Because candlelit dinners at home keep getting hijacked by crying kids and cartoons on TV, maybe it’s time to escape properly. Forget the overdone beaches and predictable resorts. The most memorable romantic getaways often lie in unexpected corners, quiet, charming, and far from the crowds. If you’re sneaking off for a long-overdue couple’s weekend or plotting an anniversary worth bragging about, these unconventional destinations may offer more than just pretty scenery. Think soulful experiences, cosy spots where you can hear each other talk, and moments of togetherness that feel real, not rushed.

Instead of Paris, try the French Riviera Château Saint-Martin & Spa – France

Tucked into the rolling hills above the Côte d’Azur, this historic château is where timeless elegance meets Riviera charm. Emerging from its annual winter closure, Château Saint-Martin & Spa has reopened in May 2025, just as spring breathes new life into the hills of Vence. Set across 14 hectares of terraced gardens and century-old olive groves, the property commands sweeping views of the Mediterranean coastline. Its rooms, suites, and six secluded villas offer a rare sense of tranquillity and refined privacy, ideal for couples seeking a low-key romantic getaway. Guests may dine beneath ancient trees at the acclaimed Le Saint-Martin, indulge in a bespoke treatment at the Spa Saint-Martin by La Prairie, or simply linger by the infinity pool, where the French Riviera stretches out in soft, endless blue.

For bookings and more information, log on to Château Saint-Martin & Spa’s website.

Instead of the Swiss Alps, try Lausanne Palace – Switzerland

Trade ski lodges for lake views in this sophisticated Swiss city. Lausanne Palace offers Belle Époque glamour, spa indulgence, and an intimate setting right in the heart of the historic district, ideal for romantic strolls and spontaneous wine toasts. Rooms and suites offer sweeping views of Lake Geneva or Alpine peaks, an exquisite backdrop for slow mornings and shared sunsets. Days unfold effortlessly with intimate dining experiences at the hotel’s acclaimed La Table du Lausanne Palace or indulgent hours spent at the award-winning spa, designed for complete relaxation à deux. Just beyond the doors lies Lausanne itself, a city of quiet sophistication, where lakeside walks, art galleries, and vineyard tours await discovery. Whether for a honeymoon or an unhurried retreat, Lausanne Palace is an invitation to reconnect in surroundings as graceful as the love you share.

For bookings and more information, log on to Lausanne Palace’s website.

Instead of Phuket, try Hua Hin

Chiva-Som Hua Hin,Thailand

Swap beach crowds for serenity at Chiva-Som Hua Hin, an award-winning wellness sanctuary on the Gulf of Thailand. With its lush gardens, tailored wellness journeys, and elegant suites, this is a haven for couples seeking meaningful connection and restorative calm. For nearly three decades, this award-winning wellness retreat has harmoniously blended Eastern healing traditions with Western expertise to create deeply personalised journeys of renewal. From tranquil spa rituals to holistic therapies, every element is thoughtfully designed to nurture both body and mind. Guests begin with a bespoke health consultation, then unwind in elegant rooms and suites surrounded by lush gardens and calming sea breezes. Days together are spent in quiet restoration—floating in the water therapy suite, enjoying tailored fitness sessions, or sharing mindful meals crafted from the resort’s organic gardens. More than a retreat, Chiva-Som is a place to realign, reconnect, and rediscover one another in peaceful, purposeful harmony.

For bookings and more information, log on to Hua Hin Chiva-Som’s website.

Instead of Dubai, try Istanbul

Address Istanbul, Turkey

Where East meets West, Istanbul brims with old-world romance and cosmopolitan flair. Perched in the stylish Emaar Square complex, Address Istanbul offers skyline views, rooftop dining, and Turkish hammam rituals, just the kind of indulgence love stories are made of. Culinary life unfolds over two refined venues, The Restaurant and the intimate The Lounge, with in-room dining available for quiet, shared feasts of Turkish breakfast, complete with delicate pastries, regional cheeses and aromatic coffee. The Skyview deck on the 48th floor provides a dreamlike backdrop for sundowners, an unforgettable setting for toasting to shared moments. By day, discover dynamic Emaar Square, home to boutique shopping, an aquarium, and a cinema, or simply unwind by the indoor pool in peaceful seclusion.

For bookings and more information, log on to Address Istanbul’s website.

Instead of Mauritius, try the Seychelles

Cheval Blanc, Seychelles

Located along the unspoiled shores of Anse Intendance on Mahé Island, Cheval Blanc Seychelles marks the sixth Maison of LVMH’s illustrious collection, seamlessly blending Creole charm with contemporary artistry. Here, romance meets refined luxury amid Seychelles’ breathtaking natural canvas. Couples can tailor unforgettable romantic interludes, be it a private dinner under the stars or a serene helicopter flight to view the islands crafted by the Maison’s dedicated Ambassadeurs. Designed by Jean‑Michel Gathy, the Maison’s 52 villas range from 220 m² to 620 m² in size, each with a private infinity pool offering uninterrupted ocean or jungle views.

Dining unfolds across five distinctive venues: cosmopolitan Creole at Le White, Italian-inspired Vivamento, Japanese at Mizumi, beachside Mediterranean at Sula, and the haute‑cuisine elegance of Le 1947. Meanwhile, wellness is centred on the Guerlain‑inspired Cheval Blanc Spa, complete with eight treatment rooms and rituals drawing on Seychellois botanicals. Cheval Blanc Seychelles is a postcard-perfect escape in the heart of the Indian Ocean.

For bookings and more information, log on to Cheval Blanc Seychelles’s website.