Romance is woven into the fabric of travel—the hush of an adults-only retreat, the way an infinity pool blurs into the horizon, the clink of champagne glasses on an open-air terrace, or the quiet intimacy of snorkeling side by side in the clear blue sea. Selective hotels across the globe offer these experiences and take them to the next level—here, discovering a new destination together can make the world feel like it belongs to just the two of you.
Although some destinations are undeniably more romantic than others, there are spaces all over the world that are designed to host lovebirds—from candlelit dinners in the countryside of France to overwater bungalows in the Maldives to a secluded hideaway in Portofino to cliffside plunge pools in Santorini. We’ve rounded up the most romantic hotels in the world that set the stage for unforgettable moments and adventures—whether it’s an anniversary, a honeymoon, or simply a well-deserved escape together. True romance lies in experience: Together, try something new, take risks, and make memories to add to your lifetime love story.
This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.