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Top Romantic Destinations: Favorite Places
 Romance can be found everywhere and anywhere, its in the air
that we breathe, the smiles people give to us and in the
things that make us laugh and be happy with our partner. But
sometimes romance is in a special place too. We may have found
love and romance at home and abroad, on vacation or just in a
moment. Yet there are some places that smell of romance, that
exude love and simply are romantic destinations and so here we
discuss some favorite places that fit the bill.
Just what makes a place a top romantic destination is open to
many factors. The first of course may be the weather, warm and
sunny appears to be favored by most. Lingering on a soft white
beach under swaying palms appeals to all of us who undergo
annual cold winters. However, I have been to destinations that
have been snowbound, only to find them gorgeously romantic.
For me, winter is a great season and my top romantic
destinations include some fantastic ski resorts. St Moritz at
Christmas is a great example as is Valmorel after a snowfall,
or Zermatt on New Year’s Eve. So clearly then it is not just
the weather that feeds us romantic feelings about a place
though it is a factor.
A top romantic destination has to look right. A pretty village
in the Alps is romantic and appealing; a New England village
in the Fall is romantic for walking, a walk on a deserted
beach on the northern coast of Koh Samui is extremely romantic
to hold hands. Where better perhaps that a stroll along the
Seine in Paris in early spring to feel overwhelmed by love and
romance as you walk hand in hand with your partner. The same
may be said of Barcelona in Spring, walking through the
squares before the heavy oppression of a hot Mediterranean
summer sets in. And here we find more clues in my words,
walking and Spring! Walking of course brings a sense of
communion and togetherness in any location or destination. We
remember walks together fondly in many places whilst
springtime is our own regeneration after winter. Springtime is
a good season to find romance in a place.
Springtime is for many of us a wake up call, an out with the
old in with the new feeling. A time for Spring cleaning, for
freshness, for renewal. Clean air, sunlight and flowers. The
earth wakes up and so do we. So we are often drawn to romantic
destinations that obviate these sensory factors. For example,
I have never been so alive as on visiting Amsterdam one spring
when the small lanes were alive with the rich color of tulip
flower markets. I was overjoyed with a sense of the ability to
find romance there.
Romance in a place can be found from its history and
architectural properties, which is why so many of the ancient
and great cities of the world are poplar romantic destinations
for lovers. From the Great Wall of China, to Paris, Rome,
Florence, Milan, Amsterdam, Sydney, New York and Vienna, all
have a magnificent historical heritage that pervades all and
leads us into a sense of historical romance that requires us
to take someone’s hand as we breathe in all around us.
So I think that the key elements of top romantic destinations
are:
• Weather
• Beauty
• History
• Company
• Location
So whilst we live to find romance in the Caribbean and the
South Seas, dreaming of white deserted beaches and swaying
palms, trade winds and butterfly kisses at dawn or sunset,
languid afternoons by the lagoon pools and tropical mischief
on a languid evening, let us not forget that there are many
destinations across the world that are not only romantic in
themselves, but can emphasize the romance that already exists
within each of us.
Here are ten of my personal top romantic destinations and
romantic places for myself.
Amsterdam in deepest winter
There are fewer places on earth more romantic than Amsterdam
in deepest winter in my opinion. Ancient churches, frozen
waterways, snow-heavy skies, shimmering shops all nestle along
walkways through beautifully old streets in this most pleasant
of cultural cities. Its a cultural melting pot where you can
find romance on every corner. Combine ancient cobbled streets
of lilting Dutch town houses, set against frozen canals,
people scuttling along on cycles, starlit book shops crowding
in sulky corners, fabulous food stores, eateries and
restaurants, bars that are heaven-sent and the relaxed nature
of the Dutch and it is a vibrant and exciting city ideal for a
first break away with a loved-one. With bells tolling from
churches at dawn, the shimmering waters of canals everywhere,
ancient beautiful architecture, flowers on street corners,
this city is most certainly picturesque. The winter and snows
certainly add the topping to a place that already exudes
history and you can imagine yourself with your loved on
starring in your very own European cinematic romance set
against a beautiful and vivid backdrop. Firmly recommended.
Hong Kong at Sunset
To many the romance of Hong Kong can be easily missed. A
bustling metropolis acting as a gateway to a throng a
different Asian cultures, Hong Kong certainly doesn’t stand
still. But amongst it all are two of the most amazing sights
on earth that should only be witnessed with your loved one.
The first is sitting in the Peninsula hotel top floor bar on
the Kowloon side watching sunset and darkness fall upon Honk
Kong itself. As day turns to night you can take the hand of
your loved on and watch as neon begins to light up probably
one of the seven most wondrous views in the modern world. All
taken with a Gin and Tonic. If this is how we find romance ,
then it's the best.
The other is to repeat the exercise of sunset but this time by
taking the cable car to the top of the Peak. Go behind the
peak café and restaurant to the viewing platform where you can
watch sunset over Kowloon, but this time make sure that you
kiss you partner for a long time. Because you will remember it
forever.
