Selecting a destination (and accommodations) for your next romantic getaway involves so much more than looking for the most beautiful, bucket list-worthy places. There is SO much inspiring travel content online, but sorting through the endless – and sometimes outdated or inaccurate – information is daunting. Consider Tretter Travel your personal travel curator, using our deep destination expertise to help you make travel selections based not just on what’s all over social media, but what’s a great fit for you and your needs. When I evaluate a property to determine whether it would be a good fit for clients interested in a romantic vacation like a honeymoon, anniversary trip, babymoon, or just any excuse to spend some quality time together, I’m looking at things like:

Proximity

Maybe you know airports stress you out or flying becomes fun when you upgrade to business class. Or maybe a long road trip or train ride helps you unwind and decompress. How you arrive at your destination sets the tone for your trip, so it’s worth considering how (and how far) you like to travel when you’re evaluating destinations.

Purpose

While the goal of every romantic getaway is generally quality time + connection, what that looks like can vary greatly from person to person. Would you rather bond by learning a new skill together? Or conquering a tough hike? Maybe you just want plenty of time to relax and be together. Reflecting on what how you’re hoping to feel after your trip will inform where you should go.

Programming

Do you want to participate in a more guided relationship-building experience? An increasing number of wellness resorts offer couples-focused retreats and workshops to help improve connection and communication with your partner.

Property

Are you looking to travel to your destination during peak season, when it will be busiest and most expensive, but also when you’ll be able to take advantage of the full breadth of the property’s indoor and outdoor activities? “Offseason” travel can be a prime opportunity to save a little and enjoy a quieter experience if you don’t mind forgoing some activities or amenities.

Inclusions + Amenities

Do you prefer to stay somewhere where you don’t have to think about the cost of meals, activities, spa treatments, or other experiences? Or would you rather pay as you go? You’ve got options for both, so it comes down to what feels most stress-free to you.

So, with all that in mind, here’s the roundup of our top 10 favorite hotels and resorts for romantic vacations in 2024.

One of my favorite travel writers has this belief that with the overabundance of tourism in some destinations, the kinds of places she’s interested in visiting are often not within a direct flight. I tend to agree with her when it comes to romantic getaways (though convenience is a higher priority when traveling with kids, so you might consider these more accessible family-friendly destinations instead).

COMO Parrot Cay strikes a nice balance between being off the beaten path – it is located on its own private island, after all – while not taking an eternity to get there. Guests fly into Providenciales and are then whisked away on a private boat tour before arriving on COMO Parrot Cay’s pristine white-sand beaches 50 minutes later. The COMO brand emphasizes a deep commitment to holistic wellness, exceptional nutrition-rich cuisine, and inspiring destinations that honor the spirit of place. This is the kind of resort that will leave you feeling restored, reenergized, and reconnected.

The beachfront villas and cozy cottages, all with their own private pool and direct beach access, provide an intimate atmosphere with breathtaking ocean views (and if you loved your romantic getaway here, you could return with your family for a stay in a 2-4 bedroom villa). Here, surrounded by the lush, tropical landscape, you’ll indulge in world-class dining at the resort’s restaurants, which feature produce from COMO’s banana and coconut groves, and daily afternoon tea on the terrace.

The award-winning Shambhala Retreat offers a range of holistic wellness treatments, from couples’ massages to yoga sessions on the beach. Private excursions, like sunset cruises and snorkeling trips, allow couples to explore the stunning natural beauty of the island together. With exceptional service, untouched natural beauty, and attentive service, COMO Parrot Cay makes for an incredible escape.

This boutique hotel, perched on the cliffs of Crete, Greece, offers an absolutely iconic views overlooking the Aegean Sea. Acro Suites seamlessly blends modern design with natural elements, with each suite and villa boasting private terraces with plunge pools or hot tubs, allowing you to enjoy stunning sunsets in complete privacy. The elegant, minimalist interiors and panoramic views provide a perfect paradise setting.

The Bath House, the hotel’s wellness sanctuary, offers bespoke spa treatments, hammam rituals, and yoga sessions designed to rejuvenate. With its impeccable service, secluded ambiance, and exquisite amenities, Acro Suites offers a secluded escape in the heart of Crete’s natural beauty.

The Brando, located on the pristine atoll of Tetiaroa in French Polynesia, is exactly what many travelers envision when they think of an unforgettable romantic vacation with their partner. The location of this exclusive luxury resort was once a gathering place for Polynesian tribes, then a special getaway for Tahitian royalty to retreat, and then the private sanctuary of Marlon Brando. 

The Brando, focused on zero-carbon-footprint hospitality and stewardship, is one of the world’s most sustainable luxury properties. Surrounded by turquoise lagoons, white sandy beaches, and lush greenery, the resort provides an extraordinary setting for romance and adventure. Each private villa features spacious living areas, plunge pools, and direct access to the beach, ensuring guests can enjoy their time together in complete privacy and tranquility.

Pair a stay at The Brando with an overwater bungalow property (we’ve got some favorites we’d recommend!) for the ultimate French Polynesian vacation.

