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As Valentine’s Day rolls nearer once again it’s time to start making plans for the most romantic day of the year. To help this Valentine’s Day be the most memorable yet, we have rounded up the world’s most romantic hotels that are all but guaranteed to impress your amore.
From remote island resorts to classic city center destinations, the sheer diversity of the best hotels around the globe means that there’s something for everyone when it comes to showing affection – whether you’d rather put your love on display or keep it discrete.
Here at Elite Traveler, we have hand-picked some of the most romantic luxury Valentine’s Day hotels and resorts, in the most beautiful of settings, to make for an unforgettable February 14.
Velaa Private Island, Maldives
While a trip to a private island in the heart of the picture-perfect oasis that is the Maldives will always be romantic, Velaa Private Island has really pushed the boat out with an outlandish $200k Valentine’s Day package.
Taking lavishness to a whole new level, the package includes a freestanding bathtub filled to the brim with champagne (no bubble bath needed), a decadent display of candles and petals through your private villa, and a personal firework display, commencing at your chosen time.
Guests booking the Valentine’s Day package will also be able to enjoy in accommodations in the resort’s aptly named The Romantic Residence. Accessible only by boat, the over-water villa is the epitome of privacy with its own infinity pool, sundeck and separate dining gazebo. A personal butler will be on hand, too, to see to every whim during your stay.
From $200,000. Contact Shareefa Abdulla Shareefa.Abdulla@velaaisland.com to book, velaaprivateisland.com
Cameron House, Scotland
Scotland may be thousands of miles away from the Maldives – both physically and mentally – but the romance levels are not dampened by the weather forecast. Tucked away on the shores of the famous Loch Lomond, Cameron House occupies what is easily one of the most picturesque spots on the British Isles and has a bountiful luxury offering to boot.
For anyone hoping to pop the question this Valentine’s Day, the hotel has put together a dedicated proposal package, complete with a night’s stay in the sprawling, two-floor penthouse Cameron Suite; an in-suite champagne tasting experience; and a seven-course tasting menu in the Michelin-recommended Tamburrini & Wishart restaurant. After dinner, head to the hotel’s new cinema room for a private screening of your favorite movie.
From $4,540, cameronhouse.co.uk
Hôtel Plaza Athénée, France
It would be remiss of us not to mention the capital of love in a guide to the world’s most romantic hotels for Valentine’s Day, and few Parisian hotels are as esteemed as Hôtel Plaza Athénée. Proudly sitting on a prime spot on the iconic Avenue Montaigne, Plaza Athénée dates back to the early 20th century, with its iconic red-awninged windows a staple in Paris’s luxury circle.
Every room at the hotel promises to be a cut above, but if there was ever a time to show off and book one of the best keys in the house, it’s Valentine’s Day. The Royal Suite is as lavish as you’d expect and takes the title of the largest suite in Paris, while fashion lovers will be besotted by the Haute Couture suite. Whichever you go for, sipping champagne as you gaze out at the unrivaled views of the Eiffel Tower is a must – be sure to book a couples’ massage at the hotel’s Dior spa too.
Signature suites from $5,900, dorchestercollection.com
Hotel Barriere Le Carl Gustaf, St Barts
With its crystalline waters, pure-white sands and decidedly laidback nature, the Caribbean is a vision of paradise. On the island of St Barts you will find Hotel Barriere Le Carl Gustaf, one of the Caribbean’s most romantic destinations. As expected, the hotel’s Valentine’s Day offering is suitably romantic, too.
As well as three nights in a junior suite, with its own balcony and private plunge pool; a couples’ massage at the hotel’s spa and dinner at Pierre Gagnaire’s Fouquet’s restaurant, the package includes a host of extra special activities and excursions, including a sunset catamaran tour, helicopter ride over the ocean and a guided hike to the island’s natural pools.
From $13,000 hotelsbarriere.com
Las Ventanas al Paraiso, A Rosewood Resort, Mexico
Romance is second nature at Las Ventanas al Paraiso, A Rosewood Resort, with the Los Cabos destination favored by adoring honeymooners and loved-up sunseekers alike. As per its reputation, the resort has upped the ante for Valentine’s Day, offering guests staying in one of its signature villas the chance to indulge in its new Amor in Paradise package.
Designed to bond couples on a deeper level, the package includes an in-room couples’ welcome massage, as well as choice of either a blind tasting with the resort’s tequila masters, horseback riding by the ocean or a private yoga lesson. For extra special touches, Las Ventanas al Paraiso even has its own Romance Department tasked with bringing your ideas to life – from open-air beds under the stars to sunset boat rides, your wish is their command.
