The 7 Best Luxury Vacation Spots for Couples

The 7 best luxury vacation spots for couples combine romance with unforgettable experiences. You’ll find overwater bungalows in Bora Bora, secluded island escapes in the Maldives, elegant villas at Lake Como, traditional ryokans in Kyoto, safari adventures in South Africa, coastal luxury in Los Cabos, and Northern Lights magic in Iceland. Each destination offers unique culture, breathtaking scenery, and intimate settings. Discover which paradise best suits your dream getaway and budget below.

Key Points

• Bora Bora’s overwater bungalows offer privacy, butler service, and stunning views of Mount Otemanu starting at $1,000 per night.
• The Maldives provides secluded romance with private dining experiences, complimentary sunset cruises, and the magical “Sea of Stars” phenomenon.
• Lake Como combines Italian elegance with luxury villas, private pools, and scenic beauty, accessible via Milan with both opulent and affordable options.
• Kyoto’s traditional ryokans immerse couples in Japanese culture with authentic kaiseki meals, private onsen baths, and rooms blending tradition with comfort.
• South African safaris pair luxury lodges featuring Victorian bathtubs and plunge pools with private game drives and can be combined with Cape Winelands experiences.

Overwater Bungalow Paradise: Bora Bora, French Polynesia

When you’re planning the ultimate couples getaway, Bora Bora stands as the quintessential overwater bungalow destination. This volcanic island offers luxury accommodations perched directly above turquoise lagoons, with unobstructed views of Mount Otemanu.

Expect spacious bungalows (1,500-4,000 square feet) featuring traditional Polynesian design, glass-bottom floors, and private decks with direct lagoon access. For those seeking adult-focused tranquility, the adults-only boutique resort Sofitel Bora Bora provides an intimate setting with complete privacy. Most properties include butler service, world-class spas, and romantic dining options.

Enjoy Polynesian luxury with glass floors revealing marine life and private decks mere steps from crystal waters.

Budget accordingly—these bucket-list accommodations typically run $1,000-$3,000 nightly. Book well in advance, especially during peak seasons, and consider all-inclusive packages to maximize value.

Reaching paradise requires international flights to Tahiti followed by a short domestic connection to Bora Bora. Many resorts impose minimum stay requirements for overwater accommodations.

Secluded Island Romance in the Maldives

For maximum value, look for packages that include private dining experiences—candlelit beach dinners and sandbank meals create unforgettable moments without additional costs. Many resorts offer complimentary sunset cruises and snorkeling trips to vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life.

Consider Huvafen Fushi for its serene ambiance and butler service that elevates your experience without requiring constant extra tipping. The proximity of some resorts to North Malé Atoll means shorter, less expensive transfer times from the international airport. Don’t miss the chance to experience the magical bioluminescent Plankton Beach that illuminates the shoreline at night, creating a natural “Sea of Stars” phenomenon.

Italian Elegance at Lake Como

Nestled between majestic mountains and azure waters, Lake Como stands as Italy’s crown jewel for couples seeking luxury without completely emptying their savings accounts. You’ll find world-class accommodations ranging from contemporary villas to historic estates, many offering private pools and stunning lake views. Despite its reputation for opulence, Lake Como offers affordable options for visitors, including reasonably priced lakeside apartments and inexpensive local dining experiences.

Getting here is remarkably simple—just a 40-minute drive from Milan’s Malpensa Airport or via direct trains from Switzerland. Once settled, romance comes naturally.

Four must-do experiences:

1. Take a private boat tour at sunset to see waterfront villas
2. Book a couples’ massage at one of the lakeside spas
3. Enjoy a Michelin-starred dinner with panoramic views at Il Sereno
4. Explore the picturesque towns of Bellagio and Varenna by foot

Cultural Intimacy in Kyoto’s Traditional Ryokans

From the glamour of Lake Como, we shift to the centuries-old tranquility of Kyoto’s traditional ryokans, where cultural intimacy offers a completely different flavor of luxury.

