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February. The month of love. The perfect time for a romantic themed First Friday Favorites blog!
With Valentine's day being just 12 days away, I want to share a few of my favorite destinations for a romantic getaway for two. If you still need a gift for that special someone, consider booking one of these destinations as a gift!
I have helped numerous couples find their perfect fit for a romantic getaway and there are certainly a few destinations that have stood out over the years - with clients and my personal experiences!
There are even some N E W resorts in some of these destinations I wold love to share with you.
Grab your sweetheart and dive into these destinations!
J A M A I C A
One place you will be guaranteed to feel welcome & pure joy is in Jamaica.
Not only are there many affordable resorts here for many budgets, but there are also some LUXURY options, too.
This is one of my "go-to" options for my honeymooners - I KNOW it has an option for every level of traveler and they will all experience the romantic nature of this island's adult only resorts.
From ocean front rooms with balcony jacuzzis, to butler bungalow rondovals, to the over the water bungalows you keep looking at in that picture up there, everyone will get to experience a serene getaway where they can focus on one another without the rush of life.
And if you are like my husband and can't sit still for too long, there are romantic waterfall excursions, cliff jumping (for you adrenaline junkies) and even a round of golf if you love to play! Don't worry - spas are also amazing here, so there truly is something to make both parties in a couples happy!
I S L A M U J E R E S
This gorgeous island located just off the coast of Cancun, Mexico, is a favorite of mine.
The island of women is the first part of the country to see the sunrise each day. Speaking from personal experiences, it is a sunrise you HAVE to see in your life.
That beauty is translated into Playa Norte, one of the top ten rated beaches in the WORLD, it is seen in the mayan temple dedicated to Ixchel that can be found on the south end of the island. Ixchel is the Mayan goddess of love, so no better place to have a romantic getaway than on an island, literally celebrating love!
Isla Mujeres is small, slow paced and easy to explore - more golf carts than cars. When staying on the island you have not an abundance of options for resorts (it is only 5ish miles long!) but there are some phenomenal options that are luxury all inclusive offering unique & boutique experiences. One of which you arrive straight to the resort dock on your very own catamaran.
I T A L Y
Okay, Okay. This one is kind of obvious, right? I mean, it IS Italy.
There are a few specific cities I would recommend and some I wouldn't. Especially based on your needs & wants for the experience you want to have with your loved one. So it is important to work closely with someone who knows this destination so you truly enjoy this experience and investment.
A few of my favorite experiences to book for clients : Private sailing experience off the coast of Amalfi; private guided hike up Mount Etna ending with a wine tasting at sunset in Sicily; a tour of the romantic gardens of Villa del Balbianello in Lake Como; private wine tasting in Chianti while gazing at stunning Tuscany views.
There is no question that the mix of history, stunning landscape & views and, yes, of course the wine help make Italy one of the top romantic destinations in the world for 2024 (and forever).
T U L U M
I know Mexico is already on this list but I feel like I just cannot leave Tulum out!
Cenote swimming, market shopping, ruin exploring - just a few unique things that Tulum can offer it's guests.
Often referred to as bohemian barefoot luxury, this area of Mexico has a very intimate, boutique feel that will offer you the illusion of escaping the world and it's grasp on the "always on the go" lifestyle.
True relaxation can be found here in Tulum, whether it is floating in a mystical cenote after a couples massage or enjoying a bali beach bed listening to waves on the shore of it's magnificent beaches or taking a romantic tequila tasting & guacamole making class.
I R E L A N D
The emerald Isle, full of vast ocean cliffs, castles, lush green pastures over rolling hills offers an air of romanticism complimented the Irish charm.
From Dublin to the Ring of Kerry, up past the Cliffs of Moher, stepping onto the giants causeway, finding history in Belfast and all that Ireland offers in between, there is sure to be romantic memories made.
A favorite experience is to stay in Ashford Castle, voted many times over as one of the best hotels in the world, this 800 year old castle will make anyone feel like royalty.
Favorite times of year to visit are April and may for the spring and late August through September. The changing of the seasons is one sight to seek here.
S C O T L A N D
It is no secret that my favorite corner of the planet is Scotland.
Castles, Whisky, Lochs & their monsters, Standing Stones, fairy circles, Harry Potter trains, the mystical highlands and glens, luxury castle lodging, delicious food & dining experiences with top rated chefs - never a shortage of experiences here.
The mystic mountains of Glencoe beckon, allowing couples to experience the majesty as they pass through this passage to what seems another world.
For the couples who seek outdoor experiences, munro bagging is something you'll want to experience and will not regret when you reach the top of those mountains. The views from the top are heavenly. Or check out the West Highland Way for a "wee walk" through the prettiest part of the country.
From small, quaint romantic towns like Pitlochry to major cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow, to islands like Skye or Sheltand, Scotland offers a vast variety of experiences you can have on one trip.
There is a reason some of the mosts famous novelists have written their stories we read to escape real life with the Scottish landscape in mind. Scotland's magnificence cannot be beat.
Be sure to check out our Scotland Guided Travel option that we have. Our September 2024 group still has a few openings if you fancy a wee break from life in this beautiful country.
I am curious, did the city you thought make my list? What destination would you add?
Let me know in the comments and follow along for future First Friday Favorites. March's edition will take a peek into my favorite packing tools to help you pack efficiently for your next getaway!