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The Top 30 Romantic Getaways Around the World

Looking to propose, honeymoon or just get away? Head to where love is in the air.

By Sarah Lindig
Body of water, Coastal and oceanic landforms, Sky, Cloud, Shore, Coast, Sunset, Dusk, Tree, Afterglow, pinterest

Whether you're a couple that finds romance in relaxation or in adventure, there's always going to be that place that sparks the flame and sets the mood. For many, that means sand, sun and sparkling blue water. For others, a vibrant cityscape full of culture and history. Some may find it most idyllic in the remote sanctuaries of undeveloped nature, immersed in the wilderness and well beyond the reach of a cell signal. Discover your personal paradise from our hit list of spots that will have you lovestruck at first sight–whether you're looking to propose, honeymoon or simply get away.

Positano, Italy

<p>Italy's Amalfi Coast has been a draw for honeymooners and the romantically inclined for years, and it's no secret why. The colorful cliffside towns, like the ever-popular Positano, boast cerulean Mediterranean waters and relaxing sunny shores, not to mention Italian food, wine—and, oh yeah, limoncello. </p>

Italy's Amalfi Coast has been a draw for honeymooners and the romantically inclined for years, and it's no secret why. The colorful cliffside towns, like the ever-popular Positano, boast cerulean Mediterranean waters and relaxing sunny shores, not to mention Italian food, wine—and, oh yeah, limoncello.

Napa Valley, California

<p>Oenophiles come here for the rolling hills of vineyards and endlessly flowing Cabernet—and stay for the world-class restaurants, refined-meets-rustic accommodations, and the exceptionally luxurious spas. </p>

Oenophiles come here for the rolling hills of vineyards and endlessly flowing Cabernet—and stay for the world-class restaurants, refined-meets-rustic accommodations, and the exceptionally luxurious spas.

Bali, Indonesia

<p>Bali is the perfect blend of relaxing beachside escape and exotic tropics. Here, the resorts have a unique way of blurring the line between architecture and landscape, which means your villa pool might feel as though it extends into the aquamarine ocean, and your balcony terrace as if it blends into the lush green mountainside. </p>

Bali is the perfect blend of relaxing beachside escape and exotic tropics. Here, the resorts have a unique way of blurring the line between architecture and landscape, which means your villa pool might feel as though it extends into the aquamarine ocean, and your balcony terrace as if it blends into the lush green mountainside.

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Kyoto, Japan

<p>Zen and tranquil, Kyoto is a breathtaking escape with its recognizable architecture and ancient temples that peek out above the tree tops. Take a ride down the Okazaki Canal during springtime for swoon-worthy look at the abundant flowering cherry blossoms that line the water's edge. </p>

Zen and tranquil, Kyoto is a breathtaking escape with its recognizable architecture and ancient temples that peek out above the tree tops. Take a ride down the Okazaki Canal during springtime for swoon-worthy look at the abundant flowering cherry blossoms that line the water's edge.

Tulum, Mexico

<p>If it's a far-off tropical feel you're after, without actually being that far off, Tulum checks all the boxes. This go-to destination is a solid option for luxury resorts and idyllic beaches—it's more accessible than other similar warm-weather spots, yet more high-end and curated than some of its Mexican neighbors. </p>

If it's a far-off tropical feel you're after, without actually being that far off, Tulum checks all the boxes. This go-to destination is a solid option for luxury resorts and idyllic beaches—it's more accessible than other similar warm-weather spots, yet more high-end and curated than some of its Mexican neighbors.

Big Sur, California

<p>Take a drive up the winding highway that extends along the coast through Northern California. The rocky cliffs and cool blue Pacific waters are picturesque, to put it mildly. There are plenty of opportunities to pull over and take in the view, plus you'll encounter a few hot springs along the way, should you feel so inclined to stop and take a dip. </p>

Take a drive up the winding highway that extends along the coast through Northern California. The rocky cliffs and cool blue Pacific waters are picturesque, to put it mildly. There are plenty of opportunities to pull over and take in the view, plus you'll encounter a few hot springs along the way, should you feel so inclined to stop and take a dip.

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Hudson Valley, New York

<p>Just a short drive or train ride away from New York City, the Hudson Valley offers an easy weekend escape from the bustling urban jungle. Enjoy the scenic views as you wind along the parkway alongside the Hudson River. The changing leaves make autumn an especially inviting season, but winter is a close second with its majestic horizon of snow-blanketed mountaintops. </p>

Just a short drive or train ride away from New York City, the Hudson Valley offers an easy weekend escape from the bustling urban jungle. Enjoy the scenic views as you wind along the parkway alongside the Hudson River. The changing leaves make autumn an especially inviting season, but winter is a close second with its majestic horizon of snow-blanketed mountaintops.

