Escape the Ordinary, Find the Extraordinary: 15 Destinations to Spark Wanderlust & Romance
Updated: Apr 15
Ditch the cookie-cutter itineraries and join us on a journey to hidden gems that ignite wanderlust and rekindle passion. Forget the overdone gondolas in Venice or the crowded Eiffel Tower selfies. True love thrives on adventure, and sometimes, the most extraordinary romance blossoms in unexpected corners of the world. If you're a couple who craves authentic experiences and unique backdrops for your love story, you have come to the right place.
Not-so-spoken about Wanderlust and Romance destinations
These are all places we have discovered ourselves, on our journey over three years of full time travel. From the sun-kissed shores of Balian Beach to the mystical allure of Aphrodite's Rock in Cyprus, where we got engaged, our curated list unveils hidden paradises waiting to be discovered.
Imagine hand-in-hand explorations through the vibrant streets of Hoi An, Vietnam, with its ancient lanterns casting a magical glow, or picture yourselves snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of El Gouna, Egypt, surrounded by incredible resorts and docks in a private-walled city.
This is not your typical honeymoon or Valentines brochure. We want to show you something different; off-the-beaten-path destinations that promise to weave unforgettable memories into the fabric of your love story. Each escape on this list offers a unique blend of romance, adventure, and cultural immersion from our own personal experiences.
Ready to dive deeper? Buckle up, because we're about to unveil each of these extraordinary wanderlust and romance destinations, one hidden gem at a time. Let's fuel your wanderlust and ignite the flames of romance!
P.S The order of this list is literally exactly as we remembered them, without intending on any type of ranking system. Perhaps inadvertently they are kind of in an order, as the most memorable. In any case, we recommend them all equally!
Table of Contents
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1 ▪ Balian Beach, Bali, Indonesia
Balian Beach isn't your typical Bali hotspot. Tucked away on the west coast, roughly 2 hours northwest of the Ngurah Rai International Airport, it sits nestled between verdant rice paddies and the crashing waves of the Indian Ocean. You'll find it just north of the small village of Sangguling, nestled at the mouth of the Balian River. This secluded location guarantees a more peaceful and intimate experience compared to the bustling south of Bali.
Balian Beach is known as a surfer's paradise, where volcanic ash paints the sand black in places, and powerful waves serenade sun-kissed shores. Imagine hand-in-hand strolls along the secluded coast, watching surfers dance with the ocean before sharing intimate moments under starlit skies. That is what you get here in a spot that seems so quiet at night and tranquil during the day, but where you will always find a cool bar or throng of people in a restaurant.
This hidden gem offers more than just waves, with nearby rice paddies whispering secrets and charming cafes tempting your taste buds. For a touch of adventure, you will find secluded waterfalls nestled amongst lush greenery and incredible bat caves on the beach. You can even indulge in yoga retreats that reconnect you with nature and each other! Balian Beach is a romantic haven for adventure-loving couples seeking serenity, beauty, and a unique touch of Bali magic, but without all of the tourist kerfuffle!
● Save for later: Balian Beach, your guide to the best beach in Bali!
2 ▪ Petra tou Romiou (Aphrodite's Rock), Paphos, Cyprus
Steeped in legend and bathed in Mediterranean sunshine, Aphrodite's Rock in Cyprus promises a love story come to life. Picture yourselves hand-in-hand, strolling along the dramatic coastline where, according to myth, the goddess of love herself emerged from the sea foam. Take a dip in the crystal-clear waters believed to grant eternal love, or explore the hidden grotto said to be where Aphrodite met her lover, Adonis.
This enchanting spot sits on the Akamas Peninsula, at the westernmost tip of Cyprus, offering breathtaking views of the turquoise Aegean Sea and a secluded escape for your romantic rendezvous. Just beware, the allure of this mythical haven might make you believe in fairy-tales again!
It certainly did for us, being the spot where we got engaged. We visited back in June 2019, with Jenn coming to the UK for our first road trip around Europe. Leon's family happened to be in Cyprus at the same time, so we dropped by before heading out to France. Both of us are fascinated by Greek mythology so the significance of the location was not lost on us, even if the proposal was completely unplanned! It happens to be an untold story for us at the moment, but we will put a blog post together about it soon!
● Discover more from Cyprus: Columbia Beach Resort in Pissouri, Cyprus, our memorable time at this 5-star getaway
3 ▪ Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia
Ahh, Malaysia's Langkawi. Imagine a tapestry woven from lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and ancient myths - that's Langkawi, a secluded archipelago nestled in the Andaman Sea. This gem, off the northwest coast of Malaysia, promises romance amidst emerald jungles, where playful monkeys swing through the trees and hidden waterfalls cascade into turquoise pools.
