What’s more romantic than a getaway? Leave it all behind to catch a plane or hit the open road and throw caution to the wind. The real world can wait for when you get back. Here, we’re taking a closer look at some of the destinations that we like to think have an aphrodisiac effect, whether that means landscapes, excellent food and drink, intimate interiors, or all of the above. We’re talking proper trips, too—think: quick drives, direct flights, and hidden gems just beyond your doorstep. What are you waiting for? Romance awaits.
St. Barts
There is no shortage of beautiful hotels in the Caribbean, which is just a quick flight away from the East Coast. This French enclave is the classic choice for some European-tinged hospitality with that certain je ne sais quoi. Aficionados of this popular island tend to flock to Eden Rock – St Barths, which was recently renovated and occupies one of the most enviable beaches on the island. For something a little less frou-frou, however, look to the island’s numerous smaller hotels that are no less luxurious—like Le Toiny, where each villa comes with its own private deck and plunge pool, or Hotel Christopher, which has a decadent Sisley Spa. If treatments are what you’re seeking, then be sure to check out the Rosewood Le Guanahani, which is located on a secluded peninsula and offers one of the island’s best spas. For an unforgettable experience, book the new nighttime couples massage—a deeply restorative dual massage using oils infused with local botanicals.
Palm Beach, Florida
Don’t sleep on Florida. While many of us associate it with family beach vacations of yore, ever since the pandemic, the hotel scene has been stepping up its luxury game to new heights. Just check out Palm Beach’s fabulous two new additions: the glittering new Palm House, which feels like you’ve stepped into an episode of Palm Royale in all the best ways; and The Vineta, the first Oetker Collection property in the United States, offering European-style hospitality at its finest. Both restaurants are conveniently located in close proximity to some of the best restaurants in the area, including La Goulue and Buccan (and Buccan Sandwich Shop, if you’re in a hurry). Then there’s always the adorable Colony Hotel, where fabulous fashion types always seem to be fluttering through the lobby or grabbing lunch in the sun-drenched pool area.
New York City
Who says a romantic getaway requires extensive travel? Sometimes a staycation provides all the romance you need. Just look at The Manner, an intimate and insider-y boutique hotel nestled on tree-lined Thompson Street in Manhattan’s SoHo neighborhood. It features a guests-only “Apartment” with daily breakfast, complimentary newspapers, and a daily aperitivo hour, as well as Sloane’s, an enchanting boîte that’s perfect for a sexy downtown nightcap before bed. Over in Union Square you’ll find The Twenty Two, another residential-feeling boutique hotel and members club that, much like its sister property in London, offers a sumptuous retreat in the heart of it all.
Of course, romance sometimes calls for grander escapes, too. The recently revitalized The Surrey, which reopened last year as a Corinthia Hotel, offers spacious rooms steeped in uptown elegance, with a dimly-lit Casa Tua outpost to boot. It’s the hottest spot for an uptown date night these days. And if you’re really looking to splurge, the Park Hyatt just launched a new $50,000-a-night Manhattan Suite on its 25th floor. Pricey? Perhaps—but can you really put a price on the sweeping views out of its 18-foot floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Central Park?
Santa Monica, California
Santa Monica is gearing up to celebrate its 150th anniversary this summer, and its iconic Shutters on the Beach remains the ultimate coastal retreat in the beating, beachy heart of Los Angeles. The signature restaurant on the property, 1 Pico, is a great date-night spot. Down the road you’ll find The Georgian, which has more of an intimate vibe, and playful touches that harken back to its Art Deco roots, like Polaroid cameras to document your stay and Victrola record players for immaculate retro vibes.
