Dreamy wedding anniversary and second honeymoon destinations

Do you have a milestone wedding anniversary this year? Perhaps you’re renewing your vows or embarking on your second marriage and planning a honeymoon. Whatever your special event, celebrating with a dream vacation is a great way to honour the occasion and an excuse to indulge in some serious romance. We got a little dreamy-eyed finding the ultimate romantic getaways, unique experiences and nostalgic escapes to inspire you.

Classic romantic escapes

That Romeo wooed Juliet in Verona makes Italy officially one of the most romantic countries in the world. Choose from beautiful cities like Rome, Florence and Venice, charming villages in the heart of Tuscany, and the enchanting Amalfi Coast – or even all three. From Venice you can easily reach the foodie haven of Bologna and the picture-perfect colourful villages of the Cinque Terre. And if you haven’t yet discovered Sicily, find out why this jewel of Southern Italy is doing its own share of wooing.

Let Eros, the Greek god of love and desire, whisk you and your partner away to magical Greece and the romance of the Greek islands. Santorini is currently laying claim to the title of romantic capital, with its whitewashed villages, blue-domed churches and beautiful beaches – available in traditional white, volcanic black, and even a distinctive red (owing to unusual rock formations). You can still watch the active volcano, best seen at sunset from your balcony with a glass of the island’s crisp Assyrtiko.

Each Greek island offers its own distinct personality. If old towns, antiquities and adventure are your thing, then choose Crete, where you can visit the astonishing Palace of Knossos and hike the ravine of the breathtaking Samaria Gorge. Naxos has some of the best beaches and is becoming one of Greece’s top culinary destinations, or choose to go island-hopping and decide which is your favourite. Any trip to Greece should start or end in the capital, Athens – the birthplace of civilisation, and today an open-air history museum with world-class hotels and fine dining.

Beyond Europe, discerning couples seeking a romantic trip with a difference should head for Kyoto, Japan. As you hold hands and wander the cobbled streets of the geisha district, you’re guaranteed to fall in love with its old-world atmosphere and charm. Visit ancient temples, including Kiyomizudera (the Pure Water Temple) with its ‘love stones’, and indulge in exquisite Japanese cuisine over a glass of sake.

Secluded offshore retreats

Dreaming of getting away from it all on a remote island? Look no further than Madagascar, described by its own tourist board as an island of passion. Its remote location in the Indian Ocean makes it a haven for wildlife and the perfect retreat for couples who only have eyes for each other (although we think you’ll find those lemurs to be a rather cute distraction).

In the Caribbean, St Vincent and the Grenadines is one of the four Windward Islands, which also include Martinique, St Lucia and Barbados. Uncluttered by tourist exploitation, its pristine beaches and stunning sunsets are where sailors get away from the crowds and where you’ll find locations made famous by Pirates of the Caribbean.

Portugal’s Azores archipelago is still the best-kept secret in Europe, thanks to an indefinable quality that leads to descriptions such as the ‘Hawaii of Europe’ and ‘Ireland-meets-Hawaii’. Intrigued? Think waterfalls, lakes and greenery, dramatic coastlines and beaches perfect for snorkelling, boating and swimming.

Dreamy journeys by water (and air)

There’s something incredibly romantic and soothing about watching the world go by from the water, and Asia’s mighty Mekong River is one of the most tranquil and scenic stretches of waterway in the world. A cruise along the river delta starting in Cambodia or Vietnam is a relaxing introduction to either country, and guaranteed to lull you into a romantic reverie as you watch the sun set over the water.

Take a leisurely cruise along Portugal’s Douro River and sip a glass of the country’s finest export as you follow the path of the port barrels that still make their way by boat from the vineyards of the Douro Valley. Alternatively, visit Egypt, the land of Pharaohs to take in some of the ancient wonders of the world from an elegant passenger boat cruising down the Nile.

If you don’t fancy an overwater trip, but still want the thrill of something different and exciting, then picture the scene; the two of you are sipping a glass of champagne and gazing out across a beautiful landscape, as you drift serenely along in a hot air balloon. Our six best destinations for a head-in-the-clouds experience are Turkey‘s Cappadocia, the Serengeti in Tanzania, Kenya‘s Masai Mara National Reserve, the Loire Valley in France, above Jordan’s ancient monuments, and across the Valley of the Kings in Egypt.

Nostalgic charm

As the birthplace of Shakespeare, Jane Austen and Lord Byron, the United Kingdom has a beating romantic heart underneath its polite exterior. Think ancient castles, quaint villages, and diverse cultural cities like Edinburgh, Manchester and London (home to three of the top 10  museums and galleries in the world!).

Explore the remote beauty of the Scottish Highlands, or the ‘Whisky Coast’ with its cinematically beautiful scenery. Discover historic charm and the English countryside you’ve always dreamed of in the Cotswolds, with its thatched cottages, cosy pubs, and burgeoning reputation as a foodie hotspot.

For an otherworldly escape filled with echoes of bygone times, pack your bags for a trip through India‘s most vibrant and diverse landscapes. The Pink City, the Amber Fort and the Golden Temple – even the place names are romantic, and that’s not even mentioning the Taj Mahal, built by one man as a lasting memorial to his beloved.

Ultimate beach relaxation

You’ve celebrated at home and all you want to do now is get away, be pampered, indulge in some fine food, and relax together under a palm tree. There’s a reason why the Maldives is one of the world’s most popular spots amongst honeymooners. Luxury, seclusion and relaxation are guaranteed, as you look out from your overwater villa then take a dip in the surrounding turquoise lagoon.

Some of the best beaches in the world can be found in Vietnam, which is also becoming one of the planet’s ultimate foodie destinations – what’s not to like? Phu Quoc made the list of world’s best beaches while the sands around Da Nang and Nha Trang are less than an hour from Hoi An, possibly Southeast Asia’s most romantic town.

Head to the serene paradise of Indonesia and reconnect with your partner and the world around you in a villa surrounded by lush tropical gardens, a few steps away from the beach. The most well-known island and often chosen by honeymooners is Bali, where the best beaches are at Sanur and Nusa Dua. If a day on an idyllic beach doesn’t send you into a Zen-like state, try a beach yoga class or start your day with a floating breakfast. For a trip of a lifetime, combine Bali with Borneo, rich in wildlife and culture and absolutely breathtaking.

Immersive experiences far and wide

Try something new together and have some fun on your dream trip. Learn the most romantic dance in the world – the tango – in Argentina or loosen your hips with a salsa class in Brazil. Feeling the pull of the mountains in winter? Try heli-skiing in remote areas with slopes of virgin powder snow; top spots are Canada’s British Columbia, the Indian Himalayas and Italy’s Valtellina, a great choice for a long couples weekend in the Alps.

Why not celebrate in unforgettable style with a thrilling African safari? Spot the Big Five in South Africa, Tanzania or Botswana, or go gorilla-trekking in Uganda before returning to a luxurious lodge under the starlit African sky.

Speaking of the skies – enjoy stargazing together and seek out the ultimate nocturnal wonder with a trip to see the northern lights in Norway or Iceland. Both also packed with fascinating landscapes and wildlife, these destinations may be chillier than your average, yet they’re guaranteed to reignite any fire.

Make it happen

Feeling inspired to plan your romantic escape? Speak to one of our local experts today; they’ll help you put together the perfect itinerary for you and your significant other.