As February quickly approaches, nothing says romance like being whisked away on a luxury trip. Promising memories that will last a lifetime, it’s the perfect chance to add another chapter to your love story. Yet the sheer diversity of the best Valentine’s Day hotels around the globe makes finding somewhere to stay that is as special as your amore a challenge.
Whether you want to celebrate in style or prefer somewhere more intimate for just you and your loved one, Elite Traveler has rounded up our choices of the most romantic hotels – as though handpicked by Cupid himself.
From private islands to African safaris, you’ll find love is in the air – and at sea and in the city.
[See also: Valentine’s Day 2024: Luxury Gifts For Her]
Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, United States
For those looking to keep their love discrete this Valentine’s, a visit to the only private island resort in the US, Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, guarantees attention will only be on you and your loved one. Nestled off the Florida Keys coastline and surrounded by azure ocean, the resort is the premier location to gaze at the stars without any interruption.
And for any star-crossed lovers looking for an elevated out-of-this-world experience, Little Palm Island is offering its new Celestial Concierge, who will plan the ultimate stargazing experience while on board the two-hour private yacht tour. The package includes three nights in the luxurious Island Romance Suite that has been equipped with a high-end telescope, and for those wanting to take a piece of stardust home, there are lavish amenities including a personalized Van Cleef & Arpels Zodiaque long necklace and David Yurman Maritime Compass Cufflinks.
&Beyond Bateleur Camp, Kenya
If you’re looking for a romantic break that will create memories that last a lifetime, then an African safari will deliver by the bucketload. And tucked away in a private corner of the Maasai Mara, at the foot of the scenic Oloololo escarpment (the rim of the Great Rift Valley), is the magical Bateleur Camp. Hot air balloon rides, bush walks and game drives to spot the ‘big five’ await you in this eco-friendly haven.
Stay in one of 18 exceptionally luxurious tented suites, which come complete with copper bathtub and are adorned with antiques and crafted artifacts. Of course, dining takes place under the African sky, with dinner for two served by candlelight, while a truly unique breakfast can be enjoyed near the banks of the Mara River – just don’t forget your binoculars.
Cameron House, Scotland
Scotland might be thousands of miles away from the Maasai Mara – both physically and mentally – but the romance levels are not dampened by the weather forecast. Tucked away on the shores of the famous Loch Lomond, Cameron House occupies what is easily one of the most picturesque spots on the British Isles and has a bountiful luxury offering to boot.
For those ready to turn the day of love into a lifelong commitment, the hotel has curated a proposal package that ensures every detail has been taken care of. Whether that’s popping the question while soaring above the highlands in the resort’s private seaplane or at an intimate loch-side picnic, the dedicated team will make sure that all-important moment will be one to be remembered. The newly betrothed couple can retreat to the sprawling, two-floor penthouse Cameron Suite before heading to the Cameron Grill to celebrate in style.
From $3,000, cameronhouse.co.uk
Hôtel Plaza Athénée, France
It would be remiss of us not to mention the capital of love in a guide to the world’s most romantic hotels for Valentine’s Day, and few Parisian hotels are as esteemed as Hôtel Plaza Athénée. Proudly sitting on a prime spot on the iconic Avenue Montaigne, Plaza Athénée dates back to the early 20th century, with its iconic red-awninged windows a staple in Paris’s luxury circle.
Every room at the hotel promises to be a cut above, but if there was ever a time to show off and book one of the best keys in the house, it’s Valentine’s Day. The Royal Suite is as lavish as you’d expect and takes the title of the largest suite in Paris, while fashion lovers will be besotted by the Haute Couture suite. Whichever you go for, sipping champagne as you gaze out at the unrivaled views of the Eiffel Tower is a must – be sure to book a couples’ massage at the hotel’s recently-renovated Dior spa too.
Signature suites from $5,900, dorchestercollection.com
Hotel Barriere Le Carl Gustaf, St Barts
With its crystalline waters, pure-white sands and decidedly laidback nature, the Caribbean is a vision of paradise. On the island of St Barths you will find Hotel Barriere Le Carl Gustaf, one of the Caribbean’s most romantic destinations. As expected, the hotel’s Valentine’s Day offering is suitably romantic, too.
Along with three nights in a junior suite with its own balcony and private plunge pool – which has been romantically decorated with macaroons, chocolate-covered strawberries and a bottle of Charles Heidesick champagne – the package includes a couple’s massage at the hotel’s spa, dinner at the new Beefbar restaurant, before sailing into the sunset on a private cruise.
From $1,900 per night. hotelsbarriere.com
The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park, USA
A classic love story requires a classic romantic destination, and where better than the home of some of the world’s most beloved rom-coms. Yet, in a city as expansive as the Big Apple, there are a million ways to woo your loved one. Ensure the day is truly special by literally ‘putting on The Ritz’ for your amore and look no further than the Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park.
With suites transformed with long-stemmed red roses from renowned florist Jane Packer, before taking in the iconic park views with a bottle of Prosecco and decadent chocolate-covered strawberries, they offer a perfect retreat from the bustling city below. And if taking in the city’s signature sights gets too taxing, the La Prairie signature couples massage in the hotel’s newly designed couples’ treatment suite, before slipping into personalized monogrammed robes guarantees to continue the relaxation.
From $1270 per night. ritzcarlton.com
Aman Venice, Italy
Venice has long been synonymous with romance, in no small part due to being the home to one of the world’s most legendary womanizers, Casanova. The floating city’s ornate Renaissance architecture and labyrinth of canals make it a Valentine’s destination unlike any other. And the grandeur of the exclusive Aman Venice just adds to the allure. The hotel, housed in a 16th-century palazzo, is situated on the city’s Grand Canal and has all of the Venetian opulence you would expect.
Of course, the local gastronomy plays an important role in any visit to Italy, and a stay at Aman will not disappoint. At the hotel’s Arva restaurant, chef Matteo Panfilio has created an exclusive four-course dining experience, featuring black kale ravioli with seaweed and mushroom ramen; grilled red mullet, lentil ragu and cacciucco-style sauce; finished with a mango passion fruit mousse with a chocolate shell.
Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay, Florida
A city that is as chic, sexy and vibrant as Miami guarantees a good time this Valentine’s Day – albeit just not a quiet one. For those looking for some prestige alongside their partying, the Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay and its four-night ‘Bae on the Bay’ package allows lovers to indulge in some of Miami’s most luxurious local experiences – whether that’s cruising the waterways aboard a private chartered yacht or a sunset seaplane tour to see the city’s sights from the skies. Let the romance continue into the night with a private bayfront dinner featuring a personalized four-course tasting menu. After all that excitement, settle down into the King Suite to take in the sweeping views of Biscayne Bay and toast with a bottle of bubbly and hand-painted chocolate bonbons.
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