Where are the best romantic getaways? Alan and I have experienced romance in destinations throughout the world. And, in our opinion, the right accommodations are at the heart of a romantic trip.
For us, that means small boutique hotels, inns, bed and breakfasts or lodges that offer unique lodging. We appreciate the intimacy, privacy, and special touches that separate the great from the not-so-great. If they also happen to be luxurious, even better.
Take a look at some of our favorite romantic getaways from around the world. USA, South Africa, Italy, Canada, luxury cruise ships? Read on.
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Romantic getaways in the USA
You don’t have to travel the world to enjoy special moments with your boomer sweetheart. Alan and I have enjoyed plenty of US accommodations that provided unforgettable stays that rank right up there with Europe’s top hotels or the most luxurious private yacht.
Wine and Romance near Walla Walla, Washington
After a day of Walla Walla wine tasting, it’s a delight to return to Cameo Heights Mansion. The luxury bed and breakfast offers internationally themed rooms that include fireplaces and jetted tubs.
Alan and I enjoyed dinner at Fine Wine Dining, the on-site public restaurant located at the mansion (you’ll need a reservation). Of course breakfast is included.
Yes, there’s a spa. But save time for relaxing by the beautiful pool area. That’s what we did on our romantic getaway!
Romance in the Arizona desert at Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain
Is it the balmy nights with a dark sky filled with million stars? Or is it the other-worldly vegetations where cactus raise their arms to the sky? Alan and I lived in the Arizona desert for eleven years and we can attest to Tucson’s romantic ambience.
Can a hotel’s design be romantic? Absolutely.
The architecture of Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain seamlessly merges with its desert environment in the Tortolita Mountains near Tucson. I appreciate the use of Arizona’s natural elements like leather, turquoise and copper in the interior design.
Watching a desert sunset from the outdoor patio adds to the romance. Alan and I both appreciate the prickly pear margaritas.
Romantic Getaway on Maui at Kapalua Bay
Okay, everything about Hawaii is romantic. But when it comes to Maui, we favor the quieter vibe of Kapalua Bay.
When I dream of a romantic getaway on Maui, Montage Kapalua Bay comes to mind. A series of outdoor pools tumble down the hillside with plenty of private alcoves for communing with your sweetheart.
The low-key vibe and extraordinary personal service are part of the romantic experience. Alan and I hope to return for a romantic getaway soon.
California wine country romance in a farmhouse
When it comes to romance in the wine country, we recommend a drive up the California coast before turning inland for a romantic getaway in Sonoma. In our opinion, there’s only one place to stay.
You’ll think you’ve died and gone to heaven when staying in a junior barn suite at the Farmhouse Inn in Forestville, California. Alan and I especially appreciated the two-way fireplace in the bedroom and patio area. Making up my own bath concoctions at the spa bar added to the fun.
After a day of touring Sonoma wine country, we enjoyed a romantic dinner in the Michelin-starred restaurant before sitting by the fire on our patio. Oh-so-romantic!
Montana Romantic Getaways
You might think of Montana as an RV or camping paradise. And, it is.
But you’ll also find luxury lodges, inns and guest ranches that offer plenty of romance. As Montana residents, Alan and I are on a mission to experience them all.
Coyote Bluff Estate
Overlooking Flathead Lake, Coyote Bluff Estate oozes luxurious romance. Exquisitely furnished rooms include the latest in home technology. And the breakfasts are delicious!
It’s only a short drive to Glacier National Park. And the charming mountain town of Whitefish is just up the road or explore the western vibe of Kalispell.
When Alan and I are looking for a romantic getaway near Flathead Lake, Coyote Bluff Estate is our choice.
Triple Creek Ranch
When we heard that one of the best hotels in the world was located in Darby, just down the Bitterroot Valley from us, Alan and I had to try it. The luxury log cabins at the all-inclusive Triple Creek Ranch have become our go-to for a romantic Montana getaway.
In fact, we’ve visited the ranch three times in four years. The New Year’s Eve weekends are fantastic!
Grey Cliffs Ranch
The intimate lodge and wide-open spaces of Grey Cliffs Ranch really speaks to Alan. Located on 5,200 acres in Montana’s Madison Valley, there’s plenty of space to roam.
Delicious Gourmet meals, a relaxing outdoor hot tub and the small size (only 5 guest rooms) fit Alan’s parameters for a romantic off-the-beaten-path getaway. Mine, too.