The French Riviera

<p>The southern coast of France conjures up an old-school sense of luxury and glamour with its luxury shorefront resorts and beaches punctuated by pastel-hued parasols. Put on your most Grace Kelly-esque dress and some cat-eye sunnies and stroll the seaside streets with your beau, who in this setting is bound to have Cary Grant's charm.</p>

The southern coast of France conjures up an old-school sense of luxury and glamour with its luxury shorefront resorts and beaches punctuated by pastel-hued parasols. Put on your most Grace Kelly-esque dress and some cat-eye sunnies and stroll the seaside streets with your beau, who in this setting is bound to have Cary Grant's charm.

St. Lucia

<p>St. Lucia's unique natural and cultural attractions set it apart from its Caribbean counterparts. In place of all-inclusive commercial hotels, you have luxury resorts which offer open-air suites and first-class amenities. Beyond the standard lounging on picturesque beaches, you can hike the Pitons or relax at the Sulphur Springs. And on weekends, street festivals are the perfect way to take in a bit of authentic St. Lucian culture and cuisine. </p>

St. Lucia's unique natural and cultural attractions set it apart from its Caribbean counterparts. In place of all-inclusive commercial hotels, you have luxury resorts which offer open-air suites and first-class amenities. Beyond the standard lounging on picturesque beaches, you can hike the Pitons or relax at the Sulphur Springs. And on weekends, street festivals are the perfect way to take in a bit of authentic St. Lucian culture and cuisine.

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Udaipur, India

<p>Situated in the rolling hills of northwest India, Udaipur is easily one of India's most stunning cities. Here, marble palaces overlook the city's five lakes, while elaborate courtyards and impeccably manicured gardens only add to the magic and splendor. </p>

Situated in the rolling hills of northwest India, Udaipur is easily one of India's most stunning cities. Here, marble palaces overlook the city's five lakes, while elaborate courtyards and impeccably manicured gardens only add to the magic and splendor.

Kauai, Hawaii

<p>The most unsullied of all the Hawaiian islands, Kauai is ideal for those seeking paradise with a wild side. (Fun fact: the island served as the backdrop for <em data-verified="redactor" data-redactor-tag="em">Jurassic Park</em>.)  It's been dubbed "the Garden Isle" for the lush rainforests that cover most of its terrain. Take a hike along the rugged coastlines, or, for a truly spectacular aerial view, take a helicopter ride over the island. </p>

The most unsullied of all the Hawaiian islands, Kauai is ideal for those seeking paradise with a wild side. (Fun fact: the island served as the backdrop for Jurassic Park.) It's been dubbed "the Garden Isle" for the lush rainforests that cover most of its terrain. Take a hike along the rugged coastlines, or, for a truly spectacular aerial view, take a helicopter ride over the island.

Palm Springs, California

<p>The longtime playground for Hollywood's hottest stars, Palm Springs is the perfect oasis for those looking to find some rest, relaxation and romance. The retro, mid-century aesthetic that dominates much of the architecture and design will transport you back to the 1950s golden era of glamorous desert parties and cocktails sipped poolside beneath the shade of towering palms. Just be sure to steer clear during Coachella, at which time hipsters and the hippie-chic will surely invade your hideaway. </p>

The longtime playground for Hollywood's hottest stars, Palm Springs is the perfect oasis for those looking to find some rest, relaxation and romance. The retro, mid-century aesthetic that dominates much of the architecture and design will transport you back to the 1950s golden era of glamorous desert parties and cocktails sipped poolside beneath the shade of towering palms. Just be sure to steer clear during Coachella, at which time hipsters and the hippie-chic will surely invade your hideaway.

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Charleston, South Carolina

<p>If the fact that <em data-verified="redactor" data-redactor-tag="em">The Notebook</em> was filmed here is any indication, Charleston is the perfect setting for your own personal love story. This South Carolina city boasts Southern charm with a colorful coastal twist. Stroll through the culture-rich historic district by day, then take a bike ride down The Battery at sunset and soak up the harbor's golden glow before grabbing dinner at one of the seafood spots in Charleston's vibrant local dining scene. </p>

If the fact that The Notebook was filmed here is any indication, Charleston is the perfect setting for your own personal love story. This South Carolina city boasts Southern charm with a colorful coastal twist. Stroll through the culture-rich historic district by day, then take a bike ride down The Battery at sunset and soak up the harbor's golden glow before grabbing dinner at one of the seafood spots in Charleston's vibrant local dining scene.

