10 unique destinations for a romantic getaway

Tasmania might not traditionally be a place to celebrate love, but there’s ample opportunity to create memorable and romantic adventures among the wild landscapes of this heart-shaped island.

Hop in a two-person canoe for a paddle along the peaceful Pieman River to Lovers Falls, a remote, 40m-high waterfall hidden within a luscious rainforest. Alternatively, head to the River Derwent for the chance to kayak alongside perhaps Australia’s most unusual critter, the duck-billed platypus.

To gaze into each other’s eyes over a glass of wine, head to Tamar Valley Wine Trail, a route that links over 30 cellar doors in Northern Tasmania. Its vineyard landscapes are gleeful to gaze at – just imagine sipping on sparkling white wine while overlooking kilometres of leafy vines, lakes and coastlines. 

The coast is where you can soak up slow village life and enjoy dreamy seaside strolls. Stanley on the north-west coast is home to the smallest species of penguin, named the Little Penguin, which you can watch waddle along the sands of Godfrey Beach as the sun sets. In the west, Strahan has Tasmania’s longest beach and is also where you can embark on a romantic ride along the island’s heritage railway.

For a secluded escape, Namibia is an idyllic off-grid choice. This African country certainly delivers when it comes to those special, once-in-a-lifetime moments.

NamibRand Nature Reserve is one of Africa’s largest private nature reserves. As well as being an important conservation area for ecology and wildlife – including oryx, zebras and giraffes – it was also awarded International Dark Sky status, making it one the best places to stargaze on Earth.

But this is just the beginning of Namibia’s awe-inspiring landscapes. Exploring the dramatic and vast Sossusvlei will make you feel like the only people in the world, especially when viewing from the air. Cuddle up in a basket of a hot air balloon while gazing below at the rolling red dunes glowing in the rays of the rising sun.

You’ll be spoilt for choice with Namibia’s array of remote luxury accomodation, too. Expect spectacular safari camps and desert lodges, many kitted out with infinity pools, hot tubs, and private dining facilities.

Whether your dream location for romance is a rolling vineyards, historic old town centres, coastal gems or towering Alpine peaks, Slovenia has it all.

It’s capital Ljubljana is a fantastic alternative to Paris. Plenty of open-air cafes and green spaces allow you to relax and enjoy the magical feel of this underrated city. Ljubljana's hilltop castle only adds to the fairytale charm, along with the town centre’s statue of France Prešeren, one of Slovenia’s most renowned romantic poets of the 19^th century.

Slovenia has just 45km of coastline, but it’s certainly made the most of it. Hold hands while you explore the medieval town of Piran, known for its Venetian architecture and the frescoed house of violinist Giuseppe Tartini, which has now transformed into a museum. There are no beaches, but nothing stops you enjoying a picnic on one of its harbourside piers, followed by a swim in the warm Adriatic waters.

To escape into Slovenia’s beautiful Alpine nature, Logar Valley in Solčava is the perfect choice. Enjoy walking, cycling, or even horseriding through the mountains, with unmissable spots including the 90-metre-high Rinka Falls. 

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Enclosed within 11km of fortified stone walls, the captivating historic centre of Cartagena sets the perfect scene for lovers. Cobbled roads are lined with yellow-washed colonial architecture and balconies draped in flowers. Seek out the Old Town’s stunning sights including the Torre del Reloj clocktower and San Pedro Claver Church, before spending a lively evening at one of the city’s salsa clubs. With a cocktail in hand, admire the locals ace this fiery, sensual dance, or perhaps grab your partner and try out a few steps for yourself.

When you’re ready to escape the hustle and bustle, the nearby archipelago of Rosario is just a stone's throw away and one the Caribbean’s lesser-known destinations. Take a 45-minute boat journey to one of its 28 islands for a getaway loaded with snorkelling adventures, lazy beach days and romantic sunset dinners.

When envisioning a beach destination, Estonia doesn’t usually spring to mind, but its ‘Romantic Coastline’ route wants to prove us all wrong.  

The 250km stretch through Pärnu county connects the small harbour of Virtsu to the sandy beaches of Ikla, sitting on the Latvian border. En route, there are traditional fishing villages to ponder and islands – such as Kihnu and Manija – to hop over too. Inland, you’ll also explore the forests and marshlands that see hardly any visitors. During summer, escape the crowds on quiet Matsi, or for a more lively atmosphere, woodland-backed Valgerand beach brings more of an vibrant atmosphere.

Whilst the undiscovered coast is a delight, a visit to Estonia’s capital will transform your trip into a fairytale. Tallinn has to be one of the most romantic cities in Europe, with its chocolate-box Old Town adorned with copper turrets and cobbled alleys. Interlink fingers while wandering the beautiful gardens of Kadriorg Park, or perhaps have a sneaky smooch in the small green area known as Kissing Hill.

