Calling all hopeless romantics! Whether you’re thinking about a destination wedding, planning your honeymoon, or yearning for a just-the-two of us tropical retreat, consider these five resorts primed for romance in paradise.
Buenaventura Golf & Beach Resort—Panama
Explore the Caribbean charms of the Buenaventura Golf & Beach Resort Panama, a Marriott Autograph Collection property in Panama’s Riviera Pacifica. This breathtaking, 400-acre luxury resort serves as the perfect tropical backdrop whether you’re saying, “I do” or “Let’s escape.”
For a unique wedding venue, the resort offers multiple options, starting with the quaint on-site chapel La Ermita—an intimate space that can accommodate up to 80 guests. Other options include the Spanish-style plaza under a 100-year-old Corotu tree, the “sandy chic” El Faro Beach Club (which overlooks the Pacific Ocean) or the ultra-secluded Buenaventura Golf Club (an expansive space perfect for full privacy). Cap off your fairytale wedding with a horse-and-carriage ride.
No need to rush off for your honeymoon either. Book a spacious, well-appointed room or private villa here, knowing you’ll never need to leave this amenity-packed resort during your stay. With seven swimming pools, four plunge pools, two Jacuzzis, and poolside cabanas, you can soak in the liquid beauty knowing you’re also just steps away from a private beach. On-site water sports include boating, jet skiing kayaking, sailing, and snorkeling.
Lovebirds can enjoy golfing on the Nicklaus Design 18-hole championship golf course, playing tennis, biking, jogging on the fitness trail, and horseback riding on the resort’s nature trails. And with nine restaurants and bars—plus the fabulous Corotu Spa—you can get wined, dined, and pampered every day.
Rosewood Bermuda—Bermuda
Image: rosewood-bermuda-pool
Credit: Rosewood Bermuda Caption: With multiple options for an unforgettable wedding experience, the hardest part is choosing.
Looking to tie the knot in an intimate, tropical setting? Check out Rosewood Bermuda, a luxurious Caribbean getaway with unexpected British charm. Rosewood offers curated Micro Weddings experiences that can accommodate between two to 20 guests—perfect for a small wedding day gathering.
Choose from several refined reception venues, such as the elegant Rum Room complete with a fabulous, vaulted ceiling and over 3,000 bottles of wine and rum lining the walls. Need a little more space? The Golf Club Private Dining Room can accommodate up to 50 people and The Gallery provides a sophisticated sun-lit venue overlooking the Palm Court for even larger affairs. For a casual chic backdrop, consider a toes-in-the-sand ceremony at the Beach Club offering stunning views of the Castle Harbour coastline.
Kick off your reception with a private cocktail hour complete with a couple-inspired custom welcome cocktail, champagne toast, and hors d’oeuvres, followed by appetizers and a two-course dinner. With a bespoke wedding cake and three-hour hosted bar during dinner, your dream wedding unfolds in style in this romantic Bermuda destination. Bonus: the newly betrothed get discounted wedding night room rates, including romantic turndown service and complimentary upgrade to a chic one-bedroom suite.
Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa—St. Barts
For a sophisticated romantic getaway, head to Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa tucked along the northeastern shore of St. Bart’s. Newly built in 2016 (and repaired in 2018 after hurricane damage), this property perches right on the beach, offering magnificent views of the Caribbean Sea. Spacious rooms and suites boast a neutral décor with pops of colorful hues, all featuring either a garden, lake, or ocean view. Ask for a unit with its own private plunge pool for a steamy swim.
When you’re surrounded by spectacular turquoise waters, you’ll want to spend the day kayaking, kitesurfing, snorkeling, or swimming. After you’ve worked up an appetite, dine al fresco at Aux Amis and Aux Amis Plage as you indulge in sumptuous French-Caribbean cuisine. Then head for a nightcap at the rooftop bar featuring live music on weekend evenings.
Hotel Riu Palace—Aruba
If you crave the no-fuss nature of all-inclusive hotels, consider the Hotel Riu Palace located on Aruba’s main strip, Palm Beach. Splurge for a spacious Jacuzzi Suites with a king size bed, a feels-like-home lounge area, and a jacuzzi on the terrace. If you’re a couple of planners, you can pack your days with scheduled entertainment, shows, and live music. Or grab a workout together at the gym, try paddle surfing, play one-on-one beach volleyball, go diving, or hop in a kayak and explore the area.
Ready to unwind? Book an aromatherapy massage and a rejuvenating treatment (like a facial or body wrap) at Vita Novus Spa, then linger in a whirlpool bath or sauna to end with totally relaxation.
With five restaurants onsite, you’ll find something to please both of your palates, from Italian creations to Japanese specialties to select cuts from the steakhouse. Pop in the hotel bars (or the swim-up pool bar) for a tropical drink, grab a pastry at the patisserie, or cool off with a cone at the ice-cream parlor.
Casa Kimberly—Mexico
Situated on the Bay of Banderas in Puerto Vallarta, the trendy-and-intimate Casa Kimberly looks out over the horseshoe-shaped shoreline stretching along the Pacific Ocean. Originally home to the famous lovers of the 1960s—Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton—the property is unofficially dubbed “the legendary love nest.” Here, you can expect romantic bliss (such as a soak in the pink marble heart-shaped tub) during your stay at this lavish romantic getaway. (Trivia buffs: All suites are named after Taylor’s films, such as the Cleopatra and Velvet.)
This nine-suite hotel delivers an indulgent level of privacy, with spacious rooms, top-notch service, and amorous touches. Book a couple’s massage or a private Jacuzzi soak in the spacious treatment suites designed for a romantic experience. Enjoy dinner for two on a private terrace or at the open-air restaurant and tequila bar, The Iguana, which overlooks Banderas Bay and the city of Puerto Vallarta.
Looking for a tropical romantic getaway without leaving the states? Consider a trip to Hawk’s Cay Resort or Barbary Beach House Key West—just two of the amazing Florida Keys hot spots that serve up the perfect stateside romantic getaway.
Lisa Beach is a seasoned freelance writer. Her work has been published in The New York Times, USA Today Go Escape, Good Housekeeping, Eating Well, and dozens more. Check out her writer’s website at www.LisaBeachWrites.com.
