I'm not someone who gets particularly soppy around Valentine's Day but I absolutely appreciate a "romantic" venue, whether it's a cozy local restaurant or a waterfall at the ends of the earth. Everyone has different views on what's the perfect romantic spot. It could be a beach, the top of a mountain or your local grocery store where you bought flowers for the first time...
I'm going to take you on my personal journey to my most romantic travel destinations. With lots of love this week,
John
Top 5 - Romance and Travel
1. Rosewood Little Dix Bay (above and below)
We were only visiting for lunch from elsewhere in the British Virgin Islands, and this was not an amazing Rosewood property back in the 1990's but such was the effect of strolling along this beach, I fell to one knee and proposed to my wife here. I'd had no idea I was going to do that, no ring and no plan. I'm not even a beach person usually. We may have to return, as Rosewood Little Dix Bay is on one of the Caribbean’s finest shorelines—a half-mile beach of powder-white sand beyond a colorful barrier reef.
2. Florence, Italy (above)
Another visit way back in the previous century that stayed ingrained with me for ever. I've always told friends and clients who ask, that I think Florence is the most romantic city on earth. The food, the ambiance, the river, the food and yes, the food!
There around 20 hotels I'd say are very romantic as the history and class just oozes out of the buildings, but a favorite would be Belmond's Villa San Michele (below). With a facade designed by Michelangelo, ancient frescos, and cutting-edge street art, Villa San Michele is a work of art. Surrounded by a wooded park and gardens, its hilltop location affords dramatic views of the city.
3. Maldives
The Maldives really does define the romantic version of beach travel. Overwater bungalows, exclusively one resort to each tiny desert island, and clear blue turquoise water surrounding you completely.
We thought Park Hyatt Hadahaa (above) was blissful, but there are another 100 resorts at least in the same category or higher, so romance options are incredibly plentiful. For example, a new benchmark for overwater luxury is Soneva Jani (below) with 71 lavish overwater retreats and villas overlooking pristine blue waters and sugar-sand beaches. Choose from hideaways with retractable roofs and waterslides; or brand-new, all-inclusive beachside villas. Enjoy a private picnic lunch on the beach curated by a personal chef and surf the Noonu Atoll with an instructor.
4. New Zealand (above)
The South Island in particular has scenery that just blows you away, and then you can combine this with an amazing wine country and a foodie scene that excels. Our 2018 10-day itinerary was too short by about a month, but it is probably the most romantic trip I have ever taken.
You don't really need a hotel in this country to enhance all those warm fuzzy feelings, but there would be no harm in booking Eichardt’s Private Hotel in Queenstown if you wanted to go the extra mile in the romance stakes. A sumptuous retreat for the most discerning globetrotters in its pristine lakefront setting, the hotel offers seven luxurious suites, four apartments, and one rooftop Penthouse suite (below) in the heart of town
PS. New Zealand has recently announced a plan to reopen its borders and travel will be possible later this year.
5. Africa (above and below)
Can an entire continent be romantic?
Well, probably not, but I have now visited South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia, Uganda and Namibia in the last 3 years and each country has had a profound effect on me. It is very hard to explain but Africa enables connection in the outdoors that just isn't the same anywhere else. You realize how small we humans are and how important those close to us really are.
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I love travel and I love travel planning just as much and I am proud to be building a team as passionate about exploring the world as myself. It took me a very long time to align my career with my undeniable passion for exploring, but now I and the team are here for you. Your personal travel tailors - award reservation and luxury custom itinerary experts. We provide a bespoke service, imagining and creating itineraries for independent minded families and groups.
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