Love makes the world go around. So how about travelling across the world with your special someone? Whether celebrating decades of romance, vacationing as a couple for the first time, or just heading out for a buddy trip, make it count with an unforgettable holiday to one of these dreamy destinations that will have you saying “I do!” to all the adventures in store!
BY RHEA MULANI
ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR ISLANDS, India
Our choice for honeymoons.
This remote archipelago in the Bay of Bengal paints a pretty picture with its turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and verdant forests a much-needed antidote after busy wedding festivities! Start your romantic rendezvous at Havelock Island, accessible via ferry, private catamaran, or helicopter. Once here, head to Elephant Beach, the perfect marriage of nature and adventure with a steady mix of water sports and recreation. Sunbathe at the shore with your soulmate and sip on nature’s mocktail—coconut water—while you’re at it. Or how about a stroll with your better half under the water? Explore the kaleidoscopic marine expanses via sea-walking, scuba diving, or from aboard a glass-bottom boat! And if you’re based in Port Blair, take the picturesque route to Chidiya Tapu, a great haunt for lovebirds who adore birdwatching. Spend some quality time here at Sunset Point, a gorgeous backdrop for your honeymoon photoshoot. Undeniably, this collection of islands is the perfect spot to mark the beginning of your happily-ever-after.
KYOTO, Japan
Our choice for 10th-anniversary celebrations.
Presenting a perfect blend of historical charm and immersive experiences in a simply gorgeous setting, Kyoto is the ideal choice to ring in a decade of togetherness with your kids in tow. Plan a day out with the family at Maruyama Park and search for its main highlight the tall shidarezakura (weeping cherry tree) that, when illuminated at night, is a vision to behold. Make sure to get a postcard-worthy picture next to it. It’s a great place to unwind with your partner, as well, while watching the children feed the fish in the large pond or enjoy a picnic with portable stoves that are available on rent. The park is located in the historic Higashiyama District, brimming with sacred shrines and a quintessentially quaint vibe that’s best explored on one of the many walking tours organised here. Not far, the Kyoto Imperial Palace is a must-visit, too. Couples travelling in autumn should board the vintage Sagano Romantic Train, running along the Hozugawa River, for unparalleled views of colourful leaves. Hop off the last stop for a scenic river cruise and let nature do the nurturing for you as your love blooms amid cherry blossom trees in Kyoto.
COPENHAGEN, Denmark
Our choice for buddy-moons.
Celebrate the loving bond you share with your best friend with a trip to this Scandinavian city, where the hygge culture—a philosophy espousing the cosy comfort of small pleasures and good company—reigns supreme! The best way to get around is by pedalling your way through this bike-friendly destination. Begin at Rådhuspladsen, a bustling city square, to reach the statue of Hans Christian Andersen and the Dragon Fountain, where you can get that cool squad shot for Instagram! Follow Andersen’s gaze and it will lead you to Tivoli Gardens, an amusement park across the same street—don’t miss your dose of adrenaline on the Vertigo roller coaster here. Within the complex is Fru Nimb, a restaurant known for its smørrebrøds or open-face sandwiches. Much needed after all that adventure! Evenings must be reserved for exploring street art or chugging craft brews at Nørrebro, a multicultural neighbourhood that’s popular with youngsters. After all, the duo that parties together, stays together!
NAPA VALLEY, USA
Our choice for jubilee celebrations.
Raise a toast to years of togetherness at Napa Valley, a lovely expanse of vineyards, where happy hours take over the timeline, courtesy vintage elixirs, rustic terrain, and picture-perfect boutique hotels. Start your tryst in this verdant paradise by recalling those butterflies in your tummy on a hot-air balloon ride with your partner and catching the golden sunrise on the horizon. Next, let the romance move full steam ahead with a languorous trip aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train. The three-hour journey from Downtown Napa to St. Helena and back will give you ample time to relish an ingredient-forward gourmet meal alongside picturesque vistas of unending vineyards! Among the many stops along the way is the medieval Tuscan castle, Castello di Amorosa; a sip of delicious Cabernet Sauvignon here is almost mandatory. Afternoons are best spent at the Solage Resort & Spa, ideal for reminiscing about your past escapades over a couple’s deep-tissue massage. And nothing spells romance like a classic candlelight dinner at The French Laundry, a Michelin-starred restaurant, as you commit to a love that ages like fine wine!
BALI, Indonesia
Our choice for baby-moons.
Steal a few moments of quiet togetherness at this enchantingly serene destination before your bundle of joy arrives! The culturally thriving town of Ubud is a great place to set up base for easy access to top spots. Amandari, a luxury hotel that offers private yoga sessions in a forest glade, is a delightful choice for the body and soul. After settling down, head to the Tirta Empul Temple. Here, expectant couples can enjoy a dip at Jaba Tengah, a central courtyard with two purification pools, believed to have magical powers! Proceed to Jeroan, the inner courtyard—surrounded by a spring, shrines, and prayer-led positivity, this is a divinely relaxing spot for mums-to-be. As hunger pangs kick in, visit the adjacent Warung Sripadi for vegan versions of nasi goreng (Indonesian fried rice). Digest the scrumptious meal with a walk across the lush landscape of the neighbouring Tampaksiring rice fields. And as Bali is also a haven for wellness, don’t forget to clock in those indulgent hours at the traditional spas.
OOTY, India
Our choice for mini-moons.
Perfectly blending the benefits of a staycation and honeymoon is the convenient mini-moon! Nestled in Tamil Nadu, Ooty, the ‘Queen of Hill Stations’, is a top Indian choice for brief romantic escapades—perfect for a period when you only have a short break from work. Make your way to this comely retreat to reconnect with nature, as well as your special someone! Long-time couples seeking solitude can visit Tea Estate View Point for an immersive experience whilst sipping on a hot cuppa. And newlyweds will enjoy a hike up to Doddabetta Peak, the highest point in the Nilgiri Mountains, that forms the perfect backdrop for keepsake pictures. Those who prefer water can opt for a romantic paddle boat ride on the pristine Ooty Lake. For a bit of nostalgia, board the mini train that tours around the same spot. Ironically, this quick getaway will have you and yours witness time slow down in the most magical way.
PARIS, France
Our choice for anniversaries.
What better way to mark the day you tied the knot than in the ‘City of Love’? Experience la vie en rose, or ‘life through rose-tinted glasses’, with a cruise across the Seine River for glimpses of the Notre Dame and Pantheon. Make a stop at Love Lock Bridge, which spans across the river, and secure your bond with an inscribed lock, symbolising years of marital bliss. For a grand climax, pull out all the stops for your beloved with a surprise dinner at the splurge-worthy La Tour d’Argent overlooking the Seine, and experience French gastronomy at its finest.
Our choice for honeymoons.
Newlyweds can raise their love quotient by ascending the Eiffel Tower in a glass elevator and soaking in breathtaking city views while promising years of togetherness to each other. Next, stop at Pane Vivo for the best baguettes ever while walking hand-in-hand past the Eiffel Tower gardens. Stroll or take a cab to the nearby Louvre Museum and marvel at the historic artwork here, including the Mona Lisa! Remember, when you want to feel loved, Paris is always a good idea.
Related: Journeying Through Hong Kong’s Cultural Splendour and Urban Charm