Outdoor enthusiasts can hike some of the many trails that offer vistas of red-rock spires, buttes, canyons, and forested creeks. (For starters, explore Red Rock State Park, Slide Rock State Park, or Cathedral Rock.) There are also plenty of scenic byways for taking in the views. Those looking for relaxation can check into one of Sedona’s many luxurious resorts like L’Auberge de Sedona, Enchantment Resort, or Amara Resort and Spa. And couples with a serious knack for adventure can book a hot air balloon ride over the dizzying desert landscape. Picnic in Forsyth Park, stroll around Bonaventure Cemetery (yes, it’s romantic, I promise), take a kayak tour and paddle along some of Savannah’s best scenery, or depending on the time of year, visit Tybee Island, a beach destination just 30 minutes from downtown Savannah. There are no shortage of cute accommodations, but Perry Lane Hotel and the Mansion on Forsyth Park stand out among the rest. As for dining, don’t miss a classic southern meal with an atmosphere to match at The Olde Pink House, and for one of the best dinners in town, book a table at The Grey, housed in a1938 art deco Greyhound Bus Terminal. It’s home to some of the most stunning beaches in the world (Poipu Beach and Hanalei Bay are two pristine swimming spots), and hiking trails like Kalalau Trail to Hanakapiai Beach that can only be called breathtaking. As you gaze at the island’s scenery, you might be convinced you’ve entered a scene from Jurassic Park, parts of which were, in fact, filmed along Kauai’s shores. Kauai is smaller, less developed, and gives off a vibe that is a bit more off-the-beaten-path than islands like Oahu or Maui, but you can still find plenty of luxury here. The family-owned Waimea Plantation Cottages is an affordable seaside oasis, while the sustainable 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, a brand-new addition to the island, is guaranteed to be incredible. There’s no doubt that winters can be chilly here, but book a room at Hotel Nelligan in the Old Port and you’ll instantly feel the cozy vibes. Explore the cobblestone streets and European-inspired architecture of Old Montreal, warm up over a meal of poutine, go ice skating, pamper yourself with a spa treatment at Bota Bota, satisfy your sweet tooth a sugar shack, tour the city by cross country ski trail, or attend one of the city’s winter festivals like Nuit Blanche or Montreal en Lumière. During the warmer months, walk up Mount Royal and picnic in the park, visit the farmer’s market, check out street art in the Plateau and Mile End neighborhoods, or take a food tour. As for dining, whether you want to try a classic bistro meal (L’Express is always a great choice) or indulge in a tasting menu (try Hoogan et Beaufort or Candide), there’s no doubt that Montreal is a serious food city. It doesn’t get much cozier than a stay at the White Barn Inn, which boasts an indulgent spa and a destination-worthy hotel restaurant with an ultra-seasonal, constantly changing menu. In the off-season, Kennebunkport is the perfect place to lay low, take in the coastal scenery, and enjoy a respite from the crowds. During the summertime, though, the beaches come alive. If you’re seeking some urban adventure, you can easily visit the nearby city of Portland, just 30 minutes north. Whether you’re looking for a luxury hotel like the Ventana Big Sur or a glamping experience like Treebones Resort, there’s something at every price point. Visit some of the many parks, beaches, and hiking trails along this Pacific stretch like Pfeiffer Beach, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Partington Cove, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, and Garrapata State Park. Then, decompress after a day outdoors in Esalen Hot Springs. There’s no shortage of great spots for food-lovers in Big Sur, but make sure to fuel up for the day at Big Sur Bakery, enjoy a meal with an ocean view at Nepenthe, or splurge on a romantic dinner at Sierra Mar. The downtown area with its Spanish-style architecture is small enough to explore by foot, but there’s plenty to see. For decades, San Miguel has attracted artists, and it’s very much a cultural hub where you’ll find art galleries, boutiques, mezcalerias, craft artisan markets, live music, and more. The food scene is also great, and many restaurants blend Mexican and international flavors like Zibu Allende where you can try Thai-Mexican fusion. While you’ll want to explore el centro, consider staying in Los Balcones, a flower-studded neighborhood in the hills just beyond downtown that is filled with adorable bed and breakfasts like Casa Delphine. The Stone Hill Inn is a secluded and romantic bed and breakfast perfect for couples. Depending on what season you visit, you can taste fresh Vermont maple syrup at Nebraska Knoll Sugar Farm, explore picturesque Main Street, visit an orchard for warm apple cider and donuts, hike around Smugglers’ Notch State Park and into a waterfall at Moss Glen Falls, treat yourselves to a spa treatment at Topnotch Resort, go brewery hopping, or take a half-day trip to the nearby town of Woodstock. In recent years, city-dwellers and Brooklynites have resettled here, putting the Catskills on the map as a food destination. WM Farmer and Sons, Phoenicia Diner, and Brushland Eating House are three local favorite restaurants. And there’s also Sunshine Colony for natural wine, Woodstock Brewing, and Seminary Hill Orchard & Cidery. Depending on the season, you can go skiing Hunter Mountain, trekking Kaaterskill Falls or Overlook Mountain, river tubing, hopping between farmer’s markets and orchards, or shopping for antiques and vintage clothing around town. Zaborin is a ryokan (or traditional Japanese bed and breakfast) that is ideal for couples. Each