Changed
Changed
With a short 3 hour flight from Brisbane to New Zealand, there is plenty to do in a long weekend.
While solo travel is the time to ‘find yourself’, there’s something magical about a romantic escape to ‘find each other’ and create precious memories with the one you love.
There are no written rules for choosing a romantic destination (your travel partner will have you seeing any corner of the globe through rose-coloured glasses), however there are some locations that offer that certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ (we’re looking at you, Paris) for lovebirds.
Whether you’re seeking a barefoot beach resort with luxurious amenities, bar hopping in a vibrant cityscape or a history-rich cultural immersion, these are the holidays that are soon to be written in the pages of your love story.
We’ve spanned the globe for our favourite (and a few unconventional) romantic destinations that bring together a mix of atmosphere, culture and hospitality to up the romance for your next trip.
1. Santorini, Greece – For the jewel of the Greek islands
Imagine yourself floating to the edge of your private infinity pool while gazing upon cascading white-washed buildings glistening in the glow of the sunset. This is Santorini, Greece’s most recognisable island, and it has all the makings for an unforgettable romantic experience.
By day, couples’ activities include horse riding, hiking, wine tasting or cruising the southern Aegean Sea on a catamaran. At night, the balmy weather lends itself to alfresco dining and indulging in ocean-to-table fresh Mediterranean seafood. Don’t miss a rejuvenating couples massage at one of the many world-class spas dotted across the island.
GETTING THERE
2. Bruges, Belgium – For fairytale magic
Old-world charm, cobblestone streets and quaint bars and restaurants are the postcard setting for a dreamy trip for two to the capital of Belgium. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered ‘Venice of the north’ and exploring the myriad of canals is a must-do to discover secret gardens and centuries-old stone bridges. Master chocolatiers perfect their craft in little shops dotted throughout the medieval city and visitors can savour creamy truffles, pralines and caramels. Around Valentine’s Day, the chocolates take a particularly romantic turn for chocolate lovers.
GETTING THERE
3. Reykjavik, Iceland – For those chasing magic in the skies
Take your front-row seats and wait for the show to begin. Iceland’s awe-inspiring geological wonders are plenty, with snow-dusted mountains, thermal springs, glaciers and the Northern Lights all on the itinerary. During winter, pure darkness prevails and the Northern Lights pirouette across the sky as solar wind particles interact with Earth’s magnetic field. While it may sound counterintuitive to pack a swimsuit for sub-zero temps, the Blue Lagoon thermal baths set in volcanic earth are a restorative activity for couples looking for some serious R&R. Reykjavik is not just a gateway city to nature, it’s also the humming epicentre of Iceland’s culture, food and art scene. During summer months (May to August), the sun never sets in a phenomenon called ‘midnight sun’. Bars, restaurants and nightlife spill into the streets as locals celebrate the warm weather.
GETTING THERE
4. Quebec City, Canada - For those wanting to find their joie de vivre
Considered the home of French civilisation in America, modern day Quebec City perfectly melds the warm hospitality of Canada with charming French characteristics to kindle feelings of joie de vivre. Expect colourful French accents, culinary traditions and historic architecture spanning four centuries in this fascinating city. For a romantic stay, the Hotel de Glace is North America’s only ice hotel and an architectural marvel with carved snow arches, crystal clear sculptures and cocktails served in glasses made of ice. For ice-carving action of a different kind, join the masses of crowds at a game of ice hockey. Quebec is a mecca for Canada’s most popular sport and the professional league season generally runs from early October through early April.
GETTING THERE
5. Salzburg, Austria - For proof the hills are alive with the sound of music
Instantly recognisable as the setting for cinematic classic The Sound of Music and the birthplace of Mozart, Salzburg will have you singing your own love song. Music traditions are strong in the city and each night baroque music halls play host to world-class orchestras and operas. Hand in hand, a romantic stroll through Salzburg Old Town starts at Makartsteg bridge where you can place a padlock on the railing as a symbolic seal of love. The Mirabell Gardens with its blooming roses and Markatplatz with its romantic hidden corners are destined for beautiful moments together.
