The 5 best destinations to travel in 2022 0:55
(CNN) --
Maybe you'd choose the turquoise waters of a deserted tropical beach, or maybe it's the lure of iconic cultural cities like Paris, Venice or Istanbul.
On the other hand, the call of nature of a safari is a very special way to spend time with your loved one.
Wherever you travel, some destinations never go out of style when it comes to romance.
Here are 13 places where timeless landscapes and architecture, famous sights and romance are guaranteed for Valentine's Day or any time of year.
(Check in advance about possible closures, travel restrictions and local security measures due to covid-19).
the maldives
(Shutterstock)
Always near the top of romantic wish lists is the stunning Indian Ocean nation of the Maldives.
Located 900 kilometers southwest of India, the collection of 26 atolls boasts some of the most dreamy islands, beaches, water and marine life on the planet.
Visitors can choose from more than 100 resorts, most of which are reached by speedboat or seaplane.
One of the most decadent resorts in the country, Soneva Jani is made up of two dozen overwater villas on the uninhabited island of Medhufaru.
advertising
Soneva Jani, Medhufaru Island, Manadhoo, Maldives, +011 960 656-6666
You might also want to check out Patina Maldives for a bit of romance with an artistic and sustainable vibe.
It features 90 contemporary villas and 20 studios by renowned Brazilian architect Marcio Kogan.
Ranging from one to three bedrooms, the overwater beach and pool villas offer understated luxury and beautiful views.
Patina Maldives, Fari Islands North Malé Atoll, Republic of Maldives, 20026; +011 960 400-0555
Québec, Canada
Joyeux Noël!
— You can enjoy the Christmas lights and winter atmosphere in historic Quebec City, Canada.
It's French.
It's historic.
It has a spectacular setting along and above the majestic Saint Lawrence River.
In other words, Quebec City is overflowing with l'amour.
Stroll through the upper and lower towns of the old city center and immerse yourself in its charming European flair.
Pop into the boutiques and check out the many amazing restaurants with food you won't even find in France.
Looking for a place to stay?
Look no further than the symbol of the entire city.
Le Château Frontenac, which opened in 1893.
Le Château Frontenac: 1 Rue des Carrières, Québec, QC G1R 4P5, Canada; +1 418-692-3861
Tuscany, Italy
Wine in the countryside makes Tuscany an ideal retreat for two.
Courtesy Castello di Ama
There are few things more romantic than a getaway to the Tuscan hills, but that prospect becomes even more enticing alongside the wine produced at their home base.
Castello di Ama is in Chianti, which means its on-property vineyards also offer wines that are among the best in the world.
Guests can choose from one of five luxury suites in the 18th-century Villa Ricucci.
Additionally, pieces by renowned contemporary artists such as Anish Kapoor dot the property.
Magical sunsets over cypress-fringed slopes and brilliant culinary discoveries are some of the region's distractions, but with beautiful accommodations in a historic estate and a world-class supply of wine for a lifetime, the question is: why would you consider leaving the castle?
Castello di Ama, Località Ama, 55, 53013 Gaiole In Chianti SI, Italy; +39 0577/746031
Hawaii
Hawaii is already known as one of the world's most popular honeymoon destinations, so it's no surprise that love is in the air.
Countless landscapes of beaches, waterfalls, mountains and more serve as the backdrop for a loving and intimate getaway.
Visitors have many options to choose from.
Maybe it's early to wake up to see the sunrise from the top of Maui's Haleakala Crater before a massage for two at one of Wailea's luxurious resorts.
Couples surfing lessons are available at a number of locations, but few destinations are as iconic as Honolulu's Waikiki Beach.
To really get away from it all, laid-back Molokai offers cozy guesthouses and gentle retail therapy, before staying up to enjoy the incredible night skies and stargaze.
Marine sanctuaries also abound so there are incredible opportunities for snorkeling and diving.
Charleston, South Carolina
Historic Charleston is one of America's most charming cities.
Courtesy Explore Charleston
Charleston is a sultry city where a dose of true southern charm goes a long way to upping the romance factor.
Quaint cobblestone streets, waterside dining, and carriage rides through the historic center keep visitors interested in the city.
For flower fans, nearby Magnolia Plantation is home to America's oldest public gardens, sharing its blooms with visitors since 1870, while Middleton Place has more than 100 acres of trails, gardens and animals.
The 400-year-old Angel Oak Tree on nearby Johns Island is a prime spot for a romantic afternoon, before perhaps taking a sunset or moonlight cruise.
Thanks to the city's dynamic and exciting dining scene, you're sure to find a table for two to toast.
For a romantic stay with the ambience and charm of yesteryear, try the Planters Inn, which was built in 1844. Its refined style features four-poster beds, fireplaces, and a hidden garden patio.
Planters Inn, 112 N Market St, Charleston, SC 29401; +1 843-722-2345
Botswana
Let the stunning landscapes of Botswana's Kalahari Desert inspire your romantic side.
Suzuki Kaku/Alamy Stock Photo
A safari has to be one of the most romantic getaways thanks to the call of nature, stunning sunsets, solitude and starry skies.
Before the pandemic, Botswana, a landlocked country in southern Africa, had been growing in popularity.
One option is Jack's Camp, which has stylish canvas tents outfitted with Old World charm.
That means Persian rugs, brass, and mahogany, as well as all the modern conveniences, despite the remote location.
When you're done spotting desert wildlife such as brown hyenas, Kalahari lions, anteaters, porcupines and honey badgers, the combination of luxury and serenity should ensure romance is renewed in style.
