Valentine’s getaways to the most romantic destinations in the sun

When we think of Valentine’s getaways it is easy for our minds to travel to inviting images of a couple on a golden sand beach. Yet, there are all sorts of adventures that lend themselves to romantic Valentine’s getaways. Active couples will love nothing more than exploring the luscious green Costa Rican rainforest. History lovers will be fascinated by the Mayan ruins in the Riviera Maya and if complete relaxation is on the cards, there is nothing better than an all-inclusive stay in Aruba. Browse these Valentine’s hotel offers and discover the top 10 destinations for a romantic getaway this year.

Let the sexy salsa beats that drift through the air guide you to your slice of Cuban paradise. The 20-kilometer stretch of white sand and gin-clear waters of Varadero is perhaps the most romantic place for Valentine’s Day in Cuba. Check into one of the Varadero beachside hotels and let the stresses and strains of everyday life melt away as you indulge in the luxury setting. If you decide to venture out of the hotel you will discover a scenic coastline full of natural beauty. Enjoy a walk along the coast of Varadero Beach at sunset. Raise a toast to the love of your life at the House of Rum and don’t forget to visit the Varadero street market to pick up some souvenirs to remember your trip. 

Los Cabos is always on our list of best Valentine’s destinations and once you step foot onto the palm tree-lined beaches you will see why. Book yourself into the Barceló Gran Faro Los Cabos to ensure that you have the best views across the Sea of Cortés. This is a break for those wanting to press pause on life and enjoy some quality time as a couple. 

Indulge in some pampering at the Deep Blue Spa. Did anyone say couples massage? Or if you feel like making new vacation memories, why not try the hotel’s horse-riding excursion? There is no better way to spend evenings in Los Cabos than to enjoy a sunset walk along the picturesque beach and then a cocktail in the hotel bar. This destination is all about relaxing! 

Is there anything more romantic than walking hand in hand across a white sand beach with the Pacific Ocean lapping at your feet? If this sounds like heaven, Ixtapa is one of our favorite places to stay for Valentine’s Day. The Barceló Ixtapa is strategically situated on El Palmar beach providing couples the perfect opportunity to try snorkeling, scuba, or even a romantic boat tour of the coast. The area is also popular for Golf with two famous courses just a stone’s throw from the hotel. The tropical green landscapes are the ideal setting for your Valentine’s getaways, and for those wanting to venture further afield, the city of Zihuatanejo offers an exciting array of excursions for a Mexican Valentine’s Day. 

Does the idea of whisking your loved one away on a tropical beach vacation make your heart soar? Chances are they will love Aruba. While there are many Valentine’s Day hotels to choose from, none share the privileged location of Barceló Aruba. Known as “One happy island” Aruba knows exactly how to put a smile on our faces. Soak up the Caribbean charm as you spend a day in romantic bliss on the shores of Palm Beach. Snorkel, swim and sunbathe all day long and enjoy the relaxing pace of island life. Yet, Palm Beach is also the ideal setting for watersports. So, if you are both adrenaline junkies looking for your next fix, hit the water to enjoy everything from jet skiing to parasailing.

If you are searching for unforgettable Valentine’s getaways, look no further than the tropical landscapes of Costa Rica. This is the ideal location for those wanting to venture off into the unknown and savor the taste of adventure- all from the comfort of a Costa Rica luxury hotel. Guanacaste is a mountainous region that is home to some idyllic white sand beaches and crystalline waters. 

Here you can find the Gulf of Papagayo, surrounded by nature and home to impressive volcanoes, rainforests, and luxury hotels offering active adventure sports such as kayaking and snorkeling. Tamarindo, also in Guanacaste, is home to Langosta Beach and a hotspot for surfers. Spending a few nights in this tropical paradise is the perfect couple's Valentine’s retreat. And, the sunset-bathed beaches are the ideal setting to pop the question. What could be more memorable than a Costa Rican proposal?  

Have you ever stopped and asked yourself “What is the difference between Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta”?  Use your Valentine’s getaways to explore these two Mexican holiday resorts. Just 25 minutes by car from one another, these bustling resorts are separated by a string of local beaches and traditional fishing villages. Foodies will love the gastronomic experiences to be enjoyed at the Occidental Nuevo Vallarta, a luxury hotel right on the seafront. Deliciously fresh seafood and citrus flavors will delight the senses and set the mood for a romantic escape. Sun, sea, and fresh air are also on the menu at this beach enclave, popular with couples wanting to step off the world. To the South, a stone’s throw away, the classic Pacific holiday resort of Puerto Vallarta still emanates classic glamour and charm. The Barceló Puerto Vallarta offers beautiful views of both mountains and the Mismaloya beach. Enjoy this traditional setting and fill your quality couple time with cooking classes, mixology lessons, and romantic dance classes. 

At first glance, the wild and rugged landscapes of Huatulco may appear inhospitable but if you look closer, you will see that the 36 white sand beaches are an enchanting place for Valentine’s getaways. Book into one of Huatulco´s luxury hotels to enjoy a real step-off-the-world experience. Oaxaca, also known as the land of seven moles, is home to a diverse range of Mexican dishes making this a Valentine’s vacation for foodies. 

A trip to the Huatulco National Park is a must, especially because this twenty square kilometer mangrove forest and coastal shoreline have been protected since 1998 and awarded a Green Globe award for the conservation efforts in place to protect it. A guided tour is the best way to explore this eco-paradise and see firsthand one of the most important coral aggregations in the Mexico Pacific. Sightseeing is also a must and couples will fall in love with the colorful delights and traditional architecture of La Crucita.

Nothing says “I love you” more than a surprise vacation to Cancún. Bring out all the stops and make this the most memorable Valentine’s getaways that you have ever experienced as a couple. Check into one of the all-inclusive Cancún hotels and use this as your base. Indulge in a heavy dose of R&R and make the most of the hotel spa facilities between lounging by the pool and topping up your tan on the beach. Yet for those who want to explore the local area, we recommend checking out the daydream beaches of Tulum, island hopping to Holbox, and swimming in the underground pools known as Cenotes. Cancún itself is also worth exploring and its vibrant street art tours and inviting restaurants make this a fantastic place for your Valentine’s vacations.

If you are looking for the best trips for Valentine’s Day, look no further than Punta Cana. This Caribbean destination is a popular choice amongst couples, and for a good reason. This luxury resort offers magnificent vistas of white sandy beaches and crystalline waters that look as if they are computer screensavers. Enjoy the beauty of this area all from the comfort of your Punta Cana all-inclusive hotel. Yet, if you wish to explore further afield, a boat trip to Saona Island to see the protected starfish and sea turtles is one of the most romantic experiences to enjoy. Of course, no trip to the Dominican Republic is complete without sampling the local delicacy: Rum. Brugal is the famous and oldest distillery near Punta Cana and they have been distilling rum since 1888. Toast to a lifetime of happiness together and enjoy a sundowner in paradise.

Paper white beaches - check! Crystal clear Caribbean sea - check! Delicious food - check! Jaw-dropping Mayan ruins to explore - check! There is no denying it. The Riviera Maya has it all. If you are planning your Valentine’s getaways and are looking for an out-of-the-box experience, there is no better place than the Riviera Maya. Stay at one of the luxury Riviera Maya hotels and indulge in some pampering before heading out to explore. Discover what life was like in Mayan times with a trip to the Pre-hispanic city of Chichen Itza. Get friendly with the local flora and fauna at the Xcaret park eco-archeological park. Or, enjoy a spot of retail therapy and head to Playa del Carmen’s 5th Avenue to shop till you drop.