For some indefinable reason there is a connection between the sea and the tender side of the human spirit. Whatever that mystical bond, it seems that, the most romantic spots in the world are located in the oceans or their coastlines. From the amazing tropical paradise islands of the Pacific and Indian Oceans to the Caribbean Sea and the azure waters off the gorgeous coasts of the Mediterranean, Aegean and Adriatic Seas.
The following are some places we think you should spend your honeymoon; propose to your loved one or renew those romantic feelings.
Kerala, India
‘God’s own country’ has been used to describe this paradise on the south-western Malabar Coast of India. It is accurate in every sense. Dazzling, pristine, un-crowded golden beaches; lush tropical forests; vast tracts of coconut groves; mile upon mile of green paddy fields and forested hills guarantee unparalleled experiences.
A houseboat cruise through green canopied naturally formed waterways and backwaters will enchant you so much that you never want to leave this green heaven.
Kyoto, Japan
This cherry-blossom tree filled city is ideal for those looking for quiet and serenity. It is a truly amazing place surrounded by lush green hills and breath-taking mountains. Perfectly formed trees line the streets and Chinese-style gardens are all over the place. Kyoto is also famed for the intricate and delicate craftsmanship of its pagodas with the golden Kinkaku-ji temple being the showpiece. A walk through the rock garden of Ryoan-ji and the Zen temples are sure to instil some peace and tranquillity in your soul and stir up those romantic feelings.
Bali, Indonesia
Bali has been deliberately designed by nature for romance. Its amazingly picturesque scenery, stunning beaches, streams, dramatic rock formations and sparkling waterfalls topped off with spectacular sunsets seem to have been crafted for lovers.
Human touches such as beautiful temples at every nook and bend; the warm, gentle, welcoming culture and colourful traditions of its people only add to an already heart-warming setting.
St. Barts
St Barts is a stand-out romantic island in a sea of wonderfully picturesque islands. It has everything – cool breezes, swaying palm trees lining absolutely stunning white-sand beaches with the blue waters of the Caribbean lapping its shores. All this capped by clear blue skies above. A tiny island, it has also managed to capture the chic and elegance of France, which governs it.
St. Barts is the real deal – a tropical island paradise. A place every honeymooner or romantic dreams of.
Venice, Italy
The very name conjures up star-filled skies, enchanting cafes, beautiful buildings and those captivating canals. Superlatives and adjectives such as magical seem to fall short when trying to capture the essence of this wonderful city.
The romantic power of a gondola ride through the canals of Venice can never be overstated. Add a dinner and you have the perfect potion for love and romance. “Happily ever after…” must have been invented by Venice.
The Seychelles, Africa
If it is solitude and seclusion you desire then The Seychelles is where you should disappear for your romantic getaway. Located off the east coast of southern Africa it is a balmy and truly exotic haven with guaranteed spectacular panoramic views. Empty beaches, unspoiled jungles filled with birds of every hue while sea birds soar above adding their calls to nature’s music.
Island hopping will fill you with unforgettable experiences. You will find places whose only inhabitants are giant tortoises; warm waters that you will be unable to resist. The friendly local Seychellois are a lovely mix of Indian, French, Southeast Asian ancestry, which shows up in the food, culture and buildings.
Maldives, Indian Ocean
Like some sparkling necklace the Maldives spreads it island jewels in the Indian Ocean. They exemplify the perfect island paradise. Made up of atolls, luminescent blue lagoons, coral reefs and swept by cool balmy breezes, they will have you in their thrall even as you see them from your aircraft window, for the first time,.
The various resorts on the islands will ensure that leaving will be a massive wrench. Thatched cottages and villas have private sundecks and steps leading straight down in the clear, shallow lagoons. Surf lapping under your cottage is the soothing lullaby that sends you off to dreamland. Sorry! You are already there.
If there is a heaven on earth, then, this is it! This is it.
Brugge (Bruges), Belgium
Chocolates are not the only good thing in Belgium. Brugge is the next best thing to fairytale land. Its quaint houses, cobblestone streets, winding canals, picturesque footbridges, ponds inhabited by majestic swans create a romantic atmosphere like no other. You will feel like a leading character in a Disney movie.
The Historic Centre (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is the world’s best example of a medieval town, where you can expect a horse-drawn carriage carrying a princess on her way to the ball to roll past you at any minute. Church spires and soaring towers gaze down upon picture-perfect village-like market squares.
You may never leave and who would want to leave a real-life wonderland!
Charleston, South Carolina, USA
There is no other place that matches Charleston for grace, charm and historic ambience than this picturesque Southern town. The antebellum architecture of this 300 year old city and its old world grace make it one of the most romantic places in North America.
Its magnolia lined streets and sprawling tall-pillar-fronted mansions are surrounded by manicured lawns and gardens. Leafy avenues bounded by profusely flowered parks are enough to change the way you walk, talk and interact with other folks. You will get all chivalrous and polite. The perfume of magnolias and honeysuckle fill the air and infuse you with romantic feelings. A major effect of all this magic is that couples come here just to get married at one of the charming white-painted churches.
The Italian Riviera
Medieval red-roofed villages perched on rocky hilltops; picturesque fishing villages packed with colorful boats straggling down hillsides towards the water’s edge; tiny pebbled or sandy beaches washed by the sapphire blue Mediterranean Sea. That’s what you get when you go to the Italian portion of the Riviera.
Visions of sturdy, sun-burned sailors heading out to sea to fish or discover distant lands will rise up in your mind’s eye. The possibility of brushing shoulders with princes and princesses and movie stars only add to the glamour of this whole region. There is nothing to beat the Italian Riviera for ambience, stunning views of the sea enhanced by vineyards and olive groves for good old-fashioned romanticism.
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