You don’t have to go abroad to have an absolutely one-of-a-kind experience. The Post Ranch Inn is one of only 11 hotels in the US to receive three keys, the top honor in Michelin’s newly-unveiled hotel rating system. Nestled on the cliffs of Big Sur, California, Post Ranch Inn offers unbelievable views of the Pacific Ocean and rugged coastline. The resort is adults-only, which design that harmoniously blends indoor-outdoor living. Think: floor-to-ceiling windows, private decks, wood-burning fireplaces, and heated infinity pools overlooking the Pacific.

The Sierra Mar restaurant seems to hover on a cliff overlooking the ocean, and offers gourmet farm-driven cuisine, along with an extensive wine list, and a dedicated wine team to help you find the perfect complement to your meals. With its stunningly beautiful location, thoughtful service, and unique experiences (falconry, anyone?), Post Ranch Inn is the ultimate destination for disconnecting from the outside world and reconnecting with each other.

Xigera Safari Lodge, located in the heart of the Okavango Delta in Botswana, is an exquisite romantic destination that offers a unique blend of wilderness and luxury. This exclusive safari lodge is on the Moremi Game Reserve, providing an unparalleled experience for wildlife viewing and relaxation. There are only twelve beautifully designed suites, all offering breathtaking views of the Delta’s waterways and wildlife, featuring private decks, plunge pools, and outdoor showers that immerse you in the natural beauty of your surroundings. This is a truly magical spot to reconnect with each other, connect with each other, and create amazing memories.

When you stay at Xigera, you’ll be treated as a VIP by the entire team. While here, you can go out on private game drives and mokoro (canoe) excursions to explore the Okavango Delta, and see the wildlife of Botswana in its natural habitat. After your daily morning game drive, be sure to visit the spa, named Botswana’s Best Safari Spa several years in a row. Then head to dinner, where the bespoke menu is ever-changing and uses fresh, seasonal produce sourced from carefully selected local suppliers. 

With its luxurious accommodations and serene environment and top-tier service, Xigera Safari Lodge is the perfect romantic and adventurous escape.

It doesn’t get more off-the-grid than Deplar Farm. Set in the remote Fljót Valley of Ólafsfjörður, Iceland, this former sheep-farm–turned-luxury-lodge is luxurious and cozy. It’s the perfect place to unwind and reconnect, in both warm and cold seasons. In the summer, when the sun is up almost 24 hours day, enjoy fly fishing for Atlantic salmon and Arctic char, hiking, horseback riding, and sea kayaking. In the winter, ski (downhill, cross country, and heli), see the Northern Lights from the heated pool, whale-watch, fat bike, and snowshoe. Year round, you’ll have access to the spa, featuring cold plunges, saunas, and steam rooms, a geothermal-heated pool with a swim-up bar, the media room including billiards, foosball, shuffleboard, and ping pong, and a band loft equipped with guitars, percussion equipment, and mics. Before you arrive, you’ll actually have access to the Experience Team to craft a getaway perfectly tailored to you.

Named among 2023’s “Best Hotels in the World” on Condé Nast Traveler’s Gold List, Deplar Farm is dedicated to providing an intimate and unforgettable escape. With only 13 rooms, all complete with fireplaces, plush furnishings and floor-to-ceiling views of the surrounding peaks, and an extensive list of exclusive experiences to immerse yourself in the beauty of Iceland, this is the perfect destination for the adventurous couple. It also makes for an outstanding group destination if you’d like to buy out all 13 rooms.

Does it get more romantic than Lake Como? One of the most iconic locations in Italy, Lake Como is all around enchanting. But even among such outstanding company, Passalacqua stands out as a crown jewel – it was named “The Best Hotel in the World” by the 50 Best Hotels in 2023. The venue once hosted Napoleon Bonaparte and Winston Churchill, and was also the residence of one of Italy’s most famous opera composers, Vincenzo Bellini. The hotel now features just 24 rooms, each exuding timeless sophistication with antique furnishings and private balconies overlooking the terraced gardens – the perfect spot to enjoy the free daily breakfast you’ll receive when you book your stay through Tretter Travel.

What puts Passalacqua in a league of its own as a romantic destination is the team’s dedication to creating unforgettable experiences. There is an extensive roster of activities available which changes seasonally, but the team also sets out to tailor activities to your specific interests. Take part in walking tours, wine and cheese tasting, tennis, bocce ball, cooking lessons, and open-air movie nights with classic films shown under the stars.

Possibly taking the award for the most amazing spa on our list, Passalacqua’s steam room and sauna is secluded, and can be found off of an 18th century hidden tunnel that runs underneath the palace’s gardens. The underground (“sottoterra”) tunnel then opens onto the indoor heated pool and relaxation area. You can also indulge in a range of massages and facials from the spa menu, which features an all-organic skincare line from Tuscany, to truly relax and revitalize you.

Of course, we have lots more thoughts and recommendations depending on what you’re hoping to get out of the experience, how far you’re willing to travel, and what you want to do while you’re there. Interested in working together to book your hotel/villa or plan your next romantic getaway? Submit an inquiry to get the ball rolling.

Where have you been to with your SO and LOVED?