Love is in the Air

Photo credit: Laura Ockel from Unsplash

After almost two years of postponed, well, everything, maybe this is the year to plan a special surprise for the love in your life. I am not talking roses and chocolate here. Nope. I am talking about the gift of time and memories, shared experiences and moments to remember why you love that someone.

There are a gazillion places to go and ways to celebrate your love. That is for you to decide. In this post, I have compiled a short list of places to spark your imagination, all with a different vibe. And, as always, if you need some help or have some questions, I am always here.

So, read away and think about giving your love the gift of time with you.

New York City (Do It All Vibe)

As Alicia Keys sang in Empire State of Mind,

“In New York
Concrete jungle where dreams are made of
There's nothing you can't do
Now you're in New York
These streets will make you feel brand new
Big lights will inspire you
Hear it for New York”

From museums to Lincoln Center, sunset cruises and all the shopping, you can find it all in New York City.

For the romantic, there are strolls or carriage rides in Central Park. Or stealing kisses and romantic moments at the top of the Empire State Building a la “When Harry Met Sally”. Or you can create your own updated version on The Edge. There are so many restaurant options for a special evening from cozy and candlelit, to over-the-top.

If your love enjoys culture and art, some of the best museums are just an Uber ride away. Or maybe a Broadway show could be on the agenda. Or world class ballet.

Sneaking a long weekend away to New York City for this Valentine’s Day will cover just about all the boxes for some romantic time with your love.

Hawaii (Chill Vibe)

If you can steal a little more time away, who wouldn’t love a ticket to Hawaii?

You can spend the entire time just relaxing on the beach and watching those fabulous sunsets. You can brush the sand off to set out on a cocktail cruise at sunset.

For the more adventurous, there is no end to the natural beauty you can explore throughout all the islands. Maybe it is hiking the Nepali Coast or the Diamond Head Trail. If surfing is your thing, nothing beats Hawaii. You can snorkel with the manta rays and zipline in a rainforest. Or take a heli tour of the Nepali coastline. And for those brave (and crazy) souls, shark diving can be found.

And always end the day with those fabulous sunsets with your love.

Photo credit: Jose Llamas from Unsplash

Savannah (Charm Vibe)

Maybe your love is more into the charm of a southern town. If so, it is hard to beat Savannah. One of my favorite things to do in this city is to walk. Well, it is more like a stroll here. From the beautiful squares all over the city to the quirky shops on Bull Street, Savannah was made for walking.

And a stop in Savannah is not complete without a walk through Bonaventure Cemetery. I highly recommend going with a guide for all the best stories!

If you are feeling a bit outdoorsy, head to Tybee Island and rent some bikes. The beaches are gorgeous and the sea breezes will relax the soul.

Or, you can just eat and drink your way through your long weekend. From classics like Vic’s and the Olde Pink House, to amazing “newcomers” like Husk and The Grey, foodies will find a slice of heaven here. And nothing beats sunset cocktails on the rooftop bar at Perry Lane Hotel.

Photo credit: Leonard Cotte from Unsplash

Paris (Romantic Vibe)

I don’t know about you but I sort of fall in love just thinking about Paris. Felt by so many to be one of the most romantic cities on earth, Paris lives up to the hype. You just can’t go wrong with Paris.

The list of what to do here is endless but I will start with my favorite thing to do anywhere - wander. Paris is made for a stroll. Some of my favorite neighborhoods and places are the Marais, Montemarte, the Rodin Garden, the Tullieres and the Orangerie, and the Luxembourg Gardens. Stop at a cafe and people watch. Wander in and out of the shops and patisseries. And always wander the banks of the Seine.

Museums abound in Paris. From the Louvre to the Musee D’Orsay, with loads of smaller ones too. Whatever your taste in art, history, or culture, there is a museum to explore.

Take a cruise on the Seine for a romantic dinner. There are some kitschy cruises and then there are some 5 star ones. Stop to have a glass of champagne on the Eiffel Tower at sunset. Does it get more romantic than that???? Every meal can be a romantic one in Paris, from small, charming bistros to Michelin starred restaurants and tasting menus. You choose.

