Love is in the Air! Explore These Top Romantic Getaways

What’s better than quality time with someone you love (or at least really, really like)? Quality time with them on vacation! 

The bigger question, though: What is the top destination for a romantic getaway? From exotic cities to tropical retreats, active adventures to quiet relaxations, there’s someplace out there that’s perfect for the two of you. You just have to find it. 

But don’t kill the romance by stressing about where to go. Seven Corners can help you plan your romantic getaway for Valentine’s Day — or any day — with these ideas. 

How to Plan a Romantic Getaway 

There’s some hot debate about what makes a getaway romantic. Is it the destination? The hotel? The activities?  

Like real estate, romance could be all about location, location, location. For some, a tropical oasis is romantic because of the soothing ocean and soft sandy beaches. It doesn’t matter if they’re staying in a five-star hotel or a tent. 

For other travelers, luxurious accommodations are what put them in the mood. The hotel could be in their own backyard, but it’s still romantic as long as they get a couple’s spa treatment fit for royalty. 

A different approach altogether could be what you do with that special someone. Do you want to lounge around together, not thinking about the kids, finances, or emails? What about a hike and finding hidden natural wonders? Or are you and your sweetheart more excited by the idea of fine dining and a show?  

You have some important, and fun, decisions to make. Once you know what you both want out of your getaway, prepare to fall in love with one of these locales. 

Hawaii makes our list in part because it has a little bit of something for everyone. From romantic sunrises 10,000 feet above sea level at Mt. Haelkala’s summit to enjoying couples' massages and pampering at one of the island's many beautiful resorts, there’s no shortage of romantic experiences to enjoy in serene Maui, Hawaii.  

Maui makes a perfect dream vacation for you and your partner, with beautiful beaches, hidden waterfalls, and breathtaking landscapes. For the more adventurous types, you can tour the island on horseback, by helicopter, or even sail through some of Maui’s most majestic forests on a zipline.  

Okay, yes, I’m just a tiny bit biased here. As a former resident of Manhattan, I’ve been exposed to all the romantic (and not so romantic) parts of the city. However, if you’re an urbanite at heart, and enjoy the bustle of a big city, there is no better hub than the Big Apple for romantic restaurants, gorgeous venues, and sights to see.  

Book a room at one of the many famous hotels such as the Plaza or Waldorf-Astoria to kick off your romantic stay. Stroll through Central Park, visit the top of the Empire State Building (Sleepless in Seattle style), attend a ballet (or Fashion Week if you’re a stylish set) at Lincoln Center, explore the High Line, and have breakfast at Tiffany’s. Yes, it sounds a little bit cliché, and your New Yorker friends will certainly lovingly tease you for the touristy choices, but don't let that keep you from enjoying the fairy tale parts of New York. 

If NYC is where you go to be seen with your loved one, Saratoga, Wyoming, is where you go when you want to disappear for a few days. With a population of less than 2,000, there isn’t a lot of competition for an open spot at the city’s natural hot springs. You might need them, too, if you decide to take advantage of the area’s hundreds of miles of hiking trails. 

When the two of you are ready to refuel, head to town for dinner at one of its unique local restaurants. They might not have any Michelin stars, but if you’re looking to break out of your rut, you’re in luck. An off-the-beaten track Western town might be exactly what you need to rekindle the romance.  

Ah, Paris, je t’aime! Paris is affectionately known as the City of Love for a multitude of reasons. Many couples honeymoon in the French capital, partly because of the city's reputation for sparking romance and partly to hear the language of love spoken at the source. Of course, dreamy strolls along the Seine and embraces by the Eiffel Tower are two must-do attractions in France. 

Want to experience authentic culture? Try taking an artful trek through the Louvre. Activity seekers might want to try a French cooking class, while couples looking to relax might leave it to the professionals and simply enjoy the country’s famed cuisine at some of the most famous restaurants in the world.  

If you’re willing to venture just outside the city, the beautiful Palace of Versailles, where you can wander through the gardens and soak up the luxurious lifestyles of French royalty, is just a train ride away. 

This unique and intoxicating city in Italy is known for its romance — it gave us Casanova, after all — but have some foresight and plan ahead, particularly during tourist season! I promise it is well worth it. Venice is a beautiful place to capture both romantic photos and memories that will last a lifetime.  

Take a famed gondola ride and be serenaded as you stroll through the city’s beautiful canal promenades. Catch the view from its many scenic bridges, too. While Venice is bustling and bumping with crowds during the day, which can feel a bit claustrophobic for some, the city transforms into a soothing and relaxing site after nightfall. 

Seeking a destination where luxury, privacy, and peace are the cornerstones of the experience? Look no further than the calm, crystal-clear waters in Riviera Maya, Mexico.  

Known for its beautiful resorts, you and your partner can find exactly what you need to relax in Riviera Maya. Enjoy being pampered at one of its many adults-only resorts like Catalonia Royal Tulum and bask in the beautiful views across the Caribbean. Even the activities, like a sunset dinner cruise on a catamaran, are relaxing. 

Full of romantic resorts and getaways, the French Polynesian island of Bora-Bora is an exotic yet quiet, natural setting to escape with your sweetheart. Many hotels are built right on the bright and beautiful turquoise waters, so you feel as though you are right in the middle of the ocean.  

Bora-Bora is a place to relax, and part of the experience is mellowing out and soaking up the restorative and serene environment in paradise. Be sure to turn your gaze upwards in the evening; you’ll never see stars quite the same way as you can here.