Love is in the air. After all, February is the month of love and Valentine's Day is the day of love, so we can’t help but daydream about romantic getaways: Over-the-top luxury in Paris, quaint beachfront boutiques in Jamaica, sexy spots in New York City – they all mean romance to us. It may be a little late to be booking a romantic stay for this Valentine’s Day, but it’s never the wrong time to start planning your next romantic vacation à deux (especially if you're in the doghouse for forgetting about today -- this should help you out). Get inspired by our picks for the 10 most romantic hotels in the world, below or at USA Today.
Hotel Plaza Athenee, Paris
You can’t think of romantic getaways and not consider Paris. The City of Love is full of romantic hotels, big and small, but Hotel Plaza Athenee outshines the others in setting the mood for couples. Nothing says romance like a view of the Eiffel Tower from your luxurious suite, and that’s just what you get at this iconic hotel. The 146 rooms and 45 suites are decorated in classic Art Deco style — picture draped curtains, gilded wall panels, and crystal chandeliers — with modern touches like flat-screen TVs and marble baths. And the top-notch Dior Institute spa features tons of couples’ treatments. Finish the day with a romantic meal at one of the six distinct restaurants.
Eden Roc at Cap Cana, Dominican Republic
The Eden Roc, opened in 2012, is one of the most luxe properties in the Dominican Republic, and is located in the gated Cap Cana community — which has a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, a marina, and a beach club. Though there is an on-site kids club and some cottages were made with families in mind, many of the suites have more romantic layouts, with bathrooms with French doors, deep soaking tubs, and patios where couples can receive spa treatments. Guests can also opt for a couples’ massage in a beachside cabana. All suites have small private pools, perfect for a romantic late-night dip.
Viceroy Anguilla
The Viceroy Anguilla, opened in 2009, is the most modern property on this tiny island, which in and of itself is a popular spot for couples due to its size and exclusive atmosphere. The Kelly Wearstler-designed resort manages to mix an upscale look with a laid-back, beachy feel, and features sleek lines, modern amenities, numerous art installations, earth tones, animal prints, and wood, stone, and gold accents. This look continues through the rooms, which have romantic balconies as well as marble bathrooms with separate showers and soaking tubs.
The Greenwich Hotel, New York City
You’ve probably heard the terms “city escape” thrown around a lot, but at this intimate, 88-room boutique they truly do apply. The Greenwich feels like a lush oasis in the middle of the once-industrial TriBeCa, with a plant-filled courtyard, the luxurious Shibui spa, and an underground, lantern-lit pool beneath a 250-year-old Japanese farmhouse roof. The exceptional rooms, each uniquely designed to evoke an Italian home, and the hip rustic Italian restaurant, Locanda Verde, complete the romantic experience.
Excellence Playa Mujeres, Cancun
This adults-only luxury resort offers a nice all-inclusive experience with tons of variety. There are multiple dining options, several beautiful pools, a gorgeous spa with great treatments for couples, and dozens of wonderful activities perfect for unwinding with your significant other. The rooms here are large and contemporary, with large modern bathrooms, Jacuzzis with garden views, and high-end amenities. Some even have a large rooftop terrace with a private plunge pool and day beds for two with ocean views.
The Milestone Hotel, London
The Milestone is perhaps the most famous boutique hotel in London, and certainly lives up to its expectations, with exquisitely designed rooms and exceptional service. The service is where the hotel really shines – the staff is expertly trained and incredibly accommodating – so couples don’t need to lift a finger during their stays. With a spa, a cozy atmosphere, and a convenient location for London’s most exclusive shopping, the Milestone is an excellent spot for a romantic getaway.
Geejam, Jamaica
These five modern villas on a remote mountaintop are cut off from prying eyes by thick stone walls or dense flora. Designed for utmost privacy, there’s no communal pool, lobby, or front desk, and you could go your entire vacation without seeing any other guests. The rooms are self-contained sanctuaries with 24-hour room service and in-room massages – both perfect amenities for setting the mood – and Frenchman’s Cove, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, is only 10 minutes away.
Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur
The 39-room Post Ranch Inn is one of the most beautiful hotels in the United States — if not the entire world — and offers a romantic, intimate stay amid gorgeous natural surroundings. The hotel is built into the cliffs of Big Sur, and the organic architecture is breathtaking, seeming to grow out of the ground beside the hotel’s surrounding redwoods. The spacious, eco-sensitive rooms have ocean or mountain views, and many feature floor-to-ceiling windows to better show them off. Rooms also have wood-burning fireplaces, radiant floor heating, outdoor showers or hot tubs, private decks, and organic bath products and linens. The award-winning spa focuses on rejuvenating services and even has a shaman on-site; the restaurant, Sierra Mar, is one of the best in Big Sur; the hotel’s cliff-top pools are stunning; and free amenities (such as yoga and stargazing) are abundant.
Jade Mountain Resort, St. Lucia
With an innovative design of open fourth walls, private in-room infinity pools, jaw-dropping views and wood canopied beds, the Jade Mountain’s are arguably the most romantic rooms on St. Lucia. The unwavering silence, doting service, organic cuisine and lack of technology (no TVs or radios in rooms), make it the perfect spot for an upscale romantic getaway. And the adults-only policy certainly doesn’t hurt either!
Auberge Du Soleil, Napa
This luxury inn is one of the most exclusive (and expensive) destinations in California wine country. Despite its intimate size, it has all the amenities of a larger resort: a 7,000-square-foot luxury spa, a lovely pool, and a delicious restaurant. Views of the surrounding countryside are phenomenal, the grounds are lush and peaceful, and the homey rooms all come with huge terraces (and, in most, fireplaces and soaking tubs). It’s a truly special, romantic retreat, and it’s location in Rutherford is convenient for exploring Napa Valley.
RELATED LINKS:
- Romantic boutiques
- Tips on traveling with a new significant other
- Top hotels for distracting a needy girlfriend (or boyfriend!)
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