Whether you're planning a honeymoon, anniversary trip, or just a sweet escape with your loved one for Valentine's Day/the “Month of Love” and want to venture beyond South Africa’s shores, these hidden romantic gems will leave you breathless.
Europe is renowned for its romantic cities, but there are also hidden gems that offer a more intimate and unique experience. One such destination is Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic. This medieval town is like stepping into a fairytale with its charming cobblestone streets, picturesque castle and romantic river cruises.
For a down-low seaside escape, head to Rovinj in Croatia. This coastal town is known for its stunning sunsets, narrow streets, and vibrant art scene. Take a romantic stroll along the harbour, indulge in fresh seafood, and admire the breathtaking views from the hilltop church of St. Euphemia.
If you're looking for a mix of history and romance away from the maddening crowd, consider Sintra in Portugal. This Unesco World Heritage site is home to fairytale palaces, lush gardens, and mystical forests.
Explore the colourful Pena Palace, wander through the romantic Quinta da Regaleira, and hike up to the Moorish Castle for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Asia offers a multitude of romantic destinations, each with its own unique charm. Bali, Indonesia, is a favourite among couples seeking a tropical paradise. With its clear turquoise waters, lush rice terraces, and luxury resorts, Bali provides the perfect backdrop for a romantic escape. Enjoy a couple's spa treatment, take a sunset cruise, or simply relax on the beach with your loved one.
Bali is an extremely popular romantic getaway destination for South African travellers because it offers packages to suit almost any budget. For example, you could spend 7 nights at the Patra Bali Resort and Villas from just R24,705 pps (flights included), or you could splash out on 7 nights at Anantara Seminyak Resort & Spa from R48,535 pps.
For a mix of culture and romance, Kyoto in Japan is an ideal choice. This ancient city is famous for its traditional wooden houses, stunning temples, and beautiful cherry blossoms. Take a romantic stroll through the bamboo forest of Arashiyama, visit the golden Kinkaku-ji Temple, and experience a traditional tea ceremony.
If you're looking for a more off-the-beaten-path destination, head to Luang Prabang in Laos. This Unesco World Heritage site is a hidden gem with its well-preserved French colonial architecture, peaceful Buddhist temples, and stunning waterfalls. Explore the night market, take a boat cruise along the Mekong River, and witness the daily alms-giving ceremony with your loved one.
For a truly unique experience, consider the Okavango Delta in Botswana. This vast wetland is a haven for wildlife, offering couples the opportunity to go on romantic safaris and witness incredible animal encounters. Stay in a luxurious tented camp, take a mokoro (traditional canoe) ride through the waterways, and fall asleep to the sounds of nature.
If you're seeking a desert oasis, head to the Namib Desert in Namibia. This breathtaking landscape of towering sand dunes and vast open spaces provides a sense of tranquillity and seclusion. Watch the sunrise over the dunes, go on a scenic hot-air balloon ride, and stargaze under the clear desert sky with your loved one.
Romance is not limited to the desert in Namibia. If you want peace, nature, privacy and luxury, almost every tourist destination in Namibia delivers. How about a three-night Swakopmund and Sossusvlei adventure from R15,950 per person sharing, or experience Etosha and Swakopmund for three nights for R15,950 per person sharing? Or you could “rough it” – with some creature comforts of course – with a six-night Northern Namibia & Skeleton Coast Camping trip from R21,660 per person sharing.
If it’s tropical island bliss in Africa you’re after, look no further than Zanzibar, Tanzania. This archipelago off the coast of East Africa boasts pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and luxurious resorts. Indulge in a romantic beachfront dinner, go snorkelling in the vibrant coral reefs, or take a spice tour to learn about the island's rich history.
Further offshore, you can’t go wrong with a romantic getaway to perennial favourite: Mauritius. For example, you and your loved one could spend five blissful nights in Mauritius for just R21,790 pps at Beachcomber Canonnier, R22,690 pps at Beachcomber Victoria or R31,370 pps at Beachcomber Dinarobin. All packages include flights, airport taxes, return airport transfers, accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner daily and a wide range of land and sea activities, including unlimited waterskiing and wakeboarding, guided snorkelling trips and more. If you had to pay separately for all these inclusions, you're sure to pay far more than the all-inclusive price!
If you’ve “done Mauritius” and want a different Indian Ocean Island experience, consider heading to the Seychelles, renowned for its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and lush tropical forests. Or, if your pockets are fairly deep, book a one-island, one-resort romantic retreat in the Maldives, famous for luxurious, romantic escapes. Like the Adaaran Club Rannalhi, where you can stay for seven nights from R49,077 per person sharing, including return flights from Johannesburg, breakfast, lunch and dinner daily and selected drinks daily.
The Americas are not usually what spring to mind when one thinks “romantic holiday”, but these vast continents have plenty of destinations that lay on the charm. Like Quebec City in Canada. With its charming Old Town, quaint cobblestone streets, and French-inspired architecture, Quebec City exudes romance. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the historic district, enjoy a romantic dinner at a cosy bistro, and visit the iconic Château Frontenac.
If a mix of adventure and romance ticks all your and your partner’s boxes, consider Banff National Park in Canada. This breathtaking natural wonder is home to snow-capped mountains, turquoise lakes, and stunning glaciers.
Go hiking together, take a scenic drive along the Icefields Parkway, and soak in the hot springs for a truly romantic experience.
For a tropical getaway, head to Tulum in Mexico. This bohemian beach town is known for its stunning Mayan ruins overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Relax on the pristine white-sand beaches, explore the cenotes (natural sinkholes), and indulge in delicious Mexican cuisine.
If you’re on the hunt for a truly unique romantic destination, consider the Faroe Islands. This remote archipelago between Iceland and Norway offers breathtaking landscapes, dramatic cliffs, and picturesque villages. Explore the rugged coastline, go on a puffin-watching tour, and hike to the stunning waterfall of Múlafossur.
Or how about the ancient city of Petra in Jordan for a bucket-list cultural and historical experience?
This archaeological marvel is known for its rock-cut architecture and stunning desert landscapes. Explore the Treasury, hike through the Siq, and take a camel ride through the Wadi Rum desert for a truly unforgettable romantic adventure.
Aside from budget and other practicalities, one of the most important factors to consider is the type of experience you and your partner are looking for. Do you want a bustling city or a secluded beach? Are you interested in historical sites or natural wonders? Understanding your preferences will help narrow down your options.
For example, would your ultimate idea of romance be a gondola ride in Venice, Italy, or wine tasting in the vineyards of Cape Town? Would you and your partner prefer a couples' massage in a traditional Thai spa in Bangkok, Thailand, or a hot-air balloon ride over the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia, Turkey? If you’re an adventurous couple, would snorkelling or scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef tick your boxes, Australia, or would you get more of a thrill from a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon, United States?
Bottom line: shortlisting your and your partner’s preferences and bucket-list wishes will help you narrow down where in this big wide world you should travel to for the ultimate romantic holiday! (More on how to plan the ultimate romantic getaway here).
Sure Travel provides romantic travel packages for practically any destination in the world, or our expert consultants will customise a romantic escape according to your and your partner’s exact preferences and budget. Contact your nearest Sure Travel Agent today to get great deals, and expert advice on how to make a romantic holiday unforgettable.
