Several travel experts and columnists have revealed their most romantic getaway destinations, ranging from the beaches of Jamaica to the mountains of Scotland. The selections, published by The Times, highlight a variety of experiences, from adventurous safaris to secluded countryside retreats.
Portland, Jamaica
Portland, Jamaica, is a favored destination for its off-the-beaten-path appeal, beautiful beaches, and access to the Rio Grande. A rafting tour up the river is described as a particularly romantic experience. Geejam, a hotel surrounded by nature, is recommended for accommodations. Rooms start at £290; geejamhotel.com.
Kabul, Afghanistan
Anthony Loyd, a war reporter, recalls a romantic experience in Kabul, Afghanistan, in 2002, describing the city’s beauty from the foothills of the mountains. He noted the unique reassurance of having a groom with “many talents.”
Ninfa, Italy
Claire Irvin, Times travel editor, recommends Ninfa, Italy, an abandoned medieval town transformed into a “will-o’-the-wisp heaven” with roses, jasmine, and hydrangeas. She advises staying in Rome and taking the train to Latina Scalo; brightwaterholidays.com.
Portmeirion, Wales
Caitlin Moran finds Portmeirion, a Welsh Italianate village, to be a romantic destination, recalling her first “grown-up” hotel experience there in 1995. Rooms start at £109; portmeirion.wales.
Tented Safari Camps in Africa
Divia Thani, Condé Nast Traveller global editor, favors safari trips in Africa for their adventurous spirit and connection with nature. Recommended lodges include Singita lodges in Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Rwanda and Botswana; Angama Mara, Kenya; and Londolozi, South Africa.
Babylonstoren, South Africa
Nicola Jeal recommends Babylonstoren in South Africa, highlighting its beautiful gardens and outdoor pool. She suggests enjoying wine and olive oil tastings. Rooms start at £670 per night B&B; babylonstoren.com.
A New Zealand Mountaintop Picnic
Lisa Grainger, Luxx travel editor, describes a romantic mountaintop picnic arranged by Over the Top heli-company in New Zealand, followed by a stay at Whare Kea Chalet. wharekealodge.com/mountain-chalet; flynz.co.nz/helicopter-experiences/picnic-on-a-peak.
Ballyfin, Ireland
Ballyfin in Ireland is described as a gorgeous Regency mansion with beautiful gardens and opportunities for outdoor activities. Rooms start at £764 per night; ballyfin.com.
Uig, Outer Hebrides
Anna Murphy, fashion editor, recommends Uig Sands Rooms in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland, overlooking Uig Sands beach. uiglodge.co.uk.
East Africa
Giles Coren notes that he and his wife haven’t had a romantic getaway since their honeymoon, but enjoy occasional moments of connection during family safaris in Kenya and Botswana.
Vetera Matera, Basilicata, Italy
This new cave hotel is located in Matera, Italy, and offers enchanting rooms with plunge pools and a rooftop bar. B&B doubles start at £340; veteramatera.com.
Château Capitoul, Languedoc, France
Château Capitoul features rooms with chandeliers and antiques, along with villas with private pools. B&B doubles start at £320; chateaucapitoul.com.
Gilpin Hotel, Windermere, Cumbria
The Gilpin Hotel offers fine dining and luxurious garden suites. B&B doubles start at £280; thegilpin.co.uk.
Casa Azul, Bahia, Brazil
Casa Azul is a secluded house near a deserted beach on Brazil’s Bahian coast. B&B doubles start at £920; uxua.com.
Adrere Amellal, Siwa Oasis, Egypt
Adrere Amellal offers a secluded escape with no wifi or electricity, featuring adobe-style walls and a natural hot spring pool. B&B doubles start at £625; adrereamellal.com.
Chesa Marchetta, Sils Maria, Switzerland
Chesa Marchetta, redeveloped by the Hauser & Wirth gallery founders, offers rooms with a rich art heritage. B&B doubles start at £540; chesamarchetta.ch.
Hotel Corazon, Mallorca
Hotel Corazon is a boho-chic escape in Mallorca with a rooftop terrace and cocktail bar. B&B doubles start at £364; hotelcorazon.com.
Sarara Treehouses, Kenya
Sarara Treehouses offers luxurious tented suites raised in the treetops of a Kenyan conservancy. Five nights’ all-inclusive start at £5,394pp; sarara.co.
Frantze Le Rascard 1721, Champoluc, Italy
Frantze Le Rascard 1721 is a cozy Alpine hotel with timber-roomed suites and a log-burning stove. Half-board doubles start at £173; frantze.it/en.
Palacio de Tavira, Algarve, Portugal
Palacio de Tavira is a laid-back hotel in a Portuguese fishing town with a rooftop terrace and cocktail bar. B&B doubles start at £153; palaciodetavira.com.
Koyao Island Resort, Koh Yao Noi, Thailand
Koyao Island Resort offers palm-roofed villas on a quiet Thai island. B&B doubles start at £161; koyao.com.
Galdu, Lapland, Finland
Galdu in Lapland offers suites with glass ceilings for viewing the northern lights. B&B doubles start at £606; galdu.fi.
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