7 top dream romantic escapes
Where would you go on a getaway with a splash of cultural immersion?
Now that the new year is upon us, it's time for a little escapist daydreaming. My traveling partner and I dedicate about six weeks a year dedicated to international travel — by cruise ship, land and air — and we still find ourselves focusing most of our trips on active escapes. That’s not to say it’s all outdoorsy by any means, but our itineraries are unequivocally on the go from start to finish, leaving little time for pure rest and relaxation.
With several trips behind us — Costa Rica, Guatemala, Ireland, Toronto and Africa, among others — I began thinking: Where would I choose to go for the ultimate romantic escape with a nice dose of cultural immersion?
Here are my top 7 dream romantic escapes. What are yours?
1. Amalfi Coast, Italy
I’ve been to the Amalfi Coast before, during a summer Eurotrip with my cousin in 2010. I was convinced then that it was one of the most beautiful destinations that I had ever seen, and six years (and many countries) later, I’m still certain that’s true. There is something that’s utterly charming and entirely captivating about the cascade of brightly colored homes and the enchanting feeling of leisurely lunches in the Mediterranean. My time there was too brief, and while it was a wonderfully memorable trip, it would be something very different if I were to go back now. With a husband in tow and a budget that’s not entirely limited to grad school funds, in my mind it’s the ultimate European destination for a relaxing romantic escape.
Dream hotel: Le Sirenuse, Via Cristoforo Colombo, 30, 84017 Positano
2. Bali, Indonesia
I wouldn’t say that Bali is exactly an under-the-radar destination, but it’s a place that has continued to capture my interest as a destination for a romantic escape. To be honest, it has nothing to do with beaches, and everything to do with a culture that seems to thrive on utter happiness. The landscape is vibrant, and the overall vibe seems to be utterly tranquil, with just enough to do to keep the active traveler entertained.
Dream hotel: The Legian Bali, Seminyak, Bali 80361 Indonesia
3. Istrian Peninsula, Croatia
Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula is still top of mind every time we talk about European getaways. Northern Croatia seems to capture the essence and beauty of the Adriatic Coast, with a dose of Italian culture. In my mind, it marries some of Croatia and Italy’s best qualities, resulting in a thriving food and wine scene (including being the epicenter of truffle hunting!), while offering the perks of the Adriatic Coast and a more budget-friendly experience. How does it get better than sailing on the Adriatic, sipping local wine and enjoy farm-to-table fare?
Dream hotel: Hotel Monte Mulini, Rovinj, Croatia
4. Arabian Desert, United Arab Emirates
Perhaps I watched "Aladdin" one too many times in my youth, but to me, there’s something utterly romantic about old world Arabia: vast expanses of desert, vibrant souqs, and scorching days that morph into sundowners perfection. Add in the juxtaposition of old and new in the United Arab Emirates, and it becomes an interesting locale that’s unique in the global landscape. While places like Abu Dhabi interest me, it’s the destinations slightly further afield with activities like sunset camel rides, desert picnics and falconry that leave me daydreaming.
Dream hotel: Al Maha Resort, Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
5. Riviera Maya, Mexico
Can you curate a list of dream romantic escapes and not have something beachy? I would point to my former island home of Anguilla. But places like Tulum and Akumal on Mexico’s Caribbean coast seem to bring in the beauty of the Caribbean with a cultural burst that’s different from what is largely found in the islands. Besides beautiful beaches and great food, there’s the added layer of Mayan ruins and cenotes to add a layer of mysticism and some activity beyond the shore.
Dream hotel: Rosewood Mayakoba, Playa del Carmen
6. Cape Town & the Winelands, South Africa
Cape Town has long been on both mine and Scott’s radar, and the entire area is one of the most captivating places for a getaway. There’s no disputing Cape Town’s beauty, but when you add in things like while watching in Hermanus, the vibrant wildflowers that bloom in spring, and wine tasting in South Africa’s culinary capital of Franschhoek, you begin to ask if there’s anything more perfect. We’re heading that direction this fall, so stay tuned for photos and recaps from the region!
Where we’re staying: The Birkenhead House, Hermanus // POD Hotel, Camps Bay // Akademie Street Boutique House, Franschhoek
7. Marrakesh, Morocco
I have long dreamed about a getaway to Marrakesh. Just the thought of Morocco evokes a range of images for me: the desertscapes, the colorful souqs, the Bedouin culture, the mesmerizing architecture. The country generally manages to capture a feel that’s both glamorous and adventurous, with a vibe that makes me recall the vibrancy and magic of Istanbul, Turkey.
Dream hotel: Riad Dar Anika, Marrakesh, Morocco
Your take
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go on a dream romantic escape?
In our Travel Romance series
Talk to a cruise specialist
Found the one? Let us plan it.
Tell us the ship, the dates and who is coming. A partner travel agent comes back with real fares and cabins, at no cost to you.