Love around the world
An exotic (to us) international destination with a splash of history or adventure adds spark to a romantic trip. From South Africa to Italy to New Zealand, Alan and I have experienced some wonderful moments that we hold dear.
Romantic getaways in South Africa
Why is a South African safari romantic? First of all, there’s the exotic landscape filled with wild animals.
But staying at a luxury safari camp takes romance to a new level. Maybe it’s the tented bed or private plunge pools. It’s a boomer travel experience that Alan and I could repeat again and again.
Lion Sands Ivory Lodge
On a South African safari, our secluded villa at Lion Sands Ivory Lodge offered privacy, elegant furnishings and a private plunge pool with a view of Krueger National Park.
A floral greeting decorated the bed in a welcoming touch. Coffee was served to us each morning through a butler’s pantry door for a private wakeup call.
Sharing each day viewing South Africa’s wildlife was a bonding experience that Alan and I will always remember.
Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge
Chiseled into a rocky outcropping on the border of South Africa and Botswana, even the views at Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge are romantic. Besides the typical plunge pool, our room also featured an old-fashioned claw foot tub on a private outdoor patio.
And then there was the evening we returned to the villa after an afternoon game drive to find candles surrounding the bathtub and a bubble bath waiting to be enjoyed. Perfection!
Birkenhead House
After the busyness of a safari, Alan and I traveled to Birkenhead House in Hermanus for rest and relaxation. The property tumbles down a hillside in a series of elegant rooms and outdoor settings. Breakfast on a private patio right beside the ocean was amazing!
On our last evening, the staircase to our room was illuminated by candlelight. Rose petals were scattered about the bed and a rose-covered bubble bath was waiting to be enjoyed.
An Italian romantic getaway in Sorano
One could argue that the entire country of Italy is romantic. Alan and I certainly think so, especially in the smaller cities and villages. From an Italian castle to a bed and breakfast tucked into the old quarter in Gallipoli, we’ve experienced some truly authentic accommodations. But here’s the best of all:
For an off-the-beaten-path Italian romantic getaway, Sovana Hotel and Resort tops our list. Surrounded by Etruscan ruins and olive orchards, history (and romance) oozes from this forgotten corner of Tuscany. There’s even a boxwood maze.
Located in Sorano, the small resort makes a delightful destination for couples wanting to rest and relax after a fun-filled Italian vacation. Don’t forget to explore the Etruscan history scattered throughout the region.
Romance on Vancouver Island’s west coast
Nature is the star on a road trip to Vancouver Island. The island’s west coast offers coastal hiking and secluded beaches that are a dramatic setting for romance, especially when combined with a stay at a luxurious inn.
A Relais & Chateaux property, Wickaninnish Inn provides luxury accommodations in the wild setting of Vancouver Island’s West Coast. Alan and I are anxious to return to watch winter storms crash into the surf at the inn’s location on Chesterman Beach.
A fire and wintry view accompanied by outstanding cuisine is calling to us right about now. We can’t wait!
An Australian romantic getaway in Sydney
The entire country of Australia offers adventure combined with romantic travel. There are so many destinations that we’ve yet to experience, especially the Great Barrier Reef and the Kimberly Region. But Alan and I have visited Sydney several times and always enjoy our time in the vibrant city.
What’s so romantic about a high-rise hotel in the heart of Sydney? The view of the Sydney Opera House from a junior suite.
Plus the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney includes a convenient location near the historic Rocks district combined with over-the-top personal service. We’d happily do this one again.
Romance on New Zealand’s South Island in Nelson
What is it about distant destinations that make them so romantic? That’s how Alan and I feel about New Zealand, especially the South Island. And this charming inn was our introduction to the region.
On an off-the-beaten-path trip to Nelson, Alan and I discovered the romance of Shelbourne Villa. A huge room, heated towel racks and delicious breakfast made an impression on us, as did the charming town of Nelson.
A day trip to Abel Tasman National Park was the highlight of our stay. If you’re traveling to Nelson, we highly recommend a stay at Shelbourne Villa.
Luxury Cruise Ships: The Ultimate Romantic Getaway
Pick a luxury cruise, any luxury cruise, and you’ll be treated to the ultimate in service and romance. It’s our favorite way to celebrate a romantic occasion.
And which cruise itinerary is the most romantic? We’d pick the South Pacific, every single time!
