunset on the west coast by evening. After exploring each day, the island offers plenty of five-star accommodation to find relaxation.
Bora Bora
French Polynesian is home to a number of romantic islands but Bora Bora offers a bit more of an intimate setting for couples looking to spend some quiet time together.
Less urbanized than Tahiti, Bora Bora offers couples a luxury destination away from the tourist crowds. Surrounded by a lagoon and reef, the main island of Bora Bora is home to romantic overwater bungalows which allow you to swim with the rays and harmless reef sharks whenever you wish.
Surround yourself with coconut palms as you admire Mount Otemanu in the distance. Enjoy private Polynesian feasts alongside the lagoon, champagne sunset cruises, and wide range of spa treatments. If you’re feeling more active, enjoy some parasailing, jet-skiing, or windsurfing.
Santorini
There is a reason why so many cruise ships include Santorini as part of their itinerary, it’s simply stunning.
Situated in the southern Aegean Sea off the southeast coast of mainland Greece, Santorini most likely pops up in your Instagram feed daily. The island is famous for its breathtaking sunsets in the village of Oia, where white-washed houses and blue-domed churches are stacked up on the hillsides.
Discover hidden alleyways cloaked in magenta bougainvillea and seek out old Venetian castles. Explore the island’s capital Fira which is perched high up on the volcanic Caldera, accessible via donkey rides or a scenic cable car journey.
Relax in a private infinity pool or the islands’s hot springs and seek out some adventure by riding an ATV to the famous red sands of the aptly named Red Beach.
Dine on fresh Greek cuisine daily and learn of old Greek tales in ancient settlements like Akrotiri.
St. Barts
While there are no doubt many beautiful islands in the Caribbean that exude romance, sadly many have a reputation of being hostile to the LGBTQ+ community.
There are many Caribbean countries including Saint Lucia, Barbados, and Antigua which outlaw homosexuality and enforce criminal punishment, something to be aware of if you are part of the LGBTQ+ community.
Thankfully, St. Barts encourages visitors from the LGBTQ+ community, having banned anti-gay discrimination and legalising same-sex marriage. Officially known as Saint Barthélemy, this Caribbean overseas collectivity of France is home to lavish hotels and resorts as well as private luxury villas.
St. Barts regularly hosts celebrities and is packed with gourmet restaurants serving up French cuisine. The island’s capital Gustavia is home to great shopping, where duty-free shopping means you can pick up some great bargains on many high-end products.
There are many beautiful public beaches to find relaxation, Shell Beach being one of the most picturesque in the entire Caribbean. The much more secluded Colombier Beach can be accessed via the water or a decent-sized hike.
Rent a luxurious yacht to explore the area’s waters and be sure to catch a nightly dinner cabaret show at the famous Le Ti St Barth where you can also dance the night away.
Palawan
This archipelagic province of the Philippines offers an abundance of natural scenery to take in with your partner.
There are a number of fancy hotels and resorts to choose from, offering romantic private beachside dinners, beachside massage treatments, and beachside bonfires.
Dine on delicious Filipino cuisine before being led out on a night-time canoe journey in search of fireflies, or you can simply stare up at the sky and catch the countless visible stars. Explore El Nido and its white-sand beaches and coral reefs.
El Nido also provides access to a host of islands with steep karst cliffs. Head to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park to explore one of the world’s longest navigable underground rivers or check out nearby Calauit Island and its safari park.
This wildlife sanctuary offers a true safari like experience where you can witness imported giraffes and zebras, their populations thriving on the island due to the island’s conditions which are similar to Kenya.
Other animals in the sanctuary include indigenous species such as the Philippine mouse-deer, Philippine crocodile, and Palawan bearded pig. Palawan is best experienced during the warmer and drier months running from mid 10/to early May, but can be enjoyed any time of the a year if you don’t mind a romantic rainfall.