1. Los Angeles
Not every romantic rendezvous needs a cozy fireplace and solitude; sometimes a bit of urban adventure is the quintessential couples trip. That’s why we love Los Angeles: tons of incredible restaurants and museums, plus gorgeous hiking within the city limits, and with generally warm weather year-round. Our favorite place for couples is the Andaz West Hollywood, a beautiful historic property that was the first hotel built on the famed Sunset Strip.
2. St. Barts
A quick escape to the Caribbean is often enough to fend off some of the worst of the winter doldrums, especially when you’re headed to a locale as sexy as St. Barts. The glamorous island in the French West Indies is known not only for its elegant hotels but its many peaceful white-sand beaches and romantic watering holes. We recommend a stay at Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa, a boutique oceanfront property that can arrange romantic excursions like a sunset cruise on a private yacht, custom couples massages in partnership with swank beauty line La Mer, and oversized suites complete with private plunge pools that call for a skinny dip.
3. Puerto Rico
From the East Coast, you can fly to Puerto Rico in less time than most
road trips, making it an appealing long-weekend destination during the
winter months. Its capital, San Juan, is also one of our favorite cities
for couples due to its mix of beautiful, historic buildings, and many
charming, intimate restaurants. For an inexpensive hotel that is still
suitably pampering for a romantic weekend, check in to the Condado Vanderbilt, located in the über-chic Condado district.
4. Antigua
Antigua may not get as much attention as some other Lesser Antilles
islands like St. Kitt’s or St. Lucia, but we think being a little more
under the radar is what makes it one of the more romantic locales in the
region. We’re huge fans of its gentle ocean breezes, peaceful
white-sand beaches, and the vibrant coral reefs to explore by snorkel or
scuba. And if you’re longing for a vacation during which you don’t have
to plan a single thing, check out Curtain Bluff,
an all-inclusive with—thankfully—delicious food and plenty of on-site
bonding activities like snorkeling trips to Cades Reef or couples tennis
lessons.
5. Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic may be more well known for spring breaks than
romantic weekend getaways, but that could be because you’ve never
visited the eastern tip of the island, a paradise known as Cap Cana.
Here you’ll find one of the Caribbean’s best marinas for fishing, miles
of white-sand beaches for fun in the sun, and some of the country’s most
glamorous and romantic hotels. Our pick in the area is Eden Roc Cap Cana,
DR’s only Relais & Châteaux property that boasts a whopping 30,000
acres for true seclusion. Apart from elegant beachfront villa
accommodations, there is also a brand-new spa and wellness program that
includes many in-room services like couples massages and custom bath
soaks. And those looking for the most unique romantic dinner should make
sure to book a private meal at the boutique property’s on-site cenote, a
limestone cave complete with a waterfall fountain.
6. Miami
Miami is an understandably popular destination in winter: sunny skies, sexy cocktail bars, and plenty of beaches. But not every hotel screams romance when music from the rooftop bar is pounding until 2 a.m. That’s why we’re huge fans of Surfside, a more peaceful and elegant enclave due north of the debauchery of South Beach. And our favorite hotel there is one you’ve probably seen on Instagram: The Four Seasons Hotel at the Surf Club. A veritable oasis in the middle of the buzzing city, it boasts oceanfront rooms, some of Miami’s best restaurants, and a historic lobby bar that is as sultry as they come.
7. Aruba
Aruba, known as One Happy Island, is one of our favorite Caribbean
vacation spots not only for its world-famous beaches but for its
relative affordability. It has plenty of hotels for couples, like the Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino,
which is a popular spot for engagements (hint-hint). The hotel even
employs a sunset concierge, who can suggest the perfect romantic spot
for popping the big question. And if you’re already married? Fun fact:
Aruba is also known as a vow-renewal destination and the hotel can set
up a whole renewal package, which includes a couples massage and a
30-minute photo shoot during sunset.
8. Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta, on Mexico’s western coast, is fast becoming our
favorite beach destination in the country. Not only are the shores of
the Pacific Ocean spectacular, but many of the resorts in the area are
comparatively inexpensive. One of the standout properties here is the
Hilton Vallarta Riviera, which is perched between the Bahia de Banderas
and the tropical forests near the Sierra Madre Mountains. And because
every room here is outfitted with a private balcony, it’s a stellar
hotel for a romantic escape.
9. Paris
We couldn’t write a romantic travel guide without including the City of
Love, right? While we probably don’t need to sell you on Paris, we’ll
give you a quick primer: Everything is beautiful. From the winding
streets of Le Marais to the stunning art collections at Musée d’Orsay
and the Louvre to the quiet elegance of the Seine River, it’s hard to
turn a corner here without feeling amorous. And if you’re celebrating a
special anniversary or just looking for a bit of a splurge trip, there
is nowhere more jaw-droppingly romantic than Hôtel de Crillon.
Located in an iconic and historic building in the heart of the city at
Place de La Concorde, the property is one of Paris’s grandes dames for
good reason.
10. Wailea, Maui
You’re probably aware of the charms of the Hawaiian islands, and of Maui specifically, but we will direct you to our favorite part of the island: Wailea. With 1,500 acres of beaches and resorts and only 35 minutes from the Kahului Airport, it’s the idyllic spot for a romantic getaway. And no hotel in the area is better for couples than Hotel Wailea, an all-suite and—crucially—adults-only boutique property.