The 27 Best Vacation Spots for Couples in the World

When thinking about the best vacation spots for couples worldwide, it would be easy to highlight obvious places like Paris and Venice, but our aim for this list is to go beyond the clichés and give you ideas for romantic getaways you might not have thought of. After all, some of the best bonding experiences come from exploring a new place together and making memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you're planning a 10th anniversary trip, a special birthday vacation or some other kind of romantic getaway, these couples trip ideas have something for everyone.

Taking into account the top travel trends, we curated a list of the best couples vacations that offer a wide range of experiences for every taste and budget. Whether you're just planning a quick getaway close to home or are looking for mythical places that are worth jetting around the world for, consider this list your go-to guide for the best couples vacations to add to your bucket list.

Bhutan

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Let's kick things off with Bhutan, a trending vacation spot for couples this upcoming year and it's easy to see why. Sitting on the eastern edge of the Himalayas, Bhutan's eco-credentials are high: It's the world's only carbon-negative country and laws there state that 60% of its land must be protected as forests. With lush landscapes, cliff-clinging monasteries and wildlife that includes snow leopards and tigers there's plenty to see and do for couples seeking spirituality, incredible scenery and hiking trails.

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Where to stay: Paro lodge at the Six Senses is a must for couples where you can partake in a private butter lamp ceremony at a 16th-century monastery that promises a blessed life together.

Canyon Point, Utah

Courtesy of Amangiri

What's the difference between a canyon and a butte? Well, that's something you and your partner will certainly distinguish by the end of your couples vacation out West. A place that's defined by stretches of vast land and picturesque features, the American West is worth exploring with your partner as you'll make plenty of memories on the open road and at your destination. Our editor recommends renting a car from Phoenix or Las Vegas and driving through winding desert landscapes, home to some of the best-known national parks in the country. (As in, the South Rim of the Grand Canyon is a must-see along the way.) If you aren't as crunched for time, stay along the edge of US National Park to catch sunrise along the Rim. A two-hour drive north will take couples to yet another choice spot: Lake Powell. A stay near Glen Canyon also means learning about the local Native tribes, and soaking in the man-made lake by boat for an otherworldly respite.

Where to Stay: Amangiri and its satellite property, Camp Sarika, offer luxury desert stays in Canyon Point, Utah.

Umbria, Italy

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The secret is out about Umbria, Italy's green heart. Right in the center of the country, only a couple of hours from Rome, it looks a lot like Tuscany but without the crowds. Expect rolling hills dotted with vineyards and olive groves, Medieval hill towns, and country retreats. Oh and did we mention the food? In particular, Umbria is known for black truffles and artisanal charcuterie. The top towns to visit include Orvieto, Perugia, and Assisi, but it's a good idea to rent a car so you can explore the countryside too.

Where to Stay: Castello di Reschio is a luxury boutique hotel in an 11th century castle owned by a count who also happens to be an architect and designed the exceedingly chic property himself. Vocabolo Moscatelli is a design-centric hotel in a 12th-century monastery in a small town near Perugia.

Vienna, Austria

Forget Paris—travel to Vienna. It's one of the most beautiful European capitals and if you and your spouse love history and culture, you'll have more than enough to do no matter the season. The Austrian capital consistently ranks as the world's most liveable city and some of the things that make it so liveable (good culture and entertainment, reliable infrastructure) make it a great place to visit too. Between the imperial palaces, myriad art museums, classical concerts, and cozy coffeehouses, it's the perfect destination for a European city break.

Where to Stay: A member of the Leading Hotels of the World, Hotel Sacher Vienna is the city's historic grand dame and home to the original Sacher-torte. For a more modern take on Viennese hospitality, the buzzy new Rosewood Vienna is your best bet.

The Maldives

This island nation ranks among the best honeymoon destinations and one of the best vacation spots for couples—think milestone anniversary trip. It's no wonder—the beach resorts set on private islands are made for romantic getaways. Whether you and your spouse want to simply relax on the beaches or pursue more active pursuits like snorkeling, jet skiing, or practicing sunrise yoga, you'll find plenty of opportunities to relax and recharge together.

