If you’re one of the many couples planning a winter vacation, there are several factors you’ll want to consider when choosing your destination. First, considering how busy the holidays are, you’ll likely want to go somewhere that’s easy to plan – a destination that has everything you need for fun and relaxation in one spot. Second – what type of vacation are you after? Perhaps you’re yearning for romance in the form tropical private beaches, or maybe you’re looking to be swept up in European culture and cuisine. Or, are you seeking out a snowy winter wonderland? Perhaps all you really want is a luxury hotel with awesome holiday vibes. If you’re dreaming up an epic getaway that has romance written all over it, here are 7 easy-to-plan romantic holiday destinations guaranteed to be ultra-memorable:
1. The Ko Olina Beach Villas – Oahu, Hawaii
Ideal for travelers who are in desperate need of peace, serenity, and gorgeous beaches, the Ko Olina Beach Villas is a stunning luxury property on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. It’s beautifully decorated during the holidays, and boasts its own private beach. One of the many benefits of staying at the Ko Olina Resort is that it’s located on the leeward coast of Oahu, which is notable for almost always having perfect, sunny weather any time of year, while also being only 45 minutes away from the trendy Waikiki strip. The busy streets of Waikiki are fun to drive to for a day of shopping, a Dolphin Quest expedition, a fancy dinner or a night out – but spending your days at the peaceful and gorgeous Ko Olina Beach Villas is ideal. There, you have your own private, beautiful lagoon and it’s sure to be an unforgettable and luxury experience. Being away from the craziness of Waikiki is one of the reasons the Ko Olina is such a special sanctuary on Oahu.
The great thing about the Ko Olina is that some of the suites are privately owned. This means that instead of paying pricey hotel rates, you can get great deals through the Hawaiian Ocean Club Realty Group, and rent ocean-view suites from private owners for a steal of a deal. The suites are huge and typically have 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and 3 beds, so couples can split the cost of a luxury suite for as low as $100 per night per couple. The ocean-view balconies of these suites are four times the size of a standard hotel room’s balcony.
2. Grange Wellington Hotel – London, England
There is so much to see and do in London during the winter season that the hardest part will be deciding what not to do! The romance of London in the winter is unquestionable. There are loads of beautiful decorations in Covent Gardens during December and January, and Harrod’s always goes all out for Christmas. Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland is unbelievable, with awesome winter festivities, warm mulled wine and the ultimate Christmas market. Eyeskate is an open-air outdoor ice-skating rink situated in front of the sparkling London Eye, and the Christmas tree at Trafalgar Square is an ultra-romantic spot for couples. The Grange Wellington Hotel is a charming and upscale hotel in a central location within walking distance to many of these sites.
3. Scenic River Cruise through Europe
A Scenic River Cruise is one of the most romantic and intimate ways to see Europe. There are several cruises through the rivers of Europe to choose from, but the “Dutch Sights and Belgian Delights” cruise, for example, takes you and your partner on an amazing 8 day cruise through Amsterdam, the tulip-filled Keukenhof Gardens, Bruges and Rotterdam. It includes exclusive wine and brandy tastings in Médoc and Cognac as well as visits to historic sites and medieval cities. You’ll see incredible castles, beautiful natural wonders, ancient fortresses and a breakthtaking view from the top of Europe’s largest sand dune.
4. The Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre – Whistler, Canada
Some couples are over it when it comes to tropical destinations, and are instead ready for a winter wonderland. Nestled in the heart of Whistler Village in Whistler, British Columbia, Canada, this beautiful hotel is sure to exceed your expectations.
Only a 2 hour drive from the city of Vancouver, British Columbia, Whistler has a charming, whimsical vibe and it’s especially remarkable during the holidays. In the winter, the village’s streets are lit up with spectacular Christmas lights and the snow-capped trees are sure to set a romantic mood.
The full-service, award-winning Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre boasts slope-side accommodation and spacious private residence-style suites with full kitchens, cozy fireplaces and balconies that offer fresh mountain air and breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains that make you feel like you’re in a winter dream. This hotel is perfect for getting you into that holiday spirit.
Its prime location in Whistler is ideal for sightseeing, dining and shopping as well as easy access to several romantic winter activities you and your partner can discover. Try snow-shoeing under the stars, cross country skiing among snow-covered pines, take a walk to the beautiful lost lake, or simply relax at the Pan Pacific Whistler Village outdoor hot-tub enveloped by snowy mountains.
5. The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park – New York, New York
New York is the ultimate city to visit during the holidays. From ice skating at Rockefeller Center and horse-drawn carriage rides in Central Park to giant Christmas trees and elaborate Christmas window displays on 5th Ave, NYC is an incredibly romantic holiday destination.
You can’t go wrong with a room near the iconic Central Park, and the luxurious Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park is a great hotel choice in a fabulous, central location in NYC. During your getaway, you’ll be sure to enjoy fine-dining in some of the world’s best restaurants, and don’t miss out on that view from the Empire State building.
6. The Fairmont Hotel San Francisco – San Francisco, California
The Fairmont Hotel San Francisco is a fantastic hotel in a central location, and it has charmed guests with its amazing holiday spirit for more than a century. This is one of the best hotels in North America when it comes to holiday décor and holiday festivities. Each holiday season, there’s a magical and whimsical winter wonderland right in the hotel’s lobby.
At the Fairmont San Francisco Hotel, you can enjoy a stunning and majestic, two-story Gingerbread House display! The hotel even has a “North Pole Nook” and an enchanting 23-foot, ceiling-height Christmas tree in the Main Lobby.
7. The Ranch at Rock Creek – Philipsburg, Montana
The Ranch at Rock Creek is a 6,600 acre winter wonderland resort complete with an epic antler tree, an outdoor ice-skating pond and historic sleigh rides. Imagine beautiful horses pulling your wooden sleigh over scenic, snowy meadows and then ice-skating on Bikini Beach (which converts into an ice-skating pond in the winter).
With winter-cabin style lodging, a world-class spa and plenty of winter activities to choose from, staying at the Ranch at Rock Creek promises to be a memorable and romantic destination, complete with ultimate holiday vibes.
Leave a Reply