Top 10 most romantic destination in the world 2008
Valentine's Day comes once a year, but travel offers a year-round opportunity to show that special person in your life how much you love them. Here, Travel + Leisure magazine provides a list of 10 of its favourite, and inspirational, romantic escapes.
1. TOKYO BY NIGHT
Book a table for two at the New York Grill at the Park Hyatt, Tokyo, in the heart of Shinjuku, where the movie, Lost in Translation was filmed. This is the restaurant - still with the best views of the Tokyo capital - where, 52 floors up, Tokyo lovebirds come to propose. http://www.hyatt.com
2. NEW YEAR'S EVE IN SYDNEY
Beat the crowds and book two seats at Opera Australia's New Year's Eve Gala Concert, which allows you the privilege of viewing the famed fireworks from inside the Sydney Opera House, as well as, of course, a night of sensational music and partying. (Tickets go on sale mid-year). http://www.opera-australia.org.au
3. LUANG PRABANG AT DAWN
Rise early in this spectacular World Heritage-listed town, on the banks of the Mekong in Laos, and witness alms-giving to the saffron-robe-clad monks on their serene ritual procession through the quiet streets. Then wander off for a leisurely breakfast at one of the many French-style cafes. http://www.travelindochina.com.au
4. PARIS AT DAWN
Anyone can swoon at the top of the Eiffel Tower. Go one better and wake up early and recreate the romantic, blue-tinged scenes from the hit French movie, Diva, as you wander around the captivating streets of the City of Light, just as the cafes are baking the first croissants of day. http://www.franceguide.com
5. WAKE UP TO THE TAJ MAHAL
Book a luxurious Taj Mahal view room at the exclusive Oberoi Amarvilas Hotel, with its Moorish and Mughal-inspired architecture. The hotel (the poshest place to stay in Agra) is a mere 600 metres from the world's ultimate monument to love. http://www.oberoihotels.com
6. CATCH SUNRISE AT MACHU PICCHU
Watch dawn break over Machu Picchu, the ancient citadel of the Incas in Peru by staying overnight in the elegant Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge. By mid-morning the tour buses offload their hordes, and while the ruins and surrounding mountain peaks are no less magnificent, the spell is broken. http://www.orient-express.com
7. STROLL IN OLD HAVANA
The crumbling Spanish Colonial facades of Cuba's Old Havana provide the perfect backdrop for walking hand-in-hand. Be drawn to a local dark-wood bar by the sound of the Afro-Cuban rhythms that waft up and down the cobbled streets; and once inside there is an ice-cold mojito waiting for you, or perhaps a daquiri, Ernest Hemingway's drink of choice. And as the moon rises high in the sky, walk along the Malecon, the city's seaside promenade and let the sea breeze mingle with the music. http://www.havanatours.com.au
8. GET PASSIONATE IN ST PETERSBURG
Fuel your passion, culturally and otherwise, and secure tickets to a ballet or classical music concert during the St Petersburg "Stars of the White Nights" Festival (May 11 to July 20). Then cap off the evening with an unscripted wander along the city's canals, paying homage to its glorious baroque buildings and many bridges in the moody blue of a midnight twilight. http://www.mariinsky.ru/en
9. LIVE LIKE A PRINCE IN PHUKET
Roll out of your obscenely comfortable king-sized bed and plunge naked into your own private swimming pool in a private villa in Phuket, Thailand. A growing number of the Thai island's resorts now offer an additional level of privacy to the ultimate in luxury. All the resort facilities are at your disposal, and a personal chef is on hand to cater to your every culinary whim. http://www.trisara.com
10. REVEL IN RAVELLO
Immerse yourself in the exquisite vistas of the Amalfi Coast, arguably Europe's most beautiful and inspiring coastline, from a restaurant terrace in the Italian hilltop town of Ravello.
