The month of love is upon us, and as Valentine's day approaches, we may be thinking about something special we can do with our partner. So, if you're looking for your next adventure as a couple while still wanting a spark of romance, these 10 destination spots are some of the dreamiest, intrepid getaways in the world.
1. Bathe under the stars in Botswana
SANCTUARY BAINES CAMP
Take advantage of Abercrombie & Kent's Tailor Made Botswana safari which takes couples on an ultimate romantic experience: bathing under the stars. This intimate camp has only five luxury suites with private decks and a candlelit bathtub for you to enjoy after an exciting day of game drives.
2. Live like James Bond in Monaco
JÉRÉMY JAKUBOWICZ/HOTEL METROPOLE MONTE-CARLO
Can you think of anything sexier than pretending to be a secret spy? At Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo, you can experience the extravagant Golden Eye experience. It's reserved for guests staying in the hotel's Suite Carré d'Or penthouse, couples will get a private tour of the famous Monte-Carlo Casino, they'll be picked up in an Aston Martin for a helicopter ride, and return to the hotel for an intimate lunch. In the evening, you will depart again for a romantic driving tour of the French Riviera, which will be followed by an in-room duo massage, vodka martini aperitif at the lobby bar, and an exclusive dinner on the outdoor terrace of your suite.
3. Participate in an ancient Peruvian ceremony
INKATERRA
Looking to connect on a deeper level with your partner? If this is what you have in mind, head to the Sacred Valley in Peru. Here, you'll find the Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba, a colonial-inspired hotel situated on 100 acres. Couples can take part in romantic activities like private dining or a cooking class. You'll also get an authentic Andean experience, such as a Payment to the Earth ceremony. You may also participate in an ancient ritual for giving thanks to the Andean gods which is performed by a local shaman. This is followed by a special Pachamanca dining experience, where a traditional Peruvian dish is cooked underneath the ground.
4. Sit in an igloo after skiing in Japan
HOSHINO-RESORTS
If you love the idea of both skiing and igloos, why not do both in Japan? Hishino Resorts' KAI Alps hotel features a courtyard which is decorated with traditional snow domes known as 'kamakuras' in the winter. Here, you can sip on some tea after hitting a nearby Hakua ski area. If you're feeling cold, warm up by taking a dip in the hot springs surrounded by forest and filled with local Shinsu apples floating in the water.
5. Trek through a private reserve in Chile
THE SINGULAR PATAGONIA
Sitting on nearly 30 acres of breathtaking land, The Singular Patagonia overlooks the Fjord of Last Hope, couples can explore the private reserves accessible only to hotel guests. You can go for a hike in the mountains or kayak the fjords, before returning to your 18-foot floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning views.
6. Make wine in Argentina
CASA DE UCO
Enjoy all things wine during the harvest season at Casa de Uco. During your three-night stay you can experience a one-of-a-kind wine parcel tasting with the sommelier and chef. You can also try a harvest vinotherapy treatment at Uco Spa, or horseback ride through the vineyards, mountain bike in the Andes and make your own wine blend.
7. Explore the jungle canopy in Ecuador
MASHPI LODGE
While it will take you a couple of hours to get to the 24-room Mashpi Lodge, it's worth it. The lodge is perched high in the cloud forest, and each morning you will wake up to a serenade of chirping cicadas, chattering monkeys and chirruping birds, You will then venture out with expert local naturalist guides to explore the rainforest during the day (or at night if you choose). The property's unique tandem Sky Bike lets you explore the canopy, dangling in total safety from a 656-foot cable stretched between two points of the forest.
8. Watch the Northern Lights in Alberta, Canada
TRAVEL ALBERTA CANMORE
Wood Buffalo and Jasper National Parks, making for some of the clearest locations to see the Aurora Borealis. You can enjoy a dining and stargazing experience or plan a date with the Dark Sky Campfires for an evening of storytelling as you wait for the dancing lights to appear. Once the show is over you can retire back to the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, situated in the heart of Jasper National Park.
9. Become a beekeeper in California
CARMELVALLEYRANCH
Carmel Valley Ranch in Carmel-By-The-Sea California offers a Bee Experience where couples can put on a beekeepers suit and step into the hives to partake in beekeeper duties. At the end of this experience, you will be gifted honey directly from the hive and a travel-size lavender beeswax balm to take home.
10. Get helicoptered to a picnic in Aspen
HAL WILLIAMS
Picnics are usually a low-key romantic date. And St. Regis Aspen Resort kicked the idea up a notch by adding in a helicopter ride. They partnered with Aspen Charter to create the Elevated Snow Picnic Package where couples get a privately chartered scenic helicopter ride to the remote base of Anthracite Mountain. Here, the St. Regis Butler will set up a two-hour stay complete with waterproof blankets, heated accessories, snowshoes and gourmet bites and drinks.
