The World's Most Romantic Getaways

Australian newlyweds Rory and Melita Hunter fell in love with the Koh Rong Archipelago, a cluster of uninhabited virgin islands off the coast of Cambodia’s Sihanoukville province. Today the couple operates Song Saa (“sweethearts” in Khmer), a sustainability-focused resort where seclusion lends itself to a romantic getaway. Each villa has its own private pool and veranda, as well as an oversize sunken bathtub and king-size bed outfitted with Ploh linens. Spa treatments cater to couples of different stripes: Traditional romantics can opt for a sensual couples-only rose, orange blossom, and jasmine oil rub under the night sky, while more adventurous couples can forage their own wild herbs used in a poultice massage. No sunset here is without Champagne, but go the extra mile—via traditional longtail boat—and picnic on a neighboring island’s white-sand beach, or tour through Koh Rong’s sinuous mangroves. Couples can also arrange for an intimate Buddhist blessing overlooking the sea, carried out by monks from the nearby village of Prek Svey. Extend your love to the Song Saa Foundation: donations help aid marine conservation and provide clean drinking water to the neighboring villages. Villas from $1,037; Kaoh Rung, Krong Preah Sihanouk; 85-52/398-9012; songsaa.com. —Nikkitha Bakshani

No resort respects the natural sultriness of wine quite like Auberge du Soleil, a hillside paradise with sweeping panoramas of Napa Valley. The spacious rooms (520 square feet at their smallest), are decked with California king beds and commodious soaking tubs outfitted with candles and bath oils. The Auberge Spa is anything but ordinary, with wine by the fireplace, morning soaks at their three on-site natural spring-fed pools, and massages incorporating crushed grape seeds, Port, and dark chocolate. Dine on the vineyard-facing terrace of the property’s Michelin-starred restaurant, which serves Mediterranean–inspired cuisine and boasts one of Napa’s most comprehensive wine lists. For an extra romantic touch, Auberge can also arrange a picnic within 33 acres of olive groves, or a chamomile-infused bath (for two) in a private garden. Rooms from $725; 180 Rutherford Hill Rd., Rutherford; 707-963-1211; aubergedusoleil.com. —NB

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At Perivolas, 21 pearly white Cycladic houses surround an infinity pool so close to the Aegean Sea that it appears there’s no barrier between them. The minimally decorated, whitewashed suites allow fuchsia- and lavender-hued pillows and linens, as well as fresh-cut local flora, to speak for its sparse elegance. (Not too shabby, considering some of these rooms were 300-year-old caves, once inhabited by local fisherman, when founders Manos and Nadia Psychas purchased the land.) We prefer the Perivolas Suite for its fluid living and sleeping rooms and private, heated outdoor pool that stretches out to the Caldera-facing terrace. Spa treatments here are basic; instead splurge on the early evening sail, complete with Champagne and snacks, from which you can explore the area’s many secluded coves with a pair of fins. Contemporary Greek mezedes are served poolside during lunch, as well as creative Greek cuisine for dinner in the converted wine cellar restaurant or in the private terraces around the pool. The nearby village of Oia, while hectic with cruise tourists in the afternoon, is pleasantly jovial at night—especially near the charming local tavernas on Ammoudi Bay. Suites from $549; Perivolas Lifestyle Houses, Oia; 30-22/860-71308; perivolas.gr. —NB

Dubbed the “Venice of the East” for its seven canal-linked lakes, Udaipur is one of India’s most magical cities, and The Oberoi Udaivilas Udaipur, located on the 200-year-old hunting grounds of the Maharana of Mewar, is among the country’s most luxurious hotels. Book a private dinner under the marigold-curtained dome facing Lake Pichola, with traditional live music and bespoke dishes curated by the hotel’s highly skilled chefs; or, book a private lunch on a traditional Shikhara boat, where views of two nearby palaces—the City Palace and Jag Mandir—accompany a choice selection of rare teas, gourmet coffees, homemade fruit scones, sandwiches, tarts, and more. Skip the too-big Kohinoor Suite for the red-and-gold Luxury Suite, which also has a private pool, courtyard enclave, pillow menu, and 24-hour butler service. The made-for-couples Ayurvedic massage helps relieve tension and stimulates marma points around the body, but our pick is the picture-perfect milk-and-roses bath, one of the spa’s four bathing options. The hotel can arrange tours of Udaipur and nearby temples, but guests can also opt for painting lessons at the Mewar School of Art, just a 15-minute drive from the hotel. Rooms from $630; Haridasji Ki Magri; 91-29/4243-3300; oberoihotels.com. —NB