Where to Stay: Sister resorts JOALI Maldives and JOALI Being focus on artful stays and wellness, respectively.

Tanzania

An African safari is a classic couples trip and one of the best safari destinations is the Serengeti in Tanzania. January through March is calving season for the wildebeest in the southern Serengeti, which will then start moving toward Kenya in a phenomenon known as the Great Migration. But no matter when you visit the Serengeti, you're sure to see plenty of wildlife and unforgettable experiences like a hot air balloon ride over the savannah. For a bit of a beach escape at the end of your safari, add on a few days in Zanzibar.

Where to Stay: Serengeti Bushtops Camp and Roving Bushtops are small boutique camps set within the Serengeti National Park. Meanwhile, Singita Sabora Tented Camp and Singita Sasakwa Lodge are located nearby in the Grumeti Game Reserve, a private concession dedicated to conservation.

Vermont

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For outdoorsy couples who love to spend time in nature and want a bit of a digital detox, Vermont is a great choice. Known as the Green Mountain State, it has plenty of beautiful places to go hiking or skiing in the winter, quaint New England getaway towns, and opportunities to enjoy lake life. Every season brings its own charms, but the fall foliage in Vermont is especially beautiful. And while you might associate all-inclusive resorts with the Caribbean, one of the country's best all-inclusive hotels in the US is located in Barnard, Vermont.

Where to Stay: Twin Farms in Barnard is an all-inclusive Relais & Châteaux resort where you can explore the trails, picnic by the pond, and go fishing or foraging. The Woodstock Inn & Resort in the quaint town of Woodstock oozes historic New England charm.

Porto, Portugal

Portugal's second largest city has much of the same charm as Lisbon, but is a bit less crowded. In this hilly city, you'll enjoy spotting azulejos (the traditional tiles that cover Portuguese buildings), sampling Portuguese cuisine, strolling along the banks of the Douro River, and touring historic port cellars like Graham's Lodge, where the British royal family's port wine is aged. It's also a good jumping off point to visit the scenic Douro Valley wine region where you can stay at one of the top eco-friendly resorts in the world.

Where to Stay: To be in the center of everything, Maison Albar Hotels - Le Monumental Palace is a great choice. This member of the Leading Hotels of the World has fantastic service, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and a wonderful spa. Vila Foz Hotel & Spa, a member of Design Hotels, is a historic mansion overlooking the Atlantic. The five-star Six Senses Douro Valley is housed in an old farmhouse with modern amenities.

Miami, Florida

For the fun-loving couple that wants to go somewhere with nice beaches, trendy restaurants, flamboyant hotels, buzzing nightlife, and a dash of art and design, it's hard to beat a trip to Miami. From the sleek Design District and hip Wynwood to flashy South Beach, there's something for everyone. You can take in art at the Perez Museum, dine at a celebrity chef's restaurant, relax on the beach, and go salsa dancing in Little Havana all in a day.

Where to Stay: In a city where each hotel is more over-the-top than the last, the Faena Miami Beach takes the cake. For a more subdued stay, check into the Asian-inspired Setai Miami Beach, the Betsy, or Acqualina Resort & Residences for Mediterranean vibes.

Phuket, Thailand

For a tropical romantic getaway with a dash of culture and deliciously spicy cuisine, you can't go wrong with a trip to Phuket, the largest island in Thailand and one of the best island vacations on the planet. Expect beautiful beaches, quaint Sino-Portuguese architecture in the main town, fantastic food, and legendary nightlife. On a trip to Phuket, you can go kayaking and snorkeling, try a traditional Thai massage, take a cooking class, and even visit an elephant sanctuary. Many couples combine Phuket with a few days in Bangkok at a treehouse hotel and perhaps a mountain destination like Chiang Mai.

