249. Barra de Santiago + La Cocotera Eco Lodge, El Salvador
El Salvador is an often looked over place in central America and that’s probably one of the things that makes this spot so damn special. Barra de Santiago, located on the northern coastline of the country close to Guatemala and it is a little slice of heaven. There is one luxury hotel there (La Cocotera) that is totally worth the splurge for a special occasion. It has beautiful bungalows perfect for romance and unplugging from the world. This eco-resort is sits in a coconut grove between a completely empty beach and an estuary teeming with wildlife. It’s easy to loose days here.
Lamu Island, located in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Kenya is a truly special place. Of course Lamu offers everything you want in a tropical island: white sand beaches, sailing, snorkeling, fishing, seafood… But what makes this island really wonderful is everything else it has to offer. Lamu has a charming old town, a well preserved Swahili settlement, filled with simple architecture, courtyards and carved wood. It’s easy to spend a romantic afternoon wandering the winding alleyways of the old town, visiting the market and heading to a beachside restaurant for some seafood. Or take a romantic sunset cruise along the coast. Truly wonderful. Some of the pics below are from Peponi Hotel, just one example of the lovely accommodation this island has to offer.
247. Sassi di Matera Albergo Diffuso, Basilicata, Italy
The caves in Matera Italy have been places of dwelling for centuries, In the past the caves were basic even poverty stricken, but today they have been lovingly restored transforming the grottos into simple luxury. There are 18 cave rooms with romantic lighting, views of the surrounding landscape, free-standing bathtubs and WiFi (it’s not all medieval :) A truly romantic escape. (website here)
Beautiful, picturesque, calm, and soothing. I spent the entire day here at Balboa Park with my boyfriend enjoying the gardens, museums, and beautiful San Diego weather. It’s the perfect place for an adventurous, curious, and fun couple to get out and explore everything the park has to offer.
Seoul may seem like an unlikely ‘romantic destination’ but there is so much life and energy in this city. I remember one night in particular when my (then) boyfriend and I had had a bit too much soju to drink and we were running down the streets of Seoul so fast that the lights were a blur and the music from the nori-bhangs was wafting through the air and we stopped and danced slow and close in the busy streets of Seoul and it was lovely, urban romance.
Well this is a place we’ve never been but it looks so amazing we had to put it out there. This is the most colorful river in the world but only for a short time throughout the year (roughly September - November) when the aquatic life is in bloom. It is still a rough, rustic area that was closed to the public for a number of years due to FARC guerrilla activity but opened again in 2009 - it is still strongly recommended to travel with a group. Despite this, what a wonder of the world a definite spot for the wish list!
Well if Australia doesn’t have enough stunning beaches on the mainland here is an island a 2 hr plane ride away (from Sydney) with more of it. This island is really a paradise, they tout being pristine allowing only 400 visitors at a time. Picture crystal clear water, coral reefs, abundant wildlife and you’re starting to get an idea of this corner of the world. With no mobile coverage and limited internet access but 11 beaches it’s clear this is a place to slow down. It’s got something for everyone from bushwalking, diving, boating and tennis - you can see this island in the lap of luxury (capella lodge pictured below) or at more modest places, there really is something for everyone here.
In typical New Zealand fashion, Coromandel is an exquisite combination of different landscapes in a small area. Quaint countryside meets, ocean. Karst topography, caves and beaches will blow you away with their beauty. Wander through the surrounding town, play a game of rugby on the beach, have a picnic, watch the sunset. This place is so unusual and so beautiful - a perfect landscape to explore with a loved one.
Is there anything more romantic than roaming the twisted cobblestone streets of a stunning colonial town? We don’t think so. This place is just a feast for they eyes with it’s vibrant color palette, old architecture, smells and sounds. You’ll find markets and horses and cafes. Wander down to the main plaza and just people watch… there are lots of galleries and fabulous restaurants. There are also plentiful celebrations/festivals in San Miguel de Allende. This is a great spot for a romantic getaway.
Are you looking for a romantic beach getaway? Look no further. Belitung Island is a real paradise, clear waters, white sand beaches… the water is calm and and did I mention clear?. This is a really magical place of place of relaxation, of huge granite stones… a place of delicious seafood and picturesque settings. There are surrounding islands to explore as well (Burung, Lengkuas) it is easy to loose track of time here. If you are looking for a peaceful romantic trip with your loved you’ve found it.