Explore a vibrant underwater world in crystal-clear waters, or sail around the majestic Kilim Karst Geopark, marvelling at dramatic limestone formations emerging from the sea. Hike through ancient rainforest light shows, search for hidden treasures like the Langkawi Sky Bridge, or soak in the sunset while riding the Langkawi Cable Car. All while enjoying panoramic views that will leave you breathless. Langkawi is an island paradise waiting to be discovered, offering a unique blend of adventure, luxury, and natural beauty to ignite your love story!
We spent two weeks in Langkawi in several places across the island, including the incredible Red Coral Cottage, right on one of the epic beaches here, in the north of the island. We were blown away by how quiet it was, strolling on gorgeous white sand beaches without a soul in sight. This is a place of immense peace and tranquillity, where you can take boat tours among the mangroves that are far more personal and connected than the big tourist traps in neighbouring Thailand. Aside from just beaches, Langkawi offers plenty of public spaces, boardwalks and parks too. The perfect blend for the perfect romantic location!
Discover more:
4 ▪ Batumi, Republic of Adjara (in Georgia)
Most people thing of the U.S state of Georgia when we mention it. Georgia very much is a country of its own, and is in one of those spots that is so eastern Europe it becomes western Asia. A strategically important city on the Adjara coast, Batumi is easily accessible by plane, with direct flights from major European cities, or by train for a scenic journey through the Caucasus Mountains.
When we talk about escaping the ordinary, Batumi is a city that does that in some very unique ways. European charm meets Eastern vibes on the cobbled streets, giving a flair to the city that can be as romantic as it can be adventurous. Against a backdrop of stunning mountains the city has a coastline lined by impressive boardwalks, with monuments and gardens to accompany a fantastic beach, even if it is a pebble one.
The skies can be gorgeous here, with sunsets to literally die for. With the beach covered, heading inland is a real treat with quirky architecture like a skyscraper with a built in Ferris Wheel and a tower straddled with the unique letters of the Georgian alphabet.
Batumi also boasts a youthful energy, with bustling bars and clubs alongside peaceful public squares and spaces, offering something for every romantic whim. All accompanied by a great variety of restaurants, plenty of bars and wine spots (wine is said to have been invented here) and a rather unusually large amount of casinos. Which by the way offer free buffet food, beverages and even smokes to their guests. Have we convinced you yet?
More from Batumi:
5 ▪ San Cristobal, Chiapas, Mexico
San Cristóbal de las Casas, also known by its native Tzotzil name Jovel, is nestled in the Central Highlands region of the Mexican state of Chiapas. It sits in a small valley surrounded by hills, offering stunning vistas and a cool mountain climate. This is a town that they say once you venture in to, you will not want to leave. Honestly, this is just about as true as anything we ever learned on our travels.
Simply put, San Cris is where it is at! We spent 3 incredible months here enjoying all it had to offer. The main thoroughfare through the town is the heartbeat of the action, with gorgeous bars and bistros, restaurants and shops, and all the fresh produce you can shake your re-useable grocery bag at. In Spain-esque style, a sleepy and serene street roars into life in the evenings, with street vendors, performers, artists and musicians springing to action every evening.
Couple that with fireworks, epic sunsets and dry lightning phenomenon, a quirky cool AirBnb and that very special Mexican cuisine, and San Cristobal will certainly grab your attention. There is so much to see and explore here! We wrote a whole blog about it in the link below, but we will not leave it on that cliff-hanger. Let's leave it on the incredible street art. Cannot mention the town without its art in the same breath, so there that is. We aren't kidding, the ordinary becomes the extraordinary, and it really is first class! If you don't believe us, tap the link below to see more.
See more:
6 ▪ El Gouna, Hurghada, Egypt
El Gouna, also known as the "Venice of the Red Sea," isn't your typical Egyptian experience. This resort town lies along the Red Sea coast in south-eastern Egypt, roughly 25 km north of Hurghada. Instead of sprawling, sandy beaches, El Gouna is a network of lagoons and canals, creating a unique "Little Venice" vibe. That being said, it still has epic beaches too!