Where to Stay: Located on a secluded cove on the northern side of the island, Trisara is ideal for couples whose priorities are relaxing rather than nightlife. Anantara Layan Phuket Resort is also highly rated. Bangkok Treehouse is an affordable stay that's a short BTS Skytrain ride to Bangna Station.

Cape Town, South Africa

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A Cape Town honeymoon or anniversary trip is ideal for couples who crave beautiful scenery and a variety of experiences. South Africa's capital is a vibrant city with a thriving art scene, bustling waterfront full of shops and restaurants, as well as plenty of chances to bask in nature, whether you want to hike Table Mountain or spot penguins on Boulders Beach. It's also easy to do a day trip or overnight to the Cape Winelands or add on a safari in Kruger National Park.

Where to Stay: Ellerman House is an intimate Relais & Châteaux hotel with a formidable art collection, fantastic views of the coast, and a couple of standalone villas in addition to rooms in the main building. The Silo Hotel, meanwhile, is a tour de force of African design above the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary African Art on the V&A Waterfront.

José Ignacio, Uruguay

Sometimes compared to Montauk, José Ignacio is Uruguay's coolest beach town, which draws people from neighboring Argentina as well as in-the-know travelers from the U.S. and Europe. And since it's in the southern hemisphere, an Uruguay vacation is the perfect warm weather escape during North American winters. Over the past few years, it's become a destination for art world insiders (a James Turrell Skyspace was inaugurated in 2021). It's also a good base for day trips to places like Punta del Este and Garzón, where you can visit the award-winning Bodega Garzón winery and dine at one of celebrity chef Francis Mallmann's restaurants.

Where to Stay: Family-owned Vik Retreats has not one but three art-focused hotels in and around José Ignacio (Bahia Vik, Playa Vik, and Estancia Vik). Posada Ayana is home to the aforementioned Turrell Skyspace.

Basque Country, Spain

For an alternative to Barcelona and Madrid, consider a trip to Basque Country in northern Spain. The area has a very large concentration of Michelin stars, making it a must for foodies. The most charming city in the region is San Sebastián, which is known for its beautiful beach and quaint city center full of narrow lanes packed with tapas bars (known as pintxos bars here). Bilbao is also worth visiting for its historic city center and the Guggenheim Bilbao, a feat of modern architecture with wonderful exhibitions.

Where to Stay: Maria Cristina, a Luxury Collection Hotel has been an elegant beacon of hospitality since 1912. Gran Hotel Domine in Bilbao has a sleek, modern design and a convenient location across the street from the Guggenheim Bilbao.

Agra, India

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A journey to India to see the Taj Mahal is a once-in-a-lifetime experience—and what better destination for a couples trip than to visit the monument Mughal emperor Shah Jahan built as a memorial for his beloved wife? It's worth an early wake-up call to go right when the monument opens at sunrise. There's an incredibly strong spiritual aura of peace and tranquility in the morning, before the crowds descend. And aside from the Taj Mahal, it's worth visiting historic sites like Agra Fort.

Where to Stay: Oberoi Amarvilas is the height of luxury, with white glove service, a massive pool, and views of the Taj Mahal. Guests of ITC Mughal, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Agra rave about the spa and manicured gardens.

St. Barts

For jet-setting couples who love the sea and the city, this Caribbean island with a French flair is the best of both worlds. On a St. Barths vacation, you and your significant other can spend your days relaxing on beautiful beaches before spending evenings indulging in delicious food and nightlife in Gustavia, the island's capital. Pack your most stylish swimwear and get ready for a swanky island getaway. Or don't pack anything at all—there are plenty of chic boutiques where you can engage in some retail therapy.

Where to Stay: Le Sereno is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World with private villas and a pool overlooking the beach. Opened in the 1950s, Eden Rock, now a member of the Oetker Collection, has welcomed famous guests like Greta Garbo, Peggy Guggenheim, and Lee Radziwill.

