St. Barts, French West Indies
Why Go: On this très chic and très French island brimming with yachties, jet-setters and celebs, you’ll have to keep reminding yourselves that you’re in the Caribbean— not on the French Riviera.
Where to Stay: Decorated in French colonial style, your spacious cottage at the exclusive Hôtel Le Toiny has a private entrance, panoramas of the bay of Toiny and a red letterbox flag that serves as a “Do Not Disturb” sign. Try the French cuisine at the property’s Restaurant Le Gaiac (from $776, Le Toiny).
What to Do: Circle the island by sailboat to peruse your options. St. Barts has 14 beaches, each with a unique draw. For snorkelling and swimming, try St. Jean and Grand Cul-de-Sac. For privacy, hit Saline. To check out an unparalleled natural collection of seashells, visit Shell Beach. When you’ve had enough sun, shop the boutiques of Gustavia for souvenirs.
Machu Picchu, Peru
Why Go: Discovering the Incan ruins of the “Lost City” is so much better when you’re with your partner in crime.
Where to Stay: Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge is the closest hotel to the ruins—so you can easily arrive earlier and stay later than other tourists (from $860, all inclusive, Sanctuary Lodge Hotel).
What to Do: Climb up Huayna Picchu for insane views of the ruins. Relax with an aromatherapy treatment at the lodge.
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Istanbul, Turkey
Why Go: At the intersection of Europe and the Middle East, Istanbul offers both a modern section and the mosques and palaces of former empires in Old Town.
Where to Stay: At the Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul, cosy up in a waterfront palace that once lodged Ottoman sultans (from $625, Kempinski).
What to Do: Tour the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace. Try out a Turkish bath, a can’t-miss local experience.
Bangkok, Thailand
Why Go: You’ll bond over awe-inspiring temples and palaces in the Old City, and marvel at the modern downtown skyline.
Where to Stay: Standing along the banks of the Chao Phraya River, the Peninsula Bangkok is within easy reach of sacred sites (from $550, Peninsula).
What to Do: Go to the Wat Pho complex to see the massive reclining Buddha (WatPho.com/en/home). If playing in traffic doesn’t rattle you, take a ride in a tuktuk.
Ambergris Caye, Belize
Why Go: This Central American gem gets exotic both above and below sea level, with ancient Mayan ruins, kilometres of jungle and the world’s second-largest barrier reef.
Where to Stay: The casitas (“small houses”) at the adults-only Matachica Resort & Spa face the beach and the reef (from $190, Matachica).
What to Do: Hit top dive sites: the Great Blue Hole and Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Try to spy a jaguar on a jungle tour.
Bali, Indonesia
Why Go: With scenes of terraced rice paddies as your backdrop, this highland community and cultural haven on Indonesia’s “Island of Gods” will transport you to another world.
Where to Stay: With its lush bougainvillea and nearly 500 metres of beachfront, Club Med Bali in Nusa Dua is a great jumping off point for exploring this romantic Indonesian province (from $906 per person, all-inclusive, ClubMed).
What to Do: At the hotel, enjoy Balinese cuisine at Agung and Batur restaurants, play a round at one of the resort’s three 18-hole golf courses or simply chill out in the Club Med Spa by Mandara. Also, be sure to visit the Sacred Monkey Forest, a nature reserve and temple complex that’s swarming with friendly long-tailed macaques.
Dubai Desert Reserve, Dubai
Why Go: Experience the flora, fauna and heritage of the Arabian desert during a romantic camel ride at sunset.
Where to Stay: Heavy wooden doors at Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa open to a world of serenity. Al Maha is the only resort on the reserve, a cool contrast to the vast cityscape of urban Dubai. All suites look out over the dune-and-desert landscape and feature a private pool and deck (from $799, Al-Maha).
What to Do: Feel the surge of adrenaline as you head off on a four-wheel-drive safari to explore free-roaming wildlife, including the Arabian oryx and gazelles. Personal field guides can coordinate any number of activities, including falconry, archery, horse riding and wildlife walks. If you get the urge to go urban, the Dubai Museum, Emirates Golf Club, camel racetrack and Dubai Mall are all just a short jaunt from the reserve.
Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
Why Go: If you’ve been working hard for that wedding-ready figure, here’s your chance to fl aunt a teeny bikini. This famed Brazilian city sizzles with white scene-y beaches and a roaring night-life.
Where to Stay: With 23 floors crowned by a rooftop pool, the Caesar Park Rio de Janeiro Ipanema Managed by Sofi tel Hotel hovers over Ipanema Beach. Paparazzi alert: Madonna and Elton John have both stayed here (from $449, Sofitel).
What to Do: Get up close to the colossal Christ the Redeemer statue, one of the new seven wonders of the world. Shake what you’ve got at one of the city’s samba schools. Take full advantage of Ipanema Beach, and cool off with caipirinhas in one of the many bars lining the promenade.
Barbados, West Indies
Why Go: This Caribbean island wonder melds its English, African and West Indian roots for a personality, cuisine, musical style and even lingo all its own. Here, afternoon tea and cricket matches mix with spicy food, gorgeous beaches and stunning sunsets for a stress-free escape.
Where to Stay: The essence of warm, elegant Barbadian hospitality beckons on the island’s western shore (or “Platinum Coast”) at Sandy Lane. This stately resort doesn’t miss a detail: Luxurious beachfront services include reserved seating, sorbet delivery, spring-water misting and sunglass-cleaning (from $869, Sandy Lane).
What to Do: Stop in at one of the superlaid-back rum shops to “lime” (local speak for “chill out”) with new Bajan friends and spiked punch. Swim in the crystal-clear waters alongside sea turtles.
Jaipur, India
Why Go: A land of ancient forts and palaces of maharajahs (Sanskrit for “great kings”) past, the capital city of India’s Rajasthan will transport you back in time…and to a jewellery lover’s paradise.
Where to Stay: Pamper yourselves at the opulent former residence of the prime minister at the Taj Jai Mahal Palace, a luxe (and then some) resort where peacocks roam about the expansive lawns. At this regal abode, honeymooners receive a welcome cake—and glimpses at Indian traditions, including open-air folk dancing (from $136, Taj Hotels).
What to Do: At the Taj Jai Mahal Palace, join in a game of elephant polo or indulge in an extravagant five-course feast for two in the palace gardens. Don’t miss tours of the magnificent Amber Fort and City Palace.
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