Imagine strolling hand-in-hand along charming walkways beside turquoise waters, exploring colorful marinas lined with incredible yachts, and enjoying romantic gondola rides under the Egyptian sun. Beyond its aquatic charm, El Gouna offers a diverse range of adventures; snorkel amid vibrant coral reefs, kite-surf on crystal-clear waters (which it is world-renown for) or explore the nearby desert landscapes by ATV or in a hot air balloon. This secluded haven promises a romantic escape unlike any other in Egypt.
El-Gouna is actually a walled-city, which means that only residents, workers and guest are allowed in. The security is actually quite welcome, making it feel super safe, even if you never actually even see the 'walls'. There are spectacular restaurants here, all types of cuisine, along with a vibrant nightlife. Everything about it impressed us; it is modern yet old, traditional yet different, resort style yet it feels like a city. It kind of has to be seen to be believed, although there is one draw-back, in that if you want to go to Luxor, you will need a near 20 hour day to do it. Still worth it though!
Read more:
7 ▪ Gundogan, Bodrum, Türkiye
Gundogan in Türkiye, offers a blissful escape on the Aegean coast, approximately 17 km southwest of Bodrum. This hidden gem sits within the larger Milas district, surrounded by rolling hills, olive groves, and picturesque bays. Unlike its bustling neighbor Bodrum, Gundogan exudes a tranquil atmosphere, making it ideal for couples seeking a peaceful and romantic getaway.
Having come from a month in Istanbul, the slower pace of Gundogan was very welcome. In fact, we actually came here 2 months before the start of its actual 'season', which meant we were able to enjoy that very sleepy feel as the town sprang to life with businesses getting ready. Let us explain; this bay of this town is completely lined with resorts, bars and restaurants, in between some villas. They ceremoniously shut down outside of peak season, laying out all of the reed rush parasols and furniture, clearing the decks and leaving the foliage to grow.
As the season starts to draw near, every day something new starts to appear. Our Airbnb was about halfway up the hill around the bay, and it was awesome to take daily walks down it to the boardwalk for exercise and just because. With no-one around, it was seriously beautiful! It amazed us really as the temperature was still in the low 20's, which is just about perfect! So, (we digress), as you walk past it is great to watch the decks being polished, jetties being set up, bushes being cut back and fresh menu stands making their way onto the path. April to the end of May really is the golden spot here.
Gundogan has all of the Turkish charm, calls-to-prayer, markets and traditional restaurants you could want, it has resorts, water sports, sandy beaches and adventure tours. Not to mention incredible and vibrant flowers that are beautifully grown in most of the gardens of the white-washed houses. Which by the way, is a rule here in Gundogan! It may always lose out to Bodrum in the popularity stakes, but you know what, it is probably better that way. If you catch our drift!
● Save for later: A Guide to Gündoğan, Bodrum's Best-Kept Secret
8 ▪ Arundel, West Sussex, England
Located on the River Arun in West Sussex, England, lies the historic town of Arundel. This charming haven, about 80 km south of London, boasts a medieval castle towering over quaint cobbled streets lined with independent shops and traditional pubs. Imagine hand-in-hand strolls along the riverbank, breathing in the fresh air and soaking in the picturesque views of the castle reflected in the water.
Arundel Castle, dating back to the 11th century, offers a glimpse into England's past. It also happens to boast one of the finest gardens you will be likely to find, with in particular a spectacular rose garden that we will never forget. Beyond the castle walls, you will find the equally spectacular Arundel Cathedral, known for its Gothic architecture and giant circular stained-glass window.
The location of Arundel is also pretty neat if you want to tie in other must-see spots including Stonehenge and the Roman city of Bath. We did this loop on a weekend, and it makes for a really neat road-trip. While Arundel may be well known in England, it is not a name that rolls of the tongue amongst foreigners. You think castle you think Windsor right? Or Tower of London? Well we hope in this clearly-not-enough space to describe this place slot has done enough to convince you to add this to the list. Enough to check out our blog posts for them? Heck we will even throw Stonehenge in there for the sake of it!
Read more:
9 ▪ Whitby, North Yorkshire, England
Whitby, set on the North Yorkshire coast where the River Esk meets the North Sea, offers a unique blend of romantic charm, historical intrigue, and natural beauty. This ancient seaside town, roughly 200 miles north of London, is steeped in history. Its East Cliff is dominated by the imposing ruins of Whitby Abbey, a 7th-century monastery famously linked to Bram Stoker's Dracula. Make no mistake, we have been to copious amounts of ruined sites around the world, and this is the ONE to see.
