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Five Underrated Romantic Destinations

Five Underrated Romantic Destinations

For those whose love language is travel, nothing says “I love you” quite like a shared escape, and few gestures rival the memories created by discovering somewhere new together. To mark the month of love, our editors explore five romantic destinations where beauty, atmosphere and adventure invite you to fall for the setting - and perhaps a little more for each other.

Andalucía, Spain

This mountainous region in southern Spain was made for love. Granada’s Moorish palaces rise in intricate detail, inviting couples to linger beneath carved arches and honeyed stone. In Córdoba, narrow alleyways and flower-filled patios set the scene for unhurried wandering, hand in hand. For a touch of adventure, El Caminito del Rey traces a dramatic path above rugged cliffs and turquoise waters. Further west, Cádiz pairs golden beaches with old-town streets that glow softly at sunset. By night, flamenco spills from hidden bars, and evenings stretch long over sangria and shared plates of tapas.

Amid acres of olive trees and rolling countryside, Finca La Bobadilla provides a perfect base for this Andalusian love story. Reopening in April 2026 following a full renovation, the property retains its Old World character through whitewashed walls, terracotta floors and exposed wooden beams. From horseback rides through oak forests to intimate picnics surrounded by nature, the estate makes fairytales feel entirely real.

Whitewashed buildings set against rolling Andalusian hills

Images courtesy of Finca La Bobadilla

Quebec City, Canada

The association between French and romance traces back centuries, infusing nearly every aspect of Francophone culture. This legacy seems especially tangible in Québec City. Cobblestone streets wind through Old Québec, where centuries-old stone façades and wrought-iron balconies lend the historic quarter a distinctly European charm. Rising above it all, Fairmont Le Château Frontenac stands like a fairytale castle, providing a romantic vantage point over the city.

Mornings begin in cosy cafés fragrant with fresh bread and strong coffee, before drifting into the boutiques along rue Saint-Jean. Afternoons are spent walking along the fortified ramparts, where the St. Lawrence River glimmers in the distance. A drive to Île d’Orléans reveals orchards, maple groves and rolling countryside, and nearby, Montmorency Falls crashes dramatically into mist. Evenings are savoured in candlelit bistros, where French-inflected cuisine and carefully selected wines extend dinners into deep conversation that lingers long after the last course.

Cobblestone streets and centuries-old façades in Old Québec

Cartagena, Colombia

In Cartagena’s historic quarter, the city unfolds like a maze designed for getting lost together. Winding streets twist beneath cathedral domes and bougainvillea-draped balconies. The scent of sea air drifts inland, mingling with music spilling from open doorways.

Wandering without direction becomes part of the experience. Each detour reveals something beautiful: the golden dome of Cartagena Cathedral rising above the rooftops, the open plaza beside Santo Domingo Church humming with conversation, or the ramparts framing uninterrupted views of the Caribbean. A short stroll leads to Getsemaní, pulsing with creativity. Murals climb the walls in bold strokes of paint, and along the famed Callejón Angosto, a canopy of banners flutters overhead, creating a setting that feels spontaneous and alive.

Concealed behind a modest exterior, Casa San Agustín becomes one more beautiful discovery. Within its colonial walls, a sense of calm prevails, offering a peaceful haven from the vibrant streets beyond. Cool courtyards framed by lush greenery, private hot tubs and a tranquil pool create a moment of stillness before another adventurous day takes shape.

Cartagena’s historic quarter and the vibrant streets of Getsemaní

Langkawi, Malaysia

Overshadowed by its Thai neighbours, Langkawi seems like an island secret, kept between rainforest and the Andaman Sea. Known as the Jewel of Kedah, this archipelago is home to awe-inspiring waterfalls, mangrove forests rich with wildlife and secluded beaches that glow amber at dusk. The Sky Bridge is a particular highlight and a wonderfully romantic spot thanks to its sweeping views.

A stay at The Datai Langkawi completes the picture of a perfect island escape. Villas sheltered beneath towering trees open onto private pools, mornings begin with champagne breakfasts, and evenings unfold over intimate candlelit dinners on the beach. Yacht charters trace the coastline in quiet luxury, while duty-free boutiques offer a plethora of high-end stores for finding the perfect gift for that special someone.

The Datai Langkawi, embraced by rainforest and sea

Images courtesy of The Datai Langkawi

Ouarzazate, Morocco

On the edge of the Sahara, Ouarzazate appears almost otherworldly. Kasbahs emerge from the earth in tones of burnt sienna and the Atlas Mountains frame horizons that feel boundless. Here, the hours seem suspended. The desert whispers just beyond the windows, and silence settles differently, carrying a romance that is both vast and deeply personal.

At Dar Ahlam, the idea of traditional hospitality fades away. This 14-suite kasbah nestled in the heart of the Skoura palm grove offers no conventional stay. No keys, no reception, no fixed dining room, no repeated experiences. Instead, each day becomes a story uniquely yours. Meals appear in ever-changing settings, whether beneath palm trees, beside ancient walls or amidst dramatic desert landscapes.

For those ready to step further into Morocco’s magic, the retreat offers tailor-made excursions that venture far beyond the kasbah. One unforgettable experience is the Dunes Camp at Iriki Lake, where luxurious tents are set among rolling sands. Begin with a tea ceremony as the sun casts its last rays across the horizon, enjoy a quiet dinner by the fire beneath a sky awash with stars, before drifting to sleep in the glow of lantern light. 

Dinner beneath a sky scattered with stars

Images courtesy of Dar Ahlam

Explore these and other handpicked romantic stays through ASMALLWORLD Collection, where exclusive VIP rates and extraordinary benefits enhance every journey. 

ASMALLWORLD COLLECTION HOTELS SELECTED BY OUR EDITOR

Book the world's best hotels with extraordinary VIP benefits

Finca la Bobadilla
Finca la Bobadilla
Andalucía, Spain
The Datai Langkawi
The Datai Langkawi
Langkawi, Malaysia
Dar Ahlam
Dar Ahlam
Ouarzazate, Morocco

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