Located 2,000 metres above sea level in Saudi Arabia's mountains, is perhaps one of the most unexpected romantic destinations.

The town of Taif is home hundreds of farms that produce row after row of roses. Between February and April, millions of these gorgeous pink flowers reach peak bloom, creating a beautiful spectacle that visitors can savour during its annual Rose Festival. You can even take part in the harvesting process, but you’d have to wake up early for a morning of sunrise picking.

Elsewhere, Jeddah’s historic district of Al-Balad is a wonder to behold, with unique architecture and intoxicating souks offering plenty of Arabian charm. Spend an evening cruising along Jeddah’s Red Sea coastline in a traditional wooden dhow, while enjoying an intimate dinner as the sky turn hues of orange over the horizon.

Ditch the literal ‘hot’ spots to embrace the remarkable – and cooler – landscapes of Bergen in Norway. It doesn’t matter what time of year you travel as you’re guaranteed some of the most magical experiences as a couple.

Bergen is known as the 'Gateway to the Fjords', and one of note is the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjorden. Take a cruise in the quieter winter season to enjoy the untouched, snow-dusted landscape of these natural wonders, whereas the warmer months bring more visitors, but the fjords transform into luscious landscapes of natural colours.

It's easy to get your heart racing in the mountains surrounding Bergen, from snow-shoeing winter tours to sunshine summer hikes. If you've worked up a sweat, perhaps take a dip in the sea to cool off, then cuddle up in dressing gowns before stepping into a steamy sauna. 

Finally, admire the colourful architecture of the town by wandering its cobbled streets, before boarding Bergen's famous funicular to float above the rooftops and marvel at the extraordinary vistas, especially when illuminated at night.

Located within the mountains of northern Loas, Luang Prabang is often be overlooked as a romantic destination. Once the centre of Buddhism, the legend behind the city’s creation is that Buddha would have smiled when he rested here, promising a future of power and wealth for the city.

The city's spiritual culture can be witnessed at the Boun Lai Heua Fai Festival in October, otherwise known as the Festival of the Fireboat. Marking the end of Buddhist Lent, beautiful bamboo-crafted boats are filled with flickering candles are launched down the Mekong River as offerings to the spirits. It's an enchanting event to experience with your partner. 

Beyond the festival, the former capital of Laos combines well-preserved traditional Laos architecture with buildings from the colonial era. This fusion has created a unique and romantic townscape of stunning pagodas and French houses worth exploring. But if you want a escape into nature, head to the nearby Kuang Si waterfall for a dip beneath the cascading water, just go early enough to enjoy this special experience without the crowds. 

Germany might not immediately scream romance, but there’s one southern region bursting with fairytale charm.

The 'Romantic Road' route takes you on a 350km journey through Bavaria's romantic towns, from the baroque town of Wurzburg to the medieval town of Füssen. Drive along its winding roads to find historic Rothenburg ob der Tauber, with Neo-gothic churches and half-timbered houses, before reaching Nördlingen, a spectacle of orange rooftops, all collected inside fantastically-preserved medieval wall.

Of course, the journey is part of the magical experience. You’ll be passing rolling vineyards and untouched countryside with sparkling lakes. But the highlight of the trip has to be the fairytale castles. Hohenschwangau and Hamburg are superb, yes, but the most dramatic, awe-inspiring castle you’ll see is King Ludwig II’s Neuschwanstein. Constructed in the 19th century within the mountainous landscape, this Bavarian landmark was understandably said to inspire Disney’s Cinderella castle. And you can't get much more magical than that. 

If a twin-city break in the USA sounds more up your street, then we have two romantic cities less than a three-hour drive apart.

Savannah may be a city, but this Peach State destination is well known for its scenic parks and botanical gardens, where you’ll be able to seek out a secret spot for a private picnic beneath its many trees. Don't miss Forsyth Park for its landmark fountain surrounded by dreamy Spanish moss-draped oaks – a picture-perfect scene. There's plenty more charm to be enjoyed across the city, from its historic old town to its beach at Tybee Island (especially during sunrise). To finish of your stay, enjoy a date night at one of the city's rooftop cocktail bars, where you can sip on a mojito with a view.

When you’re done swooning over Savannah, it’s time to fall in love with St Augustine in Florida, just a 240km journey down the coastline. The sound of its age-old chiming church bells and hooves clip-clopping along the pavement in Downtown's historic streets bring a certain magic. We suggest visiting during the spring when the blooming scent of jasmine fills the air, just adding to the sensory experience.

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