Just the whole experience here is like a whimsical story. From the moment we stepped off of the traditional steam train from Pickering, yes steam train, the town of Whitby was everything we imagined England would have been like back in the day. As a fishing town, there are old nets and crates everywhere, fishing and sail boats in the harbour, old stores with the weather worn oak beams on the outside and old stone built buildings still standing strong after hundreds of years.
Walking through towards the sea brings you to 109 steps, that lead to a wonderful old church with one of the most incredible views of any cemetery we have ever come across. The view from up there is one of a kind, even before one gets to the Whitby Abbey ruins themselves, set against a deep blue sky like a painting out of the Louvre. Package that all together with Dracula and Bram Stoker, fish and chips, old English pubs, sandy beaches, clifftop trails and the surrounding Yorkshire Moors National Park. At risk of blabbering on like an ad for Whitby, we shall leave it there!
● If your curious for more: Exploring Whitby Abbey & Dracula's Birthplace via the Pickering Steam Train
10 ▪ Sacre Coeur, Paris, France
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris, commonly known as Sacré-Coeur Basilica and often simply Sacré-Coeur, is a Roman Catholic church and minor basilica in Paris dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It is located at the summit of the butte Montmartre, at an altitude of 130 meters (427 feet).
From this elevated perch, the Sacré-Coeur offers spectacular panoramic views of the entire city of Paris. On a clear day, you can see as far as the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe. This breathtaking view, combined with the basilica's stunning architecture, makes it a popular tourist destination.
Not just for tourists, it also made it a rather beautiful spot for an evening celebrating our engagement in Cyprus. We were here literally a few days after, and it was a fitting spot. A place that is as alive during the night as it is during the day. As is Paris itself of course!
Okay, so we admit, you will probably find Paris in practically every guide you will ever see about romantic destinations. Most likely in the top like two or something too. So sorry not sorry about that, but nonetheless here we are. We have no excuses haha! Seriously though, we need not mention all of the other Paris stuff, Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Catacombs, Arc de Triumph so on and so on...
● Read more: Unfortunately blog posts for France are unavailable at this time. Please check back again later (admit it, you all hear that dial tone sound from back in the day now right?!)
11 ▪ Isla de Pasion, Cozumel, Mexico
Everything about this place fits in with wanderlust and romance. Like a glove in fact! Situated approximately 10 minutes by boat from Cozumel's main shore, Isla de Pasion sits on the Caribbean Sea, offering secluded vibes and crystal-clear waters. This private island boasts powdery white sand beaches, fringed by palm trees and lapped by turquoise waters.
To get there, you can take an ATV through the main central area of Cozumel, on the only road out of town that goes past the main island resorts before drifting off towards the isolated pier where boats ferry those who find them to the island. Quite literally you drive off the road onto a dirt path, dodging potholes and overhanging foliage all the way, before parking up in a clearing by a dock that has seen better days.
After negotiating with the almost-no-English boat driver on price, we took a three hour return and went off to enjoy this paradise island that would not look out of place in a Maldives brochure. It is a little bit of a nervy moment waiting for the boat to return, totally unnecessary but still. Anyway, we obviously got picked up, albeit a little late, and here we are telling you to do the exact same thing. Go here. You won't regret it.
12 ▪ Hoi An, Vietnam
Hoi An is a captivating town renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage status and its captivating blend of history, culture, and charm. Located approximately 30 kilometers south of Da Nang city and situated beside the picturesque Thu Bon River, Hoi An offers a unique experience that is as romantic as it is cultural and dare we say it, even spiritual.
Stepping into Hoi An's ancient town feels like stepping back in time. Its well-preserved streets, lined with lantern-adorned yellow shophouses dating back to the 15th-19th centuries, exude a magical atmosphere. Its thriving market is the heartbeat of the place, covering most of the riverside streets with just about everything you can think of. The smells were beautiful too, no durian in sight (if you do not know Durian fruit, you will when you come to Asia), just warm incense and kind smiles to accompany them.
As the sun sets the transformation in the town gets underway, with more lanterns than you can imagine on just about every tree and every store. This town has been a trading hub for so long, it has blended and frozen culture from all over Asia. It tells this story, in a mesmerizing show called Hoi An Memories, located on its own island on the river. Add this experience to gorgeous local cafes and restaurants, friendly locals and the monthly lantern festival, lighting candles on the rive, and you have a place of romance and wanderlust. Period!
A big shout out to the incredible Mulberry Silk Village in Hoi An where we stayed too. We are yet to write about this incredible experience on our blog, but it will be coming soon! This fabulous hotel includes a silk workshop with traditional techniques and had-sewn clothing. Not to mention exquisite cuisine and several pools to enjoy and relax in. If you are interested, be sure to subscribe to be notified when it lands!