If you have a little more time, I highly recommend a day trip to Giverny, the home of Monet and where he painted his water lilies series. And, after you visit this beautiful spot, do hop in to the Musee l’Orangerie to see the actual paintings.

And there is nothing more romantic than a few days spent amongst the beautiful chateaux and vineyards of the Loire Valley outside of Paris.

Photo credit: Tom Podmore from Unsplash

Venice (Romance, Italian Style)

If you like your romance Italian style, there are so, so many places. But this city of canals fits the bill. Seriously, riding through the “streets” of Venice in a gondola. Ahhh, that is romance right there.

And, again, just wander. The beautiful Piazza San Marco has sites to see and cafes to rest. Take the elevator to the top of the Campanile for beautiful views of the city and beyond. And wander to the Bridge of Sighs.

To eat like a local, stop in one of the rooftop bars or cozy spots for apertivo and ciccheti (snacks) at the end of your day of wandering.

For a lovely day, hop on a ferry to Murano to see the gorgeous glass they are famous for. Or you can opt for one of the other islands or visit them all in a day.

And if you have the time, make your way to Verona to check out the balcony made famous in Romeo & Juliet. Yes, it was built after the book was published but my romantic heart can still envision the scene.

Photo credit: Sidhra Ibrahim from Unsplash

The Maldives (Over the Water and Over the Top)

If you want to knock your love’s socks off, then the Maldives will make it to your list. Situated off the coast of Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean, these islands are a little slice of Paradise.

The Maldives are known for their over-water bungalows, pristine beaches, and crystal clear water. You can relax at the beach or gaze into the endless horizon from your balcony. Water sports of all kinds abound here. From scuba and snorkeling to stand up paddle boards and kayaks. Take to the skies in a seaplane or by parasailing. Or grab a picnic lunch on a catamaran. It is all about the ocean here. And don’t miss the incredible sunsets.

To put the cherry on the love cake, treat yourselves to an amazing dinner at the world famous Ithaa Undersea Restaurant. Savor a delicious meal while the marine life swims over your head. For a romantic land based option, try Muraka, dining with the gentle lap of the waves at the edge of the outdoor dining section.

I promise you, The Maldives will scream romance to your love!

Photo credit: preillumination SeTH from Unsplash

Buenos Aries (Two to Tango)

The dance of love is the tango and Buenos Aries is the capital city of tango! Watch this dance come alive and you will swear you have never seen something that speaks the words of love more than this dance.

So, of course, you must take a tango lesson! Though this dance may take years to master, have some fun and try it yourselves. You can also hang in the San Telmo neighborhood and stop in at the many tango clubs.

When you and your love are not dancing, stroll the Palermo and La Boca neighborhoods. Learn about the country’s history at El Zanjan de Granados. Take in the opera at the Colon Theater.

For a romantic dinner, Buenos Aries has a world class selection, as well as the traditional steakhouses Argentina is famous for. Dig into a perfect steak at La Cabrera or try French, Thai, or Japanese/Peruvian fusion.

Love lives openly on the streets here so your time with your love will fit right in.

Bali (To Pop the Question)

Okay, so you are ready to pop that all important question. Can you imagine a better place than Bali?

There is something so relaxing and restorative about Bali. Yoga retreats and gorgeous beaches, floating breakfasts in your pool and quiet temples for meditative thought. Bali has long been a bucket list destination and perfect for lovers.

And it is not all yoga. Rent some bikes and cycle through the rice paddies of Ubud or Sidemen. Take a surf lesson on Kuta Beach. Take home authentic handicrafts from the amazing markets. Grab a hot air balloon ride or boat ride to see this magical place from a different perspective. Hike to amazing waterfalls. And do make that trip to the Ulun Danu Temple (photo above) for quiet time. There is so much to see and experience here.

So, maybe you are not quite ready for the next step but Bali may just change your mind …

I know there are a million and one places for romance all over the world. I just thought it would be fun to talk about a few of them as we approach our favorite day in February.

If you have questions or want help planning your romantic getaway, just give me a shout. In the meantime, show all the love this year!