19 Most Romantic Hotels Around the World to Book Now

The most romantic hotels create the conditions for connection, both with the person you arrive with and with the destination itself. At the Ritz Paris, soundproofed rooms and discreet service create privacy, while the hotel’s location and history keep guests immersed in the rhythms of the city just beyond Place Vendôme. At the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, overwater bungalows spaced far apart encourage secluded explorations of the land and ocean—lagoon swims, sunset walks, and lazy afternoons.

That dual sense of connection is the focus our Afar’s Hotels We Love list dedicated to romance. In this guide, we’ve selected 19 hotels around the world that support shared time together while deepening a sense of place in a destination, be it a sandy escape or an urban sanctuary.

Al Moudira

Luxor’s Al Moudira hotel, between the sugarcane fields on the quiet West Bank of the Nile, is only two decades old, but feels like it has already been around for a century. And that’s exactly the point: when Italian Lebanese designer Zeina Aboukheir took over this once-arid plot of land in the late ‘90s, she enlisted Egyptian architect Olivier Sednaoui to bring her vision of an Old World hideaway to life. The result is a jumble of Moorish courtyards, colonnaded walkways, and 54 high-ceilinged suites with cupola roofs, all covered in Egyptian lime plaster and hand-painted frescoes. Interiors fuse stained-glass windows with antique Italian chandeliers and Suzani blankets from Uzbekistan, while the gardens, thick with palms and frothy with pink bougainvillea, look as if they’ve sprawled here since ancient times.

Don’t skip Luxor’s crumbling temples and palaces, of course, but Al Moudira makes it tempting to simply stay in. Each of the six villas (added to the property in recent years) opens to a private pool, while a enormous communal pool glitters at the heart of the property. There are seating nooks everywhere, and a cross-cultural line-up of restaurants doles out everything from Lebanese mezze platters to wood-fired pizzas and French Egyptian fusion. Many ingredients are grown at the organic farm behind the hotel, which also hosts donkeys, ostriches, and the ateliers of craftspeople making pottery and papyrus paper. —Chris Schalkx

Aman Kyoto

The location itself is a major selling point: 80 acres of serene forest in the foothills of Mount Daimonji, 30 minutes from Kyoto Station and 5 minutes by car from Kyoto’s famous Kinkaku-ji temple. Here, Aman Kyoto’s 26 modern suites stretch across an old river bed blanketed in emerald. The forest is punctuated with native maples, cedars, and blue oaks, an ideal setting for forest bathing excursions. Much of the property was built with materials from the surrounding woods—cypress soaking tubs, heated stone bathroom floors, and bamboo dividers whose clean minimalist lines and varied textures offer a restorative setting. See Afar’s full list of best hotels in Japan.

Cap Juluca, a Belmond Hotel

Set along the southern coast of Anguilla on Maundays Bay, lined with picturesque white beach umbrellas, Cap Juluca is filled with domed roofs and archways that frame the sea. The 68 guest rooms and 45 suites are equally elegant, with white couches, blue throws, and slatted shutters. Yet the Santorini-inspired hotel maintains an easygoing, barefoot luxury vibe. That might mean a beachside lunch at the Cap Shack with rum punches, watermelon gazpacho, and a tuna poke bowl from a food truck. A little less rustic but equally inviting, Pimms serves jerk chicken and Caribbean red fish curry next to breezy curtains and soaring arches.

Spend sun-filled days snorkeling, sailing, or soaking up rays on the white-sand beach. For avid anglers, the hotel offers expeditions with a local fisherman who knows all the secret spots around the island. The Spa by Guerlain is a haven of wellness and healing that draws inspiration from the Indigenous Arawak tribe. It was designed by Rottet Studio, which oversaw Cap Juluca’s transformation in 2018. See Afar’s full list of best Caribbean luxury resorts and hotels.

Fogo Island Inn

Fogo Island Inn sits at the very edge of the North Atlantic Ocean on isolated Fogo Island in Newfoundland. Designed by internationally renowned architect Todd Saunders, the inn’s arresting modern appearance suggests an iceberg from a distance, with its raised section representing the island’s traditional stilted fishing platforms. But when visitors get close, they see the wooden boards layered together, and it’s clear that everything is handmade. The by-hand ethos covers all the furniture and furnishings, created by local artisans guided by international designers to create contemporary versions of traditional objects.

The inn is essentially a living art piece that aims to honor the island’s past while carrying it to the future. All operating surpluses are reinvested into the inn’s parent Shorefast charity, which supports the cultural and economic resilience of the local community. It feels like a grand home with attentive staff: A private 37-seat cinema, partnered with the National Film Board, carries a movie library for guests to enjoy at any time; there’s also an art gallery, a well-stocked library, and a supply of rubber boots and other outerwear to borrow.

The inn shows off the dazzling landscape, and it’s easy to spend all day at the windows watching the sea while whales breech, icebergs float past, or storms dash on the rocks. See Afar’s in-depth review of Fogo Island Inn.

Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora

Let’s face it: When it comes to romantic getaways, overwater bungalows deliver with their ultra private accommodations and sublime settings. Blending this formula with some of the best service in French Polynesia, Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora offers all the elements of a magical castaway experience. There are a total of 108 overwater bungalows—27 with private pools—but the most over-the-top option is the Otemanu Overwater Bungalow Suite with 1,576 square feet of space, a private plunge pool, and views of both the lagoon and Mount Otemanu. The overall design was inspired by a traditional Polynesian village, so it feels perfectly at home in the South Pacific waters. See Afar’s full list of the best overwater bungalows around the world.

Green O

The adults-only Green O comprises 12 stylish stand-alone accommodations, or “hauses,” with four sleek, Scandinavian-inspired designs on the forested grounds of the Resort at Paws Up in northwest Montana. They include a “light haus,” with two fireplaces and skylights ideal for stargazing, and a “round haus,” with curved windows that showcase forest views. The “green haus” features an atrium that maximizes indoor-outdoor living.

For maximum cozy winter vibes, the best choices are the “tree haus” accommodations, which are elevated 23 feet into the canopy. These suites are three-story, glass-encased, Tetris-stacked structures with a cylindrical spiral staircase at the center. In addition to multiple viewing platforms and a fireplace, there’s a hot tub at ground level. All come with floor-to-ceiling windows, Wild West–chic furniture in leather and wrought iron, and more than 1,000 square feet of indoor living space.

The property also has on-site hiking trails, which begin steps from your door, horseback rides along the Blackfoot River, and hot-air balloon rides over the majestic Swan Mountains. See Afar’s full list of cozy U.S. hotels to book this winter.—Nicholas DeRenzo

Halekulani

Step into the serene, marble-clad halls of the Halekulani, and you’d never guess that bustling Waikīkī sits right outside the entrance. The hotel has been standing on the same five beachfront acres for more than a century. Today, the 453 guest rooms and suites, decorated in soothing blues and creams, offer all the modern creature comforts for a tranquil getaway, from private lanais to deep soaking tubs.

While the bustling beach might beckon more social travelers, those looking for quiet corners for tête-à-têtes can find them all over the hotel—whether next to the swimming pool whose orchid mosaic is made of 1.2 million South African glass tiles, or over an intimate dinner at La Mer. The recently remodeled Halekulani Spa has a suite with the only Japanese furo bath in Waikīkī, where you can book a candelit soak or Lomilomi massage for two.

Little Palm Island Resort & Spa

Positioned 28 miles east of Key West, the four-acre Little Palm Island is the only adults-only private island resort in the USA. The Relais & Châteaux resort is ideal for couples. The 30 thatched-roof bungalow suites, each with private outdoor showers and verandas and no televisions, are hidden in tropical foliage. Aside from relaxing on the secluded beach, many guests spend time in SpaTerre, which offers Balinese and Thai treatments, or on the provided kayaks and paddleboards. Diving, fishing, and sailing excursions are also available.—Devorah Lev-Tov

Longitude 131°

Australian Indigenous groups are among the world’s first astronomers, with thousands of years of starlore and an early understanding of the night sky. Without urban development, Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park contains some of the most expansive skies on the planet, with unobstructed views from horizon to horizon. Sitting adjacent to the park is Longitude 131°, a luxury tented camp that overlooks the Outback’s vast, dusty Red Centre and the famed monolithic Uluṟu (Ayers Rock) and the Kata Tjuṯa domed rock formations.

The lodge’s 16 tented pavilions are designed to have minimal impact on the delicate, red-dune environment. Tents feature floor-to-ceiling windows with views of Uluṟu, and private outdoor decks have eco-friendly, clean-burning fireplaces and safari beds for sleeping under the stars. Want views of both Uluṟu and Kata Tjuṯa? Book the two-bedroom Dune Pavilion suite, with private outdoor stargazing beds and an outdoor plunge pool to soak up the sky. See Afar’s full list of Australian hotels we love.

The Peninsula Istanbul

Staunchly boutique in an era of global corporate mergers, Peninsula Istanbul opened on the buzzy Karaköy waterfront with a distinct East-West sensibility that harmonizes with this ancient metropolis that literally bridges Europe and Asia. The complex restored three protected heritage buildings that had been closed to the public for decades. The best local ustas (craftspeople) were enlisted to work on its marble, stained glass, and the mother-of-pearl inlays called sedef.

The black-and-white photographs of Istanbul in the hallways are by mid-20th-century Turkish photographer Ara Güler, while the copper-hued panels above beds in the 177 guest rooms are designer-du-jour Zeynep Fadıllıoğlu‘s homage to the stonework of Anatolian mosques. Her tour-de-force underground spa features an 82-foot swimming pool beneath light fittings modeled on Islamic honeycomb niches (muqarnas) that reflect in the water. Read Afar’s in-depth review of the Peninsula Istanbul.

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara

Anantara’s Qasr Al Sarab is the stuff of dreams that emerges from the far reaches of the Rub’ Al Khali—literally the Empty Quarter—like a mirage. The resort’s location is nothing short of breathtaking: It sits amid red dunes at the end of a ribbon of tarmac that winds its way through undulating desert landscape. By day it’s all sunshine, palm trees, and soothing water features, a nod to the ancient Arabian al-aflaj irrigation systems that run through the region’s oases. By night, it’s a respite with cooling breezes, silence, and lamplight.

The 207 guest rooms, with palm-thatch ceilings, take cues from the region’s centuries-old nomadic traditions, with cushions and carpets inspired by traditional textiles. For a real sense of seclusion, opt for one of the family pool villas that feel like miniature forts. There are camels, horses, and fat bikes to ride through the seemingly endless sands and spa treatments that use Arabian dates and coffee. But the loveliest way to experience the setting is to climb one of the nearby dunes to watch the sun set. See Afar’s full list of top hotels and resorts in Abu Dhabi.

Raffles Udaipur

Udaipur has plenty of palatial stays, but the Raffles Udaipur captures the opulence of this historic kingdom, while giving guests an opportunity to fully unwind. A visit begins with a zero-emission boat ride to the property, located on a private island in the middle of Udai Sagar Lake. Grand architecture and interiors welcome guests, with details including 16-foot-tall hand-painted murals, manicured gardens that are home to 30 bird species, and a lavish spa.

The 137 spacious lake-view rooms feature marble-inlay cupboards and intricate woodwork. Pay close attention to the menu at Sawai Kitchen, where dishes including masaledaar bharwan kachhe tamatar (green tomato in Rajasthani spices) and dhungaar murgh (country chicken cooked with whole spices) are a lesson on regional heirloom recipes. Read Afar’s in-depth review of Raffles Udaipur.

Ritz Paris

The Ritz Paris is an icon on the Place Vendôme, and it’s the stuff of romance and urban legends. A line forms every night at the no-reservations Bar Hemingway, named for the larger-than-life author who claimed to have “liberated” it from German occupation. (In 1944, the hotel doubled as a Nazi headquarters, and Hemingway was among those who helped to reclaim it.) A no-expenses-spared restoration unveiled in 2016 restored the grande dame’s luster: The 142 guest rooms are decked out with empire furniture, floral silk fabrics, and marble fireplaces.

At the Ritz Paris, the fashion crowd vie to bed down in Coco Chanel’s former apartment, now a dedicated suite still housing the designer’s art collection, velvet banquettes, and Chinese lacquered screens. Culinary enthusiasts learn recipes at the Ritz Escoffier School, an homage to the culinary maestro who pioneered a new kind of hotel experience with César Ritz, aka “King of Hoteliers, and Hotelier to Kings.” (He was such a legend, he bequeathed the word “ritzy” to the dictionary.) And pastry fans reserve the Salon Proust for afternoon tea featuring fresh madeleines by pâtissier extraordinaire François Perret. The elegant Ritz Paris Club & Spa is worthy of an indulgent afternoon and in 2025 launched a nail bar. See Afar’s full list of best hotels in Paris. —Mary Winston Nicklin

Rosewood Le Guanahani St. Barth

After renovations following 2017’s Hurricane Irma, the iconic Le Guanahani returned with a new name—Rosewood Le Guanahani St. Barth—and new levels of luxury. Some things have stayed the same (or have been rebuilt to look the same), like the 66 accommodations, including rooms, suites, and signature suites painted in pastels and along winding pathways. The redone interiors, courtesy of designer Luis Pons, have white-beam ceilings and billowing white curtains with pops of color in the headboards, artwork, and rugs.

With its prime location on an 18-acre private peninsula on the quiet northeastern side of St. Bart’s, Le Guanahani is the rare property on this buzzing island that gives travelers a serene escape from the sometimes relentless glitz, plus room to spread out. The hotel is framed by a pretty lagoon and two beaches: Maréchal Bay (a sandy stretch) and Grand Cul de Sac (known for snorkeling and spotting sea turtles).

One of Rosewood’s most exciting additions is the Sense Spa, a Zen-inspired sanctuary with a wide range of treatments and activities designed to enhance your overall well-being. Don’t miss the immersive, 2.5-hour “Le Morne” Sense Spa Journey, which starts with a walk through a nature reserve, followed by a body wrap, a soothing head-and-scalp massage, and a toning leg massage.

Royal Mansour Marrakech

Within the 53 pink-walled private riads of the Royal Mansour Marrakech, the craftsmanship—from the carved marble fountains in the atriums to the intricate tilework—feel fit for the owner, who happens to be the King of Morocco. Just as palatial is the gleaming white 27,000-square-foot spa.

Wellness seekers can choose individualized programs focused on rebalancing, weight control, rejuvenation, or boosting immunity; they range from 3 to 14 days with the support of experts and chefs who assist on nutrition plans. Art therapy workshops harness the power of painting, pottery, or calligraphy to reduce anxiety and promote introspection in a glass-walled greenhouse. There are 10 spacious treatment rooms and 3 spa suites and, this being Morocco, an on-site hammam that uses clay from the Atlas Mountains and roses sourced from the Kalaat Begouna Valley nearby. See Afar’s full list of top wellness-focused resorts and hotels.

Singita Sabora Tented Camp

Before philanthropist Paul Tudor Jones took over the lease on the 350,000-acre Grumeti Reserve, where Singita Sabora Tented Camp is located, it was a poached-out hunting block. Over the past two decades, the positive impact of Singita’s light-footprint, nature-based tourism here, between community land and the unfenced western border of the Serengeti National Park, has contributed to the restoration of a historic animal migration route. Success stories include the reintroduction of eastern black rhino and the return of large elephant and buffalo herds. All of this ensures that game viewing happens year-round, not just when migrating wildebeest arrive in search of fresh grazing.

Of the reserve’s five retreats—each individually tailored to its location on the reserve—Sabora offers hospitality under canvas that feels luxurious yet connected to the landscape. In 2020, Singita rebuilt this longtime favorite, swapping romantic 1920s-era antique furnishings with a chic minimalism that blends into the grassy plains. On closer inspection, interiors reveal layers of handcrafted detail and local provenance. Modern must-haves in the explorer-style camp include a wine tasting room, fitness center, and spa, all under canvas, and nine self-contained tented suites with fully stocked pantries, private decks big enough for yoga mats, open-plan bathrooms, and canopied beds with localized AC to conserve energy.

The food is often prepared by graduates of Grumeti’s own community culinary school and makes the most of locally sourced produce and East African flavors. Take your pick from full-on Swahili feasts to meal-in-one salads for days out in the bush. Aside from long, immersive game drives without another car in sight, the erudite, passionate guides take guests on nature walks or to visit RISE, an innovative research center on site where scientists are using data to inform conservation solutions. See Afar’s full list of top safari camps in Africa.

Sanctuary Camelback Mountain

Spread across 53 acres of manicured desert landscape on the north side of Scottsdale’s iconic mountain, this wellness resort remains a favorite any time of year. (There’s a reason Beyoncé and Jay-Z spent their honeymoon here.) In the summer, you might find yourself cooling off with paddleboard yoga in the infinity pool, but the resort comes alive during the Sonoran winter, when there’s a chill in the air but the sunshine’s still blazing.

The resort offers 110 casitas and suites and 8 private mountain villas, many with their own fireplaces, firepits, or outdoor bathtubs—an especially luxurious place to warm up when desert winter lows dip into the 30s. After dark, those in the know head to the patio of the Jade Bar, which is warmed by gas fireplaces. But perhaps the coziest spot on property is the Asian-inspired spa and its 12 indoor-outdoor treatment rooms; the spa is hidden behind a Zen meditation garden and reflecting ponds and best enjoyed when dressed in one of its plush robes.

Soneva Fushi

The moment guests arrive at Soneva Fushi in the Maldives, shoes are whisked away and a bicycle is handed over: This is all about slow, sustainable, barefoot luxury. When Six Senses founders Eva and Sonu Shivdasani opened Soneva Fushi in 1995, they were ahead of the curve—proving that luxury and eco-sensitivity can go hand in hand. They later sold the Six Senses brand but held onto this pioneering property.

The 63 villas embrace indoor-outdoor living, with retractable roofs, open-air bathrooms, and handcrafted furnishings made from reclaimed materials. The resort recycles 95 percent of its waste, leads conservation projects like coral restoration and sea turtle rehabilitation, and is home to a glass-blowing studio where discarded bottles are repurposed into art.

Experiences at Soneva Fushi are just as forward thinking, from dining in the treetops on a zipline adventure to stargazing at the Maldives’ first overwater observatory. The Soneva Soul wellness center offers holistic treatments, while the spacious Den—the hotel’s indoor-outdoor kids’ areas—immerses younger travelers in creativity and exploration.—Laura Begley Bloom

St. Regis Venice

Overlooking the Grand Canal, the St. Regis Venice debuted in 2019 following a two-year renovation to the Grand Hotel Britannia, which originally opened in 1895—the year of the inaugural Venice Biennale. The hotel has hosted such artists as J.M.W. Turner and Claude Monet; both painted Grand Canal views on display in this hotel of 163 guest rooms and suites; all are designed with bright colors and full of natural light (and many have private balconies).

Art remains a central focus of the hotel. Works by Ai Weiwei adorn the halls in the form of eccentric chandeliers and cheeky “Middle Finger” sculptures. The hotel’s canal-side Arts Bar serves cocktails named after famous paintings and served in custom-designed glasses by Berengo Studio, located on the nearby island of Murano. (The hotel can arrange exclusive tours of the studio for guests.)

Thanks to its prime location less than five minutes by foot from Piazza San Marco, St. Regis Venice is full of cinematic moments, whether you’re disembarking from your private boat transfer at the hotel’s waterfront entrance or enjoying breakfast on the terrace at Gio’s as gondolas and seagulls sail by.

This article was originally published in 2024 and most recently updated on January 30, 2026, with current information.