Maui Named World’s Most Romantic Place By U.S. Travelers; Porter Airlines Launches Toronto-Phoenix Daily Nonstops

I always knew I was ahead of my time.

Okay, all joking aside, I was happy to read in Travel + Leisure magazine that a poll of 2,000 U.S. travellers found that Maui is the most romantic place on earth.

The magazine said that FunJet Vacations recently released the findings of a poll it conducted with Talker Research looking into the most romantic destinations in the world. After polling 2,000 “general population Americans” to find out their preferred spots for romance, it turned out that Maui led the way, with 34% of respondents naming it the most romantic destination in the world.

Paris was a close second at 33%, while Rome was third at 29%. Venice was fourth, followed by Cancun, Mexico. Other notable mentions were Santorini, Costa Rica and the British Virgin Islands. Cupids, Newfoundland should have made the list but didn’t do so.

The same companies also asked American travellers what state they’d like to visit most. Hawai’i came out on top a 18%, followed by California (16%), Florida (14), Alaska (13) and Colorado (11). 

If you’re looking for romance on Maui, here are a few suggestions for places to stay and eat, and for things to do.

Take in a magical sunset

Sunsets on Maui are spectacular, with warm weather, rustling palm trees, awe-inspiring strands of pink and orange clouds, and (something many experts seem to overlook), the islands of Molokai, Lana’i and Kahoolawe in the background for contrast and visual interest.  One of the best places for a sunset is Napili Beach on west Maui. The beach bar at the Napili Kai Beach Resort has great mai tais and sits only a few feet from the water. The views are perhaps even better if you snag a window table at their Sea House Restaurant. But, really, you can’t go wrong with a sunset anywhere on the west-facing part of Maui from the Makena/Wailea/Kihei area up to Kaa’anapali, Kahana, Napili and Kapalua.

Where to dine

I mentioned romantic dinners already, but the most love-inspiring dining spot on the island is almost certainly Mama’s Fish House. The fish is caught fresh, and they can even tell you the name of the fisherman and where it came from. The lighting and casual atmosphere is beguiling, and they have tiki torches that flicker under the palm trees alongside a pretty beach. For something more casual, try an outside table at Hula Grill or Leilani’s on the Beach at Ka’aanapali Beach, where they usually have free entertainment. Grammy Award winner George Kahumoku Jr., who’s a huge treat to see in concert, often appears at Leilani’s. 

Beautiful boat rides

A number of companies run sunset boat tours, usually with drinks and food. Check your hotel for options, or ask around at Ma’alaea Harbor, where a number of boat charter companies are located. Day-time whale watching tours also are wonderful. My wife and I had a lovely morning outrigger canoe ride last year that was set up by the folks at the Wailea Beach Resort by Marriott.

Luas, hula shows and torch-lighting ceremonies

Most of the big hotels, including the Wailea Beach Marriott and the Westin Ka’anapali, put on fine luaus. Old Lahaina Luau often gets recognized as the best on the island, and they reopened a few months ago. There are free hula shows at the Outrigger Ka’anapali Beach Hotel (they also have free Hawaiian language lessons and other free programs) and at the Lahaina Cannery (Sundays at 1 p.m.), as well as at the beautiful Shops at Wailea. There’s no charge to watch the torch-lighting ceremony at the Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa at Ka’anapali Beach, which ends with the blowing of a conch shell and a diver taking the plunge into the ocean from the heights of Black Rock.

ARIZONA LOVERS: PORTER AIRLINES LAUNCHES TORONTO-PHOENIX FLIGHTS

Canadians have a new, direct route to sunny Arizona.

Porter Airlines on 03OCT began daily, non-stop flights between YYZ and PHX. It marks Porter’s first flights to the Grand Canyon State, a popular spot for vacationing Canadians.

Phoenix and next-door Scottsdale are known for their stunning desert landscapes, world-renowned resorts, and vibrant food and arts scenes.

“This inaugural flight from Toronto to Phoenix builds on Porter’s growing Western U.S. presence – now with service in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Palm Springs, San Diego and San Francisco,” said Kevin Jackson, president, Porter Airlines “Our unique approach to economy air travel is something that Arizona will welcome, as we continue delivering on our promise of making flying better.”

