There’s nothing more romantic than traveling with your loved one — relaxing, discovering new worlds, and deepening your connection along the way. The world is full of beauty, and there’s nothing better than sharing it with that special someone.
We’ve put together a list of the best holiday destinations and romantic retreats. Our advice? Pick one… and go! 🙂
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10 Romantic Holiday Destinations for Couples
Koh Ta Kiev, Cambodia
Imagine a secluded beach with soft yellow sand and warm turquoise waters, where your only task is to relax — lie in the sun, read a book, and swim…This beach exists, located on a small desert island in southern Cambodia. Koh Ta Kiev is an island with no frills, no stress, no internet, and only electricity at night.
The island has only three or four hostels/bungalows and restaurants serving traditional Khmer cuisine. We stayed in a shack by the sea with one bed and a mosquito net, which was paradise. In the morning, you will wake up to the sound of the waves, go for a swim in the hot sea, eat some fruit, relax, and spend time with each other.
You can even go for a nighttime skinny dip in that warm water. Koh Ta Kiev is heaven on earth.
Find out more about how we got lucky in Koh Ta Kiev! And check our Cambodia Travel Guide!
Kruger National Park, South Africa
What is more romantic than spending the night in a luxurious tent or tree house in the African bush and waking up with a magnificent African sunrise? Embarking on a Safari in the Kruger National Park is an unforgettable experience.
The Kruger National Park is magical; it’s a wildlife reserve surrounded by wild animals and the African savanna. Here, you’ll discover the thrill of trying to spot the Big Five in their natural habitat.
Plus, you’ll have the chance to join a sunrise bush walk with a guide who will share fascinating insights about the wildlife. At the end of the day, dining under a magnificent Marula tree and having a bush braai is the cherry on top.
Bruges, Belgium
Bruges is a fairytale town in the north of Belgium. The harmony of the medieval buildings and the canals makes the city cozy and picturesque. It’s a great city for a romantic weekend getaway, making it an ideal place to celebrate love.
The ideal time to go is winter; although it can be pretty chilly, you will enjoy the scenery more in a cold atmosphere. Bruges demands that you indulge yourself in chocolate; it’s everywhere, in different shapes, colors, and sizes.
Besides all the chocolate, walking along medieval streets or even riding a horse is enjoyable. Also, don’t forget to cruise all the canals surrounding the city. At the end of the day, snuggle in a luxurious, warm hotel, and rest by the fireplace with a hot chocolate cup.
We suggest staying at GuestHouse Bonifacius, which is a cute, hospitable, and comfortable option with a fireplace. It also serves the best breakfast! Sounds heavenly.
The Big Perhentian Island, Malaysia
The Big Perhentian Island in Malaysia has paradisiac beaches, fantastic spots for snorkeling and diving, delicious food and fruits, and luxurious jungle treks. In particular, the Perhentian Islands Resort beach boasts obvious turquoise water, accompanied by a coral reef teeming with fish, rays, and turtles.
You will want to spend the day at the sea, just watching the colorful fish pass by and trying to chase rays and turtles. There is even a spot with sharks, but don’t worry, these are the friendly ones. If you get tired of the beach, you can always hike in the lush jungle of the island.
The Perhentian Island resort is the best spot on the island, offering not only its stunning beach but also all the necessary amenities. A pool, a gym, a fantastic restaurant, and a diving school. Be aware that the Perhentian Islands are one of the world’s premier diving destinations. Besides all the marine life, it has some wrecked ships. All this makes it the perfect place to relax and enjoy life together.
Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
Have you ever wanted to visit Cinderella’s Castle?… Well, it exists, and it’s in Germany. Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, Germany, is a fairy-tale castle adorned with balconies and turrets, surrounded by the lush forest of the Bavarian Alps.
The castle is a dream come true; the decoration is luxurious and eccentric, with a medieval style that is also modern for its time. King Ludwig II of Bavaria planned Neuschwanstein Castle; he also built the Linderhof Palace (also known as Little Versailles) and the Herrenchiemsee.
Each of the castles has quirky features, such as a grotto with electricity and hot water, or a hall of mirrors. All of his castles are simply beautiful and let your imagination run wild. The castles are close to each other, so you can easily visit them all. Stay in a cozy country house with a spa in the Bavarian Alps, like Das Kranzbach, and visit Neuschwanstein and the romantic Bavarian Alps.