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Located on a serene peninsula on Brazil’s Emerald Coast, Ponta Dos Ganchos is made up of 25 freestanding bungalows with minimalist-chic design and subtle opulence. Guests at the Vila and Esmeralda suites can also take part in the hotel’s most euphoric offer: a 90-minute massage followed by a rose petal and essential salts bath, a bottle of Moet & Chandon served with local fruit, and a candlelit tasting-menu dinner with wine pairings—all in the comfort of the guests’ own bungalow. (Only available to one couple each day.) The lush gardens, where the hotel grows all of its produce, are not to be missed, as are the many rainforest trails. For guaranteed tranquility, guests under the age of 18 are strictly forbidden. Villas from $1,330; Eupidio Alves do Nascimento, 104; 55-48/3262-5000; pontadosganchos.com.br. —NB

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A vibrant, red ochre-hued building perched on a cliff, Le Sirenuse offers dreamlike views of Positano made even more vivid thanks to fragrant lemon trees surrounding the hotel pool. The intimate, 58-room boutique property is closed to children under the age of six, making it the ideal home base for couples looking to relax after exploring the gorgeous Amalfi Coast. Those who prefer to enjoy the creature comforts Le Sireneuse has to offer (rather than the many shopping and sunbathing opportunities in Positano) will delight in the hotel’s Spa Suite treatment room for couples, which offers synchronized massages for two like the signature treatment with Amalfi citrus and cedar wood oils. Candlelit dinners take on a new meaning at the Michelin-starred La Sponda restaurant, where 400 flames illuminate the dining area and creeping vines adorn the walls. Executive chef Gennaro Russo specializes in lighter Neapolitan fare, emphasizing fresh seafood and produce with dishes like scampi soup with white peaches, buffalo ricotta, and red basil. Rooms from $818; Via Cristoforo Colombo, 30; 39-08/987-5066; sirenuse.it. —NB

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Proximity to pristine water is this COMO resort’s most breathtaking feature, with 33 thatched-roof bungalows and villas that seem to hover over the lagoon. For ultimate privacy, book one of their one-bedroom villas, each perched on its own jetty, which come complete with an outdoor shower and a sun terrace perfect for sunrise breakfasts. Late risers might prefer a dinner of South Indian fare on the sand, close to the water’s edge. Couples treatment rooms, an open-air yoga pavilion, and massages satisfy a myriad of holistic wellness seekers. As for keepsakes, leave rather than take: the hotel lets guests sponsor a frame that aids coral growth under those turquoise waters. Bungalows from $1,350; Makunufushi, South Malé Atoll; 96-0/664-1818; comohotels.com. —NB

Formerly the home of writers Sinclair Lewis and Dorothy Thompson, this Relais & Chateaux property offers unparalleled cozy romance just five hours from New York (and three from Boston). Each of Twin Farms’ 20 accommodations (including ten cottages) has unique touches: Japanese, Moroccan, and Tuscan aesthetics dominate the Orchard, Meadow, and Woods residencies, respectively, and art by legends like Frank Stella and Roy Lichtenstein adorn the Jed Johnson–designed Studio. Chef Nathan Rich and wine manager Keven Ring pair seasonal, farm-fresh food (think Vermont strawberries, Cavendish quail, local cheeses) with selections from the hotel’s ample wine list. The property’s spa treatments, Japanese furo bath, and selection of all-natural skincare products by Tata Harper and Lunaroma make for excellent accompaniments to the range of outdoor activities on offer, including cross-country or downhill skiing, canoeing, and hiking. Cottages from $2,250, and includes meals, drinks and recreational activities; 452 Royalton Tpk.; 802-234-9999; twinfarms.com. —NB