Flights depart Toronto at 10 a.m. ET daily, and arrive in Phoenix at noon Arizona time. Return flights leave Phoenix at 1 p.m. local time and arrive in Toronto at 8:05 p.m. ET.

Passengers on this route experience Porter’s signature elevated economy service aboard the state-of-the-art Embraer E195-E2 aircraft. Featuring no middle seats, complimentary wine and beer served in glassware, premium snacks, and free high-speed WiFi. Porter delivers a travel experience like no other.

PorterReserve passengers enjoy additional benefits such as priority check-in, enhanced legroom, and fresh, healthy meals, while these features can also be purchased à la carte with PorterClassic fares.

Connections are available to and from Montréal, Ottawa, and Halifax via Porter’s Toronto-Pearson hub.

TOP TRENDING DESTINATIONS FOR 2025 INCLUDES THAILAND, FRANCE AND  AUSTRALIA

Amex’s recent Trendex report indicates 74% of Canadians are looking to travel this holiday season, with 20% having already booked a trip. Among those Canadians travelling for the holidays, 76% are planning to travel internationally (rising to 82% among Gen Z), while 59% will opt for exploring domestic destinations. 

American Express Travel today reveals it’s 2025 Trending Destinations list, highlighting the top ten must-visit places for 2025 with Millennial and GenZ travellers in mind. This year’s list features noteworthy destinations based on global Amex Cardmember travel bookings and expertise from Amex Travel’s global network of Travel Consultants.  The 2025 Trending Destinations list includes: 

• BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – Located between the Gold and Sunshine Coasts, Brisbane offers excellent museums as well as vibrant dining and nightlife.  (Haven’t spent much time in the city but love the Sunshine Coast. Brisbane will host the 2032 Summer Olympic Games and is revitalizing vast areas of town.)

• BRITTANY, FRANCE – Distinctive culture, coastal scenery and miles of seaside walking paths like the GR34 trail top the list of reasons to visit the Brittany region.  

• FRANSCHHOEK, SOUTH AFRICA – Franschhoek, the mountain-ringed gem in the Cape Winelands region, is an ideal add-on to a safari vacation with nearly 50 wineries, farm-to-table restaurants and hiking.  (I visited a few years ago and loved the wine and the scenery.)

• KOH SAMUI, THAILAND – 88-square-mile Koh Samui offers a dreamy combo of lush jungle, white sand beaches, and turquoise waters, perfect for active travelers or those looking to relax. The island will be featured on a popular TV show scheduled to air next year and is sure to inspire set-jetting travelers. (Great Asian destination)

• MACAU, CHINA – Though The Historic Centre of Macau enjoys UNESCO World Heritage status, and the local Cantonese-Portuguese fusion cuisine is a must-try for foodies, the supersized casinos are the reason this densely populated peninsula, known as the “Las Vegas of the East,” boasts a number of award-winning restaurants. (Great food and beaches, too)

• MOAB, UTAH, UNITED STATES – As the gateway to Utah’s “Mighty Five” national parks, Moab is a perfect starting point to explore the American Southwest. Travelers come for world-class rafting, mountain biking, and canyon hiking – or simply to bask in the red rock scenery. (A perfect gateway to Arches National Park, which is way beyond stunning.)

• NIKKO, JAPAN – This tucked away mountain retreat in mostly rural Tochigi prefecture blends elements of Kyoto and Mt. Fuji, with photogenic waterfalls and abundant hiking trails.  

• PAROS, GREECE – Laid-back Paros has become the Greek island of choice for many with a vibrant cultural scene and rocky coastline studded with beaches, secluded coves, and sea caves. (I visited in 1989 and thought it was magical. Hardly any tourists in those days.)

• SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL – This multi-ethnic city is one of the great cultural destinations of South America and home to rich architectural heritage and some of the continent’s best museums, street art, and homegrown fashion. 

• SUN VALLEY, IDAHO, UNITED STATES – With fewer crowds than other Western ski resorts, Sun Valley appeals to premium travelers and everyday outdoor enthusiasts alike. During the summer months travelers can enjoy trout fishing, whitewater rafting, mountain biking and more. (Beautiful part of the USA, with rugged mountains all around.)