The season of love is upon us again, inspiring many to search for some of the most romantic couple destinations in the world. So, together with our holiday advisors, we’ve gathered 7 romantic couple destinations you must visit.
Whether you’re looking to make long-lasting memories with your other half, celebrating a honeymoon, or are ready to pop the question for a lifetime commitment, these romantic couple destinations will help set the mood for you.
The Island of Love: Santorini, Greece.
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Historically, Santorini was a flourishing port where trade and exports thrived until a catastrophic earthquake and volcanic eruption in 1956. So, how did Santorini evolve to become one of the most romantic couple destinations in the world?
Nicknamed the island of love, Santorini is best known for its gorgeous blue-domed Greek Orthodox churches. While loosely scattered across the island, your best bet at finding these picturesque churches is around the villages of Oia, Imerovigli, and Firostefani – the latter also home to the iconic Three Bells of Firostefani.
For many couples, discovering the beauty of Santorini together is what makes it most memorable. From the crisp sunshine to the sparkling blue waters of the Aegean Sea, it’s hard not to fall in love with the islands and each other while you’re here. While exploring the island, try what is arguably one of Santorini’s most popular dishes, the Santorini Tomato Fritters or “Tomatokeftedes”.
Subsequently, don’t forget to visit the Akrotiri Lighthouse found on the southwestern tip of the island. Set atop what used to be the house of the care warden, this must-see lighthouse remains operational today. It emits lights every 10 seconds, guiding boats that sail across the Aegean Sea. The Akrotiri Lighthouse is a fantastic alternative to watch the sunset if you’re escaping the bustling Oia village. And if you’re considering it, this makes for a memorable spot to get down on one knee!
From bridges to gondolas, this is Venice, Italy.
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If you’re looking for the perfect romantic couple destination, you must put Venice on your list. Built on a cluster of 217 little islands separated by open waters and canals, the city of Venice is often high on the list for honeymoon-seekers. It’s connected by approximately 435 bridges, each offering breathtaking views of the city no matter where you turn.
To create the ultimate romantic experience, consider booking a private gondola ride for two. These excursions often pair you up with a gondolier who will take you through the canals of Venice, allowing you to soak in the city from the waters. Optional serenades can be requested at a cost, but definitely add to the lovely mood. Afterwards, you can explore Venice hand in hand to find some of Italy’s best pistachio gelatos hidden within the city. Finally, why not enrol yourself into a mask-making workshop with some of Venice’s professional ateliers? This traditional art makes for a great souvenir to take home, sealing your romantic experience.
Our recommendation to enjoy Venice as the ultimate romantic couple destination is to visit between the middle of February to early May where you’ll have lesser crowds but just as magical an experience. This is as opposed to many recommendations of visiting during summer when the streets are busier and everyone is trying to grab a slice of Venice for their vacation time.
Couples travelling in late February to early March will also find themselves wowed by the annual Carnevale festival, where locals don their best masquerade masks and take to the streets with live music and special shows. It’s a great experience that you’ll have to try once in your life.
Discover your next honeymoon hotspot on the beaches of Phuket, Thailand
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For an escapade closer to home but far enough for the vacation vibes, why not consider a trip to Phuket with your other half? Reachable in just under 2 hours on a flight from Kuala Lumpur, the biggest island of Thailand has much to offer to couples looking for a quick escape.
On the west coast of Phuket lies their busiest and possibly most popular hotspot on the island – the Patong beach. With a buzzing nightlife and constant traffic, Patong Beach may not tick boxes as the most romantic couple destination, but still offers a boat of fun, especially for party couples. If you’re hoping to get the same experience but with a dialled-back vibe, you may also consider Karon Beach located just 10 minutes away on a tuktuk.
If you’re looking for a less rowdy experience, the Sai Kaew Beach far north offers perfect seclusion away from regular tourists. Frequented mostly by locals, this is where you’ll find some of the most authentic cuisines during your trip to Phuket. Prices are also more affordable here, allowing you to stretch your buck further.
Couples who want to enjoy a unique activity together should also consider going to Mai Khao Beach and spending the afternoon spotting planes take off or land every few minutes. This is thanks to its location being adjacent to the Phuket International Airport. We recommend making your way to the southern side of the beach via the main road for some of the most memorable views.
The love story of your dreams begins in Seoul, South Korea.
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Time to brush up on your Korean if you’re looking for a romantic couple destination because Seoul has quickly become one of the top couple’s vacations of choice recently. While most of this is attributed to the continuous success of many Korean love dramas, the beauty of South Korea is undeniably key to why many newlyweds also consider this their perfect honeymoon spot.
A crowd favourite is to visit the Gyeongbokgung Palace that’s located in northern Seoul. Opened in 1395, the Gyeongbokgung Palace was once home to the royal/imperial family of South Korea. It is also the largest of the Five Grand Palaces built by the Joseon dynasty. Today, visitors are welcome to roam the palace grounds for a small entrance fee while guided tours are offered for free in Chinese and English from Mondays to Wednesdays. No bookings are required.
Our tip for visiting the Gyeongbokgung Palace, however, is to pop into any of the Hanbok rental stores nearby to rent out a traditional Korean outfit. Doing so not only grants you free entry to the palace, but you’ll also have the opportunity to capture some of the best pictures of you and your partner here.
