Are y’all doing anything for Valentine’s Day? We are going on a trip to an extremely romantic and amazing location, and I can’t wait to tell you all about it! But, planning the trip got me thinking about the most romantic places I’ve ever visited, and in honor of the most heart-filled holiday, I wanted to share them with you (in no particular order)!
Charleston, S.C.
From the colorfully painted historic houses and palmetto trees to the fabulous restaurants and sleepy beach towns, Charleston has something for everyone. I love exploring the waterfront park, shopping on King Street, sipping cocktails at rooftop bars and eating all the pecan pie and pimento cheese possible, but there are plenty of other things to do – kayaking, cooking classes, art museums and historical sites, and even horse-drawn carriages. If you’re not sure where to start, the visitor’s bureau has some great itinerary suggestions for a romantic getaway… and some other suggestions, too.
Mauritius
This island is nothing short of magical. Plenty of activities – from swimming with dolphins in the wild to visiting tea plantations and waterfalls – yet the beaches are so beautiful and relaxing that you may not want to leave your lounge chair. Plus, it’s not well known by American travelers, and you’re just a short flight from Reunion island, a little piece of France in the middle of the Indian Ocean.
St. Lucia
Toby and I went to St. Lucia for our honeymoon (more than 10 years ago!), and loved the beautiful beaches, the waterfalls, and the snorkeling and scuba diving. We also enjoyed the fact that there are other activities to choose from, and a little bit of nightlife – unlike some of the other islands. Just be aware, though, that virtually every other tourist you’ll meet is probably on their honeymoon or an anniversary trip.
Savannah, Ga.
I’m probably a little biased on this one, since several of Toby and my early dates were in Savannah, but this Spanish-moss-draped city on the river just seems to ooze romance. Explore the historic squares, take a trolley tour, eat at one of the many amazing restaurants, and then snuggle up at one of the cute hotels or bed and breakfasts. And if you’re in the mood for a walk along the beach, head over to Tybee Island, an adorable beach town that’s also home to some of the best Key lime pie I’ve ever eaten.
Cordoba, Spain
My friend Patty and I visited Southern Spain last year, and we couldn’t stop remarking on how romantic and wonderful Cordoba is. The historic center (a UNESCO World Heritage site) has the cutest, tiniest little streets – perfect for wandering – with something to see around every corner. The food and wine are pretty great, too!
Maldives
If your idea of romance includes a private island surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise water, the Maldives are the place to be. Most resorts are on their own island, and you have to take a speedboat or sea plane to get to them. That means that even if your resort is fully booked, you’ll get plenty of privacy and sand to yourself. And if you’re really looking for something different, there are a few hotels with underwater restaurants, and even an actually private island. However, please be aware that they are having a political crisis right now (the government has declared a state of emergency), and the U.S. State Department has issued a travel advisory. Learn more about possible impacts to travelers from Travel + Leisure.
Rome
Someone I know once called Italy “the most romantic country in the world,” and it’s hard to disagree. I know there are probably other cities in Italy that spring to mind when you hear “romance,” but Positano is better in the summer, and I’ve never been to Venice. Plus, Rome is just wonderful: so many awesome things to see and explore, plus plenty of narrow alleyways for romantic walks, enough freshly made pasta to reenact the Lady and the Tramp scene every night, and gelato! Because, honestly. Who doesn’t love gelato?
Maui
Quite possibly my favorite place on Earth. Maui is so beautiful, and there are so many amazing – and romantic – things to do. We love hiking through the rainforest to see the waterfalls, scuba diving, and just watching the fabulous sunsets while sipping tropical drinks. Going to the top of the volcano is pretty awesome, too, (though the thought of riding a bicycle down it gives me palpitations), as is experiencing a luau. Plus, there is a hotel with penguins and a farm with goats.
Paris
Paris is always a good idea, and it’s hard to think of a more quintessentially romantic city. But do keep in mind that it is really cold (and often very damp) this time of year – I went for Valentine’s Day with a group of friends in 2001, and we froze! (Photo courtesy of my friend Tammy Sanborn)
Catalina Island, Calif.
There’s a song from the 50’s that calls Catalina “the island of romance.” I didn’t really ever associate it with romance before I heard that song… maybe because I associated it with our 6th grade class trip. But there is something romantic about a tiny island you can only reach by boat—and the hotels, shops, and restaurants there are right out of a movie.
Bruges, Belgium
This charming town laced with canals and full of chocolate shops and cobblestone streets is my favorite place in Belgium, and a perfect town for a romantic getaway. Climb to the top of the belfry for a great view of the city, try some smoutebollen, and get lost on the medieval streets. (Sorry I don’t have a photo of Bruges, but it’s too adorable to leave off this list!)
Santorini
Visiting this beautiful island is like jumping into a postcard. The water is impossibly blue, the sunsets are legendary, and the food and local wine are delicious. It’s cold right now to swim in the Aegean, but you can still explore by boat and by foot — and it’s never too cold to watch the sunset in Oia with a bottle of local white. There’s a reason Santorini is always at the top of the “best islands” and “best honeymoon spots” lists.