In these Japanese inns, you’ll sleep on futon bedding atop tatami floors while sliding shoji screens filter natural light. The attentive nakai staff, dressed in traditional kimono, serve kaiseki meals featuring seasonal local ingredients directly in your room. Many ryokans have been recognized officially through the Kyoto Accommodation Awards for their commitment to cultural authenticity.

After dinner, don your provided yukata and experience the healing powers of onsen bathing—a quintessential Japanese ritual. Many ryokans now offer private bath options for couples seeking seclusion.

While preserving cultural authenticity, most establishments balance tradition with necessary modern comforts. Options range from budget-friendly family-run inns to high-end properties with Western amenities, making this immersive cultural experience accessible regardless of your price point.

Safari Adventures and Wine Tasting in South Africa

South Africa’s wild savannas and lush vineyards combine to create one of the world’s most distinctive luxury experiences for couples seeking both adventure and relaxation. Private reserves like Sabi Sands and Phinda offer intimate encounters with the Big Five while providing exceptional accommodations with panoramic views and personalized service. The Savanna Lodge in Sabi Sands is particularly known for its Victorian bathtubs and plunge pools that enhance the romantic safari experience.

South Africa’s untamed wilderness meets refined indulgence in a perfect union of adventure and luxury for couples seeking unforgettable memories.

For maximum value and experience, consider these essentials:

1. Book boutique lodges like Khaya Ndlovu or Ivory Tree that deliver premium experiences at better rates than ultra-luxury options.
2. Combine accommodations with included activities like private game drives and bush picnics.
3. Plan your trip during shoulder season (April-June) for reduced rates and excellent wildlife viewing.
4. Arrange transfers between safari areas and Cape Winelands to experience both wildlife and world-class vineyards in one efficient itinerary.

Coastal Luxury in Los Cabos, Mexico

While South Africa delivers a exotic safari experience, Los Cabos offers a different kind of luxury where pristine beaches meet desert landscapes on Mexico’s Baja Peninsula. This destination has seen a 19.3% tourism surge since 2013, with new high-end hotels opening regularly.

You’ll find exceptional privacy at Las Ventanas Al Paraiso with its 24/7 butler service and private beaches, or at Esperanza with plunge pools overlooking the ocean. Los Cabos boasts the highest concentration of luxury hospitality brands in all of Latin America. For unforgettable experiences, book a private yacht tour along the coast or arrange a candlelit dinner on the beach.

The year-round warm climate makes Los Cabos perfect for outdoor adventures. Take advantage of couples’ spa treatments at world-class resorts or explore the vibrant cultures of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo between romantic beach sessions.

Northern Lights Magic: Iceland’s Natural Wonder Getaway

As the Arctic sky illuminates with dancing ribbons of green, purple, and blue, Iceland emerges as one of the world’s premier destinations for couples seeking natural wonder alongside luxury.

Plan your romantic getaway between September and April, with 2024/2025 offering spectacular displays during the solar maximum. You’ll find exceptional viewing opportunities in the Westfjords, Akureyri, and the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, where minimal light pollution enhances your experience.

For maximum aurora-spotting success:

1. Check aurora forecasts daily and use tracking apps
2. Book accommodations away from city lights, preferably with north-facing windows
3. Plan multiple viewing nights to increase your chances
4. Pack extreme cold weather gear—temperatures often drop below freezing

January and February provide supreme viewing conditions with their clear, dark skies, though September and March also offer excellent opportunities with slightly milder temperatures. Aurora activity typically peaks around the equinoxes due to Earth’s magnetic alignment with the sun.

The Sum Up

While these destinations may seem extravagant, you don’t need to break the bank to experience luxury. Plan your trip during shoulder seasons when rates drop markedly, or use travel points to offset costs. Book accommodations directly and negotiate upgrades. Remember, the most valuable luxury isn’t the price tag—it’s the uninterrupted time together creating memories that last far longer than the vacation itself.