For couples looking to immortalize their love story, you’ll want to head over to the N Seoul Tower Observatory in the Yongsan District. It offers some of the best views of Namsan from the 236-meter observation deck, while a love lock area at the base of the tower is where you’ll find lovers and families leaving padlocks with their names written on them to “lock in” their blessings. And don’t worry if you didn’t bring an extra padlock on your honeymoon to leave behind, because you can always buy one from N Seoul Tower to seal your love!
Before ending your trip, do include some time to visit Nami Island. Reachable via a direct bus from Seoul in an hour and a half, the island rose in popularity after the Korean hit, Winter Sonata, released in 2002. Here, couples can expect pine tree-covered lanes across the island, making it the perfect backdrop, especially for pre-wedding photography. Nami Island is gorgeous year-round, but autumn comes best recommended with the gorgeous yellowing leaves and cool breeze. If you’d like to recreate some of your favourite scenes from the popular series, then visiting Nami Island in the winter is a must.
Book your last-minute romantic getaway to Pangkor Island, Malaysia.
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When you think of romantic couple destinations, islands within Malaysia may not pop into your mind. However, a visit to Pangkor Island may just change your opinions about where you should go for a romantic getaway.
For starters, the name “Pangkor Island” comes from the Thai word “pang ko” which translates into “beautiful”. This makes Pangkor Island quite literally a “beautiful island” and the breathtaking views of this gem in Perak do give justice to its name.
Pangkor Island is best known for its gorgeous white sandy beaches, with hotspots like Teluk Nipah being a crowd favourite. This crescent-shaped beach boasts crystal clear waters, perfect for couples looking for a dip in the ocean or to engage in fun water sports activities. This sleepy hideaway is best visited in the months of February to March and June to July, where the warm sunny days and the breezy coastal air collide for an unforgettable couple’s retreat.
If you’re looking to simplify your romantic escapade, YTL offers a fuss-free 3-day, 2-night stay at the private Pangkor Laut Resort with Holiday Tours. It includes speedboat transfers to and from Marina Island Pangkor and offers a wide range of activities you can enjoy with your other half. From Pangkor Island excursions to chartered yacht trips and even exclusive spa experiences, this ultimate escape is a wonderful pick even for newlyweds on a lovely honeymoon.
Explore the romance of Taipei, Taiwan.
Photo by Jason Wang
Taipei doesn’t often come across as a romantic couple destination, but this gem of Taiwan is not to be missed. Perfect for duos searching for a more adventurous vacation, Taipei offers more than you’d expect. With the best sightseeing experiences, amazing street food scenes, and historical cultures waiting to be uncovered, let’s find out what also makes Taipei a romantic couple destination.
Taipei 101, a popular observatory set in the heart of Taipei that stands tall at 508 meters, offers couples an unbeatable bird’s eye view of the city. It was once named the world’s tallest building up until Dubai’s Burj Khalifa was built in 2010. For the best experience, we recommend heading up the skyscraper after sunset and watching as the night lights bring the streets to life. However, food stores tend to close earlier at Taipei 101, so we recommend grabbing a bite before ascending or saving your bellies for a trip to the local night market for some of the best street bites after.
Another exciting couple’s activity is to head out to Shifen Old Street to see – or even release – their sky lanterns. This unique romantic couple destination is especially popular for newlyweds on their honeymoon, hoping to be blessed with lifelong happiness as a duo or even praying for a family. Happening across the Pingxi Railway Line, Shifen is one of only three villages where you’re allowed to release a sky lantern in Taiwan. Pingxi and Jingtong are the other villages but offer fewer attractions for tourists to discover.
Couples who have longer vacation days should also take the opportunity to explore other cities like the culture-rich Tainan and the modern metropolis of Taichung. Alternatively, the Sun Moon Lake of the Yuchi Township of Nantou County in Taiwan also comes with high praise. This gorgeous body of water that is surrounded by rugged hills and mountains is a popular spot even for the locals, with many opting to rent a bicycle to soak in the sights at their own pace.
Bonus: The ultimate romance lies in Maldives
Of course, no romantic couple destination list would be complete without a special mention of Maldives. With its stunning beaches and perfect weather, this island country is every couple’s dream – whether you’re here to make memories as a couple, to enjoy a honeymoon as newlyweds, or even to embark on an all-new journey by popping the question to your lifelong partner.
Beyond getting a tan on its soft beaches, Maldives also offers visitors a grand variety of underwater activities. Unmissable experiences such as the opportunity to swim with whale sharks around South Ari Atoll all year round top the list for many. The local cuisine in Maldives is also unique, drawing inspiration from Sri Lankan and Indian cooking styles in most of their spice-filled curries and coconut dishes.
A top pick for many couples visiting the Maldives is to book an all-inclusive stay with Club Med Kani. Featuring a 2-kilometre private beach, it’s a quiet sanctuary that offers couples the romantic escapade of their dreams. To take your lover’s trip to the next level, consider booking an Overwater Suite – Club Med Kani’s luxurious option with direct access to the sea that comes with a separate check-in area as well as a private beach and bar accessible only to special wristband holders. Activities such as snorkelling, diving excursions and even yoga are all included.
Ready to celebrate love away from home? Our holiday advisors are here to help make the most unforgettable couple’s trip or honeymoon come true!