Douro Valley, Portugal
The Douro Valley is one of Portugal’s most beautiful regions and is a World Heritage Site. Due to its unique soil, microclimate, and landscape created by the Douro River, the grapes produce a fantastic and world-renowned Port wine.
The best time to visit this region is in September, when the grape harvest begins and the wine is produced. It’s incredibly romantic and beautiful, with all the autumn colors red, yellow, and orange. The best way to see the Douro Valley is by cruising up the Douro River and enjoying the breathtaking views while taking a glass of Port.
Stay in the typical “Quinta de la Rosa,” where you can relax, enjoy the views, and even participate in winemaking, like grape-stomping and wine tasting. You can also visit the vineyards and caves where the Port wine is aged.
Hawaii, USA
Hawaii is a favorite honeymoon destination for a good reason. It is stunning and an excellent place to relax and have fun. It’s an archipelago with dazzling beaches and tonnes of activities to do.
You will have a great time surfing, visiting volcanoes, snorkeling in the corals, and exploring epic waterfalls… It is simply an incredible place to go for a romantic getaway. Although very touristy, it’s well worth it; make sure to avoid going during the high season, from December to April.
Come, have fun in Hawaii, and stay in a fabulous resort like the Fairmont Orchid Hawaii.
San Sebastian, Spain
San Sebastian, also known as Donostia, is one of those cities you will love. It is an elegant city with stylish buildings, old churches, and a vibrant culture. Moreover, the city boasts a fantastic nightlife, featuring bars that serve pintxos (small, exquisite, and delicious snacks) and wine, which lends it an incredible vibe.
And, best of all, it has one of Europe’s most beautiful urban city beaches. Besides the pintxos, San Sebastian is also renowned for its impressive number of Michelin-starred restaurants, making it a foodie’s dream destination.
This city is pleasant all year round, although summer can be pretty crowded. Therefore, the low season could be the best option if you’re considering a romantic retreat. Stay in the best hotel, the Maria Cristina, a Luxury Collection Hotel, and enjoy exploring the city in style.
Luang Prabang, Laos
Luang Prabang is a remote city located in northern Laos. This World Heritage Site is undoubtedly one of Southeast Asia’s most charming and romantic cities. The city is a blend of Asian and French influences, as it was under French rule for 58 years. Besides, Luang Prabang is surrounded by mountains, which have isolated it from the rest of the world but also helped preserve its unique cultural and architectural identity.
The streets are filled with beautiful houses, charming balconies, and adorable coffee shops. Plus, the food is excellent, and it is one of the only places in SE Asia where you can eat great bread and pastry.
Besides sitting in the coffee shops enjoying the views of the Mekong, the city has plenty of other activities to offer. We suggest cruising the Mekong River, visiting several temples, and attending the Buddhist alms-giving ritual.
Shopping at the night market and enjoying a relaxing massage are other activities to do in Luang Prabang. Don’t forget to swim in Kuang Si Falls and visit the nearby bear park. And if you still have time and energy, there are plenty of bike trails and hikes in the beautiful surroundings.
We recommend staying at the Belmond La Residence Phou Vao, a 5-star boutique hotel with an outdoor pool and stunning views.
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest itself is a monument worth visiting; the buildings, streets, and bridges on the Danube are simply breathtaking.
However, our favorite thing about Budapest is the Thermal Baths. Budapest boasts the largest thermal baths in Europe, featuring 15 indoor and three outdoor pools, as well as saunas and steam baths. It’s pure heaven to relax in one of the city’s thermal baths at the end of the day. It is even more pleasant in winter to be in a hot pool when the outside temperature is 0 degrees.
The baths alone should convince you to go to Budapest; nevertheless, the city has many other things to offer, like a romantic night cruise on the Danube, a stroll around the castle district in Pest, or tasting the best paprika in the world.
Budapest has several good hotels, but we particularly enjoyed staying at the Buda Castle Fashion Hotel, located within the castle district. It had a very romantic atmosphere.
Whether you choose a secluded island, a bustling city, or a magical castle, these destinations promise unforgettable moments for couples. The world is waiting — pick your dream escape and make memories together.