Find your next romantic retreat here!

If you are lucky enough to have found that really special someone, why not give love a chance to grow and blossom in some of the most romantic retreats in the world? Here are some of the very best destinations for love, romance and relaxation! 

The City of Love, eternal Paris, France

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Paris has long been synonymous with love and romance, and it literally has it all! Stroll hand-in-hand along the banks of the iconic Seine, or through its pedestrian-friendly cobbled streets. Take one of the ubiquitous Paris l’Open Tour buses to learn more about the city. Board one of the legendary bateaux-mouches to get extraordinary views of the city from the river. 

Reward yourself with a sweet treat from one of its many patisseries, or indulge in a delectable meal of true French cuisine at one of the numerous superb restaurants in the city. Visit the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, the Tuileries gardens – the list of things to do in Paris is practically endless, and exploring the city is massively rewarding and fascinating.  

 Venice, Italy, the City of Islands

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Venice, the capital of Northern Italy’s Veneto region, is a truly romantic place to share with a loved one. Built on 118 small islands in a lagoon of the Adriatic, Venice has no roads, but is linked by its famous canals, with the Grand Canal being the main thoroughfare. 

The city abounds with historical and cultural icons –  St Mark’s Square with its famous basilica, St Peter’s Basilica, the Rialto Bridge, the famous Bridge of Sighs, the Campanile di San Marco with its staggering views over the red roofs of the small city, to mention but a few.

Explore the timeless appeal of this magical floating city of hidden squares and gardens, canals, bridges (some 400 of them!), gondolas and palaces with your partner for a romantic retreat that will live in your memory forever.

Boschendal: romantic retreat and wine farm par excellence

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Nestled in a stunningly beautiful valley between the Simonsberg and Drakenstein mountains a mere hour’s drive from Cape Town, historic Boschendal wine farm dates back to 1685. It offers a great romantic retreat with stylish Stellenbosch accommodation, superb cuisine and a simply wonderful range of world-famous wines. The original farmstead complex has been declared a national monument.  

The farm offers many activities – wine tasting, fine dining under the stars, sundowners and picnics in the beautiful gardens, fly fishing, horse and pony rides, cellar tours, cycling and swimming. Explore the vineyards, orchards and thriving gardens, or walk or cycle through the mountain fynbos. Or arrange a luxurious session of pampering at the Boschendal Farm Spa to make your romantic retreat even more memorable. 

Perivolas Lifestyle Houses, Santorini

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The beautiful island of Santorini and its water-filled caldera was formed by the massive Minoan volcanic eruption 3,600 years ago. It lies in the south Aegean Sea, about 120 miles from the mainland of Greece. It somehow seems to be the original of the Greek islands, those busy, bustling tourist destinations.  

But the secluded location and the serene ambiance of Perivolas Lifestyle Houses offer the ultimate tranquil and elegant romantic retreat.  Located on a cliff high above the Aegean, the beautiful terraced gardens flow down to the restaurant and the glorious infinity pool that seamlessly blends with the brilliant blue of the sea. 

The resort combines restful decor and simplicity of design with superb cuisine, warm hospitality and excellent service. It also has a yoga studio, spa and gym. In a frenetic world it has managed to create an oasis of calm and relaxation that has their guests coming back time and time again.

Lake Tahoe, Nevada

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Situated in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Lake Tahoe is one of America’s most beautiful freshwater lakes and offers a great location for a romantic getaway. The area is famous for its breathtaking mountain scenery, pristine beaches and popular ski resorts.  A wide variety of accommodation is on offer, ranging from luxury hotels, resorts and inns, to simple lakeside cabins, B&Bs and camping facilities. 

Lake Tahoe and its surroundings offer many recreational options. In summer, hiking, camping and water sports like boating, fishing, swimming, diving, paddle-boarding are just some of the activities on offer. Why not indulge yourself with a M.S Dixie II sunset dinner cruise? In the winter there is snowmobiling, skiing, sledding, snowboarding and snowshoeing. Soak in a decadent hot tub, or sip a robust red in front of a roaring fire! 

New Orleans, Louisiana

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Charming New Orleans on the Mississippi River offers a totally unique blend of American, African and French cultures. Its vibrant nightlife, live-music culture and characteristic cuisine make it an ideal venue for a couple’s romantic retreat. The lively spirit of New Orleans is most notably embodied by the Mardi Gras carnival. 

To get into the swing of things, have a potent sundowner at the rooftop bar of the stylishly refurbished Pontchartrain Hotel, or book a stay at the Ace Hotel with its superb rooftop pool and lounge. Be adventurous and try some local cuisine – how about some po’boys and swine fries, or a classic Creole dinner? Or, for a change of pace, just meander hand-in-hand with your partner through the picturesque and verdant Garden District.   

Wherever you may be in the world, or whatever your particular preferences may be, you are sure to be able to find some romantic retreat to share with that special person in your life!