From July to October, catch a performance of classical or contemporary music, dance and cinema as part of the Ravello Festival. http://www.hotelcaruso.com
To read the complete list of Travel + Leisure's 20 most inspirational romantic escapes go to http://www.travelandleisure.com.au
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1. TOKYO BY NIGHT
Book a table for two at the New York Grill at the Park Hyatt, Tokyo, in the heart of Shinjuku, where the movie, Lost in Translation was filmed. This is the restaurant - still with the best views of the Tokyo capital - where, 52 floors up, Tokyo lovebirds come to propose. http://www.hyatt.com
2. NEW YEAR'S EVE IN SYDNEY
Beat the crowds and book two seats at Opera Australia's New Year's Eve Gala Concert, which allows you the privilege of viewing the famed fireworks from inside the Sydney Opera House, as well as, of course, a night of sensational music and partying. (Tickets go on sale mid-year). http://www.opera-australia.org.au
3. LUANG PRABANG AT DAWN
Rise early in this spectacular World Heritage-listed town, on the banks of the Mekong in Laos, and witness alms-giving to the saffron-robe-clad monks on their serene ritual procession through the quiet streets. Then wander off for a leisurely breakfast at one of the many French-style cafes. http://www.travelindochina.com.au
4. PARIS AT DAWN
Anyone can swoon at the top of the Eiffel Tower. Go one better and wake up early and recreate the romantic, blue-tinged scenes from the hit French movie, Diva, as you wander around the captivating streets of the City of Light, just as the cafes are baking the first croissants of day. http://www.franceguide.com
5. WAKE UP TO THE TAJ MAHAL
Book a luxurious Taj Mahal view room at the exclusive Oberoi Amarvilas Hotel, with its Moorish and Mughal-inspired architecture. The hotel (the poshest place to stay in Agra) is a mere 600 metres from the world's ultimate monument to love. http://www.oberoihotels.com
6. CATCH SUNRISE AT MACHU PICCHU
Watch dawn break over Machu Picchu, the ancient citadel of the Incas in Peru by staying overnight in the elegant Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge. By mid-morning the tour buses offload their hordes, and while the ruins and surrounding mountain peaks are no less magnificent, the spell is broken. http://www.orient-express.com
7. STROLL IN OLD HAVANA
The crumbling Spanish Colonial facades of Cuba's Old Havana provide the perfect backdrop for walking hand-in-hand. Be drawn to a local dark-wood bar by the sound of the Afro-Cuban rhythms that waft up and down the cobbled streets; and once inside there is an ice-cold mojito waiting for you, or perhaps a daquiri, Ernest Hemingway's drink of choice. And as the moon rises high in the sky, walk along the Malecon, the city's seaside promenade and let the sea breeze mingle with the music. http://www.havanatours.com.au
8. GET PASSIONATE IN ST PETERSBURG
Fuel your passion, culturally and otherwise, and secure tickets to a ballet or classical music concert during the St Petersburg "Stars of the White Nights" Festival (May 11 to July 20). Then cap off the evening with an unscripted wander along the city's canals, paying homage to its glorious baroque buildings and many bridges in the moody blue of a midnight twilight. http://www.mariinsky.ru/en
9. LIVE LIKE A PRINCE IN PHUKET
Roll out of your obscenely comfortable king-sized bed and plunge naked into your own private swimming pool in a private villa in Phuket, Thailand. A growing number of the Thai island's resorts now offer an additional level of privacy to the ultimate in luxury. All the resort facilities are at your disposal, and a personal chef is on hand to cater to your every culinary whim. http://www.trisara.com
10. REVEL IN RAVELLO
Immerse yourself in the exquisite vistas of the Amalfi Coast, arguably Europe's most beautiful and inspiring coastline, from a restaurant terrace in the Italian hilltop town of Ravello.
From July to October, catch a performance of classical or contemporary music, dance and cinema as part of the Ravello Festival. http://www.hotelcaruso.com
To read the complete list of Travel + Leisure's 20 most inspirational romantic escapes go to http://www.travelandleisure.com.au
