It’s Valentine’s Day, and romance is in the air. Although a box of chocolates and bouquet of roses are incredibly sweet gifts, we at Beyond Imagination Vacations prefer expressing love with - you guessed it - an outing, near or far. We asked our travel planners to share their favorite romantic destinations to share with you, perhaps giving you some travel inspiration for wedding, anniversary and other special occasion sites.
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach in Cabo San Lucas at dusk
Beyond Imagination Vacations travel planner Stephanie Orlowski and her husband honeymooned in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico at Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach Golf & Spa Resort. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean and located on a private coastal bluff, the all-inclusive luxury resort offers a gorgeous location from which to escape the worries of everyday life. To balance the air of seclusion and tranquility, the resort is conveniently located to the downtown corridor of Cabo San Lucas which features lively nightlife along with traditional Mexican handicrafts and food. But you don’t have to leave the resort to savor amazing culinary options; it is home to 10 eateries and lounges, including a marketplace reminiscent of the great food halls of Europe, an Asian fusion restaurant and an AAA Four Diamond Award winning restaurant. In addition to private beach privileges, six pools - two of which are infinity pools - and exclusive access to the Jack Nicklaus Signature course at Quivira Golf Club, honeymooners can enjoy massages and other treatments at the award-winning Armonia Spa, voted the #1 Top Hotel Spa in Mexico on the Travel + Leisure World's Best List.
Stephanie and her husband at Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach in Cabo San Lucas
“The views were gorgeous! It was an amazing resort! Absolutely beautiful! Beyond relaxing and lounging, we visited the iconic Arc of Cabo San Lucas, took a dune buggy excursion along the coast, and zip lined and bungee jumped.”
Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Beyond Imagination Vacations travel planner Katie Young and her husband had a memorable experience at Sandals Ochi in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. An all-inclusive, adults-only resort, Sandals is the Caribbean leader in romantic vacations. Guests can choose to stay in the energetic, dynamic Caribbean Riviera & Ochi Beach Club overlooking half a mile of white-sand beach or the secluded Butler Villas & Great House on the hillside above. Sandals Ochi features a whopping 16 restaurants ranging from Northern Italian to Spanish tapas and from French cuisine to Caribbean jerk, along with the opportunity to have a private, candlelit dinner on your terrace, the white sand beach or in a gazebo on the pier. The resort also features a spa with 16 treatment rooms, a fitness center, beauty salon, a Yoga-Pilates studio, steam room, plunge pools and several intimate relaxation areas in secluded gardens; a myriad of water sports including scuba diving and land activities; exciting day and nighttime entertainment; and the Caribbean’s first speakeasy.
Katie and her husband at the Sandals Ochi White Party
“We had a grand time at Sandals Ochi. One particular thing we really enjoyed was the White Party. Everyone wears all white, listens to romantic live music and enjoys a chocolate bar. The party was by the pool, and there is a grand staircase you walk down to access the party. Literally felt like the Belle of the ball!”
Rome, Italy
Fontana di Trevi in Rome
You don’t have to travel to a beach for the ultimate romantic vacation. How about visiting a city with thousands of years of history and culture? Beyond Imagination Vacations co-owner Kristen Neils and her husband have traveled the world together, with Rome standing out as one of their favorite cities to explore together. From charming trattorias for sipping delicious Italian wines to family-owned restaurants serving up local favorites like cacio e pepe (a simple but delectable cheese and pepper pasta dish), don’t forget about the abundance of historical sites that make Rome a place that can be visited again and again.
Some of Kristen’s favorite things to do in Rome include, “hiking up the hill at the back of the Colosseum for a wonderful vantage point away from the crowds; sharing an Aperol Spritz at the end of a long day at the Hotel Santa Maria in Trastevere, our favorite neighborhood in Rome; and taking a nighttime walk to see the monuments and fountains without the hordes of tourists!”
La Fortuna, Costa Rica
For such a small country, Costa Rica packs a biodiverse punch. The Central American nation is host to 12 ecosystems from cloud forest to coral reef. Beyond Imagination Vacations co-owner Jennifer Bryan and her husband’s favorite spot to immerse themselves in the Costa Rican “pura vida” philosophy is The Springs Resort & Spa in La Fortuna, gateway to the active Arenal Volcano. Named by CNN Travel as one of the seven resorts with the most spectacular views in the world, The Springs is truly a special destination. Every room type has a beautifully furnished balcony with sweeping views of Arenal Volcano. As the name suggests, there are hot mineral springs and spring-fed pools for relaxing and soaking in the incredible views of the volcano. The hot springs range in temperature from 83 ˚F to 103˚F with varied surroundings like raging waterfalls and secluded forest spots. Active vacationers will appreciate the on-site horseback riding, river tubing and kayaking, and nature tours.
“The intimate hot springs, fine dining, spa offerings and lush, verdant surroundings make it a fantastic spot for honeymooners and couples celebrating anniversaries. In fact, while we were there, we talked to couples - young and old - who visit on an annual basis. There’s a reason why The Springs Resort & Spa has hosted the hit match-making TV show The Bachelor.”
Walt Disney World Resort
That’s right. Walt Disney World Resort made our list. With signature fine dining experiences at on-site hotels, late-night lounges and entertainment at Disney Springs, and luxurious accommodations like over-the-water bungalows at the Polynesian Resort & Spa, Disney isn’t just for kids.
Beyond Imagination Vacations travel planner Justin Rose married his real-life Princess at Disney’s Wedding Pavillion within the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. As Disney’s premier wedding venue, the chapel is surrounded by spectacular views of Seven Seas Lagoon. Behind the altar, a leaded arched window provides an exquisite view of Magic Kingdom’s Cinderella Castle. It’s a fairytale setting for a storybook romance.
