Rana Good is the founder of Naïra NYC. A writer for publications such as Forbes, Travel + Leisure, Coveteur, Mens Journal and others, she created her own platform celebrating women of color.
This Sunday is Valentine’s Day, arguably the biggest date night of the year. Most couples will be staying home given the current circumstances, but it’s never too early to plan for a romantic outing or vacation, even if it’s for next year’s Valentine’s Day. To get the scoop on romantic hotels we asked some of the world’s top travel influencers about their favorite spots. You know, the experts of luxe bathtubs, ocean adventures and fabulous hotel rooms. Here are their favorite destinations to travel to with their significant others.
What do you think is the most romantic hotel in the world?
That’s an easy answer, we happen to just have returned from there — it’s a beautiful resort tucked in between the hills and the Caribbean Sea of the island of St. Lucia. It’s called Jade Mountain Resort and boasts incredible views over the most iconic mountains of the island, the Pitons, fading into the distance along with never-ending ocean views. If that sounds too good to be true, just wait… there’s more.
Why do you think it’s particularly romantic? What’s the ambiance/experience?
Picture yourself drifting in your own private infinity pool, overlooking the Caribbean and lush greenery, birds singing and flying past your open-air suite. That’s right, open-air – instead of a fourth wall, you have unobstructed views of the beauty of the island, and a fresh ocean breeze; but you also get complete privacy, since the resort is built elevated from everything else, and surrounded by almost untouched jungle. If you’re craving dinner in your sanctuary, the name for the suites, you call your butler and he’ll arrange for you. I have never experienced more care-free living than at this place. It’s a truly once in a lifetime experience.
What’s a thing you must do while staying there?
So, what else is there to do than “just” lounging in your room? In almost any other place or property, I’d tell you to venture out and explore. In this case, trust me, you’ll want to savor every moment you have on the property itself. That doesn’t mean you have to stay put, the possibilities here are more than I can count on my two hands. You can choose between exploring the underwater world of the house reef of the resort, kayak to the foot of the Pitons, stroll around Jade Mountain’s farm, or simply visit one of the property’s two beaches. Decisions, decisions. During a whole week here, we never ran out of exciting options. The only thing we didn’t love, was to leave.
What do you think is the most romantic hotel in the world?
For me, I find Gondwana Game Reserve as the most romantic hotel in the world! Located just a drive away from Cape Town in South Africa, it’s an amazing private game reserve located inside a 26,000-acre safari, so you can really get up close and personal with a number of animals (the Big 5 and big cats included!). A private game reserve basically means that it allows its guests to try safari experiences and stay for as long as they want in any location, as well as go off-road at any time to follow, per se, a sighted animal in the bush. This is in contrast with public reserves or parks like Kruger National Park wherein you are limited to sightings only from the main roads.
Why do you think it’s particularly romantic? What’s the ambiance/experience?
Right from the moment that you step into the reserve, you will see an expansive yet vibrant safari before you that will offer the best sunrise and sunset views — perfect for ticking off all the bucket list items on your Africa travel list. Additionally, nestled within this bush paradise are a number of luxurious huts that you can leisurely enjoy while you are surrounded by a number of free-roaming herds of zebras, giraffes, and more. Speaking of which, the staff will always ensure that your safety and needs are met so that the only worry you have left is deciding which activity to do next… and there is a lot to choose from! Gondwana is a treasure trove of romantic experiences; apart from the usual relaxing couples spa services, and dinner-by-candlelight moments, it’s easy to have exhilarating and memorable experiences through the number of drives and wildlife activities that you could do.
What’s a thing you must do while staying there?
Apart from the inclusive game drives, if you would like to put a nice twist to make your romantic stay even more meaningful, consider joining Gondana Game Reserve’s Tented Eco Camp. This is a three or five-night conservation experience where you can be more involved in the African safari and wildlife (e.g. learning important bush skills, enjoying behind-the-scenes views of the Big Five, etc.).
What do you think is the most romantic hotel in the world?
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort in Finland is a beautiful and super romantic hotel. They have glass-top igloos and at night you can see the Northern Lights. The hotel is like a village and you never have to leave because you have everything, from activities to a supermarket to restaurants.
Why do you think it’s particularly romantic? What’s the ambiance/experience?
We reserved an entire cabin which comes with a living room and of course, the bedroom with the glass dome. January and February is when the Northern Lights are super high and you’re cozy in bed in your igloo seeing the stars. It’s one of the most special experiences in the world!
What’s a thing you must do while staying there?
You definitely need to go for a reindeer or husky sleigh ride. You can go at night and see the Northern lights above. You will be wearing your warm gear and get reindeer blankets to cover you. They provide you with hot drinks and coffee.
What do you think is the most romantic hotel in the world?
I actually didn’t go to this hotel with my husband, I third wheeled this trip with my friend and her husband [laughs]. We went to Conrad Bora Bora. It was hands-down the most romantic place — I would love to go back with my husband someday.
Why do you think it’s particularly romantic? What’s the ambiance/experience?
French Polynesia is really suited to honeymoons and romantic getaways. The overwater villas are beautiful and facing out to the ocean with striking sunsets. When you go out to eat you get tons of privacy and it’s a lot more intimate than your usual resorts. They’re very attentive to you as a couple.
What’s a thing you must do while staying there?
Take the bikes that are complimentary with your stay and bike around the property. They have beautiful luscious gardens. You can even take a hike up the hill to get a beautiful view and see the jungle ravine which is filled with flowers. Not too many people go up there and when you’re there it feels like being in a Hollywood movie.
What do you think is the most romantic hotel in the world?
Kura Design Villas (pictured top) in Uvita, Costa Rica. Get the Master Suite for maximum romance.
Why do you think it’s particularly romantic? What’s the ambiance/experience?
The resort is divine, something out of a dream. Walking up to reception, the smell of the tropics stirs your senses, soft clouds of polleny, thick, citrus sweetness. Reggae plays softly in the background while you refresh your hands and face with cool towels. The resort pool is lined with pristine white daybeds that overlook a panoramic view of Uvita’s pride and joy, a sand formation that extends into the ocean in the shape of a whale’s tail. You have to see it to believe it.
What’s a thing you must do while staying there?
Book a couples massage at the spa or a private dinner for two on the resort rooftop. Unbelievable!
What do you think is the most romantic hotel in the world?
Fusion Maia, Da Nang, Vietnam.
Why do you think it’s particularly romantic? What’s the ambiance/experience?
It’s an oceanfront all-inclusive spa resort located 30 mins away from Hanoi. The entire resort is serene and your every need is taken care of.
What’s a thing you must do while staying there?
Take the shuttle to Hanoi, book couples spa treatments (included in your room costs), and lay by the water.