The World’s Most Romantic Hotels

By Melanie Lieberman
August 23, 2016
Courtesy of La Casa Que Canta
An intimate, 25-suite hideaway overlooking Zihuatanejo Bay proves that romance can be found even in the most remote stretches of the planet—especially when there are private plunge pools and sweeping views.

La Casa Que Canta is a World’s Best veteran, and this year, the Mexican resort snagged the top spot on our list of the most romantic hotels on the planet: a distinction shared by the sophisticated Casa Gangotena property in Quito, Ecuador. Instead of saltwater pools and tequila bars, guests staying in this restored colonial mansion find romance in the charming interior gardens and on the balconies overlooking Plaza San Francisco.

Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, Travel + Leisure asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe—to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise lines, spas, airlines, and more. Readers rated hotels and resorts for a number of superlatives, including romance. And our readers prove that hotel soul mates really are one in a million.

The top 15 hotels on the list (17 properties, thanks to a couple ties) can be found in some of the most romantic places on earth, including the Greek island of Santorini and picturesque Sonoma, California. There are three Italian properties on this list—one in Capri, one on the Amalfi coast, and Castello di Casole: the Tuscan estate that's the No. 1 resort in all of Italy.

“There is a true sense of magic when you walk in the doors,” said one T+L reader of their romantic stay at Castello di Casole.

This unbelievable, fairytale-like quality is true of every property that World’s Best voters selected for this list.

“Katikies Hotel is simply at a divine level,” observed one reader. Another added that their time at this cliff-top property was an “otherworldly experience.” “It might feel like you’ve died and gone to heaven,” they warned. Fortunately, the staff members are nothing short of angels.

Need to stoke the fire on your next vacation? Just check into one of these top hotels for romance.
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15. Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui

Courtesy of Four Seasons Resorts
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15. Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle

Courtesy of Four Seasons Resorts

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15. J.K. Place, Capri

Courtesy of J.K. Place Capri
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13. Mystique, Santorini, Greece

Courtesy of Mystique

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13. Petit St. Vincent Resort

Courtesy of Petit St. Vincent Resort

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12. Twin Farms, Barnard, Vermont

Courtesy of Twin Farms
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10. The Caves Hotel & Spa, Negril, Jamaica

Courtesy of Island Outpost

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10. Château du Sureau, Oakhurst, California

Courtesy of Château du Sureau

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9. Las Ventanas al Paraíso, A Rosewood Resort, San Jose del Cabo, Mexico

Courtesy of Rosewood
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8. Castello di Casole—A Timbers Resort, Casole d’Elsa, Italy

Courtesy of Hotel Castello di Casole – A Timbers Resort

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7. Katikies Hotel, Santorini, Greece

Courtesy of Katikies Hotel

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6. Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, Little Torch Key, Florida

Courtesy of Little Palm Island Resort and Spa
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5. The Oberoi Vanyavilas, Ranthambhore, India

Courtesy of The Oberoi Vanyavilas

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4. Farmhouse Inn, Forestville, Caifornia

Courtesy of Farmhouse Inn

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3. Hotel Santa Caterina, Amalfi, Italy

Courtesy of Hotel Santa Caterina
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No. 1 Casa Gangotena, Quito, Ecuador

Courtesy of Casa Gangotena

Columns, handpainted murals, and veined marble are the upscale touches that elevate this colonial mansion in the historic corner of Quito. The cozy 31-room colonial structure will transport you, and the staff will spoil you from the moment you step across the threshold. Opt for a room overlooking the private gardens or the bustling plaza.

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No. 1 La Casa Que Canta, Zihuatanejo, Mexico

Courtesy of La Casa Que Canta

With only 25 rooms, it’s easy to pretend it’s just you and your significant other at this beachy, Mexican resort. From the terraced hillside over Zihuatanejo Bay, you can easily spend an afternoon soaking in your private plunge pool, lounging on a hammock, or sipping margaritas on the beach. Book a traditional Mexican treatment at the Clarins spa for even more pampering.

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By Melanie Lieberman