my recommendations for top destinations for couples
We all work hard for our money, so when it comes to booking a holiday, it’s worth doing your research to find something that’s worth every penny. If you and your other half are looking for a couple’s getaway then you’ll want to bear a few things in mind. Does the destination have the right type of activities for you both? Are you after idyllic beaches and relaxation, or is sightseeing more your thing? You may also want to avoid family-oriented resorts…a romantic holiday may be spoilt with lots of screaming kids shattering your peace. Here’s my recommendations for top destinations for couples.
St Lucia
The Caribbean has long been a favourite for those in search of romantic retreats, with the island of St Lucia providing a paradise location in which to enjoy honeymoons or anniversaries. This beautiful island, with the striking Piton mountains at its heart, offers everything from stunning beaches to walking and hiking opportunities. The clear waters also make it a great place for snorkelling and diving, so you can enjoy a magical underwater exploration with your significant other. And if you’d rather stay above the water, what could be more perfect than booking yourself a sunset cruise?
Thailand
When it comes to the perfect balance of sightseeing and relaxation Thailand offers many options for couples. This exciting destination is rich in culture and blessed with natural beauty so expect exotic walks, pristine beaches and glistening waterfalls as a venue for your hand-in-hand discovery. For a relaxing and life-affirming experience, head to Klong Thom’s Hot Springs to take a dip in the thermal waters. In the evenings, enjoy sunset cocktails in the beach bars of Phuket or go to upmarket hangouts in the capital, Bangkok.
Italy
Couples in search of a classic European getaway may want to consider Italy’s Venetian Riviera. Small, traditional hotels can offer the perfect venue from which to enjoy romantic walks, sunbathing and sightseeing. Many hotels have their own pool or section of private beach, and the iconic sights of Venice, with its series of bridges, canals and walkways, is within easy reach. Shop till you drop in a mix of luxury boutiques and street markets, and don’t leave without taking an iconic gondola ride. Stunning St Mark’s Basilica is another attraction not to be missed.
Tunisia
If you’re after an affordable getaway then Tunisia offers an array of couple-friendly treats with a mix of UNESCO sites, water parks and great beaches. Hammamet is a popular beach resort with a sprinkling of high-end all-inclusive resorts dotted along its pristine coastline. It also has a varied nightlife, offering everything from dance-till-dawn action to laid-back cocktail bars. For sightseeing and culture, head to the city of Sousse where an intriguing maze of streets in the 9th-century medina offers up a treasure trove of monuments, mosques and souks.
Mexico
For those in search of swaying palms and white-sand beaches with a twist, Mexico is definitely worth considering. The Yucatán Peninsula offers everything you’d expect from a Caribbean retreat with an extra pinch of spice. For laid-back couple-friendly escapism, the Riviera Maya offers an expansive selection of luxurious all-inclusive hotels with immaculate pool areas and diverse dining options. For sightseeing, this part of Mexico comes up trumps, too, with intriguing Maya sites such as Chichen Itza and Tulum to explore.
Croatia
City breaks offer plenty of scope when it comes to couples’ breaks, but if you’ve already ticked off Paris, Rome and New York then look towards Croatia’s glistening shores. Dubrovnik offers an attractive mix of culture and relaxation with a fascinating Old Town, hip beaches and chic restaurants vying for attention. Head inland to find a rugged landscape of vineyard-adorned hillsides, sleepy villages and lavender fields in which to walk, hike and relax. In the evenings, find an al-fresco bar or eatery for a candlelit meal with your loved one.
The Maldives
Those after seclusion and luxury should add the Maldives to their couple’s holiday wish list. These islands offer the ultimate in relaxation and luxury. For extra indulgence, go for a water villa or hotel with infinity pool or its own private beach. The abundance of coral means that scuba-diving is popular if you can bear to tear yourself away from your sun lounger. Hotels offer an array of international and national cuisine with authentic dishes featuring the freshest of seafood, spices and coconut.
Holidays are the perfect way of reconnecting, so make sure you choose the right destination, resort and hotel for your couples’ break and avoid uninspiring fly-and-flop breaks to anonymous shores. Do your research and a romantic and luxurious holiday will be money well spent!