● Save for later: Magic in the Moonlight: Exploring Hoi An Night Market and lighting a candle at the Lantern Festival
13 ▪ Singapore
Singapore, a sovereign island city-state in Southeast Asia, is a vibrant metropolis known for its futuristic skyline, colonial architecture, and diverse cultural tapestry. Sitting at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, Singapore is separated from Malaysia by the Johor Strait and Indonesia by the Singapore Strait. Its compact size, measuring just 728 square kilometers, makes it easily explorable on foot or by its efficient public transportation system.
Singapore's unique character stems from its multicultural population, comprising Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Eurasian communities. This blend is reflected in its languages, religions, cuisine, and architecture, creating a truly fascinating experience for visitors.
Perhaps most famous for its iconic Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay Sands, this futuristic city has plenty to romanticize about. If you do not know about these two places, you will see them featured just about anywhere Singapore is mentioned. But while this garden paradise, complete with the famous Supertree Grove and Cloud Forest Dome is great during the day, at night it becomes a free light show beneath the trees and stars.
Meanwhile Marina Bay Sands, which affords you a rooftop view with breathtaking views of the bay, becomes a shopping haven throughfare to the electric Spectra Light and Water Show, also free at night. Then of course there is probably the best Chinatown in all of south east Asia, with its epic Hawker Center complete with the world's first hawker Michelin Star, Hawker Chan. Oh and then there is Little India, local islands to explore, a vibrant night life and everything without the need for a car. Oh and the incredible world-famous Jewel at Changi Airport (which by the way is one of the best airports in the world). Sold on Singapore yet? Not off the beaten path, but no doubt Singapore is extraordinary.
Read more:
14 ▪ Chiang Rai, Thailand
Chiang Rai, nestled in the mountainous northern region of Thailand, is a city brimming with cultural charm, natural beauty, and unique experiences. Often overshadowed by its more famous neighbor, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai offers a more relaxed and authentic Thai experience, perfect for those seeking to delve deeper into the country's rich heritage and stunning landscapes.
As with most Thai cities, Chiang Rai is brimming with temples, amongst them some of the most famous in the country itself. The White Temple and the Blue Temple are indeed worthy of that title, which is saying something given there are over 40,000 across the land of smiles. The best part about here however was not so much the inner city, but more about the outskirts where we found a fantastic Airbnb.
At the time we were renting a car, and had a permanent stay in Chiang Mai. So we came up to the Rai via the only highway, which happens to be windy and mountainous and very nice, to stay in a 'dome', overlooking a delightful mountain valley with a bathtub on its balcony. Style Paidoi Resort is one of those that really speaks for itself, and goes hand in hand with romance of course! We will get around to writing about it one day, but for now you are just gonna have to trust us, and in the meantime check out the sister temples and the very odd, and almost concerning Baan Dam Museum below.
Top destinations in Chiang Rai:
15 ▪ Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Last on the list but by no means the least, Niagara Falls is a group of three waterfalls at the southern end of Niagara Gorge, spanning the border between the province of Ontario in Canada and the state of New York in the United States. The largest of the three is Horseshoe Falls, which straddles the international border of the two countries. It is also known as the Canadian Falls and this is the one we visited. Twice, and for Jenn (as a Canadian from Toronto) many more on top of that!
Niagara Falls is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and for good reason. The falls are truly awe-inspiring, with a total height of 167 feet (51 m) and a width of 3,419 feet (1,043 m). The water flow rate is an average of 6,000 cubic meters per second (212,000 cubic feet per second), although this can vary depending on the time of year and weather conditions. It is a truly spectacular sight to witness, especially from the top of the falls, or at night with the mesmerizing fireworks and light show.
There are many different ways to experience Niagara Falls, from taking a boat ride to the bottom of the falls to walking behind them. As mentioned earlier you can also take a boardwalk right up to the top, and you can even take a zip line back down to the bottom during the day or at night.
There are a ton of other activities around the falls too, including amusements, museums, bars, restaurants and resorts. There is something truly magical about Niagara Falls, and the energy here is powerful. Incredibly it seems to be avoided on many a list out there, but trust us, it is worth it. And a fitting place to end this not-in-any-particular-order list!
All you need to know: The ultimate guide to Niagara Falls in Canada
As ever thank you for reading, and please feel free to share your experience, or ask any questions you may have, in the comments below. All feedback on the post is welcome too!
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