My sister lives in Prague, so I’ve visited the Czech Republic many times both with and without my partner. But this city feels like it’s meant to be explored with your special someone. And while spring and summer is hands down the best time to visit, there is nothing more romantic than walking through Prague’s Old Town in the winter, warming your hands on a mug of svařák (mulled wine), and watching the medieval astronomical clock do its hourly procession. Located inland, Ubud boasts a wealth of wellness offerings for the perfect couple’s spa day like daily yoga classes at The Yoga Barn and super cheap massages. The island is also known for fresh local foods (Fair Warung Bale is a personal favorite for date night), and beautiful, open-air bungalows with outdoor showers (swoon). We loved it so much, we ended up staying for three months. If you’re looking for romance, make sure you spend a few nights at La Casa Del Mundo. It’s a tiny cliffside hotel that’s only accessible by foot or by boat. The lakefront property also offers views of the volcano, a hot tub hanging over the lake, hammocks spread across sun-drenched patios, and hiking trails that lead to nearby villages. It is incredibly special. We stayed in Luang Prabang, which is near the Kuang Si Waterfall, a series of terraced, milky blue swimming holes below a waterfall. We spent the day there, swimming, eating, lounging, and swimming some more — everything about it felt romantic and idyllic (we were already married, but I remember thinking it would be a perfect engagement spot). We also booked an overnight hiking and kayak trip with Green Discovery Laos and became regulars at Joma Bakery (their pumpkin bread is out of this world). I’ve spent time in both parts of the island, and while Rodney Bay has more of a beachy, resort feel (which can be super romantic), I prefer Soufrière. It feels more like a real community, and from there, you can climb the Gros Piton or visit the sulphur hot springs and mud baths. In addition to challenging and enchanting us, Japan is also filled with endless hidden gems. One of the best weekends of my life was spent at Takaragawa Onsen Osenkaku, a traditional Japanese hotel with natural hot springs on the river. I’d argue there is nothing more romantic than lounging in a hot spring in the Japanese Alps in the winter. If you happen to head to Japan in the spring, I recommend at least a few nights in Kyoto, which has a super romantic feel and beautiful cherry blossom viewing along the Philosopher’s Walk (also known for its cat sightings — a double win in my book). And while Paris is always at the top of my list, for a more subdued romantic getaway, head to the coast. You can rent a car and drive along the Côte d’Azur (Nice and Cassis are two towns I love) or post up in the surf town of Biarritz. If you’re not visiting during carnival, I recommend spending most of your time on Tobago. The tiny island to the northeast of Trinidad is known for its beaches, surf, and open space, particularly the Tobago Main Ridge Forest Reserve, which shelters rare hummingbirds. My husband and I hitchhiked around the island in search of surf and sand. Our top finds were Mount Irvine Beach for surf and Pigeon Point Beach for white beaches and clear waters.
