The most romantic destinations in the world

Looking to inject some romance into your travel plans this year? Here we explore the most loved-up destinations on the planet...

The Maldives is one of those destinations that automatically springs to mind when thinking about romantic breaks. The waters are a brilliant turquoise colour, the skies are the kind of blue that those of us in the UK only dream about, and many of the island resorts dotting the Indian Ocean are quite literally built for romance. Bungalows perch over the water where you can watch sea life lazily cruise past, day beds ensure you’ll relax from dawn to dusk and lavish food completes the picture of indulgence.

Australia’s Whitsunday Islands stretch along the central coast of Queensland, in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.  Some of the 74 islands that make up the Whitsundays are uninhabited, but eight of these islands offer deluxe accommodation. The most romantic of these is Hamilton Island, where visitors can relax in luxury with plenty of activities for those seeking a bit more than just a pool or beach. For a truly unforgettable romantic experience, guests can arrange a ride in a seaplane, which will fly over the infamous ‘Heart Reef’, an island just 17 metres in diameter, perfectly formed into a romantic heart.

Lounging on a beach isn’t the only way to experience romantic holidays; relaxing in the luxury of a train as it glides past majestic mountains and breathtaking lakes is every bit as romantic. Enjoy gourmet meals in a glass dome carriage where the panoramic views will offer a backdrop like no other and at night, enjoy deluxe accommodation at one of the scenic stops along the way. You may even spot Canadian wildlife such as moose, elk and bald eagles...if you’re lucky!

Have you seen our Rocky Mountaineer offers?

Mexico is the perfect romantic destination for couples who love relaxing on the beach, but who are also looking for some culture and adventure to add to their itinerary. A holiday to Mexico’s Cancun will satisfy adventure seekers and beach lovers alike, with luxurious resorts offering water sports, snorkelling and even dolphin encounters, and ancient ruins within easy reach, ideal for a day trip. Offering sunshine, Caribbean beaches and culture aplenty, Cancun is definitely one of the most romantic destinations in the world.

Take a look at our Mexico's Most Wanted deals, from £799 for 7 nights.

If romantic weekend breaks to vibrant cities are more your thing, why not try a long weekend city break in New York City? There are seemingly endless deluxe hotels to choose from and a multitude of options to keep couples pampered, entertained and well fed. And if you’re exhausted from shopping, dining and theatre, a stroll through Central Park or renting a row boat to lazily paddle around the lake is about as romantic as it gets.