Dreaming of a Valentine’s Day escape at a luxurious hotel? As travel restrictions tentatively begin to ease, that dream romantic destination might just become a reality.
Here at Elite Traveler, we have hand-picked some of the most romantic luxury Valentine’s Day hotels and resorts, in the most beautiful of settings, to make for an unforgettable February 14.
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Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris
Terrace views from The Penthouse / ©Four Seasons
We couldn’t help but begin our list of the most romantic Valentine’s Day hotels with a stay in Paris. But a stay at the city’s Four Seasons Hotel George V will be anything but cliched —this is a destination of pure class and elegance. The hotel has an exquisitely beautiful selection of signature suites to choose from but the one-bedroom Penthouse —one of Elite Traveler’s Top 100 suites of 2022 — is our favorite. With a private terrace featuring 360-degree views of the city, as well as a private conservatory (it is February after all), it has the feel of your very own Parisian apartment. Your biggest decision will be which of the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurants to have dinner, with a collective five stars between them.
Aman Venice, Italy
The Alcova Tiepolo Suite at the Aman Venice is adorned with 18th century frescoes by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo / ©Aman
Venice has long been synonymous with romance, in no small part thanks to one of its most legendary sons, Casanova. The floating city’s ornate Renaissance architecture and labyrinth of canals make it a Valentine’s destination unlike any other. And the grandeur of the exclusive Aman Venice just adds to the allure. The hotel, housed in a 16th century palazzo, is situated on the city’s Grand Canal and has all of the Venetian opulence you would expect. Of course, the local gastronomy plays an important role in any visit to Italy, and a stay at Aman will not disappoint. At the hotel’s Arva restaurant, you can expect executive chef Dario Ossola to serve inventive yet authentic dishes using locally sourced and sustainable ingredients.
Baros, Maldives
The Piano Deck will provide an unforgettable setting for dinner / ©Baros
Just 25 minutes by speedboat from the Maldives’ international airport, a lush romantic paradise awaits at the five-star Baros private island resort. A dreamlike hideaway, it’s hard not to get swept away in the magic of this award-winning destination. Book into one of the resort’s Waterside Pool Villas and enjoy endless sunsets over tropical waters, from the sanctuary of your own private infinity pool with a glass of champagne in hand. The resort’s private dining experiences are truly enchanting, from star-lit dinners on your own private sandbank to an unforgettable sunset meal on the resort’s Piano Deck situated in the middle of the ocean.
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, Mexico
The terrace of the Presidential Suite at the Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit / ©Grand Velas
Overlooking the turquoise Bay of Banderas with the Sierra Madre mountains serving as a dramatic background, the Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit resort offers a luxurious “beyond all-inclusive” getaway on Mexico’s famed golden Pacific coast. Drink in epic sunsets from the resort’s beach or the Presidential Suite’s private on-terrace Jacuzzi; discover the charm of the nearby historic town, Puerto Vallarta; or indulge your senses in the world-class spa.
Post Ranch Inn Big Sur, United States
Perched atop the 1,200-foot peaks of Big Sur with nothing but the Pacific Ocean below, you will feel like you have escaped to the edge of the world at the architecturally breathtaking Post Ranch Inn. The eco-resort is located on California’s famous coastal Highway One, making it the perfect stopover on a romantic road trip. Explore the remote landscape or sit back and take in the uninterrupted ocean and mountain vistas from the hotel’s infinity pools. There’s no better place to watch the sun go down than from the glass-fronted fine-dining restaurant, Sierra Mar, where you can indulge in dishes created using locally foraged ingredients, paired with wine from the restaurant’s tremendous wine cellar.
Tivoli Palacio de Seteais, Portugal
Tivoli Palacio de Seteais is located in the beautiful town of Sintra / ©Tivoli Palacio de Seteais
Only 16 miles from Lisbon but what feels like a world away is the fairy tale town of Sintra, with its dreamy mountains, Moorish ruins and fanciful palaces. It is here you will find the romantic Tivoli Palacio de Seteais. This 18th century palace-turned-boutique hotel exudes splendor and will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time thanks to its ornate decor and exquisitely manicured gardens. During a Valentine’s Day stay at the hotel, couples can opt to take a horse-drawn carriage through town, dine in one of the palace ballrooms or simply unwind together in the luxurious spa.
&Beyond Bateleur Camp, Kenya
Dinner overlooking the Maasai Mara/ ©andBeyond
If you’re looking for a romantic break that will create memories that last a lifetime, then an African safari will deliver by the bucketload. And tucked away in a private corner of the Maasai Mara, at the foot of the scenic Oloololo escarpment (the rim of the Great Rift Valley), is the magical Bateleur Camp. Hot air balloon rides, bush walks and game drives to spot the ‘big five’ await you in this eco-friendly haven. Stay in one of 18 exceptionally luxurious tented suites, which come complete with copper bathtub and are adorned with antiques and crafted artifacts. Of course, dining takes place under the African sky, with dinner for two served by candlelight, while a truly unique breakfast can be enjoyed near the banks of the Mara River – just don’t forget your binoculars.
Montage Los Cabos
Montage Los Cabos has a number of romantic packages to choose from / © Montage Los Cabos
Next on our list of the most romatic Valentine’s Day hotels is the luxury 39-acre resort of Montage Los Cabos. Situated just where the Baja desert meets the pristine shores of Santa Maria Bay, stay at this secluded spot offers walk-in access to some of the finest swimming, diving and snorkeling in the region. If you and your partner would prefer to stay on dry land, the award-winning spa offers a wealth of rejuvenating treatments, including the Romantic Escape Massage, with aromas of rose and geranium. In the evening, the $7,750 private dining experience at El Cielo, a one-of-a-kind lookout perched above Santa Maria Bay, will be unforgettable. Sip on Dom Pérignon as you enjoy a five-course tasting menu including caviar, lobster and filet mignon prepared by your private chef, with moonlit views of the Sea of Cortez.
Borgo Pignano, Italy
There’s a reason why the Tuscan landscape has played the backdrop for so many romantic novels. Its gastronomy, rolling hills and beautiful sunsets are just some of the factors that have made it a favorite among couples and writers alike. Located in the heart of the countryside within easy reach of the vineyards of Chianti is the enchanting eco-sanctuary of Borgo Pignano. A stay at this restored 18th century villa, nestled within swaths of organic farmland, allows you and your loved one to press pause on daily life and cocoon yourself in tranquility. Explore the olive groves, go horseback riding and dine on alfresco gourmet meals created using homegrown and local ingredients.
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