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.