Top 10 Romantic Holiday Destinations You've Never Thought Of

Top 10 Romantic Holiday Destinations You’ve Never Thought Of Believe it or not, there’s romance to be had outside of Paris. Welcome to MojoTravels, and today we're counting down our picks for the Top 10 Romantic Holiday Destinations You’ve Never Thought Of. For this list, we’re looking at under-the-radar destinations where you and your significant are sure to feel love in the air - just without the cliches. #10: Hoi An, Vietnam A UNESCO World Heritage site, Hoi An is a city where things tend to move a bit slower. While Vietnam’s major cities, like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City might be known for their hustle and bustle, Hoi An has developed a distinct reputation as a classy, charming and old-fashioned retreat. Recharge at the spa, stroll along the water and watch the fishermen, indulge in an evening river cruise and accompanying dinner - there’s really no going wrong in this once-busy port city. The architecture is wonderful, the lanterns enchanting, the people welcoming and the beaches beautiful. Be sure to visit the famed Japanese Bridge at night for a magical moment. #9: Corn Islands, Nicaragua Though this pair of Caribbean islands off the coast of Nicaragua might be a little out of the way, that helps to keep the number of visitors down. And this makes the Corn Islands the perfect destination for a couple looking to get away from it all and reconnect - in their own little slice of paradise no less. You can take your pick between quaint beachside huts or their more upscale, luxury equivalents - either way you’ll be waking up to the sounds, sights and smells of the ocean. The local food is delicious, the beaches are pristine, and the atmosphere deeply relaxing. The only issue? You might never want to leave. #8: Chefchaouen, Morocco Casablanca might be the Moroccan city that first comes to mind when looking for romance, but the blue town of Chefchaouen might just have it beat - or at least make for a more original romantic getaway. Narrow streets wind through adorable, blue-painted houses in this spiritually-uplifting town, while the backdrop of the Rif Mountains adds a certain majesty to the whole place. Sure, the charming, picture-perfect aesthetic is pure instagram gold, but we recommend putting aside the phone, picking up your partner’s hand and just getting lost in the beauty of it all. Whether you’re a couple of foodies or the type that like to hike, or shop, Chefchaouen is sure to make you swoon. #7: Islamorada, Florida, U.S.A. The Florida Keys is a dreamy destination for sun-seekers and families looking for an unforgettable vacation, but Islamorada stands apart from the pack as the perfect place for lovebirds. This “village of islands” as its been referred to, is an ideal getaway, especially for American couples who don’t necessarily have it in the budget for an international escape. Though parts of Islamorada can get busy at peak season, Cheeca Lodge and Spa and the Moorings Village both offer quiet, secluded spaces for you to enjoy the weather, water and peace and quiet while pampering yourselves. #6: La Rioja, Spain There’s something rather romantic about Spain as a whole, from its architecture and art to the food and language. But for a romantic retreat that feels extra special, we highly recommend the often-overlooked northern wine region. Sure, the country’s wine exports might be world-renowned, but as a romantic destination, it doesn’t get nearly as much love as it deserves. In addition to the obvious wine tastings and tours, you can lose yourself in the charms of this pastoral landscape on horseback and on hot air balloon rides, or exploring medieval villages and monasteries. It’s a fairytale setting just waiting for you and that special someone to write the next chapter of your story. #5: Kerala, India When the average person considers a trip to India, it’s for a cultural and culinary experience, but generally one taking place in densely populated cities that don’t exactly scream romance. Allow us to introduce you to Kerala, a South Indian state where there’s room to breathe and things move at a significantly slower. Sleepy towns, uncrowded beaches, rolling hills, beautiful foliage, tea gardens and delicious regional dishes - Kerala offers up a diverse taste of Indian culture. And wouldn’t you know it… it makes for an incredibly romantic experience! With a number of unique and fanciful accommodation options, including boathouses, this might not be your honeymoon, but it’s going to feel like one. #4: Tallinn, Estonia Estonia’s capital city is woefully underappreciated both as a tourist destination and as a romantic getaway, but we suspect that that won’t hold true for much longer, as people are beginning to catch on. Sitting on the edge of the Baltic Sea, this gem of a city feels ripped from the pages of a medieval fairytale, from its narrow winding streets and gardens to the beautiful architecture of its Old Town - another UNESCO World Heritage site. Tallinn is at a crossroads, and it’s flourishing! The city has maintained its authentic charms while also embracing more modern cafes, foodie culture, art and trendy boutiques. So before it becomes a mainstream destination, book a romantic getaway with your boo. #3: Madagascar Alright… you’ve certainly heard of Madagascar before, but we doubt that you’ve ever considered it for a romantic getaway! Trust us though… you really should. There are few places in the world more untouched and naturally beautiful than this East African island nation. Capitalizing on the jaw-dropping landscape’s appeal however, there are also plenty of unique and beautiful accommodation options, from beachside bungalows to luxury retreats. Couples who find romance in adventure will get the most out this trip: day hikes, snorkelling and kayaking each offer their own unique rewards. Of course, you can also just relax at the spa together and soak in all the beauty from there. #2: Lofoten Islands, Norway Here in Norway, surrounded by water and landscapes of otherworldly beauty, you and your partner will fall in love twice - first with your surroundings, and then with each other all over again, as the magic of the environment takes hold. This collection of small islands sits along Norway’s Northern Coast, well-within the Arctic Circle, so you won’t be doing any swimming. What you and your better half will find there however, are cozy cabins perched on rocky shores, peace and quiet to reconnect and the opportunity to share a once in a lifetime vacation under the Northern Lights. True love deserves a truly magical setting, and there are few places on earth more majestically inspiring than the Lofoten Islands. #1: Alberobello, Italy Italy . . . it’s one of the most romantic countries in the world, but we don’t need to tell you that. What we’re here to tell you is that there are still new romantic destinations to be discovered outside of Rome, Venice and Florence, if you do your homework. Alberobello is our top pick for overlooked romantic destinations, because it provides an pure, unadulterated taste of authentic Italian romance. As a UNESCO World Heritage town, Alberello is famous for its trullos, the distinct conically-roofed huts that give it its distinct charm. Take your partner by the hand and go explore the town, breathing in the air of a simpler and more romantic time. That’s amore!