Romance means something different to everyone. For some, it’s a barefoot moment on a quiet beach; for others, a long dinner surrounded by people they love.
At Lightfoot, we often help clients mark life’s big moments in extraordinary places – be it a blessing, a honeymoon that goes beyond the expected, an anniversary with family in tow, or a quiet escape before baby arrives.
We asked our travel consultants to share their favourite romantic destinations around the world – places they return to again and again for beauty, atmosphere, and the luxury of time together. You don’t need an occasion to fall in love with them. These places are exquisite in their own right.
- 01. Europe’s Most Romantic Hotels, Handpicked by Belinda
- 02. The Indian Ocean’s Most Romantic Hotels, Handpicked by Kirsty
- 03. Australasia’s Most Romantic Hotels, Handpicked by Nikki
- 04. The Americas & Caribbean’s Most Romantic Hotels, Handpicked by Olie
- 05. Asia’s Most Romantic Hotels, Handpicked by Sophie
- 06. Africa’s Most Romantic Lodges, Handpicked by Nico
- 07. Camille’s picks for the Middle East & North Africa
- Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco, Tuscany – A historic estate in the Val d’Orcia that feels quintessentially Tuscan. Stay among vineyards and olive groves, dine on estate-grown produce, and explore ancient castle ruins before private tastings in the wine cellar or a truffle hunt in the surrounding woods.
- Château de La Chèvre d’Or, Côte d’Azur – Clinging to the cliffs of Èze, this fairytale château offers sweeping views across the Med. Wander cascading gardens, dine at its Michelin-starred restaurant, or watch the sun set from your private terrace as the lights of the Riviera begin to glow.
- Sublime Comporta, Portugal – A haven of pine forest, pale sand, and effortless design. Its calm, coastal rhythm makes it perfect for moments of reflection and reconnection. Let us arrange a dune-side picnic, or a beach bonfire beneath the stars.
Europe’s Most Romantic Hotels, Handpicked by Belinda
The Indian Ocean’s Most Romantic Hotels, Handpicked by Kirsty
- Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives – Perfect for honeymoons, vow renewals or a special couples’ escape. Have your blessings in the overwater chapel, dine by candlelight on a private sandbank, or snorkel straight from your villa.
- Ulagalla, Sri Lanka – A former ancestral estate set amid emerald paddy fields and forest. The signature ‘kamatha’ experience – private dining beneath an ancient tree once used for threshing rice – is incredibly special. Add a village tuk-tuk ride or a temple blessing to make it even more meaningful.
- Zil Pasyon, Seychelles – Set on the jungle-covered island of Félicité, this is Seychelles at its most spectacular. Snorkel with turtles straight from the beach, hike to secret coves, or take a boat to laid-back La Digue. The food is a real highlight and goes far beyond expectations on a castaway island.
Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo Island – Rebuilt and reborn, this iconic lodge offers drama, seclusion and endless sea views. Perfect for those who want to feel completely off-grid, but deeply well looked-after.
Rosewood Cape Kidnappers, New Zealand – A coastal estate with a wild heart. We’ll plan a heli-hike, a wine-paired lunch, or a simple farm walk followed by a fireside tasting. You feel far away here, in the best possible way.
Australasia’s Most Romantic Hotels, Handpicked by Nikki
The Americas & Caribbean’s Most Romantic Hotels, Handpicked by Olie
Islas Secas, Panama – A private archipelago where adventure meets intimacy. Arrive by boat or plane, snorkel with whale sharks, then dine barefoot by candlelight on a hidden beach. It’s hard to overstate how special this place is.
Belmond Maroma, Mexico – Freshly reimagined, Maroma sits on one of the Riviera Maya’s quietest stretches of sand. Begin with a temazcal ceremony or ceviche-making class, and end with a night swim beneath the stars.
Round Hill Hotel & Villas, Jamaica – A Caribbean classic that balances glamour with ease. Stay in Ralph Lauren–designed villas, enjoy spa treatments in a seaside cottage, or toast the trip with rum punch as the sun slips into the sea.
Taj Lake Palace, India – Floating on Lake Pichola, this white marble palace is pure romance. Arrive by boat, stay in rooms once reserved for royalty, and dine by candlelight as the city shimmers across the water.
Six Senses Punakha, Bhutan – Known as the Flying Farmhouse, this dramatic wooden lodge floats above the rice fields of the Punakha Valley. Hike to the mountaintop temples or enjoy a couple’s herbal bath with views across the valley.
Amanoi, Vĩnh Hy Bay, Vietnam – Tucked between jungle-covered hills and the still blue waters of Vĩnh Hy Bay, Amanoi is where nature takes the lead. Hike through the national park, explore quiet coves by boat, or linger over dinner on the terrace as the light fades over the ocean.
Asia’s Most Romantic Hotels, Handpicked by Sophie
Africa’s Most Romantic Lodges, Handpicked by Nico
Mara Plains Camp, Kenya – Deep in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, this ultra-private camp has just seven tented suites and front-row wildlife. Spend days on game drives, enjoy sundowners on the deck, dine by candlelight under the stars, and fall asleep to the sounds of the bush.
Kisawa Sanctuary, Mozambique – On Benguerra Island, Kisawa’s dune-backed villas are deeply private and beautifully designed. Let us arrange a boat trip to uninhabited islands or an in-villa wellness ritual as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean.
Delaire Graff Estate, South Africa – With its sculpted gardens, vineyard views, and private art collection, Delaire is Winelands living at its most refined. Start with a private tasting, followed by dinner in the sculpture garden, framed by the Simonsberg mountains.
Zannier Sonop, Namibia – A whimsical retreat in the Namib Desert, styled like a 1920s explorer’s camp. Stay in tented suites with clawfoot bathtubs and vintage touches. By day, ride horses across lunar-like landscapes; by night, toast the desert sky in the open-air cinema.
La Mamounia, Morocco – The grand dame of Marrakech still knows how to captivate. Behind its rose-filled gardens and zellige-tiled courtyards lies a world of hammams, hidden bars, and secret corners. We’ll pair it with a sidecar ride through the medina or a sunset aperitif in the Agafay desert.
Habitas AlUla, Saudi Arabia – Tucked between towering sandstone cliffs, Habitas AlUla brings a warm, understated feel to this extraordinary desert landscape. Mornings start with yoga on your deck or a walk through the date palm oasis; evenings are for live music around the fire.
Camille’s picks for the Middle East & North Africa
Whatever the milestone, these are places that stay with you. Some are known, others hidden. But all are chosen because they’ll make your heart soar, and ensure the luxury of time together is well spent.
Photography credits: Unsplash & hotels' own
Let us plan your
bespoke adventure
Book your next tailormade luxury holiday with Lightfoot Travel. Reach out to speak to our team of knowledgable travel experts.
Enquire Now
