Want to celebrate your anniversary in a big way? Take a trip! These destinations provide the setting for an unforgettable experience that may even beat your honeymoon!
Maldives
Scattered like a strand of pearls in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, just 200 of the 1,190 Maldive Islands are inhabited, luring travelers seeking an exotic and secluded vacation, including honeymooners. Couples looking for lots of privacy, are guaranteed to find it here, including the chance to bask in the sun on private white beaches with sand as soft as powdered sugar, and swim in the perfectly warm waters that glisten in a gradient of blues and turquoise. Lots of active pursuits are available too, like diving or snorkeling among vibrant coral reefs, sailing, windsurfing and more. Exploring local fishing villages and any one of the hundreds of uninhabited islands, indulging in couples’ massages, enjoying candlelit dinners and romantic sunset cruises are just a few of the other highlights of an anniversary trip to the Maldives.
South Island, New Zealand
If you’re an adrenaline-seeking couple, New Zealand’s South Island has everything you could ever wish for and more, from skiing and snowboarding in the winter to horseback riding, hiking, parasailing and white-water rafting in the summer. Take the plunge together at The Kawarau Bungy Centre, where the first commercial bungee jump began in 1988. Queenstown happens to boast the highest bungee jump, 440 feet above the Nevis River, and the world’s highest cliff jump, 358 feet above Shotover River where the bravest couples can free fall solo or in tandem 197 feet into the canyon before ropes pendulum passengers into a 656-mile swing at a rate of 93 miles per hour. When you’re ready to relax, unwind and soak up spectacular scenery while breathing the fresh mountain air at the Onsen Hot Pools.
Positano, Italy
While you’d be hard-pressed to find a place along the Amalfi Coast that wasn’t romantic, some say Positano village is the most romantic of all. The awe-inspiring seaside town is renowned for its pastel-colored buildings that spill down the mountain, winding streets that are wonderful to get lost in, idyllic beaches perfect for lounging and sunset views that are to-die-for. La Sirenuse, a private summer home that was converted into a small, elegant hotel, offers an ideal spot to overnight and enjoy everything that Positano and the Amalfi Coast have to offer. Most rooms overlook the bay of Positano and also include a private terrace or balcony. During the day, views of the Mediterranean are absolutely mesmerizing, and, after dark, with all the other villas lit up, there are enchanting views of the hillsides.
Seychelles
If you’re the type of couple that dreams of living the life of a celebrity or even royal couples, the Seychelles may be your ideal anniversary destination. Prince William and Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, honeymooned here, as did George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin, Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston. Made up of 115 islands spread out in the western Indian Ocean, most tourism and infrastructure is found on 16 of the islands, with accommodations ranging from ultra-luxury to rustic bungalows. If you’re looking to go all out, Fregate Island Private is a 740-acre private island where you’ll forget all about the “real world,” and spend time focusing on your relationship in a spectacular resort where there are never more than 40 guests at a time. The lush isle is home to 2,200 free-roaming giant Aldabra turtles, seven beaches and a practically endless number of romantic dining venues, including a unique treehouse that sits in one of the island’s oldest and largest banyan trees.
Bermuda
This small, subtropical island in the North Atlantic may best be known for its magnificent pink sand beaches that stretch for 21 miles along dazzling cerulean waters. Perfect for romance, Horseshoe Bay Beach, with its long, curved stretch of pale pink sands, boasts a number of secluded coves that are ideal for cuddling up and enjoying some privacy. When you want to get active, you can enjoy the usual water sports, including snorkeling or diving among the multitude of shipwrecks, or simply dipping your toes in the sand while being mesmerized by glorious sunsets. There are plenty of things to do on land as well, including scenic walks, some of the best island golf in the world, visiting museums and fantastic shopping. Whatever you do, don’t miss dining at Coconut’s, which serves up outstanding meals right on the beach.
Kauai, Hawaii
The Garden Isle is a favorite for romance. It tends to be more peaceful, offering a quieter place for contemplation, relaxation and re-connecting. It also happens to have more waterfalls than any other island in Hawaii, along with plenty of beautiful, secluded beaches, and, of course, a multitude of gorgeous gardens. Visit the Na Pali coast, a coastal range renowned as one of the most jaw-dropping places on Earth that can only be accessed by hiking, boat or helicopter tour. At Mahaulepu Beaches, the island’s most remote beaches, you’ll find three separate, picture-postcard stretches of sand where you can usually score a private spot all to yourselves. Take a trek to one of Kauai’s many waterfalls that have tranquil pools at the bottom, and you may even be able to squeeze in a private dip.
Cannon Beach, Oregon
Set along the wild northern Oregon coast, Cannon Beach is world-famous as a top spot for romance. It hosts world-class art galleries, unique shops, eateries with stunning ocean views and luxurious seaside resorts, some catering specifically to couples looking for a romantic escape, like Stephanie Inn, with suites overlooking the iconic Haystack Rock and the Pacific beyond, as well as featuring Jacuzzis and fireplaces. In the winter this is an ideal place for storm watching, and in the warmer months, ideal for hiking scenic trails that wind through the ancient, old-growth forest at the edge of the ocean, beach combing and exploring tide pools filled with all types of fascinating, colorful creatures.
Big Sur, California
The Big Sur Coast is often compared to the Italian Riviera, as an epic Mediterranean-style stretch of coastline. Here, the Santa Lucia Mountains rise alongside the dramatic coast with picturesque beaches and even the occasional waterfall that plunges to the sand. At Pfeiffer State Beach you’ll be mesmerized by the sight of one of the world’s rare purple sand beaches – with the turquoise waves crashing against it, the contrast is simply amazing. Post Ranch Inn, which sits on a cliff 1,200 feet above the Pacific, is considered to be one of the most romantic places to stay on the entire planet. There you can indulge in couples’ massage, dine in the candlelit restaurant, swim in the infinity hot pools that overlook the waves and enjoy gazing at the billions of stars that light up the sky after dark.
Los Cabos, Mexico
Locals often refer to Mexico’s Baja Peninsula as La Frontera, the frontier, because it remains largely undeveloped, except for the peninsula’s tip at Los Cabos, where the desert is filled with luxe resorts. Still, it’s still possible to find a nice, quiet spot to relax with a cold Pacifico beer and a tasty shrimp taco. At the upscale Villa la Estancia, guests can take in the naturally striking beauty of Baja without the noise and chaos of the party crowd. It offers a peaceful reprieve on gorgeous grounds and rooms with impressive views of the distinctive rock formation at Land’s End, located where the Pacific Ocean and Sea of Cortez meet. Seals and sea lions are frequently spotted reveling in the ever-present sunshine, and guests can also enjoy taking a refreshing dip in the infinity pools with waterfalls and grottos.
Sedona, Arizona
For nature lovers, Sedona is another ideal spot for celebrating an anniversary. Not only will you find mild weather nearly all year round – even during Arizona’s scorching hot summers, but there is a wide range of outdoor adventures available, including four-wheel jeep tours, miles and miles of hiking trails through the towering red rocks, and creeks that are perfect for taking a refreshing dip. The downtown area is filled with art galleries and boutiques, and you can also indulge in a good massage and other treatments at world-class spas. After dark, take in the haze-free, typically cloud-free skies that make this town one of the best places for stargazing. Sedona also offers restaurants serving an extensive array of delicious cuisine and luxurious resorts, while a number of wineries are nearby.
