Traveling can be an incredibly romantic experience. So much so that you don’t even have to be on a romantic trip with someone else – the sheer act of going to a new place, enjoying its gorgeous sights, and delving into a whole host of new and wonderful experiences can be exceptionally romantic in and of itself.

What’s more, what makes a place such as a hotel, a resort, or a mountainside hut “romantic” often comes down to personal preferences. For some, a lonely cabin with no electricity or running water on the side of a mountain ridge can be the most romantic place in the world. For others, a 5-star beachside resort is the definition of “romantic,” and having to walk more than half a mile uphill immediately kills any semblance of romanticism a vacation can have.

Still, while we can’t possibly go over all the hotels, resorts, and villas people would consider “romantic,” we can at least try to list what most people consider the 10 most romantic hotels in the world to stay in.

1. Hotel Esencia in Mexico

It doesn’t get more romantic than the white sands of the Caribbean coast. Hotel Esencia is neatly located on the phenomenal Xpu-ha Beach and, for the longest time, has managed to stay under the radar of the broader tourist masses. This makes it an ideal spot for a romantic vacation that has everything – calm serenity under the Caribbean palms, as well as the luxury of a top-class hotel.

2. Lion Sands Game Reserve in South Africa

Some people don’t associate the wilds of the African savannah with romance, but we absolutely disagree. What can be more romantic than resting with your significant other in a luxury ebony and ivory villa overseeing 10,000 acres of South African beauty? Right on the banks of the Sabi River, the Lion Sands Game Reserve includes four lodges and two villas, as well as private terraces, outdoor pools, fantastic (and huge!) treehouses, and much more.

3. The Chanler at Cliff Walk in Rhode Island, U.S.

The Chanler in Rhode Island is the ideal romantic spot for those who want to offer their significant others a true taste of American history at its opulent best. If you’re lucky enough to be dating a foreigner, whether you met them abroad or through some of the best foreign brides sites, such as BridesUniverse, the sheer magnificence, beauty, and extravagant luxury of the Chanler will make your Rhode Island vacation together an absolute highlight of your relationship. After all, there is a reason why the Chanler has been grabbing various “Best Hotel” rewards for decades.

4. Santa Marina, Luxury Collection Resort on Mykonos

Back on the seaside sands – this time on a private beach on Mykonos – the Santa Marina Luxury Collection Resort offers everything you could want in a beachside resort. It has the luxury, the comfort, the amazing hammam-inspired spa, phenomenal restaurants, lots of party opportunities nearby, as well as all the calm and quiet a couple could want, as fantastical as that might sound for a busy spot like Mykonos.

5. Four Seasons Resort in Bora Bora

Overwater bungalows are probably the best way to have a calm and truly unique seaside vacation – only the “side” in the seaside is “on top” in this case. However, overwater bungalows aren’t all that common in seaside resorts, as not every island or coast can safely support them. This is where Bora Bora is unique, as its calm waters are ideal for this type of resort. And the best overwater bungalow resort in Bora Bora is undoubtedly the Four Seasons Resort.

6. Twin Farms in Vermont, U.S.

The state of Vermont may mostly be famous for some of the best maple syrup ever made and that one elderly senator everyone either loves or hates, but the idyllic Green Mountains countryside in Vermont is one of the best places to enjoy a quiet, romantic vacation. This is especially true for the Twin Farms Resort and its 20-or-so awesome cottages and rooms.

7. Villa Igiea, Rocco Forte Hotel in Palermo, Italy

This Rocco Forte Hotel in Palermo doesn’t just offer a taste of Italy – something incredibly romantic in and of itself – but offers the most sophisticated, elegant, and authentically Italian experience there is. If you and your significant other want to experience what it’s like to have been a part of the Italian aristocracy back in the day, Villa Igiea is the place to visit.

8. Jumby Bay Island in Antigua

Few things scream “a romantic vacation” more than a 300-acre private island off the coast of Antigua. Devoid of any cars, massive crowds of tourists, or any other distractions, the Jumby Bay Island has the best the Caribbean can offer – tall palms, an opulent villa, excellent weather, and peaceful seaside serenity.

9. The COMO Shambhala Estate in Bali

An incredibly gorgeous jungle designer health retreat in the heart of the island of Bali, the COMO Shambhala Estate is located high on the hills overlooking the Ayung River. The Estate has 30 rooms, suites, and villas, plenty of fantastic outdoor pools, a great spa and wellness center, and a tropical vista that’s just waiting to be added to your Instagram.

10. Les Fermes de Marie in France

You probably didn’t expect more than one “farm” in this list of romantic hotels, but Les Fermes de Marie in France is absolutely a place every couple should visit. This is actually a chalet-style hotel that was built from the salvaged timbers of old Savoyard farms. Full of pine terraces, open fireplaces, baroque antiques, a Pure Altitude spa with an indoor pool, an awesome French cuisine restaurant, and much more, Les Fermes de Marie is the place to be in France.

Conclusion

Would you say we’ve missed an obvious inclusion? We probably have. Places such as the Cap Juluca Belmond Hotel in Anguilla, Hôtel du Palais Biarritz in France, the Adare Manor in Ireland, or the Deplar Farm in Iceland are among the countless thousands of other awesome tourist spots that are perfect for a romantic vacation. Still, we can’t possibly list them all, so, we’re sticking with our 10 suggestions above. Once you’ve gone through all of them, we can think of a second list.