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Best Romantic Getaways: 6 Idyllic Destinations for Couples

This Valentine's Day, whisk your loved one away on an escape you'll never forget. From city breaks to island sanctuaries, here are six of the best romantic getaways.

Valentine's Day is the perfect excuse to escape the everyday and indulge in a romantic retreat with your significant other. Whether you’re dreaming of secluded beachside villas or enchanting city getaways, the world is brimming with luxury destinations designed to ignite sparks and deepen connections. From intimate candlelit dinners in Paris to sunset strolls along Bali’s turquoise shores, the possibilities for love-filled adventures are endless. In this guide to the best romantic getaways, discover the most captivating places to whisk your partner away for a truly unforgettable Valentine’s experience.

Best city breaks for couples

Paris: an iconic romantic weekend destination 

Paris is a love letter written in stone and light, where every cobblestoned street and gilded spire promises romance. Stroll among magnificent paintings and sculptures in world-renowned cultural gems like the Louvre and the Musée d'Orsay. Explore the Latin Quarter’s secluded passages and courtyards, where hidden gardens feel worlds away from the urban bustle. Don’t miss the Île de la Cité, home to the newly restored Notre Dame Cathedral, as well as the magnificent Gothic-style Sainte-Chapelle church and the Conciergerie, a medieval former palace. 


Time to dine? Whether you stop at a tiny bistro with red gingham tablecloths or choose a fine dining establishment like Lordy's Paris Club, skilled chefs await to transform the finest of seasonal ingredients into culinary masterpieces. 


Of course, no visit to Paris is complete until you’ve gazed at the splendour of the Eiffel Tower, bedecked in her glittering robe of lights. In moments like these, Paris reveals its true magic: the ability to create memories that will sparkle long after your journey to one of the world's best romantic getaways ends.


Stay in luxury just moments from the Eiffel Tower at Sofitel Paris Baltimore Tour Eiffel, in the heart of Paris’s chic 16th district. 

 

Rome: best romantic getaway for an inspired vacation

Like an ancient love story, Rome wraps you in layers of history, passion and unexpected discoveries. As dawn breaks over the Eternal City, the terracotta rooftops are daubed in shades of amber and gold, while the morning air carries the aroma of freshly ground coffee and still-warm pastries. If you’re early risers, it’s the perfect time to claim the Spanish Steps for yourselves, sharing a quiet moment before the crowds arrive. 


When it’s time to discover Rome, gaze at the vast collection of artistic treasures at the Vatican Museums, where the Sistine Chapel inspires hushed awe and quiet contemplation. In the hidden corners of Villa Borghese's gardens, find a private nook among statue-lined paths and manicured hedges. Find trattorias tucked away in narrow alleyways, where generations-old recipes come to life. Unhurried and intimate, each meal is as much a celebration of Roman cuisine as it is of your love.


As night falls, the illuminated ruins of the Forum cast romantic shadows, while the Trevi Fountain sparkles with a myriad of lights and wishes. Rooftop bars like Settimo are the perfect place to sip a cocktail while admiring the views. Here, you feel as though you’re the only ones in a city of millions, writing your own chapter in Rome's eternal story of romance.


For a five-star experience in the centre of Rome, book a stay at Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese, one of the city's best romantic getaways.

 

Best romantic holiday destinations for beach sunsets

Bali: a magical vacation spot for couples

Emerald rice terraces. Sapphire seas meeting warm golden sand. Mist-shrouded valleys carrying the sweet perfume of incense and frangipani blossoms. The tiny Indonesian island of Bali weaves a spell of tropical enchantment that captivates lovers seeking both adventure and serenity. 


With your loved one, join local artisans in traditional villages, learning the intricate art of batik painting or the joy of making silver jewellery for each other. Organise a private yacht tour of secluded islands nearby, where you’ll feel like the only two people in the world. Receive a blessing for your journey together at an ancient temple during a purification ceremony.


Discover wellness experiences that embrace both ancient wisdom and ecological consciousness. Flow through yoga poses in bamboo shalas overlooking river valleys. Unwind in a luxury spa offering treatments that harness the power of traditional Balinese ingredients, from rebalancing massages to indulgent couples’ rituals. Discover the artful secrets of Balinese cuisine through an immersive culinary workshop.


As day mellows into evening, Nusa Dua beach is one of the island’s best spots for a romantic getaway. Nature stages a spectacular show as the sky ignites in brilliant oranges and deep purples, while clouds glow with golden light. Walk hand in hand with your loved one along the shore, the gentle waves lapping at your ankles, each simple moment etched forever as a sacred memory.


