By: Lesley Murphy // Follow on Instagram @LesleyAnneMurphy and TheRoadLesTraveled.com
I travel for the romance. (That would make a great T-shirt.) I travel for various reasons, but yeah, I tend to always look for the sweeping views, the intimate feels, cozy cocktail bars and the unexpected elements. There are many reasons to travel, including but not limited to: discovering new cultures, meeting new people, tasting new cuisines, shopping till you drop or run out of money, finding yourself or discovering the person with whom you’re traveling. It’s been said that if you really want to get to know a person, travel with them.
After my many years of globe-trotting, I know this to be true. Think about it. Not only are you spending massive amounts of time with that someone, but it’s a particularly revealing kind of time. This person is pushed out of their routine, out of their comfort zone, to new realities – whether they be good or bad. Trips have the potential to go horrendously wrong. How will your travel companion handle it? Make a scene and cuss out the flight attendant, or shrug it off and find the humor in the situation? I find it funny that the first thing couples do when they get married is board an airplane together, as if matrimony wasn’t daunting enough. You may learn that together you’re a good team, and perhaps return home closer than ever. This was exactly the case for my boyfriend and me.
I’ve been living in Buenos Aires, Argentina, for the past year and a half. I left the U.S. with two bags and my sub par Spanish skills to move in with my boyfriend. We’ve traveled all over the continent of South America together, and I can’t begin to tell you how often I think, “What did I do to deserve this life?” It’s the good life, that’s for certain, and with it, I aim to instill the very same passion of travel and the good it brings into everyone I can get my hands on.
Speaking of passion and hands on, Valentine’s Day is upon us. As much an admired holiday as a resented holiday, the truth is… you can’t escape it. Ready or not, the pink candy hearts and boxes of chocolates will drown out even the soft sobs of the single people who hate life on February 14th. What better way to celebrate an amorous holiday than to feature some of the most romantic hotels throughout South America?
Argentina
Faena Hotel
Where: Buenos Aires
Why We Love It: From the moment you walk in, you can see, taste, smell and feel the romance. This place exudes seduction. With white leather chairs, red velvet carpet and the cities best tango show, anyone can fall in love here. Also: spa, spa, spa. Hands down – the best in the city!
Brazil
Ponta dos Ganchos
Where: Florianópolis
Why We Love It: First off, it’s adults-only. This place doesn’t even need to have a pool designated solely for loud and possibly screaming children, because it’s ADULT-ONLY. It’s also surrounded by a rain forest with optional private island for two. Sign me up.
Chile
Tierra Atacama
Where: Atacama Desert
Why We Love It: This place is in the middle of nowhere. You can’t get much more secluded from the world than here, in the driest place on earth. Don’t let that statistic scare you, though. This desert resort is beyond cozy with some of the most incredible views I’ve ever laid eyes on.
Chile
Explora Patagonia
Where: Patagonia
Why We Love It: So you know how I just said in the section above that it had some of the prettiest views I’ve ever laid eyes on?
Well, this rivals the heck out of it. In fact, it may rival that romantic kiss you’ll share with your significant other: Both will take your breath away.
Colombia
Tcherassi Hotel + Spa
Where: Cartagena
Why We Love It: The seven oversized guest rooms at Tcherassi Hotel + Spa are dripping in luxury and oozing with romance. Enjoy the private label ‘his and hers’ bathrobes designed by fashion designer and hotel owner, Silvia Tcherassi.
Peru
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo
Where: Machu Picchu
Why We Love It: Located in a cloud forest in the heart of the Machu Picchu historical sanctuary is a royal Inca retreat awaiting discovery. This place is the synonym for secret garden. Each turn manifests new sights such as waterfalls, lush plants, overgrown benches, private trails and pathways to the heavens. Check into the Relais & Châteaux suite and find a land of romance with private outdoor shower, hot tub and lounge area.
Ecuador
Casa Gangotena
Where: Quito
Why We Love It: Location, location, location. And for Casa Gangotena, it doesn’t get much better than being in the heart of Quito, the capital city of Ecuador. Walking into the newly restored historic mansion, guests are greeted with fine furnishings and abundant light from the pristine atrium. The 31 rooms are decked out in luxurious amenities, but the highlight here is the food. I ate here entirely too many times during my three day stint in Quito. You just can’t mess up a good thing.
Uruguay
Four Seasons Carmelo
Where: Carmelo
Why We Love It: A hop, skip and a jump from the bustling metropolis of Buenos Aires, Argentina, lives a resort so tucked away and tranquil on the banks of the Rio de la Plata. Perfect for couples itching for a city escape, this 1 part beach, 1 part forest, and 1 part winery resort will have guests coming back for more. The best part: Inside the massive bungalows are generously sized bathtubs, perfect after a day on horseback!
If the gift of travel isn’t going to fit in with the budget this year, make a move south for something he or she will love. Every kiss begins with ‘K’… and a little gift on the side. And if you’re going through this holiday single, treat yourself!
FOR HIM
Men’s Pullover | Camera | Beer Mugs | Backpack | GoPro | Watch | Luggage Tag | Leather Cooler | Flask | Cuff Links |Turntable | Boxers | Hey Handsome Dopp Kit | Coasters | Noise Canceling Headphones | Phone Charger | Wine Rack | Ugg Slippers | Nike Pegasus Running Shoes |
FOR HER
Watch | Polaroid Camera | Charm Necklace | Evil Eye Necklace | Luggage Tag | Passport Cover | Luggage Tag | PJ Set |Headphones | Pink Suitcase | Chocolate Covered Strawberries | Wine Rack | XOXO Sign | Heart Bowls | Envelope Clutch |Wallet | Scratch-Off Map | Copper Mugs