Istanbul, Turkey

This bustling, cosmopolitan city where Europe meets Asia is one of the world's most mythical places. Once the seat of the Roman empire, the Byzantine empire, and the Ottoman empire, Istanbul is packed with incredible historic sites like Topkapi Palace and the Hagia Sophia, as well as bustling markets like the Grand Bazaar and modern art museums. If you and your spouse enjoy exploring big, busy cities, then trip to Istanbul might be right for you.

Where to Stay: Çirağan Kempinski Palace is a legendary castle hotel in an Ottoman palace overlooking the Bosphorus where you and your spouse can bond during a Turkish hammam treatment. The Peninsula Istanbul is the city's buzzy new luxury hotel in the Galataport district.

Savannah, Georgia

Take a big dose of history, a pinch of southern hospitality, and excellent cuisine, stir them up and you've got the recipe for a great couples trip in Savannah. Established in 1733, this charming city has cobblestone streets lined with stately homes, parks full of live oaks and Spanish moss, great shops, and a fantastic restaurant and bar scene. According to some, the city is also very haunted and there are plenty of ghost tours led by guides who will point out haunted houses and tell dark tales of murder and mayhem.

Where to Stay: The Perry Lane Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel has a fun rooftop bar and a bit of a retro design. The Alida Savannah, a member of Marriott's Tribute Portfolio, is housed in a converted warehouse on the riverfront and has a mid-century modern-inspired design.

Loire Valley, France

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Sure, Paris may be more popular for couples, but if you want to see another side of France, consider a romantic getaway to the Loire Valley. About an hour from Paris by train, the area is known for its many Renaissance castles and small villages that look like something out of a fairytale. Some of the best castles to visit are the Château de Chambord, the Château de Chenonceau, and the Château du Clos Lucé, where Leonardo Da Vinci lived. Wine lovers should plan to visit the wineries in Sancerre, which produce crisp white wines beloved around the world.

Where to Stay: Aside from visiting castles, you can stay in one. The Hôtel Château du Grand-Lucé was built in 1760 and has been restored to its original glory with precious antiques and manicured gardens. Les Hauts de Loire was built as a 19th-century hunting lodge and is now a Relais & Châteaux hotel known for its Michelin-starred restaurant and cooking school.

Marfa, Texas

Art-loving couples should plan to make a pilgrimage to Marfa, a little town near the Mexican border with an outsized art scene. Ever since Donald Judd moved here in the 1970s and created the Chinati Foundation on an old army base, the town has attracted an artsy crowd. Many little galleries have popped up around town and it might be the only place in the U.S. where hipsters rub elbows with cowboys at dive bars like the Lost Horse Saloon. It's also close to Big Bend National Park, so it would be easy to combine art-spotting in Marfa with a hiking trip.

Where to Stay: Hotel Saint George is the town's most design-forward place to stay. For couples who don't mind roughing it a bit, El Cosmico is a collection of airstream trailers, yurts, tents and teepees that draws a bohemian crowd.

Kyoto, Japan

Japanese traditions live on in Kyoto, where couples can visit Shinto shrines like the famed Fushimi Inari Taisha with its bright orange gates, partake in tea ceremonies, and explore the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Go in the spring for cherry blossom season (considered a bucket-list event) or in the fall to admire the changing colors of the leaves. No matter when you go, you'll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy delicious sushi, ramen, and other Japanese specialties and admire beautiful ceramics and other objects in the shops.

Where to Stay: Guests praise the wonderful staff, luxurious onsen, and delicious food at Hotel the Mitsui, a Luxury Collection Hotel. Ace Hotel Kyoto has a hip vibe and free bikes that guests can use to get around town.

Napa Valley and Sonoma County, California

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Not just an easy escape for San Franciscans, northern California wine country draws travelers from all over the U.S. and beyond making it one of the best vacation spots for couples. Savoring gastronomic delights at Michelin-starred restaurants, wine tastings, hot air balloon rides, and scenic bike rides are just some of the activities couples can enjoy in this bucolic region. The laid-back vibes make it easy for couples to unwind and reconnect.

Where to Stay: Guest reviews of Montage, Healdsburg say that the property "transcends expectations," with special mention of the professional staff and delicious cuisine. Foodies celebrating a special occasion should book a stay at Single Thread Farms, which is known for its Michelin three-star restaurant and personalized service.

