The Art of Romance: Our Top Five Picks for Luxury Hotels Designed for Romantic Escapes
- Heather Gooch
- 15 minutes ago
- 3 min read
The truly romantic hotels do something rarer than any other ones: they create an unmistakable sense of closeness. As luxury travel advisors, these are the properties we recommend when the romance on the trip matters most: honeymoons, milestone anniversaries, once‑in‑a‑lifetime proposals, or simply time together that deserves an extraordinary setting.
From Parisian palaces to alpine sanctuaries and overwater dreams in the South Pacific, here are five of the most romantic hotels in the world for a romantic escape (plus how to experience each one at its very best).
Shangri‑La Paris — Suite Overlooking the Eiffel Tower | Paris, France
Romance feels effortless at Shangri‑La Paris. Set inside a former royal residence overlooking the Seine, this palace hotel blends historic grandeur with serene, intimate luxury. But it’s the suites facing the Eiffel Tower that turn a stay into a memory you’ll never forget.
Wake up to Paris, one of the most romantic cities in the world for a reason, framed perfectly in your windows. Enjoy champagne on your private terrace, and watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night from the privacy of your suite is as iconic, and as romantic, as it truly gets.
Ways to upgrade the romance on this trip: Book a sunset Seine cruise, have candlelit dinners, take leisurely walks along the Seine, go luxury shopping, and book a private museum visit at the Louvre or Musée d'Orsay.
Aman New York | New York City, USA
High above Fifth Avenue, Aman New York offers a rare kind of romance: complete serenity in the heart of one of the world’s most energetic cities. Spacious suites feel more like private residences, wrapped in Aman’s signature calm, muted design.
This is romance for couples who love culture, dining, and sophistication—where mornings begin with spa rituals and evenings end with Broadway lights or jazz-filled nights.
Ways to upgrade the romance on this trip: Sunset cocktails, booking intimate fine‑dining experience morning yoga or meditation at the hotel, couples spa journey, afternoon gallery or Broadway show, late‑night jazz, or a nice Central Park stroll.
The Ritz‑Carlton Half Moon Bay — Terrace Firepit Suite | California, USA
Perched dramatically above the Pacific Ocean, The Ritz‑Carlton Half Moon Bay is made for couples who crave coastal romance with a cozy twist. The Terrace Firepit Suite elevates the experience with a private outdoor space where evenings are spent wrapped in blankets, fire crackling, ocean waves below.
It’s intimate, atmospheric, and perfect for reconnecting, whether for a long weekend or a special celebration.
Ways to upgrade the romance on this trip: Wine and s’mores by your private firepit, booking an ocean‑view dinner, morning coastal walks, afternoon wine tasting, couples massage, and in-suite breakfast.
Forestis Dolomites | South Tyrol, Italy
For couples seeking quiet luxury and natural beauty, Forestis Dolomites is nothing short of magical. Set high in the UNESCO‑protected Dolomites, this minimalist retreat is rooted in wellness, silence, and a deep connection to nature.
Romance here is unhurried: mountain air, panoramic views, forest walks, and spa rituals designed to restore both body and spirit.
Ways to upgrade the romance on this trip: Book a tasting‑menu dinner, take a guided hike or snowshoeing (seasonal), book a private spa experience, have a candlelit dinner, or a sunrise meditation session.
Four Seasons Bora Bora | Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Escape somewhere warm for some romance. The Four Seasons delivers it flawlessly. Overwater bungalows float above a turquoise lagoon, framed by Mount Otemanu and endless skies. Privacy, beauty, and indulgence define every moment.
Romance the way you thin of: barefoot luxury, warm ocean breezes, and time that seems to stand still.
Ways to upgrade romance on this trip: Take a sunset swim, have champagne on your deck, lagoon snorkeling, book a couples spa treatment, have a private beachfront dinner under the stars, get a canoe-delivered breakfast, or book a sunset cruise.
Final Thoughts
Traveling together is not just about the most luxurious of places, but it should also be based on how it makes you feel together. These hotels are destinations where you can relax naturally together, in which details feel effortless, and you can slow down to be as present together as possible.
If you’re planning a honeymoon, anniversary, or simply a trip where romance is the priority, these are the stays that transform a getaway into a lifelong memory.
Comments