In their third and final guest post for liligo.com, award winning adventure couple Dave and Deb of The Planet D share their ultimate romantic destinations. From Paris to Australia, sweeping sea views to architectural delights, love is definitely in the air!
Want some more reading? Check out the first two guest posts from The Planet D:
> 8 Great Adventures That Couples Can Enjoy Together
> 6 Extreme Adventures By A Full Time Travel Couple
“As winter sets in here in Canada, I often think about snuggling up with the one I love. Sitting by the fire as the snow falls outside while wrapped in a warm blanket sipping apple cider, I find myself daydreaming of the most romantic places my husband Dave and I have visited. The cold weather gives me an excuse to sit back, get cozy and revisit the many places of paradise around the world.
Here are our top picks for the most romantic destinations on earth that you may want to visit this winter yourself.
1. Maldives
It was our dream to visit the Maldives for years. The first time we saw photographs of those over the water bungalows, we knew we wanted a romantic escape on one of its secluded islands. We had the opportunity to finally go and it didn’t disappoint. Staying directly over the water in a luxury bungalow, we enjoyed lazy days walking in the sand, candlelit beachside dinners, and cocktails at the pier watching the sun go down. The Maldives is a place to get away from it all and take advantage of all the watersports you can think of in this world-class destination or do absolutely nothing at all.
2. Santorini
I don’t know if there is a more beautiful vacation setting than Oia Santorini. This Greek island in the center of the Aegean Sea is picture perfect. White washed stone buildings stacked in tiers dangle down the side of giant sea cliffs overlooking the caldera. Doorframes and rooftops are painted in the famous Santorini Blue taking you back in time as you explore the maze of alleyways weaving through marble walking streets.
Cave resort hotels offer infinity pools with the most iconic views on earth, private hot tubs in your room and daily breakfasts served on your exclusive balcony filled with Greek yogurt, fresh fruit, rich coffee and limitless pastries. Santorini is heavenly and you’ll never want to leave.
3. Paris
Nothing says the city of love more than Paris – I don’t think there is a more romantic city on earth. It draws Dave and I back again and again. It’s not one particular thing that makes Paris romantic; it’s the entire city setting. From the sparkling lights of the Eiffel Tower to the hustle and bustle of the Champs-Élysées, the city is alive with energy and the feeling of love. Couples stroll along the Seine arm in arm or wander through the artist district of Montmartre sneaking a kiss anywhere they can. You don’t need to do anything special to make Paris romantic, the entire city exudes amour.
Liligo tip: maximise the romance and enjoy two beautiful destinations by taking the train from Amsterdam to Paris!
4. Grand Cayman Island
When it comes to luxury in the Caribbean, Grand Cayman is a shining star of fine dining, five-star accommodation and endless beaches. Staying at the upscale Ritz Carlton on Seven Mile Beach makes for the perfect setting to indulge in pampering and pure luxury. With beach cabanas lining the waterfront and a patio suite surrounding the massive outdoor pool, you may never want to leave the hotel. But you should.
Grand Cayman is the culinary capital of the Caribbean giving you plenty of options to enjoy a romantic gourmet dinner on the beach or in town at the pleasant and breezy Camana Bay. For romantic escapes, hire a private charter to take you around to the many sites of the island like Stingray Alley and Starfish Point. The clear waters are warm and inviting. Nothing says romance more than a luxury island vacation.
5. Exuma Cays
There’s a reason Oprah, Johnny Depp and other famous celebrities own property in the Exuma Cays. With 365 islands scattered throughout crystal clear gin blue waters, the Exuma Cays are a place to escape and get away from it all. The rest of the Bahamas may be over run with tourists, but in the Exumas you’ll have beaches all to yourself. Choose a luxury resort or take a private yacht to island hop and see the swimming pigs, Thunderball Grotto or the chance to snorkel with the friendly Exuma sharks.
6. Venice
Imagine floating through the Grand Canal in a classic private water taxi marveling at the historic buildings of romantic Venice. Venice was made for romance. Follow in the footsteps of legendary lover Casanova as you woo the one you love with gondoliers serenading in the language of love. Indulge in fresh pasta along the canal or get lost strolling hand in hand through the maze of streets winding through the back alleyways away from the crowds. Stay in Venice at night and you’ll see the tourists disappear leaving you alone to enjoy fine wine by the water as you gaze into each other’s eyes.
7. Daintree Rainforest Australia
There’s something appealing about staying in a tree house above the jungle. When visiting the Daintree Rainforest in Queensland, Australia, we had the opportunity to explore the oldest surviving rainforest on earth while living in the lap of luxury. Our stay at the Silky Oaks Lodge had us in a tree house suite looking over dense jungle. You can hear life all around as you enjoy freshly squeezed juice on the balcony or you can choose to sleep outside on the king size bed surrounded by mosquito netting. If that isn’t romantic, I don’t know what is.
It is here that you can spend your days doing nothing but sitting by the pool, or taking part in yoga, snorkeling and kayaking. We loved walking through the jungle to enjoy an outdoor picnic on a sandy beach by the billabong. The outdoor spa was made for pampering and called for a couples massage where we relaxed our bones before enjoying a gourmet dinner.
We love a great adventure, but as a couple that has travelled together for nearly a decade, we know how important romance is to keep the relationship fresh. Romantic getaways give us a chance to slow down and reconnect. These locations are the places that are close to our hearts and upped the romance factor to the nth degree.
What’s your favourite romantic destination on earth?