Mention the best countries for romantic getaways and the likes of France, Italy and Maldives immediately show up. However, while there’s no denying the charm of these popular honeymoon destinations, we’ve compiled a list of lesser-known places that are perfect to cozy up with your significant other.
Argentina
Arriving in Buenos Aires will leave you feeling overwhelmed. The city life simply whizzes by so make sure to make the most of your time here. The buzzing metropolis comes alive with busy sidewalk cafes during the day and stylish bars when the sun sets.
On the weekend, hundreds of plays and productions are performed throughout the city, so you’ll never have a dull night out. For something a little different, we highly endorse a pit stop at The Grand Splendid bookstore. This opulent 1919 theater is widely regarded as the world’s most beautiful bookstore.
If you’re looking to step away from the hustle and bustle of the capital, a visit to the little town of Salta fits the bill. Charming museums, plaza-side cafes and a live folk music tradition are the name of the game here. Similarly, Mendoza offers the ideal romantic getaway with plenty of rest and relaxation, alongside gorgeous mountains and canyons. Just be sure to take in these views with a bottle of Argentina’s finest wine and a hearty serving of melt-in-your-mouth steak.
Colombia
Colombia is buzzing. And it’s time for the world to take notice. Bogota’s boom surely has had a major hand in this. The town’s thriving with an evolving culinary scene and exceptional street art. The city is also home to a series of quirky bars and clubs, offering the best beats to prove those hips don’t lie, all night long.
Colombia also brilliantly retains its nostalgic charm with Cartagena. The jewel in the nation’s crown is one of the most beautiful colonial cities in the continent. The town’s bougainvillea balconies, brightly colored buildings, pretty plazas and a maze of cobbled alleys promises to serenade you like a sexy Latin lover.
In addition, check out the Llanos Orientales region. The vast grasslands make it perfect for a honeymoon destination, especially if you’re up for spending the day going horseback riding, before dozing off in your exquisite glamping tent. Finally, we also recommend ending your stay on a high note by spending a night or two in Escobar’s lavish penthouse in Medellin!
Iceland
In Iceland, there’s no such thing as ordinary. A walk in the park becomes a trek to explore magnificent fjords. A quick shower becomes a dip in the most beautiful geothermal pool. And kayaking in the river turns into exploring magnificent icebergs. Welcome to Iceland, the home of the extraordinary.
Begin your romantic getaway with a trip to the iconic Blue Lagoon. This spa is hugely popular, so pre-booking is advised. However, once you’re there, you’ll understand why. The blue waters brilliantly contrasts the black lava field and green moss. Meanwhile, the water itself is extremely refreshing and nourishing. Hence, its unsurprising that Nat Geo has named this as one of the top 25 natural wonders of the world.
Next, head out to the Jokulsarlon where mammoth icebergs drift by as you kayak your way into the ice age. Iceland’s extraordinary allure also takes couples to the stunning Thingvellir National Park. This park is home to majestic fjords, ravines, lakes and waterfalls which promise to satisfy your most extraordinary dreams of natural beauty.
Indonesia
Our World Travel Guide picks Indonesia as one of the best countries for a romantic getaway. This sprawling land offers a treat for honeymooners. There aren’t many places in the world where volcanic mountains and lush rainforests, bustling streets and idyllic beaches, ancient temples and trendy bars, as well as amusing orangutans and fearsome Komodo dragons sit side by side.
Begin your couple’s retreat in the spectacular Borobudur. This massive temple resembles the Buddhist version of the universe. Borobudur’s mandala inspired design is believed to enable pilgrims to connect with nirvana, with the building’s stupa being at the heart of this prophecy. Likewise, Borobudur is at the center of Indonesia’s history and culture.
Additionally, no trip to Indonesia would be complete without visiting its beautiful beaches. For those looking to stay away from Bali’s crowd, head to the Gili Islands. Situated just off the coast of Lombok, three gorgeous islands make up one of the world’s best dive sites. Gili Trawangan is the most urban of its siblings, with plenty of high end resorts. Meanwhile, Gili Meno is the ultimate paradise. Gili Air though does well to combine the best of both worlds.
Additionally, visit the Komodo National Park for a truly unique experience. This UNESCO World Heritage Centre enables you to walk alongside dragons in some of Indonesia’s most breathtaking natural landscapes.
Portugal
Often overlooked for glamour of Spain, this Iberian Peninsular jewel was once a well-kept travelers secret. Although this is slowly starting to change, Portugal still has plenty to remain one of the great romantic destinations for lovers from far and wide.
Up first is one of the most beautiful fairytale-like cities, Sintra. Set against the backdrop of the beautiful Sintra Mountains, colorful pastel hued villas and palaces form the best sights in the city. The National Palace of Pena is the pick of the bunch, with its whimsical architecture oozing with a Disneyland-like charm.
However, no trip to Portugal is complete without a stop at Porto. The capital city’s best allure lies in its classy yet edgy vibe, thanks to the contemporary arts and dining scene. For the best of these, pay a visit to the elegant Museu Serralves museum and the cobbled Rebeira street.
Next, round off your couple’s retreat with a mini getaway to the Madeira Islands. Voted as Europe’s Best Island Destination, this year-long spring island is another gem in Portugal’s growing travel archives. Here, spend your day with great wine, world-class local cuisine, beautiful hikes and soaring mountains. Additionally, beautiful beaches, scuba diving and dolphin safari are just a short boat ride away in the idyllic Porto Santo.
Tanzania
Tanzania is the home of adventure. At the heart of this blessed country, is the world-renowned Serengeti National Park. One of the world’s best wildlife-watching places is home to endless grasslands and millions of animals, with the annual wildebeest migration being a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Tanzania’s wild side does not stop there. The Selous Game Reserve and Ngorongoro Crater are fantastic additions for your safari expedition on your romantic getaway. The latter is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, thanks to the collapse of a massive mountain, at least two million years ago. The area’s bowl-like shape now offers the best opportunity to catch Africa’s renowned Big Five wildlife.
The country’s diverse attractions also takes lovers to Zanzibar. The archipelago is home to winding lanes of the historic Stone Town, exotic beaches and spectacular shallow-water reefs that promise to have lovers coming back for more. For those looking for the ultimate privacy and luxury, head for a couple’s retreat to Mnemba Island, which only accommodates 24 guests at a time.
Turkey
Turkey is the home of epic culture, history and cuisine. And Istanbul is the best place to experience this concoction for your romantic getaway. Straddling Europe and Asia, this magnificent city is home to the world-famous Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar.
The former is one of the most beautiful religious sights in the world. Meanwhile, the latter is a labyrinth of indoor souks, selling everything from jewelry to leather and shisha pipes. So, it’s never a bad thing to get lost.
Next, for a truly romantic experience, head to Cappadocia. Its whimsical topography, filled with soaring chimney-like honeycomb hills are the best place to let your imagination run wild. Oh, and did we mention they’ve hot air balloons too?
Looking for more travel inspiration for your next couple’s retreat? Stay tuned for our next globetrotting tales. In the meantime, get your hands on our stock photos to help start your travel diary!
Originally published at blog.123rf.com.