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The mountains and beaches of Banderas Bay on Mexico’s west coast provide an ethereal backdrop to any getaway. This boutique hotel is surrounded by lush greenery, which inspires many of their spa treatments—including a detoxifying session in an Aztec temascal, or sweat lodge, tucked away in the jungle. For extra privacy, the standalone, open-air Tree House is the suite to book; it features its own private beach. Three on-site restaurants emphasize fresh-caught seafood, authentic Mexican cuisine, and creative cocktails. Imanta’s 250-acre natural reserve is ripe for hiking and bird watching, too. Rooms from $1,670; Monte Nahuac Lote L.; 855-247-2599; imantaresorts.com. —NB

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A rendezvous in Crillon Le Brave, a cluster of 17th- and 18th-century buildings on a hilltop, exudes an impressionistic charm unique to the French countryside. Rooms with Vi-Spring beds and Frette linens overlook Mont Ventoux or the Rhône Valley. Couples traveling together should consider renting the Sousto village house, with two en-suite bedrooms and a common living area. The hotel’s convenient location makes it easy for guests to saunter into the village for a taste of local Provencal cuisine. There is also the on-site Bistrot 40K, which, true to its title, only sources items within a 40 kilometer radius. The main restaurant, Jérôme Blanchet, serves a seven-course tasting menu—paired with some of the most coveted bottles from the nearby Châteauneuf-du-Pape—inside a stone vaulted dining room or olive grove–facing terrace. Book the unfussy "Crillon for Two" experience for a chilled bottle of champagne, and an afternoon tandem bike ride through the grounds. Following the day's ride, couples are treated to a 60-minute massage at the Spa des Ecuries, and a romantic dinner prepared by chef Blanchet. Crillon For Two experience from $1,040; Place de l'Eglise; 33-4/90-65-61-61; crillonlebrave.com. —NB

Post Ranch Inn towers over the Pacific on a cliff 1,200 feet above sea level—a sight known to leave guests speechless. There are no televisions or alarm clocks (or children under 18), which allows guests to turn their focus to their gorgeous surrounds with guided nature walks, stargazing lessons, and an edible tour of the chef’s garden. The two couples spa treatment rooms—one with a fireplace and the other with a walk-in shower—overlook the Ventana Double Cone twin peaks. The property’s award-winning treatments go beyond pampering; shaman sessions and massage classes equip guests with skills they can apply in the comfort of their own top-of-the-line hotel rooms, or homes. Choose between ocean- or mountain-facing suites, all of equal merit, though some, like the Pacific and Peak, have the added bonus of heated floors. At Sierra Mar restaurant, winner of Wine Spectator’s Grand Award for five consecutive years, chef Elizabeth Murray offers a traditional four-course, prix fixe dinner menu incorporating local specialties like Monterey abalone and produce grown on-site. Private houses from $3,450; 47900 Hwy. 1; 831-667-2200; postranchinn.com. —NB

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Nestled in a coconut grove along a crescent beach on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, Amanwella is the escape for couples looking to unwind in a tranquil, intimate setting. Each of the resort’s 30 suites has a king-size bed, freestanding bathtub, twin vanities, plus a private plunge pool and terrace with an alfresco dining area for two. (For the best ocean views, book one of the resort’s Ocean Suites.) In the nearby village of Palapotta, couples can take a class with master potter B. Karunasena, and create a keepsake together. A private dinner in the resort’s coconut grove can also be arranged; afterward, couples can visit the nearby Rekawa Turtle Conservation grounds to watch the turtles lay their eggs in the moonlight. The Aman Spa also offers couples massages; a highlight is the Abhyanga Massage, which uses a rejuvenating warm-oil Ayurvedic treatment. Rooms from $625; Bodhi Mawatha, Wella Wathura, Godellawela, Tangalle, Sri Lanka; 94-47/2-241333; aman.com. —Avery Stone