Montauk, New York

<p>Head out to the East End, where the flash and tourism of Southampton and the like gives way to a more authentic Long Island beach experience on Montauk's shores. While it may have evolved significantly from its under-the-radar family beach days, the new era of Montauk is one that balances its rapidly growing reputation as a jet-setter hotspot with an appreciation for its old-school surfer town heritage. </p>

Head out to the East End, where the flash and tourism of Southampton and the like gives way to a more authentic Long Island beach experience on Montauk's shores. While it may have evolved significantly from its under-the-radar family beach days, the new era of Montauk is one that balances its rapidly growing reputation as a jet-setter hotspot with an appreciation for its old-school surfer town heritage.

Harbour Island, Bahamas

<p>Turquoise water and those famous pink sand beaches provide the perfect backdrop for a romantic escape. The colorful seaside cottages, posh boutiques and inviting island restaurants are all part of the allure of this quaint island in the Bahamas—but really, it's just so delightfully Instagrammable. </p>

Turquoise water and those famous pink sand beaches provide the perfect backdrop for a romantic escape. The colorful seaside cottages, posh boutiques and inviting island restaurants are all part of the allure of this quaint island in the Bahamas—but really, it's just so delightfully Instagrammable.

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Paris, France

<p>Of course, no list of romantic getaways would be complete without mention of the City of Love itself. Paris oozes romance from every cafe-dotted corner and cobblestone street. Whether you're taking in the culture and art at Musée d'Orsay or enjoying a sunset dinner cruise along the Seine, there's no destination more inducing of heart-eyes than this classic.</p>

Of course, no list of romantic getaways would be complete without mention of the City of Love itself. Paris oozes romance from every cafe-dotted corner and cobblestone street. Whether you're taking in the culture and art at Musée d'Orsay or enjoying a sunset dinner cruise along the Seine, there's no destination more inducing of heart-eyes than this classic.

The Maldives

<p>The Maldives just might be the world's most romantic archipelago. The over-water bungalows provide a very private, secluded escape–not to mention a far more unique experience compared to the typical hotel suite. Honeymooners travel here for a view of the sunset that will never be obscured. </p>

The Maldives just might be the world's most romantic archipelago. The over-water bungalows provide a very private, secluded escape–not to mention a far more unique experience compared to the typical hotel suite. Honeymooners travel here for a view of the sunset that will never be obscured.

Savannah, Georgia

<p>It's obvious what makes Savannah such a romantic destination: the Spanish-moss covered canopies overhanging the sidewalks, the Southern comfort cuisine, the stately antebellum homes, charming B&amp;Bs and the perfectly manicured gardens that enhance the historic town squares.  </p>

It's obvious what makes Savannah such a romantic destination: the Spanish-moss covered canopies overhanging the sidewalks, the Southern comfort cuisine, the stately antebellum homes, charming B&Bs and the perfectly manicured gardens that enhance the historic town squares.

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The Cotswolds, England

<p>Boasting some of the most charming streets in all of the U.K., this quaint area of the English countryside will have you aching to cozy up in one of its storybook stone cottages, sip a cup of tea at a sidewalk café, or grab a pint at the been-there-forever pub on the corner.  </p>

Boasting some of the most charming streets in all of the U.K., this quaint area of the English countryside will have you aching to cozy up in one of its storybook stone cottages, sip a cup of tea at a sidewalk café, or grab a pint at the been-there-forever pub on the corner.

Reykjavik, Iceland

<p>One of the most breathtaking natural spectaculars takes place less than an hour from Reykjavik's center. A short drive south will put you in prime territory for viewing the Northern Lights—just make sure you're visiting during the fall or winter months when the sky gets dark enough for the vibrant light show to be visible. While you're out on the peninsula, be sure to stop by the Blue Lagoon: Iceland's famed geothermal spa. </p>

One of the most breathtaking natural spectaculars takes place less than an hour from Reykjavik's center. A short drive south will put you in prime territory for viewing the Northern Lights—just make sure you're visiting during the fall or winter months when the sky gets dark enough for the vibrant light show to be visible. While you're out on the peninsula, be sure to stop by the Blue Lagoon: Iceland's famed geothermal spa.

From: Harper's BAZAAR US
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