Whether you and bae just recently started dating or you’ve been together for decades, taking a romantic couples vacation together is likely to improve your relationship on every front.
We’ve rounded up five lit locales for every taste and budget – along with the insider scoop on where to stay, where to play and more – all to help you and your special someone enjoy an unforgettable getaway. Sit back, relax, and start planning those steamy memories that will continue burning long after you return home.
You’re welcome.
ARUBA
Perhaps the most popular of the Caribbean’s ABC islands (Bonaire and Curaçao round out the trio), Aruba is a go-to vacation destination for any couple seeking sun, sand and sexy memories. It’s easily accessible via many major airlines (about a four and a half hour flight from NYC’s JFK Airport) and the island is easy to navigate by foot, taxi, public bus or even rental car.
WHERE TO STAY
For the couple who will appreciate over-the-water rooms: Aruba Ocean Villas.
For the couple who want a home away from home feeling during their bae-cay: Blue Aruba.
WHAT TO EAT
View the coast of Venezuela while you savor fresh seafood at the world-renowned, Flying Fishbone. Kick back in your jean shorts, grab tasty tapas and drink yummy cocktails at Salt & Pepper known for no-frills cuisine and friendly bartenders. Centrally located on Eagle Beach, try Passions on the Beach, an undeniably romantic restaurant, perfect for sunset dining with that special someone.
WHERE TO PLAY
Luxuriate in a couples massage on the beach courtesy of Spa del Sol. Take hilarious pics with feisty pink flamingos at Renaissance Private Island just off the coast of Aruba. (Your concierge can arrange the excursion.) Enjoy a tour of The Butterfly Farm for kicks. Take a leisurely stroll through downtown Oranjestad…Bae might decide to splurge for a Louis Vuitton purse for you. Go snorkeling, turn up or both after booking of one of the many Jolly Pirates cruises.
NEVIS
Often referred to as the Caribbean’s best kept secret, this tropical gem has less than 12,000 residents. Visitors typically fly into St. Kitts before taking a quick and inexpensive ferry ride over to neighboring island, Nevis. The non-commercial island is a welcoming escape for busy professionals who want to unwind with a sense of privacy. This unspoiled island is the perfect couples getaway for those who want to unplug (but still have an Instagram-worthy backdrop).
WHERE TO STAY
For the hip, trendy couple: Golden Rock Inn.
For the couple who craves trusted luxury accommodations: Four Seasons Nevis.
For the couple who doesn’t really do hotels but still desires hotel-type amenities: Paradise Beach Villas.
WHAT TO EAT
Try Sunshine’s on the Beach (located on Pinney’s Beach) for delicious local fare and fresh seafood. Be sure to try their “Killer Bee” cocktail; a rum punch with sting. Rumor has it that the Carters aka Beyonce and Jay Z have dined at Sunshine’s. Check out the weekly traditional West Indian Buffet (complete with roasted pig) at Hermitage Plantation Inn. For a next level experience, make dinner reservations at The Sugar Cane Mill at Montpelier Plantation & Beach Hotel. It is a private room with breath-taking views and lots of candlelight leaving the two of you to reignite your love of food and each other.
WHERE TO PLAY
Spend some quality time together at Lover’s Beach because of the name alone (duh!) It is quaint and secluded; just ripe for skinny dipping…or any other dipping you’re up for. Adventurous couples will be excited to climb Nevis Peak, the island’s 3,232-foot postcard worthy volcano. Wild monkeys and goats abound so it is best traveled with a guide, but sure to provide lifelong memories. The waters around Nevis are crystal-clear, so book a catamaran cruise to take it all in while sipping rum punch. Then again, if you just want to stay at the amazing property offered by the Four Seasons Nevis, take advantage of your all inclusive offerings.
NEW ORLEANS
Not all memorable vacations require a passport. From soul-stirring music (it is considered the birthplace of jazz after all) to the slap your mama it’s so good cuisine, New Orleans is a cultural explosion just right for you and a new boo thang. What’s more, NOLA is a walkable city (perfect for getting to know each other better), centrally located, very accessible and surprisingly affordable. So as they say in Nawlins, Let the Good Times Roll!
