Getting away with your sweetie is so important. Having time together away from it all and being able to just be can help you both reboot. We are talking about the type of getaway where there is no clutter, nothing to do, no sites to see and no feeling like, “We are here, so we should really do this or we should really see that.” Instead, we’re talking dinners on the beach, taking quiet walks or just sitting side by side.
If you’re like many couples, finding time for a little romance at home may seem like something in your dreams. With everything going on in your life on a daily basis, all you’re thinking about at the end of the day is hitting the bed to sleep.
But all marriages need a little love, and what better time than now to put some romance back in? You may not need to reconnect, but just escape the noise of day-to-day life to allow you to appreciate each other and yourselves. Just remember that you should be doing this all year long and not just for Valentine’s Day!
7 Secrets To An Unforgettable Romantic Getaway
The Destination
The destination is not one that has to be special, but has to be where you can just “be.” It really doesn’t matter if it is near or far, big or small, a city or an island. All that matters is that you can be happy there doing nothing.
Picking a destination that you have already been to is a bonus. This allows you to not feel guilty about not heading out to explore or do activities.
If you are in a city, skip the tourist attractions and just walk the streets together. Stay away from crowded areas and make sure you plan all the details ahead of time, like dinner reservations. If you are at a resort or hotel in the mountains or on the beach, make sure there is plenty of space to be alone, just the two of you. Is there a private cabana you can pre-book so you do not have to hit the beach early to get your favorite seat or can you arrange with the beach attendant to reserve your favorite spot?
If you are in the mountains, stay out of the village and find trails to hike that are relaxing and beautiful, not those that will require extreme climbing skills. BUT- a sexy destination that has a killer view is always a plus. You can never go wrong with an island, like Santorini or a private island like North Island in the Seychelles!
Read More: The best US vacations for couples for a fun and romantic trip.
The Room in a Romantic Getaway
The room is of upmost importance. You want a room that has it all – a great bed, a view, a sitting area that is sexy and romanic, and a tub to enjoy. Seriously, I enjoyed one of the sexiest rooms while traveling. I fell in love with the tub that sat in the middle of the room. When I built our new home, I bought the exact same Victoria & Albert bath tub for our master that we had in that wonderful boutique hotel.
The room should be one that you love. It can be a modern room, a room full of antiques, or a room that is just super comfortable. Also, consider taking your room up a notch and book your room at the hotels or resorts concierge level, so all your needs will be met. Some of our favorite rooms are at the Jamaica Inn in Ocho Rios.
The villas and rooms are stunning and come with their own unique features. We suggest Cottage 7 with a view from the bed that will make you never want to get out of that bed AND an infinity pool. You can even turn it up a notch in The White Suite, where you will feel like you’re on your own private island.
The Staff
The staff should be top tier. They should understand that you want them there when you need something, but do not want to be smothered. It is hard to get this balance, but a great management team knows how to do this. Some hotels will ask before you arrive what times you would like housekeeping and turndown. Others watch you to see when you come and go and take care of things in between.
If you use the same hotel over and over as your romantic getaway, they will get to know you and just take care of it. Belcampo Belize has this down to a science and it’s just one of the reasons we return many times a year. On a recent visit, we had this beautiful set up in our room after dinner.
The Food in a Romantic Getaway
The food should be great. There can be local restaurants to dine at but priority is food in the hotel, resort, inn, whatever. Having the option of not going anywhere is a wonderful thing. From breakfast in bed or on the balcony to dinner for two, it should be quiet, low key, relaxed, and just for the two of you. Check with the hotel or resort to see if they have any special places to eat. Many resorts and hotels have unadvertised places to eat, like a rooftop spot or a balcony off the main room.
If staying at a larger hotel or resort, speak to the staff at the restaurants about saving you a certain table. Ask if there is a table away from others or where they are less likely to seat large groups or families. Take your time eating – we call it actually dining – and enjoy each other’s company. Remember meals do not have to be filled with talk. Just being and enjoying the food and space is wonderful as well.
The Amenities
We are talking about amenities from the in-room robes to a spa. A romantic getaway should be a bit luxurious and it’s the little things that create luxury. Check the amenities in your room before you book. Many room types will have different amenities from robes to no robes and upgraded products. Often a room upgrade is a bonus for amenities and well worth it. If you book with American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts, a room upgrade will often be included.
Beyond the room the amenities offered by the hotel or resort, there should be ones that you will enjoy as a couple. A spa, in room massages, SUP boards or kayaks, and so many other things that you many enjoy together. And think beach and pool cabanas. Arrange with the staff to have a cabana set up the way you like it. I like a little sun, but hubby likes the shade, so on a recent visit to Jamaica, the staff helped us pick the perfect cabana to enjoy the entire day. They stopped by often to check on us.
The Timing
This is one of the most important secrets. The timing must work and it should not be forced. Whether you plan it last minute or a year in advance, the timing must work comfortably for both of you. The kids’ needs must be met prior to you going with back-up plans in place, so you will not receive any calls.
Work should be on hold and all electronics should be off. We literally give the kids the phone number to the hotel or resort for emergencies. If you have to schedule a couple of times a day to check devices, make it known in bounce back e-mails and auto replies that you will only be checking your phones at certain times. This time is yours. TAKE IT!
The Mindset
The mindset is the most important thing for having a true romantic getaway. Check your attitude and emotional baggage at the door and walk into your getaway a little lighter. If you set secrets one to six up for success, the mindset that no matter what, you will enjoy yourself, should fall into place. Who cares if the tub faucet is leaky; call the desk, let them fix it, and then let it go.
Who cares if breakfast was delivered 15 minutes late; you are together just sit and enjoy the quiet. Leave all your car pooling issues, mama drama, and family stress at home. Take a deep breathe and connect with each other. There is no need to talk, hold hands, or spend every second side by side; just enjoy the fact that you are together. It is okay to take a walk alone on the beach and come back and sit together. Don’t feel forced to hit the gym if your partner wants to; just relax and read or take a nap until they come back. Have the mindset of just being – and being together.
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