GETTING THERE
6. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico – For those hunting bohemian adventures
Couples will falls head over heels for San Miguel de Allende’s vibrant cosmopolitan atmosphere. Whether your taste is fine dining or authentic neighbourhood haunts, foodie couples are spoilt for choice as ceviches, tacos and margaritas flow from restaurants across the city. The UNESCO-listed town is also an aesthetes dream with baroque architecture, well-preserved historical town centre and an abundance of galleries stocked with quality Mexican handicrafts. The blossoming culinary scene, festivals and cultural celebrations are infused with a strong sense of community and you’ll be instantly swept up in the hype of this city.
GETTING THERE
7. Bora Bora - For island indulgence
Simply Google ‘romantic destinations’ and you’ll see the results page spills over with images of crystalline oceans, overwater bungalows and lush tropical forests lining white sand beaches. What you’re seeing is Bora Bora, Tahiti’s most romantic island, and for very good reason. The motu, or small island, offers the perfect recipe for a couples retreat. A kayak to breakfast, snorkel with manta rays and heavenly massage is all in a day’s play in this idyllic location. Floating over the turquoise waters of the South Pacific Ocean, the overwater bungalows leave the island wild and untouched. Mount Otemanu, the tallest point on the island is encased in lush tropical vegetation and blossoming hibiscus flowers. Bora Bora is also home to the revered Tahitian pearl or ‘black pearl’ and what better vestige of your romantic holiday than taking home your own cultivated pearl, farmed fresh that morning.
GETTING THERE
8. Marrakech, Morocco - For a full colour travel experience
Marrakech is a bold display of contrasts destined to make your heart race. On the one hand, it’s famous for its colourful souks brimming with local life. Hold the hand of your love (really, otherwise you will get separated in the hustle and bustle) and explore the laneways bursting with leather goods, colourful spices, locally grown olives, handmade jewellery, Moroccan rugs and all matter of souvenirs. When it’s time to retreat and relax, Marrakech is not short on luxurious amenities with five-star restaurants, gilded palaces, hammams (bath houses) and charming riads (traditional houses). Nestled amongst the colourful sandstone buildings you will also find some of the most enchanting green spaces, such as Majorelle Garden, a place to sit and savour the moment together.
GETTING THERE
9. Kyoto, Japan - For Japan's spiritual heart
Unlike its futuristic counterpart Tokyo, Kyoto is a city that’s seemingly frozen in time with its ancient customs, magnificent Buddhist temples, traditional gardens and mysterious Geisha culture. To set the scene for a romantic holiday, choose from an intimate ryokan with tatami rooms, futon beds and Japanese-style baths, or a superbly restored machiya, Japan’s traditional wooden townhouses that function as both a residence and place of business. There are over 2000 temples and shrines in Kyoto, however start with Kinkaku-ji Temple and Ginkaku-ji Temple to see where this leads. Gion is the city’s geisha district. Take a stroll along the laneways and see ochayas, tea houses where geishas entertain. For green thumbs and nature lovers, cherry blossoms burst to life each spring and there are endless manicured gardens year round.
GETTING THERE
10. Paris, France - For the OG city of love
There is a real sense of occasion in Paris, and what better occasion than being in love? The city is alive with food, art, architecture and the daily lives of Parisians. Made famous by movies such as Moulin Rouge and Midnight at Paris, you’ll feel like the main character of your own romantic story as you explore charming laneways, shop at luxury ateliers and savour the aromas of croissants first thing in the morning. The clichés will all ring true as you and your love spend a day sightseeing iconic landmarks such as the Lourve and Notre-Dame Cathedral, followed by a picnic of French wine and cheese beneath the Eiffel Tower. Simply put, Paris is the epitome of romance.
GETTING THERE
CREDITS
Categories