Whisked away on a romantic holiday

Go one step further than chocolates and flowers to express your love – there’s a world of romantic experiences waiting to be discovered. Make lasting memories with your loved one by sharing a journey across the world, whether you’re clinking highballs in an underground Japanese bar or uncovering centuries-old love stories at an Italian art gallery.

Colombo: Sun, sand and safari

If you’re the kind of couple that lives for the beach, Colombo is beckoning. Situated along Sri Lanka’s golden shoreline, the capital has fantastic access to stretches of sand such as bar-lined Hikkaduwa Beach or tranquil Negombo Beach. Once you’re done soaking in the rays, head into town to discover ice cream-hued architecture. Colombo is a fantastic jumping-off point for waterfall hikes in Ella, leopard safaris in Yala, tea plantation scenery in Kandy and far more. 

Date night: See the sunset from the terrace of Upali’s by Nawaloka , one of the city’s best restaurants, housed in the owner’s childhood home.

Tokyo: Citypop central

Romance – and petals – are in the air this season in Tokyo. As deep magenta plum blossoms take over gardens and usher in spring, you’ll find couples hoping for luck in love at shrines like the maneki-neko (lucky cat) guarded Imado Shrine for newlyweds or the elegant Tokyo Daijungu. From omakase dinners to easy day trips and romantic wanders, you’ll never run out of ideas for fun.

Date night: Head to Shinjuku’s Golden Gai for a nightcap, where intimate bars make for cosy conversations and attentive service.

Paris: Splurge-worthy movie magic

Before Sunset, Amélie, Midnight in Paris – there’s a reason so many love stories are set in the French capital. Now it’s time to write one of your own. There’s a cinematic moment around every corner here, whether you’re sharing a bottle of wine on the steps of the Sacré-Coeur as the Eiffel Tower sparkles at night, or poring over masterpieces hand-in-hand at the Louvre or Musée d’Orsay. There’s no shortage of luxury hotels to cuddle up in, from the Four Seasons Hotel George V to the Bulgari Hotel.

Date night: Dress up glamorously and head to the Palais Garnier to watch an opera or ballet in gilded surroundings.

Rome: Culture vultures

Skip the summer crowds and head to Rome in spring, when you’ll have the run of the city. Behold painted mythological scenes by Old Masters at the Borghese Gallery in between wine, espresso and moreish pasta dishes. Visit the Trevi Fountain to toss in a coin and make a wish, or the Temple of Venus and Roma to pray to the ancient goddess of love.

Date night: Explore the illuminated ruins of the Colosseum by night. 

Victoria: Laidback vineyard hopping

Prefer to take things slow? Besides brunching your way through Melbourne and wandering its botanical gardens, walk the banks of the Yarra River to spy a cross-section of the city’s best landmarks. You’ll want to pencil in a few days to explore the vineyards of the neighbouring Mornington Peninsula: a wine region famed for its lush reds.

Date night: Book a vineyard getaway at design hotel Jackalope , tucked away between grapevines and boasting an obsidian infinity pool with views over Willow Creek Vineyard.

Christchurch: Thrilling romances

Nothing brings people closer together than an adrenaline rush: Christchurch is perfect for an adventure holiday. Mountain biking, water sports and sprawling hikes are an easy drive from this urban centre, which boasts smart hotels like The George and a lively food scene. Head to Christchurch Adventure Park to zipline or take on challenging trails on two wheels, or drive to coastal town Akaroa to sea kayak among penguins. The pilgrimage to Aoraki/Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo is worth it for pristine natural views, horse riding, hiking, stargazing tours and hot springs. 

Date night: Buckle up at Hanmer Springs bungy , where couples can take the leap together. 

Where to get married around the world

They might sound straight out of an 18th-century novel, but elopements have become increasingly popular over the past few years, with couples choosing to scale down weddings in favour of intimate, more impromptu ceremonies around the world.

Photographers report being asked to shoot more elopements than ever before, while top wedding searches on Pinterest include “elopements in forests” and “elopements at city halls”. Here are the 10 most popular places to elope around the world, according to research from the Chapel of the Flowers in Las Vegas.

1. Las Vegas 

The Little White Wedding Chapel is more popular than ever.

2. Italy

There’s nothing more romantic than a gondola ride for two. 

3. Scotland

Bonny lochs and cosy pubs beckon runaway lovers.

4. Ireland

Coastal retreats or sweet city breaks: the Emerald Isle has both in spades.

5. Spain

Turn up the heat together and leave your troubles till mañana.

6. Nashville

Grab your partner by the hand, and make it a love story to remember.

7. New Orleans

Jazz bars, the French Quarter and non-stop bacchanalia attract music lovers.

8. Iceland

Wild landscapes and whale-watching make for a one-of-a-kind elopement.

9. Greece

Watch the Aegean Sea sparkle in your lover’s eyes over mastika and souvlaki.

10. New York City

The city of meet-cutes is a top place to get hitched on the fly.