Travel Bloggers Share Their Most Romantic Destinations for Valentine’s Day

In the spirit of celebrating love this week, I asked some of my friends in the travel blogging community to share their most romantic destinations. Without further ado, here are some of the best places to canoodle with your significant other. I’ve divided them in to warm weather and cold weather categories.

Warm and Romantic

Bask in the sun, swim in the sea, hike in the mountains with your sweetheart in these warm weather destinations….

Hawaii

Kate from rtw Travel Guide says: My vote for most romantic warm destination is Hawaii. Although the main island of Oahu is developed, it still has MANY awesome, uncrowded beaches. It’s a very easy destination. The flight is short, and anything you forget, you can buy there. Driving around the island is easy, so there’s no reason not to rent a car and explore, especially the North Shore. During the week you may be the only one at some of the beaches. I think I agree with Kate. Oahu is very romantic indeed! Especially the North Shore!

Bariloche, Argentina

For a warm and romantic valentine escape, Eva Gold of Passports & Pamplemousse recommends San Carlos de Bariloche in the south of Argentina. She writes: Bariloche is a popular summer-time escape and truly picturesque in the month of February. The Nahuel Huapi National Park offers 2 million acres worth of pristine lakes, mountains, waterfalls, hiking trails and glaciers, so there are plenty of opportunities to escape the tourists. A luxury valentine may want to spend the evening in the famous Llao Llao Hotel while budget valentine’s can enjoy a bonfire and a champagne toast with a stunning view of the lake at sunset from your tent’s window; a definite room with a view! Take a side-trip to El Bolson, enjoy some unique outdoor sports, and don’t forget to taste all the wonderful chocolate and ice cream that Bariloche is famous for! I’ve personally always wanted to go to Bariloche, but I thought I wanted to go there to ski in the winter. Eva has convinced me that the summer would be the most beautiful (and romantic!) time to visit!

Cartagena, Colombia

Carmen of Visit Ecuador and South America believes Colombia is a great destination for those celebrating love.

Enigmatic, colorful Cartagena is a perfect destination for a love-struck couple, she says. Idyllically situated on the Caribbean Sea, the warm sun constantly bathes the pristine beaches. Cartagena’s charming, colonial architecture provides a colorful and romantic backdrop that’s sure to put you in the mood. Carmen recommends the following restaurants to end your night right: La Langosta Cartagena This restaurant is targeted to those who enjoy seafood, and specially lobster. impeccable service and mouth-watering food await! El Balcon de San Diego. Located in the heart of Cartagena, the restaurant has been described as “phenomenal”, Caribbean, Colombian, International, Fusion Nice atmosphere indoors and outdoors by the historic Plaza San Diego, perfect for a romantic occasion! Salou, Offering Colombian, Pacific Rim and Asian fusion, this place has been reviewed as fantastic in every sense. Good service and the ambiance is very romantic! Read about her other recommendations for top romantic destinations in South America. Some friends of mine went to Cartagena on their honeymoon and loved it. I can’t wait to go there with Alan! Maybe for Valentine’s day next year!  

Cuddly and Cold

Cozy up next to a crackling fire with your honey in these stunning cold weather locales.

Mt. Rigi, Switzerland

Eva recommends Mt. Rigi in Switzerland. She says: What could be more romantic than seeing the sun set from the top of Mt. Rigi. Often dubbed as the Queen of the Mountains, Mt. Rigi offers some of the most unique and impressive panoramic views across not one, but two Swiss Cantons (Schwyz and Lucerne). In the winter, as the sun sets earlier, you’ll have a good chance to be above the cloud-line and admire the orange sky behind a chain of stunning Mountains, as it slips silently into night time. Top off your evening in a cozy mountain cabin by the fire with some Swiss Fondue and a bottle of Champagne, or make a reservation for the evening candlelit Spa at the local Mineral Baths, which would make any romantic weekend complete! I’ve never been to Mt. Rigi, but I went to the Swiss ski resort Verbier. It was pretty darn romantic!

Rothenberg, Germany

Jo from Frugal Firstclass Travel writes: I nominate the fairytale town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber as my perfect choice for winter romance. With much of the town dating back to the fifteenth and sixteenth century it looks wonderful at any time of the year, but I love it best in winter, covered in snow. Prior to Christmas, Rothenburg pulls out all the stops with a Christmas market in its atmospheric town square. Wander the aisles sipping a gluhwein, and choose a locally made Christmas decoration while local school children sing Christmas carols. Come the evening, and the town glows in the gentle nighttime light, as you head out for a romantic dinner a deux. My choice? Succulent goose breast, washed down with a local beer.

Connect with Jo on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram I’ve only been to Rothenberg in the summer, and even then, it was very picturesque and romantic. Now I’m itching to go in the snowy winter.

Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel, Norway

Keith of Travel Rat shared an article he wrote about Norway’s Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel. Near Alta, it is one of the northernmost ice hotels in Norway. The hotel has a very unique characteristic. Like other ice hotels, it is there one moment, gone the next, like a wintery mirage melting under the warm spring sun every year. These ice institutions are dug out of the snow bank and recreated every winter. Keith reports that guests, who rarely stay more than one night, sleep on reindeer hides in chambers cut out from the snow. Staff keep warm in heavy-duty ponchos and furry hats with earflaps. The hotel is equipped with an ice chapel, which is consecrated, and licensed for weddings. The Honeymoon Suite, he says, “is really quite cosy; especially as there’s a fire in the room … (but, don’t ask me how they do it!)”

I’ve never been to Norway, but I’m putting this hotel on my travel list- preferably to enjoy with my husband!

Castles in Ireland

Lough Eske Castle in County Donegal, Ireland (15 mins from town)

Lance of Travel Addicts writes: For us, the environment is what creates the mood.  Romance is defined not by the place on the map, but what you find when you get there.  In 2013, no place was more romantic for us than staying in a charming castle in Ireland.  You arrive at a majestic old castle and cross the threshold into the dark wood paneled lobby.  Nearby, a turf fire burns brightly in the open fireplace, casting playful shadows about the room.  A friendly inn keeper bids you welcome and gives you cup of hot tea as you settle into a large couch for two.  Now that is romance! I wish we had stayed in a castle when we went to Ireland. Maybe next time…     Check out some other romantic destinations collaborations and round-ups from: Traveling with MJ, Travel Photo Discovery, and J Dombs Travel.

What are your favorite romantic destinations?