Aspen, Colorado
Skiers and non-skiers alike flock to this all-American mountain town for luxurious escapes year-round. Even if you aren’t hitting the slopes (which you should, since they’re among the best in the country), there is plenty to do here, whether that’s checking out the (free!) Aspen Art Museum or bumping into Hailey Bieber on a coffee run at Felix Roasting Co. Speaking of which—Felix is just off the lobby of Hotel Jerome, your favorite hotel’s favorite hotel. Part of Auberge Resorts Collection, the swanky five-star property’s design pays homage to Aspen’s Western roots. For peak Aspen luxury, however, it’s all about the St. Regis Aspen Resort. It’s got one of the town’s most sprawling outdoor pool and hot tub areas, as well as a club (The Snow Lodge, a winter version of the Montauk mainstay), an expansive spa, and exclusive La Prairie facial rooms where you can truly get away from it all.
Todos Santos, Mexico
The typical divide in Mexican travel is that Angelenos and West coasters gravitate towards the Baja California Sur peninsula and New Yorkers and East Coasters head to the Yucatán. The choice is yours, but when it comes to romantic getaways south of the border, we recommend heading west to the bohemian enclave of Todos Santos, where Paradero Todos Santos offers a sleek, architecturally stunning backdrop to the modern Mexican beach vacation of your dreams. They’re big on experiences, so you’ll want to make sure you pencil in time for their catamaran sailing experience on the Sea of Cortez. Your Instagram grid will thank you.
Fort Bragg, California
There’s never a wrong time to visit Northern California, where the air is fresh, the beaches are beautiful (if not a little colder than SoCal), and the wine tastes that much better. We can’t think of few road trips more breathtaking and romantic than the drive from San Francisco up the coast to the Inn at Newport Ranch in Fort Bragg. It’s set on a gorgeous 2,000-acre private reserve along a mile-and-a-half stretch of coastline, with just four guest rooms, three suites and one oceanfront home, and 20 miles of hiking and riding trails in your backyard.
Hudson Valley, New York
Sometimes a quick drive north of the city is all it takes for a dose of romance. The darling of the Hudson Valley these days is Wildflower Farms, which offers a stylish atmosphere, spacious and thoughtfully designed cabins, and a working farm atmosphere that offers a fabulous reprieve from city life. Borrow one of the house cars provided by Mercedes-Benz and you can zoom through the landscape in style.
Stowe, Vermont
For the ultimate East Coast mountain retreat, head north to Stowe, Vermont. Spruce Peak, located slopeside at Stowe Mountain Resort, offers a range of different accommodations from classic hotel-style rooms, to impressive penthouses, to more residential townhomes and cabins. It’s perfectly positioned for skiing in the winter, as well as golfing and mountain pursuits in the warmer months, and it’s got one of Vermont’s best spas for when you need some R&R. Make sure to enjoy hearty yet refined mountain cuisine at Alpine Hall—especially the mouthwatering charcuterie, which highlights Vermont’s finest artisanal producers.
Paris, France
Okay, stay with us here—yes, it’s Europe, but is anywhere really more romantic than Paris? Here’s the game plan: hop an overnight flight, have an espresso as soon as you land, then spend a nice long weekend wandering through historic neighborhoods, charming cafés, and some of the best shopping on the planet. Don’t pressure yourself with hitting all the tourist sights. The idea of a getaway isn’t necessarily to do or see it all—it’s about the vibes, and Paris has those in spades.
For a boutique stay, check out the Left Bank’s Hotel Balzac, a favorite of the fashion set. It underwent a renovation last year and is as delicious as ever, with velvet furniture, high ceilings, and Diptyque bath products. For something grander, check out the Peninsula Paris. It’s got some of the best service of any hotel in Paris, and just launched a “Caviar is a Journey” partnership with storied purveyor Kaviari Paris, which begins with a romantic cruise on the Seined concludes with a three- or six-course dinner at the hotel’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant, L’Oiseau Blanc, where each dish, including dessert, comes with caviar. For the ultimate splurge, all roads lead to the Ritz Paris in the Place Vendôme. Even if you’re not staying at the hotel, they’re currently running a “Love at the Ritz Club & Spa” offer, allowing visiting couples to enjoy a one-hour creative massage per person, full access to the spa facilities, and a glass of champagne at the Floral Bar, all for 600 Euro. Allons-y?
Excllent article. I will be facing many of these isses as well..