Stay in French luxury at Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort, renowned for its sophisticated rooms and suites, exclusive beachfront spa and exquisite brunch. 

 

Mauritius: one of the most beautiful places for couples to travel

A shimmering jewel in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius is one of the best romantic getaways for couples seeking privacy and prestige. Here, unwind with your loved one against a backdrop of white-sand beaches fringed with whispering palm trees. Slip into the warm turquoise waters to explore coral reefs painted in glorious colours. Recline on a lounger in the sun’s embrace as you enjoy bespoke and attentive service at your five-star beachfront hotel. 
 

With our Romance Offer, celebrate love at Sofitel hotels around the world. Elevate your stay with a bottle of champagne and indulge in a luxurious in-room breakfast. 4


When it’s time to head out, take your pick from the island’s many sustainable activities, from guided hikes in the Ebony Forest to learning about wildlife conservation programmes on the Île aux Aigrettes. Feeling active? Choose one of the many hiking trails that wind through lush forests, stopping along the way to indulge in an intimate picnic by a cascading waterfall. Or explore the island’s rich cultural heritage as you wander hand in hand through a local market, where the air is rich with the aromas of fresh vanilla, island-grown tea and spices like cinnamon and cloves.


After your day’s activities, head to your luxury hotel spa to be pampered with a couple’s massage, letting the traditional techniques and ocean breeze restore and rejuvenate. Discover the island's multicultural soul through its gastronomy, which blends French sophistication with Indian spices, Chinese techniques and Creole flair. Or simply gaze, rum cocktail in hand, as evening paints the sky in watercolour hues of rose and gold in this tropical paradise just for two.
 

Make this a Valentine’s Day to remember when you reserve a stay at Sofitel Mauritius L'Impérial Resort & Spa, an elegant beachfront retreat with sophisticated rooms and suites, eight restaurants and bars, and a Provence-inspired spa.
 

Best romantic holiday locations for creating new memories

Agadir: Sophisticated spa stays for couples

In Agadir, modern romance meets ancient Berber traditions beneath cloudless azure skies. Nestled on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, this picturesque city is perfect if you would like to combine cultural discovery with an exclusive spa break.


Explore the city’s medina, a meticulously restored medieval complex where local artisans craft silver and cedar wood, their workshops echoing with centuries-old techniques. Sample fragrant dates and admire the vividly coloured spices in the aromatic Souk El Had. Head down to the Corniche to sample freshly caught fish, from delicate sea bass tagines perfumed with saffron, to grilled sardines dressed in chermoula, and oysters harvested from the village of Oualidia. Embark on a sustainable desert excursion that reveals the magnificence of nearby dunes, where you can watch the sunset while experiencing a traditional Berber tea ceremony.


Back at your luxury Agadir accommodation, immerse yourselves in wellness experiences that blend Moroccan traditions with cutting-edge science. Share a timeless hammam ritual, where black soap scrubs and rhassoul clay treatments create moments of shared rejuvenation. Together, discover the benefits of tailor-made thalassotherapy treatments. Take a dip in a tranquil seawater pool or greet the sunrise with a yoga session as you form new daily rituals that you will carry home in your hearts.


Craft your best Valentine’s Day romantic getaway at Sofitel Agadir Thalassa Sea & Spa, a five-star resort with a private beach, romantic oceanview suites and a wellness institute. 

 

Dubai: for a modern couples' weekend getaway

In Dubai, experiences bridge past and future with elegant finesse, each moment an invitation to create an extraordinary memory with your loved one. 


Here, drift through the Al Fahidi Historical District, where wind towers and coral-stone architecture tell the story of Dubai's pearling past. In the perfume souk, learn the art of traditional blending, creating unique scents that will forever transport you back to these shared moments. Embark on an excursion through the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, where native gazelles roam free and rolling dunes create nature's most magnificent theatre.


Tap into the city’s modern face as you soar to the top of the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, and gaze over breathtaking panoramas of the city. Meander amid magnificent flower displays in Dubai Miracle Garden, pausing for a photo beneath the heart-shaped trellises. Spend a few indulgent hours perusing the luxury boutiques in Wafi Mall, simply enjoying each other’s company. When it’s time to unwind, choose a journey of serenity with a couples’ ritual at a luxury Dubai spa. Let skilled therapists work their magic, then relax in the sauna, steam room or jacuzzi.


Plan a romantic getaway at Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk, one of the best hotels in Dubai, next to Wafi Mall and with a signature wellness oasis. 

 

If your romantic getaway ends beautifully with a breathtaking marriage proposal, it's time to plan the next step. Discover the most stunning wedding reception venues at Sofitel hotels around the world.

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