Niagra Falls in Late Spring
Until you have seen the horseshoes falls from the Canadian
side in late Spring, you haven’t lived. Spectacular this place
is, beyond belief. Take your partner, book into the hotel at
its side and spend the most romantic weekend of your life.
Love and romance your partner here until they melt. I can’t
add any more to this because you just have to take your loved
one and go there – today. Why late spring? Well at this time
of year the warm sun gives the entire falls a golden glow that
makes it such a romantic place. Take a glass of champagne in
one had and the hand of your loved one in the other ands find
romance here for yourselves.
Anchorage Alaska on the longest day
Romantic destinations take many forms but I found the
experience of Anchorage, a beautiful place in the summer, awe
inspiringly beautiful. For me it is a place of love and
romance as much as of breathtaking scenery. You may be
surprised that I list it as one of my favorite romantic places
but you just have to visit and relax in this beautiful place.
There are so many things to do with your partner in this area
that you will lose count, but I think that around June 21st
when it remains light for most of the night is so much of an
experience that it’s a time and place for something special.
It is a top romantic destination for sure. It’s a place to
feel alive and share something emotional and help that feeling
of togetherness. A special place.
Bali in October
As far as romantic places go, this is perfect. This has to be
one of the world's top romantic destinations, especially for
couples. As it’s a tropical isle it doesn’t become romantic
because of its climate, though it does reek of paradise after
getting away from the airport. I’d point you and your chose
partner straight towards the Bali Cliff resort at the southern
tip of the island or Lovina Beach on the northern coast.
Either places at this time of the year are quiet whilst the
weather remains perfect. If I was to choose the perfect place
for a date, to embody the love and romance of my relationship,
or even maybe to propose, I’d choose Lovina beach at dawn in
an outrigger canoe as the dolphins race past chasing tuna and
the sun breaks the horizon. It doesn’t get any more romantic
or special than this. Just save it to say 'I do'.
Paris in early Spring
As far as romantic places go, Paris has to be a prime choice
in my book. Traditional it may be, but romantic, it most
certainly is. Spring time has to be the perfect season too.
Culture, history, gastronomic delights, superb wine and walks
beyond all walks. Take your partner to the top of the Eiffel
tower, over to the Louvre to see the Mona Lisa and then shoot
about the metro visiting Montmartre and the Left bank then
take a long walk together along the many tree lined
boulevards. The essence of Paris is the simple act of being
together walking, visiting and seeing and finding romance in
private. Its special, it is one of my favorite romantic places
at any time of year but I loved Paris in early spring and I
think you both will too.
The English Lake District in early Winter
The English Lakes in north-western England is loved by many
during the summer months but the things that brings it romance
is the solace that winter brings. But I believe it is a top
romantic destination at this time of year. I find romance here
when the ancient villages are quiet, the restaurants available
and we can walk where we please. There are a plethora of
well-hidden Lakeland hotels nestling in trees ready to cater
as a lovers paradise. If you are looking for log fires, thick
rugs, four poser beds and romantic walks round local lakes
then go in November or January and I’d go as far as saying
that it’s the perfect place to fall in love.
New York in February
What hasn’t been written about New York may not be worth
writing. But for me New York in February is the epitome of
classic romance and one of the top romantic destinations for
anyone. How many romantic movies have been made in this city –
lots, and this is for a reason. Why is it romantic? Easy,
combine cold, snow, superb shopping and ice skating in central
park and you have everything that is perfect about close times
together. Sightseeing is unlimited, restaurants with tables
for two are everywhere and I believe there is something
special about wrapping up warm and getting outdoors with the
person you love. If you are going to find love and romance in
a city, its possible it will be New York. Walking in Central
park in the snow has got to be a life long memory of how love
really should be.
Cyprus before Summer
It’s the birthplace of Venus, what more needs to be said about
finding love and romance. Stick to the west side of this
island around Paphos for perfect sunsets, sun for 360 days a
year, remote bays and fresh seafood. Top quality hotels abound
and this is essential for many romantic destinations. But the
single thing that makes this island romantic for me are the
lonely drives by car up into the fresh alpine interior.
Seemingly unexplored valleys, high passes and the sweet scent
of pine everywhere, this is a beautiful place. Open the door
and breathe, then kiss each other. Deeply. Definitely one of
my top romantic destinations of all to find romance in a
sunset.
Koh Samui in November
Why not round the year off with one of my favorite romantic
places on earth. The island of Koh Samui in the Thai gulf is
more famous for its near-neighbor which is the inspiration for
the book and movie, The Beach. But the reason I list this as a
top romantic destination isn’t the quaint airport with wooden
huts in a jungle clearing, or the Golden Buddha on the
northern coast, it’s the simple delight at this time of year
of taking a small beach bungalow with your loved one and
walking bare footed on white sand beaches and treading the
first footsteps of the day. Or using a fallen coconut as a
drinking vessel and play ball. Watch endless sunsets and find
romance in the moment, eat perfect food in quiet surroundings
and imagine you are both lost at sea. It’s a place to be with
someone, to be quiet, to be solitary and to feel very much the
love and romance of the place.
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