From $5,060 per night. Contact LasVentanas.Reservations@mails.rosewoodhotels.com to book. rosewoodhotels.com
Aman Venice, Italy
Venice has long been synonymous with romance, in no small part thanks to one of its most legendary sons, Casanova. The floating city’s ornate Renaissance architecture and labyrinth of canals make it a Valentine’s destination unlike any other. And the grandeur of the exclusive Aman Venice just adds to the allure. The hotel, housed in a 16th-century palazzo, is situated on the city’s Grand Canal and has all of the Venetian opulence you would expect. Of course, the local gastronomy plays an important role in any visit to Italy, and a stay at Aman will not disappoint. At the hotel’s Arva restaurant, you can expect executive chef Dario Ossola to serve inventive yet authentic dishes using locally sourced and sustainable ingredients.
Baros, Maldives
Just 25 minutes by speedboat from the Maldives’ international airport, a lush romantic paradise awaits at the five-star Baros private island resort. A dreamlike hideaway, it’s hard not to get swept away in the magic of this award-winning destination. Book into one of the resort’s Waterside Pool Villas and enjoy endless sunsets over tropical waters, from the sanctuary of your own private infinity pool with a glass of champagne in hand. The resort’s private dining experiences are truly enchanting, from star-lit dinners on your own private sandbank to an unforgettable sunset meal on the resort’s Piano Deck situated in the middle of the ocean.
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, Mexico
Overlooking the turquoise Bay of Banderas with the Sierra Madre mountains serving as a dramatic background, the Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit resort offers a luxurious “beyond all-inclusive” getaway on Mexico’s famed golden Pacific coast. Drink in epic sunsets from the resort’s beach or the Presidential Suite’s private on-terrace Jacuzzi; discover the charm of the nearby historic town, Puerto Vallarta; or indulge your senses in the world-class spa.
Post Ranch Inn Big Sur, United States
Perched atop the 1,200-foot peaks of Big Sur with nothing but the Pacific Ocean below, you will feel like you have escaped to the edge of the world at the architecturally breathtaking Post Ranch Inn. The eco-resort is located on California’s famous coastal Highway One, making it the perfect stopover on a romantic road trip. Explore the remote landscape or sit back and take in the uninterrupted ocean and mountain vistas from the hotel’s infinity pools. There’s no better place to watch the sun go down than from the glass-fronted fine-dining restaurant, Sierra Mar, where you can indulge in dishes created using locally foraged ingredients, paired with wine from the restaurant’s tremendous wine cellar.
Tivoli Palacio de Seteais, Portugal
Only 16 miles from Lisbon but what feels like a world away is the fairy tale town of Sintra, with its dreamy mountains, Moorish ruins and fanciful palaces. It is here you will find the romantic Tivoli Palacio de Seteais. This 18th century palace-turned-boutique hotel exudes splendor and will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time thanks to its ornate decor and exquisitely manicured gardens. During a Valentine’s Day stay at the hotel, couples can opt to take a horse-drawn carriage through town, dine in one of the palace ballrooms or simply unwind together in the luxurious spa.
&Beyond Bateleur Camp, Kenya
If you’re looking for a romantic break that will create memories that last a lifetime, then an African safari will deliver by the bucketload. And tucked away in a private corner of the Maasai Mara, at the foot of the scenic Oloololo escarpment (the rim of the Great Rift Valley), is the magical Bateleur Camp. Hot air balloon rides, bush walks and game drives to spot the ‘big five’ await you in this eco-friendly haven. Stay in one of 18 exceptionally luxurious tented suites, which come complete with copper bathtub and are adorned with antiques and crafted artifacts. Of course, dining takes place under the African sky, with dinner for two served by candlelight, while a truly unique breakfast can be enjoyed near the banks of the Mara River – just don’t forget your binoculars.
Borgo Pignano, Italy
There’s a reason why the Tuscan landscape has played the backdrop for so many romantic novels. Its gastronomy, rolling hills and beautiful sunsets are just some of the factors that have made it a favorite among couples and writers alike. Located in the heart of the countryside within easy reach of the vineyards of Chianti is the enchanting eco-sanctuary of Borgo Pignano. A stay at this restored 18th century villa, nestled within swaths of organic farmland, allows you and your loved one to press pause on daily life and cocoon yourself in tranquility. Explore the olive groves, go horseback riding and dine on alfresco gourmet meals created using homegrown and local ingredients.
[See also: Elite Traveler Reveals Top Suites in the World 2022]