It’s not too late to book that last-minute Valentine’s Day trip. If you’ve got the cash, here’s a list of ten of the most romantic hotels I’ve stayed at outside of North America. Bon chance!
Le Tahaa Private Island Resort, Tahiti: Possibly the most beautiful place I’ve stayed on the planet, with stunning over-water bungalows and a true South Pacific feel. A great Tahitian dance/fire show, too. See photo above.
Park Hyatt, Sydney: Hard to beat the view of the Sydney Opera House from this luxury property. Great food and service in a sleek and sexy hotel.
137 Pillars House, Chiang Mai: Stunning landscaping, luscious lighting and sexy design in a quiet enclave close to the action. A wonderful, evocative reading/relaxation room and a great spa make this a real Thailand gem.
Le Bristol, Paris: A stunning dining room, wonderful service and a great location near the Champs Elysees. Also, it’s featured in the fabulous Woody Allen film Midnight in Paris and has a very cool pool.
Hermitage Bay, Antigua: Secluded splash pools where you and your lover can soak with or without your clothes. Stunning views and marvellous landscaping, complete with outdoor showers.
Sugar Beach, St. Lucia: A postcard perfect location, with spectacular views of the towering Pitons. Wonderful suites and great food on one of the Caribbean’s best beaches just add to the pleasure.
Kauri Cliffs, New Zealand: A terrific location overlooking an impossibly blue bay dotted with small islands. The design is comfortable and elegant, the food is to die for, and the golf course is world-class.
Hoshinoya Kyoto: Visitors arrive by boat to a small inn carved into a hillside on a river. A marvellous sense of place, killer design and wonderful food. You also can learn the proper etiquette of a Japanese tea ceremony.
Ashford Castle, Ireland: A gorgeous, regal estate on a lake north of Galway. Have high tea in a gorgeous lobby area and check out the list of past guests for a glimpse into real royalty.
The Hassler Hotel, Rome: Magical views out over the city from a hotel perched atop the Spanish Steps. Great food and a wonderful courtyard for breakfast out back.
For my list of most romantic hotels in Canada, click here.
For my list of most romantic hotels in the U.S., click here.
