14 of the Most Romantic Getaways in the World

It’s not just the world-class food and wine — although that doesn’t hurt. Napa, Sonoma, and the surrounding wine regions are full of cozy cottages and stately inns tucked away in some of the most beautiful scenery that California has to offer. (And that’s saying quite a lot!) The adults-only Auberge du Soleil features two other aspects of a choice romantic getaway: a Michelin-starred restaurant and a luxury spa.

A few hours south of Napa, Big Sur rises majestically from the rugged Pacific coastline. This is truly one of the most stunning places on earth, and the drive there is half the experience. While you can camp in Big Sur, if that’s your speed, couples seeking a more refined yet still California-casual experience might consider The Post Ranch Inn or Ventana Big Sur.

It doesn’t get much more picturesque than sunset over the ancient village of Oia on Santorini, one of the most romantic islands in Greece. The water, the white houses along the hillside, and the rocky island itself make for a beautiful escape.

There are 74 islands to choose from, off the coast of Queensland — each more stunning than the last (as long as turquoise waters and white sand beaches are your thing). Use the adults-only luxury resort Qualia, on Hamilton Island, as your base, and leisurely explore by sailboat from there.

Or, if you have the means, never leave.

Millions of honeymooners can’t be wrong. The Maldives — a collection of more than 1,000 stunning coral islands in the Indian Ocean — is a true paradise. It’s no wonder that the island nation has been home to the most romantic resort in the world, Baros Maldives, for seven years running.

Sure, it’s a bit cliché, but make no mistake: Paris earns its reputation as the City of Love, year after year. The cafés. The long walks along the Seine. The light. The skyline. Every moment in Paris is imbued with romance.

The stunning natural wonders of Kauai have earned it the name "The Garden Isle." Although Kauai is the least developed of the Hawaiian islands, there is no shortage of luxury amenities. Which is one reason why US News & World Report calls this island the most romantic getaway in the US.

Croatia is not the under-the-radar destination it once was, but that’s understandable: It’s hard to keep a secret like this. In the medieval seaport of Dubrovnik, the centuries-old architecture, rugged coastline, beaches, boats, wine, and Mediterranean cuisine coalesce into something truly special — and it's the reason they call this city the “jewel of the Adriatic.”

For a quintessentially New England coastal getaway that brings to mind the country’s Gilded Age, consider a weekend at the historic Chanler at Cliff Walk in Newport, Rhode Island.

The Caribbean is full of romantic getaways, but Jade Mountain, located on the highest point on the island of St. Lucia, is one of the best.

The Maasai Mara is, after all, the place that inspired Out of Africa. This romantic safari destination promises some of the most unforgettable, striking vistas of a lifetime.

A trip to Marrakech will usher you right into another world, with mosques, gardens, sights, sounds, and smells the likes of which you’ve probably never experienced. In Marrakech, writes Paula Hardy in The Guardian, “the past and present are hard to tell apart.” To truly feel a part of it, stay in a historic riad (a traditional Moroccan house).

Ah, Italy. It’s so hard to choose just one romantic destination, but Travel+Leisure sure loves the medieval villages of Tuscany.

And then there’s the Amalfi Coast, just south of Naples — one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the world.