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Whether you’re looking for a honeymoon getaway or a romantic adults-only vacation where you can relax au deux, there’s nothing quite like a tropical escape. Nothing says romantic getaway quite like the tropics. Warm weather, white sand beaches, blue waters, palm trees. What’s not to love?
Could one of these tropical romantic island getaways be your next couple’s vacation? From luxury resorts halfway around the globe to more budget-friendly spots a little closer to home, there’s something for everyone who’s seeking sun and romance. From close to home to halfway around the world, there is a tropical romantic getaway on this list for everyone.
1. Puerto Rico
This delightful Caribbean destination has tropical charm and romance with the ease of an easy domestic trip. Puerto Rico is a U.S. Territory, which means U.S. citizens can travel to Puerto Rico without a passport. English and Spanish are widely spoken on the island, and the currency is the U.S. Dollar.
Things to do in Puerto Rico include hiking to waterfalls, kayaking in a bioluminescent bay and lazy beach days. If you prefer to enjoy a more active beach day, there are options for water sports galore. The Puerto Rican food scene is also a lot of fun, from street food to fine dining.
Where to stay
Want luxury? Check out the top-rated St Regis Bahia Beach Resort, the island’s only AAA Five Diamond Resort, and the most luxurious property on the island. Royal Sonesta San Juan combines beachfront amenities and a central location for exploring the desirable Isla Verde area.
Suppose you want to immerse yourself in the culture of Old San Juan; El Colonial and El Convento are affordable boutique-style hotels in the heart of the historic district. Both hotels have rooftop pools and agreements with sister properties for beach club access.
2. Florida Keys
Feel like you’re escaping to an exotic destination without leaving the United States. The Florida Keys, a 120-mile-long chain of islands off the southern coast of the Florida peninsula, include perennially popular destinations like Key West and Key Largo. The Keys is a spot for anyone who wants that luxe tropical getaway with no passport required.
The Keys are all about that “chillaxing on the water” vibe. Popular activities include fishing, snorkeling, kayaking or enjoying cocktails on a sunset catamaran cruise.
Where to stay
The Bungalows Key Largo is the perfect spot for a tropical getaway. The adults-only vibe at this all-inclusive resort is only 90 minutes from Miami International Airport. Private cabanas are available to rent for an extra special experience.
3. Hawaii
There’s no argument that the Hawaiian islands are the most romantic in the USA. This is another romantic hideaway where couples traveling from the United States don’t need a passport. The diversity between the islands offers lots of choices, from chilling on Hawaii’s best beach to enjoying a world-class golf course to gazing out on the horizon from a fantastic infinity pool.
Hawaii has eight major islands, but the ones most commonly frequented by visitors from the mainland and around the world are Maui, Kauai and Oahu. Popular pastimes include attending a traditional luau or Polynesian dancing demonstration. For couples who like to pair some physical activity with their romantic getaway, hiking to Diamond Head and Koko Head are active options that treat hikers to stunning views.
Where to stay
Hawaii has high-rise hotels and vacation rentals for every budget, although it is a generally accepted fact that it’s not cheap to vacation here. There are always deals to be found, though. Popular resorts include Kings’ Land by Hilton Grand Vacations on the big island, Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa, and Aulani, Disney’s resort on Oahu. Even though it’s a Disney-owned resort, romantic, elevated experiences are still possible.
Here’s a list of other resorts in Hawaii to consider. While this list of places to stay in Hawaii is family-friendly, they can still easily fit into the romantic vacay mold.
4. Jamaica
Jamaica is the perfect place to spark romance, and with so many options, the possibilities for making lasting memories are endless. Jamaica is a popular spot for a couple’s vacation because of the beautiful beaches and the large selection of adult-only resorts. Because, let’s face it, sharing the beach with families with noisy kids isn’t most people’s idea of romance.
The most popular spots for visitors to the island are Dunn River Falls in Ocho Rios (you can climb to the top with the assistance of a guide) and Seven Mile Beach in Negril. If you want the perfect honeymoon picture, check out the iconic Blue Hole, a series of waterholes fed by gushing cascades in the mountains outside Ocho Rios.
Where to stay
Jamaica’s May resorts are all-inclusive, which means food, beverages (even alcohol), entertainment and activities are part of your resort package. Whether couples are looking for quiet and relaxation or activity-packed days with snorkeling to coral reefs, kayaking and dance lessons, there’s a perfect resort in Jamaica for everyone.
