The World's Most Romantic Destinations
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By Kathy McCabe
What is it about lovers in love? They seem to want to celebrate the discovery of each other with a journey of discovery. Indeed travel and romance seem to go hand-in-hand. Whether you are planning a Valentine’s getaway, honeymoon or anniversary trip, these locations can’t help but to inspire love and romance.
Bruges, Belgium
When you think of romantic destinations in Europe, inevitably Paris and London come to mind first (and we’ll get to those later), but there’s a smaller European city that deserves just as much attention for its romantic attributes – Bruges (or also spelled Brugge), Belgium. Just picture this: cobblestone streets closed off to traffic, canals running throughout the city, horse-drawn carriages, swans, quaint shops and cafes, captivating art museums. This mideval Flemish city carries a number of nicknames including “city of romance,” “Venice of the north” and “the city that time forgot.” The historic center is even protected by the United Nations as a World Heritage Site. Bruges surely deserved a detour on any European tour. The Hotel de Orangerie, a converted 15th century convent sitting on one Bruges’ loveliest canals is the perfect place for romance. Cozy up by the fire in an antiques-filled guestroom and enjoy champagne and fresh fruit with breakfast.
Tahiti
For a very different yet equally thrilling romantic experience, head to the other side of the world, the South Pacific. Just the name of the region connotes an air of mystery as well as natural beauty. Nowhere is this more prevalent than in Tahiti, where sparkling blue waters and native culture combine to create romance on overdrive. One of the most romantic places to stay is the Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa. All of resort’s suites and villas are at least 900 square feet, including the overwater villas (complete with thatched roofs) which have glass flooring allowing you to look directly into the sea! The beach and 16 acres of grounds offer plenty of diversions including snorkeling, windsurfing, shark feeding, sport fishing. There’s also an art gallery, fitness center and spa. In the evening you can dine on Polynesian specialties by torchlight and a canoe can deliver breakfast to your overwater villa in the morning. Romantic indeed!
Little Torch Key, Fla.
If you’re looking for a beach thatched-roof bungalow a little closer to home, check into Little Palm Island Resort in the Florida Keys. Just off Little Torch Key, the island resort is only accessible by boat or seaplane. The resort has its own boat – the 35 foot Truman, named after one of its famous guests. Children under the age of 16 are not allowed. And it is easy to get away from everything here and concentrate on your beloved, there are no telephones or televisions. The bungalows’ king size beds have netting draped over them, adding to the romantic feel. Some of the bungalows have private outdoor showers and Jacuzzi tubs. This experience doesn’t come without a price tag, however, the average nightly rate is about $1,500.
California Wine Country
A more affordable stateside romantic escapade can be found in California Wine Country, in the alluring Napa and Sonoma valleys. There are ample opportunities to get out and enjoy the environment – wine tasting, hot air ballooning, golfing, biking, horseback riding. You can climb on board The Wine Train, riding through Napa Valley in antique rail cars while enjoying a gourmet meal, with wine, of course. The area’s noteworthy bed and breakfasts provide romantic retreats after sightseeing. The Candlelight Inn in Napa, recently voted one of America’s best inns by Iloveinns.com is affordable (rates start at $149 per night) and very romantic, featuring cozy rooms, a three-course breakfast and an exterior filled with Redwood trees.
Paris to Venice on the Orient Express
Think outside of the box or rather inside the rail car when it comes to Europe’s most romantic cities – Paris and Venice. This way the romance can be in both the journey as well as the destinations. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express which is lauded as the world’s most romantic train journey travels between these two cities in an overnight ride not to be forgotten. Stepping on board feels like stepping back in time, to a bygone era of romance, glamour and mystery. Your steward shows you to your cabin which has been refurbished to the highest standards featuring fine woods and fabrics. You dress for dinner, in black-tie of course – and enjoy a luxurious, gourmet meal as the world passes by outside the windows. After dinner, visit the bar car for an after-dinner drink and conversation. Back to your cabin and in the morning your steward wakes you with breakfast in bed. While it likely will be the most expensive train ticket you ever buy (to the tune of $2,185 per person), a journey on the Orient Express is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.