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The first five-star hotel in the romantic area of Porto, The Yeatman’s defining feature is its sweeping views of the Douro River and the UNESCO World heritage city that lies on the other side. Each of the hotel’s 83 rooms (including 13 suites) has a private terrace, but its most exclusive and intimate space is the Bacchus Suite. Named for the Roman god of wine, this 1,615-square-foot suite features a high-vaulted wooden ceiling, a freestanding fireplace, a round copper Jacuzzi with city views, a rotating bed, and a large exterior terrace with a small fountain and deck beds. The Yeatman's gastronomic restaurant (helmed by chef Ricardo Costa) has two Michelin stars, but guests can also arrange for a romantic alfresco meal on their private terrace. The hotel’s Caudalie Vinotherapie Spa boasts a wide array of treatments (barrel bath immersions, Vichy shower massages) and facilities, including a Roman bath, hammam, and an indoor pool. Rooms from $260; Rua do Choupelo, 4400-088 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal; 351-22/013-3100; the-yeatman-hotel.com. —AS

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Housed in one of Newport’s historic mansions, The Chanler at Cliff Walk radiates old-world opulence for a new-world audience. Each of the hotel’s 20 uniquely designed rooms has a fireplace—perfect for curling up while admiring views of the Atlantic Ocean. Couples can also take advantage of in-room spa treatments, 24-hour room service, and the hotel’s Aromatherapy bath service, in which a Chanler butler will draw a bath with your choice of essential bath oils from Aromatherapy Associates. (Wine pairings are also available with your soak.) The hotel’s restaurant, Spiced Pear, serves up seasonal, French-influenced takes on classic New England dishes; with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out at the ocean, it’s the ideal spot for a romantic getaway. Guests can also explore Newport in style, with access to complimentary point-to-point transportation in The Chanler’s custom luxury Buick Enclaves. Rooms, from $395; 117 Memorial Blvd., Newport; 401-847-1300; thechanler.com. —AS

When the Four Seasons Lanai reopened in 2016 after extensive renovations, it cemented its reputation as one of the most important new luxury hotels in the world—and also one of the most romantic. Located on the secluded, 90,000-acre island of Lanai (where there are no stoplights), over-the-top amenities abound: Laird Hamilton-designed golf boards, a Jack Niklaus-designed golf course, the Nobu Lanai, and five lush botanical gardens with waterfalls and koi ponds. By day, couples can explore the island’s bluffs and wooded valleys on a private horseback riding excursion. In the evening, they can charter a private, 55-foot catamaran and sip cocktails while sailing along the Lanai coastline. And at night, they can book an oceanfront dinner under the stars and enjoy a personalized five-course menu and wine pairing to the tune of a solo musician or playlist of their choosing. Rooms from $1,150; 1 Manele Bay Rd., Lanai City; 808-565-2000; fourseasons.com. —AS

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This five-star wellness resort is converted from a 19th-century hacienda and sits on 750 acres of the Yucatán Peninsula’s Maya forest. Its 40 accommodations—38 stand-alone casitas and two three-bedroom villas—are nestled into the jungle and ideal for couples looking for a bit of privacy. (The casitas feature king-size beds, private pools, indoor and outdoor showers, and walk-in closets; the villas boast Jacuzzis and private gardens.) The resort’s restaurant, Ixi’Im, which is helmed by chef Jorge Vallejo (of Mexico City’s lauded Quintonil), serves seasonal cuisine featuring ingredients from on-site gardens; it has a private tequila collection of over 3,000 bottles. Couples can also book hands-on culinary experiences, like a traditional Mayan cooking class, or a tequila and chocolate pairing class. The property’s world-class spa—known for its holistic, Mayan-inspired treatments—includes a special couple’s suite overlooking the cenote (natural sinkhole) that the facility is built around. Rooms from $1040, based on double occupancy; Tablaje 642, San Antonio Chablé; 52-55/41610-4262; chableresort.com. —AS