WHERE TO STAY
For the couple who prefers a boutique hotel with an edge: The Saint Hotel.
For the couple who wants a tried and true hotel without the cookie cutter feel: W Hotel – French Quarter.
For the couple who opt for AirBnB-like accommodations: The Natchez.
WHAT TO EAT
You must share a sweet beignet from Café Du Monde. Devour a bowl of jambalaya at Mother’s Restaurant. Taste some of the best gumbo in the city at Dooky Chase while learning about the rich contributions former chef Leah Chase made to the city before her recent passing. Put on your sexiest attire and head to Emeril’s for an incredible date night.
WHERE TO PLAY
Head to The French Quarter and let the music guide you to the club or lounge of your choice; from bougie authentic jazz to twerk-ready trap music. Visit a cigar bar; one to try is Mayan Import on the city’s trendy Magazine Street. Explore the Crescent City beyond tourist traps with 2nd Line Tours. Get like Jada and Will Smith with an unforgettable Alligator + Swamp Tour.
ST. LUCIA
There is a reason St. Lucia is constantly voted one of the top honeymoon destinations in the world, year after year. It evokes romance sans the hokey heart and cupid vibes. There seems to be something on this lush island for everyone – from the lovebirds who seek undivided attention and pampering to the duos who choose to embrace the culture of the island and mingle with locals whenever possible.
WHERE TO STAY
For the YOLO couple who also appreciate nature: Jade Mountain.
For the couple who desires luxury without pretension: Sugar Beach Resort.
For the budget conscious couple who want the most bang for their buck: Sandals (choose from three resorts on the island).
WHAT TO EAT
Enjoy authentic Caribbean cuisine and affordable prices in a warm atmosphere at Flavours of the Grill. Located in what is now a historical landmark, Barnacles offers fresh seafood in an oceanfront setting perfect for making goo-goo eyes at each other. In addition to savory faves like curried lamb, Jambe De Bois is also the place to be for mouth-watering cakes.
WHERE TO PLAY
Enjoy vibrant Soca music, Lucian street food (definitely try the bakes) and an ice cold Piton beer at any of the Friday Night Fish Frys, commonly referred to by locals as “Jump Up,” in Gros Islet. A reliable taxi or car service can take you there and back from your hotel. Get your adventurous spirit going with a hike in the rainforest with Simon Says Tours. Then, rub each other down again and again at the Sulphur Springs in Soufriere. Take a cooking class together at Cook Like a Lucian so you can continue to enjoy the island’s cuisine once you return home. Want to rent a boat? Dream Yacht Charter is one company to consider and experience the beautiful Pitons up close and personal.
LAS VEGAS
WHERE TO STAY
For the couple who seek glitz and glam: The Cosmopolitan.
For the couple who is preparing for their Italian escape: The Venetian.
For the party couple with a contemporary aesthetic:The Linq.
WHAT TO EAT
Try Gordon Ramsay’s Pub & Grill for classic staples like fish and chips. Partake in sushi with a Latin beat at Shark. Sometimes a burger and a beer with bae is all you need. If this is your mantra, b.B.d will get you and you right. Sip on a glass of wine, enjoy a juicy steak all while taking in some of the best views Vegas has to offer at Top of the World where the restaurant revolves 360 degrees every 80 minutes.
WHERE TO PLAY
Of course you can hit up the casinos but there’s much more to do in Sin City! Take a jaw dropping tour of the Grand Canyon on a helicopter with Viator. Race through nearby Red Rock Canyon in a three wheeled car courtesy of Scoot City or zipline through town via Voo Doo Zip Line. Turn up at TAO nightclub. Make it rain together at Lacy’s Lounge Strip Club (where we hear the club provides transportation to and from the strip.) Seriously though, walking up and down the strip at any time of day or night is also free and surprisingly fun.
Bridgette Bartlett Royall is the founder of Black Bridal Bliss and Black Baby Bliss. Find her on IG: @BlkBridalBliss and @BlkBabyBliss19