The Hollywood rom-com diet of romance that we've all grown up on leaves little wiggle room for deviation from what is considered to be "romantic." In almost all scenarios, the cookie-cutter recipe for romance is a couple on the tilt of love, a cutesy restaurant, a bread basket to share, and the Eiffel Tower prettily twinkling in the background. It's a stunning picture, but it's not the only option in the quest to inject a shot of romance into life. Whether you've got a partner to snuggle [1], a best pal to gallivant with, or wining and dining yourself as a well-deserved treat, dust off your suitcase [2] and get ready to ooh, ahh, and indulge on a buffet of alternative romantic possibilities the world has to offer.
Bath, United Kingdom
A honey-hued compact city, Bath will transport you to the pages of a Jane Austen novel within seconds of arriving. Not only is it a living museum with dreamy period drama architecture at every turn, Bath is home to a rooftop thermal spa, excellent shopping facilities if you're in a gift-buying mood, and a smörgåsbord of top-notch places to eat.
But it's not all sweetness and light — seek out the partially-concealed Dark Horse bar for a sip of intimate decadence, and share in the secret atmosphere with other patrons that feels like you've discovered the city's naughty side.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires is a city that will get anyone's blood pumping with passion and rhythm. Dancing kings and queens head to the Buenos Aires Tango Festival to pick up a few new moves from the professionals, or to watch and listen to the Latin music. After getting hot and sweaty, cool down on a moonlit gondola ride through the Puerto Madero waterways.
Kyoto, Japan
Tradition meets high definition natural beauty in Kyoto. It's jam-packed with thousands of years of history to explore, a scenic train ride to experience, rivers to walk down and springtime cherry blossoms to Instagram. Stay in a romantic ryokan (Japanese inns that have been around since 8 A.D.) where you'll be able to waft about in a yukata (light robe) and can enjoy your meals in the sanctity of your own room overlooking a private garden.
Lake Bled, Slovenia
Seemingly plucked straight from an exquisitely illustrated storybook, Lake Bled is a strong contender for Europe's most romantic hidden gem. Take a boat out to the teardrop-shaped island in the middle of the water and sweep your significant other off their feet by carrying them up the 99 stone steps to reach the Church of the Assumption of Mary. If you succeed, Slovenian legend says you are worthy enough to marry your beloved. Tip, attempt the stairs before tucking into a slice of potica cake.
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
A sunset stroll along the Abu Dhabi Corniche is a perfect starter to an evening of romantic extravagance. For a flash of x-factor, secure a table at Hakkasan (a fancy and expensive restaurant) situated in the opulent Emirates Palace. As a precaution, bring your sunglasses to dinner as there is so much gold everywhere you might be blinded by the time you reach dessert. Cap off the night with a serene stroll around the awe-inspiring Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center, as it is open until 10 p.m. throughout most of the year.
Philadelphia
We know what you're thinking, but hear us out. Nicknamed the City of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia is home to the Liberty Bell, the Philly cheesesteak sandwich, and more museums and galleries than you can shake a stick at. Get lost for an afternoon in the arty labyrinth of Philadelphia's Magic Gardens, or venture to the city's outer corners and have a tour with a tipple (or six) at one of the region's wineries.
Singapore
The main backdrop to Kevin Kwan's phenomenal book Crazy Rich Asians, Singapore is sticky, hot, and intense in the best possible way. Follow in the footsteps of Rachel and Nick by chowing down on satay, chili crab and noodles at the Newton Food Center. Marvel at the man-made Supertrees in the Gardens by the Bay, swim in the iconic infinity pool of Marina Bay Sands; or better yet, get yourself to Merlion Park after dark and watch their light and water show. No trip to Singapore is complete without pottering down Ann Siang Hill to see the rainbow-like old houses restored to former glories as now restaurants and boutiques.
Troyes, France
Looking like Belle's "little town" from Beauty and the Beast, Troyes's Disney-esque warren of cobbled streets makes the grade as a suitable choice if your heart still sings for France. It practically leaks romantic ambiance from every well-preserved timber-fronted building. Based in the bubbly Champagne region the tranquil renaissance city of Troyes boasts churches, cathedrals, museums, galleries, nature parks, and seriously foodie places to eat (plus, the town center is pleasingly shaped like a bottle cork).
Banff, Canada
Crowned as one of the world's top places to visit by National Geographic magazine in 2017, Banff National Park is famed for postcard-perfect peaks, turquoise lakes, and can't-be-real scenery as a backdrop to a romantic amble through the meadowed valleys. Get cozy one evening at the Maple Leaf, award-winning restaurant that includes Candadian seafood which is best enjoyed washed down with a dram of maple whiskey. Cheers!
Rajasthan, India
Rajasthan is known as The Land of Kings and it's no surprise as to why it has garnered such a regal title. Oozing heritage and grandeur from the golden sand dunes of Jaisalmer to the blue painted town of Jodpur, Rajasthan is a shiny beacon of culture, cuisine, and color. Spend a couple of days roaming around the sights of Jaipur, the pink city is famous for the ornately carved walls of Hawa Mahal, a bustling brew of old worlds meeting the new and the spectacular mahals of Amber Fort.
Aveiro, Portgual
It's not the size that matters, it's what you do with it that counts, which is never more true than when sailing down the rivers of romance. Make a stop along your way at the tiny Art Nouveau heaven of Aveiro. An easy place to fall in love (or fall in love with), this seaside town is centered around a small network of canals dotted with gondolas, a relaxing cafe-culture and deciding on which candy-striped fantasy house you would like to live in one day. Aveiro has an air of Venice about it (minus the crowds), and is a mere bus ride away from strips of sandy beaches meeting the Atlantic.
North Island, Seychelles
Sun, sand, sea, and seclusion from the rest of the world is the height of romantic luxury for many of us. The privately-owned North Island in the Seychelles has all those things, but not much more (moving from sunbed to spa will probably be as energetic as it gets). The North Island has only 11 beachfront villas, and if you want to stay there you'll need to save up. The benefit? There is a strong chance you could spend the duration of your holiday without seeing another guest for the entire time. Just you, a stack of books, and thousands of pounds of credit card debt in utter paradise. Totally worth it.