Jack Camp, Kalahari Desert, Botswana
Paris France
Place des Vosges is a quiet place to take a walk.
Jean-Pierre Müller/AFP/Getty Images
If you were asked to name one of the most romantic cities in the world, the French capital would be the first name on many lips.
Of course, there are iconic sights and monuments like the Eiffel Tower, the artist-filled streets of Montmartre, or the Louvre galleries.
But it is also worth looking for other lesser known and visited places.
Musée de la Vie Romantique is a museum dedicated to 19th-century romantics in art, music and literature, with a secret garden, while Musée Marmottan has the world's largest Monet collection and is much less crowded than the best-known museums.
Above all, a trip to Paris is about wandering the streets with your partner, happily getting lost in the labyrinth of alleys and courtyards full of cafes and restaurants in districts like the Latin Quarter or the Marais, the latter with its beautiful and elegant square, Place des Vosges.
At Le Meurice, a glamorous luxury hotel dating back to 1835, nearly 50 newly restored rooms and suites opened in 2019. A lavish meal at the two-Michelin-starred Le Meurice Alain Ducasse restaurant may be in order.
The dining room was inspired by the Salon de la Paix of the Château de Versailles.
Le Meurice, 228 rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris; +33 (0) 1 44 58 10 10
Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul's Hagia Sophia is nothing short of inspiring.
Chris McGrath/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
The strategic and beautiful environment of today's Istanbul has attracted people for centuries;
It was so attractive, after all, that Emperor Constantine the Great moved the capital of the Roman Empire there in AD 330. And the history and romance have continued ever since.
You can explore the legendary Grand Bazaar and impressive places like the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace.
The legendary Bosphorus, the expanse of water that unites Europe and Asia, is another attraction.
Lose yourself in the past when you stay at Régie Ottoman.
It is located in a renovated Ottoman building that is around 150 years old.
But don't run out of modern conveniences here.
Take a pleasant walk to the historic area of Sultanahmet, just 10 minutes away.
Régie Ottoman: Hobyar, Mimar Vedat Sk. No:5, 34112 Sirkeci /Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey: +90 212 520 60 20
Hoi An, Vietnam
The central Vietnamese coastal city of Hoi An, an ancient trading port, has an undeniably quaint and romantic feel.
The old town is a labyrinth of ancient temples, houses and shops built around various canals.
Slightly raised footbridges allow you to walk hand in hand, with hundreds of multicolored lanterns above you swaying in the coastal breeze.
Other types of paper lanterns can also be lit and sent flying into the sky, along with a special written message.
After strolling, enjoy some of the city's most famous foods, notably the banh mi sandwiches that featured Anthony Bourdain as one of their biggest fans.
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Bora Bora is one of the best honeymoon spots in the world.
One destination famous for its sense of escape and privacy is the Pacific Ocean idyll of Bora Bora in French Polynesia, an hour's flight north of Tahiti.
Known as the "Jewel of the South Seas," its seclusion gives the feeling of a private oasis, especially in one of the overwater bungalows that have become a popular feature of truly posh resorts.
Some even offer room service delivered in an outrigger canoe.
Whether you choose to relax at the spa, shop in the local towns, or even go skydiving, it's clear that the pace of life is the definition of laid back.
The only challenge?
Choose which turquoise lagoon to visit next.
Venice Italy
While it's true that the number of visitors may make it unlikely that you'll have much personal time with your significant other along the canals of Venice, some accommodation options can guarantee your own private slice of la dolce vita.
Belmond Hotel Cipriani is on Giudecca Island, just five minutes by elegant private wooden speedboat from St. Mark's Square, but it's a destination that takes you away from the crowds.
Timeless elegance and charm abound in an atmosphere of vintage glamour, loved by admirers like George and Amal Clooney.
Sip a Bellini, invented there, as you take in 270-degree views across the water to the Doge's Palace and the iconic Venice skyline.
Michelin-starred cuisine and a world-class spa complete the romance's sophisticated and ultra-exclusive picture.
Belmond Hotel Cipriani, Giudecca 10, 30133 Venice, Italy; +39 041 240801
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Tango in Buenos Aires is a dance for romance.
Shutterstock
Another iconic destination for lovers is the Argentine capital of Buenos Aires, where a mix of tango, rose gardens and riverfront dining make it an attractive destination with few rivals.
The city's most famous architecture dates back to the elegant Belle Époque of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and the parks are another big draw.
But for romance, no place can beat Paseo El Rosedal.
As its name implies, it is a garden with 93 varieties of roses and benches for you and your partner to sit for a while or maybe enjoy a picnic.
The neighborhood of Puerto Madero is a good option for dinner thanks to its restaurants facing the sea on the Río de la Plata, before the late hours of the night with live music and a tango show, or maybe a night out dancing. at one of the countless tango gatherings, known as milongas.
Kyoto, Japan
Cherry blossoms provide a delicate canopy for quiet nights in Kyoto.
Courtesy of Hoshino Resorts
The elegant and ancient Japanese capital of Kyoto is a very popular choice for visitors in love thanks to its alluring mix of sites, history, culture, cuisine and always courteous treatment of guests.
A series of small streams flow through the old town, making for a perfect photo opportunity, especially in cherry blossom season.
On the outskirts of the city is the extraordinary and otherworldly bamboo forest of Arashiyama.
The popular stop is a short drive from Hoshinoya Kyoto, a luxurious resort on a quiet riverbank that can only be reached by the property's sleek wooden speedboat.
Romantic destinations will never be much more serene.
Hoshinoya Kyoto, 11-2 Arashiyama Genrokuzancho, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto
