In 2017, our readers highlighted their favorite romantic hotels, showcasing the most enchanting getaways.
Before departing, Tiffany Dowd was already dreaming of her next romantic escape to The Brando, a luxurious resort located on a private atoll in the South Pacific. 'I couldn't stop asking my husband when we could return,' the renowned luxury hotel expert shared with Dinogo. During their stay in a beachfront villa complete with a private infinity pool and an outdoor soaking tub, they snorkeled, indulged in spa treatments, and participated in Polynesian cultural activities (she learned palm weaving while he took ukulele lessons). 'It’s one of the rare places where I truly felt disconnected from everything,' she reminisced. 'It feels like you’re in a perfect postcard setting, just the two of you.' Of course, you aren’t entirely alone; The Brando boasts 35 villas and a staff of 200. However, its exquisite design and private island allure make it easy to forget about anyone else. 'The Brando is a once-in-a-lifetime destination you'll want to visit repeatedly,' Dowd concluded.
Each year, for our World’s Best Awards survey, T+L invites readers to share their experiences with travel around the world, offering insights into the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more.
T+L readers echoed Dowd's sentiments about The Brando, awarding it a perfect score for romance in this year’s World’s Best Awards survey. (An impressive nine other hotels also achieved flawless scores this year, ranked below by votes). No matter their location, this year's selection of romantic hotels all emphasize a dedication to discreet, personalized service and provide couples with the chance to savor intimate moments in breathtaking settings — whether it’s a Tahitian atoll, the serene countryside of Vermont, or Argentina’s charming wine region.
15. Cavas Wine Lodge, Argentina
Image courtesy of Cavas Wine LodgeCavas Wine Lodge provides wine lovers with a luxurious retreat nestled in the picturesque Mendoza wine region of Argentina. Each of its 18 rooms boasts stunning views of the Andes mountains to the west, creating a romantic setting for couples enjoying their private decks, which feature outdoor showers and plunge pools. After a day of biking or horseback riding through the vineyards, guests can indulge in massages at the spa, where wine-infused treatments include a Malbec scrub and a Torrontés wrap.
14. Farmhouse Inn, California
Image courtesy of Farmhouse InnSet amid the lush forests of the Russian River Valley, this opulent compound of cream-yellow structures encircling a historic farmhouse embodies rustic elegance. Each of the 25 spa-like rooms serves as a romantic sanctuary, featuring plush featherbeds, expansive fireplaces, and jet tubs filled with artisanal organic soaps and bath bombs. A dedicated team of five concierges caters to every whim, offering hyper-personalized service. They can organize exclusive wine tours led by a sommelier, soothing couples’ treatments at the inn’s farm-to-massage-table spa, and reservations at the finest dining establishments in the area. Guests need not venture far for gourmet cuisine, as the Farmhouse Inn houses a Michelin-starred restaurant that is a celebrated Sonoma landmark.
13. Castello di Casole—A Timbers Resort, Italy
Image courtesy of Castello di CasoleSpanning 100 acres, this luxurious resort is set within a historic medieval estate surrounded by vineyards of Cabernet, Sangiovese, and Petit Verdot, along with ancient olive groves. The remaining 4,100 acres consist of rolling hills and meadows, dotted with walking trails and teeming with pheasants and deer. Guests can either wander the expansive grounds or savor the exquisite wines, or retreat to their villa or the main palazzo for a revitalizing spa treatment followed by a private cooking class featuring local truffles. Planning to propose here? The resort can connect you with one of Florence’s renowned jewelers to design a bespoke engagement ring.
12. Manoir Hovey, Canada
Image courtesy of Manor HoveyNestled in the picturesque eastern townships of rural Quebec, Manoir Hovey started as an opulent summer residence for an Atlanta businessman in 1900. The resort continues to embody that enchanting sense of escape. Spanning 30 acres along the shores of Lake Massawippi, most of its 37 refined rooms offer stunning views of the serene waters. Couples seeking a warm-weather getaway can enjoy canoeing, swimming, and hiking, while winter guests can snuggle by their ensuite fireplaces with s’mores and homemade hot chocolate.
1. (tie) Nihi Sumba, Indonesia
Image courtesy of NihiwatuWith thatched villas featuring canopy beds and plunge pools, over 400 acres of preserved tropical jungle, and 1.5 miles of exclusive white-sand beach, Nihi Sumba is a secluded eco-resort where adventurous couples can indulge their Robinson Crusoe fantasies. Surfers from around the globe flock here to tackle Occy’s Left, a challenging reef break just offshore. For maximum seclusion, lovebirds should book the new Rahasia Villa, perched on a hilltop behind the Nihioka Spa, far from other guests.
1. (tie) Rosewood CordeValle, California
Image courtesy of CordeValle, A Rosewood ResortNestled in the foothills of Northern California’s Santa Cruz Mountains, Rosewood CordeValle is a popular weekend escape for discerning Bay Area residents in search of romantic tranquility. The rooms, adorned in soft cream tones with wooden and leather accents, come equipped with fireplaces and private patios, most offering views of the resort's gently undulating 18-hole golf course. Guests may want to pause their game after the sixth hole, where Clos La Chance winery welcomes them for exclusive tastings. For couples seeking a deeper wine experience, a joint massage at the resort’s Sense spa is a perfect option; the Vineyard Vitality treatment incorporates grape seeds from the estate’s 150-acre vineyard in a rejuvenating body scrub.
1. (tie) Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco, Italy
Image courtesy of Rosewood Castiglion del BoscoRomantic travelers seeking enchantment under the Tuscan sun flock to Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco, situated atop one of Val d’Orcia’s picturesque hills adorned with cypress trees. This expansive 5,000-acre estate was once a village, featuring a Medieval town center and Etruscan ruins. The resort's commitment to exceptional service begins even before guests arrive. For instance, upon a couple’s drive from Monte Carlo, the property arranged for them to enjoy aperitifs and wine tasting in its vineyards. Instead of heading straight to reception, they were guided to a breathtaking viewpoint, where they sipped Brunello di Montalcino, and he proposed just as the sun dipped below the horizon. (She accepted!)
1. (tie) Petit St. Vincent, St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Image courtesy of Petit St. Vincent ResortWith no Wi-Fi, phones, or televisions, Petit St. Vincent demonstrates that stunning Caribbean views, beach barbecues, and starlit nights far surpass Netflix. This low-tech resort encourages guests to fully embrace the present moment. When you’re on a private island surrounded by crystal-clear waters, staying in a stone-and-timber cottage with expansive sliding glass doors leading to private sundecks overlooking the ocean, it’s easy to disconnect and unwind.
1. (tie) Amandari, Indonesia
Image courtesy of AmandariAt Amandari, a thatch-roofed resort perched above the Ayung River gorge, privacy reigns supreme. The 30 freestanding suites are completely secluded by walls of local paras stone, featuring glass doors that open to lush gardens on three sides. Scenic, tree-lined paths wind through this reimagined Balinese village, but couples should head straight to the serene spa nestled beside a lotus pond. Conclude your day with a private dinner at Amandari’s elegant teak and bamboo bale, beautifully adorned with tropical flowers and offering views of the rice paddies below.
1. (tie) Cala de Mar Resort & Spa Ixtapa, Mexico
Image courtesy of Capella IxtapaCala de Mar Resort & Spa Ixtapa boasts 54 suites, but thanks to the resort's clever design, it feels wonderfully private. Each room cascades down a coastal cliff and features outdoor terraces with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, complete with secluded infinity-edge plunge pools discreetly positioned away from other guests.
1. (tie) Londolozi, South Africa
Image courtesy of LondoloziT+L readers are enamored with Londolozi, a collection of five unique safari camps that line the Sand River within South Africa’s Sabi Sand Game Reserve. The wildlife viewing here is exceptional, with game drives focused on spotting leopards, though it’s common to also encounter elephants, water buffalo, and white rhinos. However, it’s the attentive service, Michelin-star quality cuisine, and stunning accommodations that have earned Londolozi a perfect score in the romance category on this year’s survey. Couples are encouraged to choose the ultra-exclusive Granite Suites camp, featuring private pools and a secluded location next to a granite outcropping.
1. (tie) The Brando, Tahiti
Image courtesy of The BrandoOnce a summer retreat for Tahitian royalty, the lush Tetiaroa atoll became the private getaway of Hollywood star Marlon Brando in the 1960s. Today, Tetiaroa remains just as exclusive, thanks to The Brando, which opened in 2014. Couples from around the globe flock here for an ultra-romantic stay in one of 35 indoor-outdoor villas, each with its own private pool. Enjoying champagne picnics for two, torch-lit dinners beneath the stars, and tranquil beach walks has made The Brando a top choice for romance, earning it a perfect score in this year’s survey.
1. (tie) Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, Thailand
Image courtesy of Four Seasons Resort Koh SamuiSince its opening a decade ago on the scenic hills of Thailand’s Laem Yai peninsula, Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui has witnessed countless marriage proposals. “We’ve never had anyone say ‘no’ to the question,” remarked conference services manager Worawan Grongthong to T+L. “There must be something in the air.” T+L readers concur, praising the resort for its couples-focused offerings, which include sunset massages, candle-lit dinners by the sea, and private excursions on the property's yacht, Minor Affair.
1. (tie) Twin Farms, Vermont
Image courtesy of Twin FarmsCouples are enthusiastic about Twin Farms, a 300-acre adults-only sanctuary nestled in a wooded area of Vermont. In addition to a myriad of activities, from canoeing in pristine New England waters to downhill skiing in winter, the resort shines in its culinary offerings. Guests can observe chef Nathan Rich and his team from the exclusive chef’s table or arrange a lavish picnic for two amidst the expansive grounds. For accommodations, consider booking The Aviary Cottage, a two-story house of glass, stone, and cedar, complete with a sunken hot tub in front of a cozy fireplace.
1. (tie) The Inn at Willow Grove, Virginia
Image courtesy of The Inn at Willow GroveNestled at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, The Inn at Willow Grove has earned the title of this year’s most romantic destination, receiving the highest number of perfect-score votes from T+L readers. After a day of savoring exceptional vintages from central Virginia's wine country, couples return to this historic Federalist manor from 1778, featuring a grand triple-decker front portico, just in time for evening canapés and intimate dinners at the inn’s warmly lit gastropub. Later, they retreat to cream-hued guestrooms, suites, or private cottages, many equipped with gas fireplaces, and await the delivery of house-made beignets.
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Evaluation :
5/5