Jamaica has nine Sandals resorts to choose from: Montego Bay, Ochi, Royal Caribbean, South Coast, Negril, Royal Plantation and Dunn’s River. Each resort offers slightly different amenities, so make a comparison across the board to see which one is the best fit. The good news is resort hopping is permitted! Sandals guests can enjoy the amenities of nearby Sandals resorts they’re not staying in.
5. Dominican Republic
Punta Cana, located on the easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic, is on the map for being a romantic, tropical vacation paradise for couples. With white sand beaches, cloudless skies and tropical weather plus the lure of the all-inclusive, this area is at the top of travelers’ lists for romantic tropical travel.
Best-known for beach activities, the local cultural scene is also worth checking out, although many vacationers have a hard time leaving the resort bubble.
Where to stay
You won’t lack for choices here. Some of the most popular places to stay are Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana, Royalton Splash Punta Cana and Secrets Royal Beach.
6. Turks & Caicos
Dreamy, tropical, beautiful beaches perfect for any type of water activity imaginable, that’s Turks & Caicos. Active things to do include taking a boat cruise to the Caicos Cays to see the rock iguanas and visiting Chalk Sound National Park. If you’d rather relax on the beaches, that’s perfectly okay, too.
Turks and Caicos is home to the third largest barrier reef in the world, championship golf courses and too many luxe amenities to count. The possibilities are limitless.
Where to stay
Romantic, all-inclusive Beaches Resort is one of the most popular spots in Turks and Caicos. Beaches is open to families, but finding quiet, adults-only time is easy.
7. St Barts
If you want to vacation like the rich and famous, consider booking your romantic tropical getaway to the island of Saint Barthélemy (a.k.a. Saint Barts.) Well-known for its luxury lifestyle, secluded villas and fabulous cuisine, St Barts is for those who want laid-back sophistication (and have money to spend.)
St Barts is a French territory, and it’s a little challenging to get to. If you’re flying from the United States or Europe, you must first fly to San Juan, St Martin, Antigua or Guadeloupe and then connect to St Barts. The currency in St Barts is the Euro, so, depending on the exchange rate, it might be a little more expensive than other vacation spots in the Caribbean.
You can do all the usual beach things in St Barts (also sometimes referred to as St Barths), like scuba diving, snorkeling and kayaking. Pack more upscale clothes – you’ll find fewer flip-flops and beach coverup places here and more heels and cocktail dress places.
Where to stay
Popular resorts include the Rosewood Le Guanahani, Le Toiny and Eden Rock. If you want to Kardashian it up, rent a villa with private beach access at La Banane.
8. Tahiti
For the ultimate bucket list tropical getaway, fly to Bora Bora. One of the most popular honeymoon destinations for couples who don’t mind the long flight, the natural beauty and ocean views here can’t be beat.
Tahiti is part of French Polynesia, and although it takes some commitment to get here, travelers have been enjoying this spot for years. If you are originating from the United States, your flight will stop at the larger Motu Mute airport, where you’ll clear customs and then hop on an easy 45-minute-flight to paradise.
Where to stay
The Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora offers the quintessential oceanfront bungalows, which allow guests to gaze out over the turquoise waters. This world-class luxury resort offers sparkling swimming pools, hot tubs,and many other amenities to make your tropical romantic getaway extra special.
9. The Maldives
If the Maldives is on your bucket list, you’re not alone. This exotic island paradise in the Indian Ocean has grown in popularity in recent years. Even though it’s halfway around the world if you’re originating from the United States, that’s not stopping people from booking trips.
There are a handful of direct flights from the United States to the Maldives, but most travelers will have to make at least one connection. Be prepared for a long-haul flight and using roughly a day each way to get there. If you want to save money on airfare, consider booking a flight into Colombo Sri Lanka, and catching a flight to the Maldives from there. The flights are definitely going to be an investment in your vacation fun, so make sure to shop around.
Where to stay
Sun Siyam Resorts offer luxury experiences such as private dining, private plunge pools, all types of water sports, adventure sports, horseback riding and more. Sun Siyam offers several options for resort stays in the Maldives, from honeymoon escapes to trips suitable for the entire family. Hello, overwater bungalows that make you feel like you’re on your own private island.
Transfers are usually included in your stay; check their website for offer details.
Honorable Mentions
Want more options? Here are a few more tropical destinations that deserve a spot in your “Where to vacation” discussion.
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