Paros, Greece

For a Greek Island escape without the crowds, consider one of the smaller Cycladic islands such as Paros. Comprising a handful of whitewashed villages, sandy beaches, and hidden coves, Paros is coming onto the radar of savvy travelers. The main town of Naoussa has a lively port, cute boutiques, and plenty of bars and restaurants where you can sample traditional and creative Greek cuisine.

Where to Stay: Parilio, a member of Design Hotels, is a popular choice for honeymoons and minimoons. Cosme, a Luxury Collection Resort has a great location right on the beach but within walking distance of Naoussa.

Machu Picchu, Peru

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Adventurous couples ready to embark on a bucket list trip should set their sights on Machu Picchu in Peru. Start your trip with a few days in Cusco so you can get acclimated to the altitude before taking the luxurious Hiram Bingham train by Belmond up to the Incan citadel. Active travelers can also opt to hike the Inca Trail Route, which takes four days, or just hike the last section, which takes a day.

Where to Stay: Guests rave that Sanctuary Lodge, a Belmond Hotel is "above and beyond" and "well worth the price." Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is a popular choice in Aguas Calientes, where you can catch the train that takes you to Machu Picchu.

Marrakesh, Morocco

Morocco's most dynamic city is a feast for the senses. From the bustling markets like Jemaa El Fna to peaceful gardens and riads, there's so much to do. Cultured couples should make sure to visit the Musée Yves Saint Laurent and the Jardin Majorelle, haggle in the souks, and sip Moroccan mint tea or coffee at Bacha, a beautiful colonial-inspired café inside the Musée des Confluences. You can even do a sidecar tour of the medina with Marrakech Insiders.

Where to Stay: The Royal Mansour and La Mamounia are both members of the Leading Hotels of the World, so you can expect top notch service at both. The former was created by King Mohammed VI as a celebration of Moroccan artisanship, while the latter recently celebrated its centenary.

Sydney, Australia

If you and your sweetie are itching for a far-flung trip, consider a couples getaway to the land down under. Sydney is a popular choice, as it's got a winning combination of urban vibes and beautiful beaches. Aside from the famed opera house on the harbor, you'll find great museums and sites in the CBD, hip restaurants and bars in cool neighborhoods like Surry Hills, and sandy beaches like Bondi Beach, with its famous saltwater pool.

Where to Stay: The Old Clare Hotel is a hip boutique hotel with an industrial-chic design in a pair of heritage buildings in Chippendale. Prefer to stay by the beach? QT Bondi puts you right in the heart of Bondi Beach.

Luang Prabang, Laos

Ready to get off the beaten path? This under-the-radar Southeast Asian city may not have bucket list sites like Angkor Wat, but it's a beautiful, relaxing, and very affordable destination. A former French colony, it has a fascinating mix of French and Buddhist architecture and culture. You can do a sunset cruise on the Mekong, shop at the night market, visit Buddhist temples, and head out of town to swim in Kuang Si Falls.

Where to Stay: At the Avani+ Luang Prabang you'll get a luxurious experience without paying five-star hotel prices. Rosewood Luang Prabang is a romantic resort with a gorgeous design and excellent service.

Egypt

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Ancient history and adventure collide in Egypt. Most tours of the country start in Cairo, with a visit to the Pyramids of Giza. In 2024, the Grand Egyptian Museum is finally slated to open, making it a great time to go. Then, of course, you should visit Luxor and the Valley of the Kings, where you can descend into incredibly preserved ancient tombs painted with figures and hieroglyphics. Cruise down the Nile and end in Aswan, visiting incredible temples along the way.

Where to Stay: Marriott Mena House in Cairo has views of the Pyramids, which can be seen from the manicured grounds. The Marsam Hotel in Luxor is popular among visiting archeologists. In Aswan, check into the Sofitel Legend Old Cataract, where Agatha Christie penned Death on the Nile.