Love is in the air! Are you looking to find a unique romantic getaway – to propose, to spend time together, or to rejuvenate from daily life? Maybe a traditional couples getaway isn’t for you (although Hawaii is lovely at any time, let’s be honest), and you’re looking to find adventure, culture, great wine, extraordinary scenery, and literary travel. I’ve got some places for you to explore together. 

Seychelles

If you’d like to hit some unusual beaches, envision the Seychelles. Where is the Seychelles, you might ask? It’s a small island off the coast of Africa, northeast of Madagascar. The Seychelles boast an array of gorgeous beaches, and is a leader in sustainable tourism. Why is it romantic? Besides the beaches, you can explore, participate in water sports, visit gardens, go birdwatching, and (my favorite) eat well. But really, what may be the most romantic aspect of the Seychelles is the ability to explore a unique destination together.   

Kusadasi, Turkey

Turkey is full of many great things that make for a romantic getaway – a deeply beautiful country, extraordinary food, and that famous Turkish hospitality. I’ve never seen a more romantic place than at the Hotel Kismet (click for rates and availability), in Kusadasi, Turkey. Located near Ephesus (so you can explore ruins and ancient history), Kusadasi boasts a beautiful marina, history, shopping, and beaches galore. Wander the terrace at Kismet, dine al fresco overlooking the marina, and then meander to your room to snuggle on the balcony and watch the islands of both Turkey and Greece by moonlight. There's a reason they say #LovefromTurkey...

Bonus points for quoting Rumi, who lived in Konye, Turkey: 

The minute I heard my first love story,
I started looking for you, not knowing
how blind that was.

Lovers don't finally meet somewhere,
they're in each other all along.

From Essential Rumi by Coleman Barks
 

Traverse City, Michigan

Traverse City, located in northwest Michigan near America’s most beautiful place, Sleeping Bear Dunes, is fun for families – and couples. There are rolling hills, wineries galore, unique shopping, the Blue Tractor, House of Doggs, Red Ginger, Trattoria Stella, and many other restaurants, from diners to five stars, art and great cultural events, and oh, the scenery. Stroll the beach (there are many), visit vineyard after vineyard, hike, bike, kayak, or just drive – the scenery will captivate you! Head there during any season - spring brings gorgeous flowers, summer the beaches, fall boasts spectactular colors, and winter is a snow bunny's paradise. Reconnecting while being in such gorgeous country will fulfill your heart – and soul. 

Hobbiton, New Zealand

Let’s be honest – there’s something romantic about Hobbiton – maybe it’s the round doors leading to beautiful, comfortable, cozy houses (but definitely not the feet). Maybe it’s the rolling landscape, like a dream from childhood. Or maybe it’s our own dreams of living within a novel (The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings series, thank you, Tolkien) that make this something to yearn for. Hobbiton is the real-life village created for the Tolkien films. And if a ring somehow makes it into the picture, well, you know what to do…

St John’s, Newfoundland

St. John’s is a unique destination – the easternmost point of North America, a land of interesting names, fascinating history, and immense natural beauty. Go whale watching, find some puffins (it’s not hard – just open your eyes!), meander down Jellybean Row, dine in any of the remarkable restaurants that are leading the charge to locally source excellent meals, listen to music, shop, indulge in bakeries and the Newfoundland Chocolate Company (swoon), find some literary lights, and sit anywhere together to take in the exceptional view.

Photos:

Word photo - Kusadasi, Turkey: Wandering Educators
Seychelles: Wikimedia Commons: Tobi87
Kusadasi: Wandering Educators
Traverse City: Traverse City Tourism www.traversecity.com
Hobbiton: Brad Miner
St. John's: Destination St John’s destinationstjohns.com