room has minimalistic decor, sweeping forest views, and private indoor and outdoor onsen tubs. During the cold months, this northernmost of Japan’s islands is a winter wonderland thanks to its powdery snow and volcanic hot springs. Come summertime, you’ll find colorful fields overflowing with sunflowers and lavender, enchanting villages like Biei and Furano, crystal blue ponds and waterfalls, crater lakes, and mountains complete with hiking trails. And of course, food-lovers should make note that Hokkaido boasts some of the absolute best seafood in the entire world in addition to breweries and sake distilleries galore. And while crowds are difficult to escape in Santorini, it’s easy to feel like the only tourist in Folegrandros. The Chora, the island’s main hub, is a maze-like town filled with courtyard restaurants, bright pink bougainvillea, and leafy town squares. Stay at Anemomilos, a family-run boutique hotel just a stone’s throw from all the action in the Chora. Spend the days exploring the intricate network of walking trails that connect just about every inch of this tiny island. Or, go beach hopping from cove to cove, breaking for lunch at Papalagi Seafood where the catch of the day was quite literally just swimming. Stay at the five-room Follonico, which looks out among sprawling hills and vineyards of Val d’Orcia. Relax poolside at the inn, go wine tasting at one of Tuscany’s renowned estates in the hills of Chianti or Montalcino, try truffle hunting, and of course, enjoy the bounty of your search over freshly made pasta), relax in Saturnia thermal hot springs, or just drive around and admire the epic views. And while you might be quick to associate Tuscany with the countryside, remember that this central Italian region stretches across plenty of coastline. Visit one of the charming Italian beach towns of Forte dei Marmi, Porto Ercole, or Viareggio. Because this North African city is warm year-round, there’s really no bad time to visit. Get lost among the sights, smells, and sounds of the medina, soak in a traditional hammam bath house, shop in the souks for hand-woven rugs, soaps, spices, and leather goods galore, stroll around the verdant gardens at the Jardin Majorelle, take in the opulence of Bahia Palace, and feast on fluffy couscous and stewed tagines. There are plenty of hotel options, but for the most romantic (and authentic) experience, consider staying in a riad, a traditional Moroccan-style home built around a lush courtyard garden. Riad Sadaka and Riad Kniza are two great options, but there are tons of riads, and they are often reasonably priced. Make your basecamp at Corral del Rey, a restored 17th-century palace tucked away in the narrow streets of the old quarter. As you walk around the Barrio de Santa Cruz, home to Plaza España, the impressive Real Alcázar palace, and the iconic Seville Cathedral, you’ll spot intricate gardens and city streets lined with orange trees. Rent bikes and pedal all around the city, exploring its unique neighborhoods, get Andalusian culture by booking a Flamenco show, and make sure to eat tapas to your heart’s content. Among the thousands of tapas bars that line Seville’s streets, you don’t want to miss El Rinconcillo, one of the oldest restaurants in Spain. Most tourists head to the popular island of Providenciales, which is close to the airport. This island boasts a ton of beachfront hotels and seaside restaurants like Da Conch Shack where you can chow down to the sound of the lapping waves. For couples seeking something more remote, visit the smaller Turks Islands — a series of islets and cays — that feel worlds away from civilization. There are endless activities for couples. Book a private lake tour around Isla Victoria complete with beach hopping and a picnic lunch. Hike one of the popular treks like Refugio Frey, Cerro Campanario, or Cerro Llao Llao. Take a day trip to drive the scenic Seven Lakes Route. And don’t forget to taste plenty of chocolate, as Bariloche is the country’s chocolate capital. There are also lots of craft breweries like the ever-popular Cerveza Patagonia. As for lodging, Hotel Llao Llao is the most lavish option in the area, complete with a luxurious spa, a golf course, and views that look like they’re straight out of a postcard. The capital city of Funchal might remind you of Lisbon with its covered produce markets, old town square, bakeries selling pastels de nata, buildings covered in colorful hand-painted tiles, great restaurants such as Kampo, and sweeping views of the sea (make sure to take a cable car ride for the best vistas). But just beyond the city there’s endless nature to explore. There are black sand beaches, wineries (like Quinta do Barbusano), hiking trails galore along the island’s thousands of levadas or walking trails, and you’ll definitely want to hop on a catamaran cruise to see dolphins leaping beside you in the sea. Sun-worshippers can beach hop just outside of Funchal or get even more off the grid by taking a ferry to Porto Santo Island. Costa Rica boasts a ton of different landscapes and dozens of incredible national parks. Nayara Springs is an adults-only resort in La Fortuna, the gateway to the Arenal Volcano, where you can explore waterfalls, relax in natural hot springs, raft down river rapids, and hike to hidden turquoise swimming holes. Monteverde is known for its giant cloud forest and is a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts. Then there’s Manuel Antonio, a popular resort town just beyond its namesake national park where howler and spider monkeys roam. Finally, there’s the luxurious Papagayo Peninsula with its many luxe hotels and the beach towns of Tamarindo and Santa Teresa, two laid-back surfing villages on the Pacific coast where lush forests meet the sea.
