10 Of The Most Romantic Beach Getaways

Wind in your hair, sea breeze kissing your skin, your worries and cares slipping further away with each shift of sand between your toes... There's a reason that "beachy" is so often synonymous with "sexy." Beaches bring out the best in us; the relaxed, fun-loving versions of ourselves. So, of course, mixing your shore session with a little romance makes all the sense in the world. To that end, we've gathered some of the sweetest, sultriest, most romantic beach getaways on the planet to bring a little more love into your life.

Italians have a reputation for being passionate lovers and with this much natural beauty for inspiration, it’s not hard to see why. This island, just off of Italy’s stunning Amalfi Coast, is a veritable Mediterranean fantasy. Stroll hand-in-hand along the beach admiring Easter egg colored houses and fishing boats, the scent of lemon trees wafting softly around you, a chilled bottle of the island’s famous limoncello tucked away for an impromptu sunset aperitivo. Perhaps a take an afternoon jaunt out to the world-renowned Blue Grotto where the sunlight turns the placid waters an otherworldly electric blue. We promise, you’ll be feeling the amore. Photo: Getty

Private types, rejoice; you don't have to worry about showing off too much PDA here. Even at the height of the season, Turks and Caicos’ wide, sugar-sanded beaches make it incredibly easy to find a secluded section of shore to pretend is your own private beach. Or, for the full “I own an island” effect, claim a spot for you and your special someone at one of the local ultra-private resorts like the opulent Amanyara on Providenciales or Como on Parrot Cay where celebs like Donna Karan tuck away their vacation houses.

Photo: Amanyara

Related article: These Are The 10 Best Islands In The World According To Travel Aficionados

Fans of Rogers and Hammerstein will no doubt be familiar with Bali Hai, a mythically perfect island that features as one of the most famous love songs from South Pacific. James A. Michener, author of Tales of the South Pacific, on which the musical is based, once said that Moorea was precisely what he had envisioned in his fantasy creation. Maybe it’s the almost-shockingly clear water (prepare to #nofilter like crazy,) or the private locale (the island is 12 miles off of the more bustling shores of Tahiti,) or maybe it’s just that the island itself is shaped like a heart – whatever the reason Moorea seems to inspire a lot of love.

Photo: Getty

Though they have sustained some damage in the current hurricane season, the smallest of the US Virgin Islands is still tailor made for a relaxed couples' retreat. Trunk Bay, with it’s powdery white sand and snorkeling reef just yards off shore, regularly tops lists of the best beaches in the world, but the island is dotted with more than a dozen superb sunning and swimming spots for every taste. It’s also just a short boatride away from tourist hot spots like Jost Van Dyke and The Baths at Virgin Gorda, without actually being overrun.

Photo: Getty

Related article: 12 Of The World's Best Private Beaches

Oenophiles, break out the ice bucket and start warming up your swirling hands. Not only is this Greek isle famous for its spectacular blue and white skyline, it’s also the birthplace of some of the finest white wines in the world. Spend the morning touring a few of the wineries and vineyards that dot the island, where the assyrtiko vines are trained to grow into a basket-like shape that helps protect them from the wind and sun, then hit the coast in time to catch a breath-takingly romantic sunset, perfectly chilled bottle in tow. Photo: Getty

If Kauai looks like something out of a movie, there’s a reason – the island has served as the backdrop for dozens upon dozens of movies and TV shows (everything from Gilligan’s Island to Jurassic Park) making it the perfect setting for your own private love story. Adventure lovers will find plenty to do exploring the island’s towering sea cliffs, sweeping canyons, and athletic hiking trails (the Kalalau Trail is a must-do for avid backpackers) but if your idea of romance involves more lounging on cinnamon beaches and snapping perfect kiss photos in front of the 83 foot Wailua Falls waterfall, you’ll be equally thrilled.

Photo: Getty

Going to a museum can make for a great date, but going to a museum underwater? Unforgettable. Home to Musa, an underwater statuary museum designed to help protect the local reef and increase habitats for the native marine life, Isla Mujeres makes for a truly unique art lovers’ experience. Of course, it’s not all diving among impressive works of sculpture. Isla Mujeres, a short ferry ride from Cancun, also boasts the same beautiful sand, crystalline waters, and unmatched seafood as its busier neighbor, minus the drunken spring break crowd. Photo: Getty

In the 1800s, British explorers suggested that Praslin, one of the largest islands in this African archipelago, might have been the site of the Garden of Eden. We don’t know if the islands can claim a past quite so salacious, but it’s true that the sapphire blue waters, lush greenery, and breathtaking rock formations have attracted plenty of lovebirds – even William and Kate honeymooned among the isles.

Photo: Getty

Related article: 10 Hidden Beaches Around The World You Need To Know About

Trailblazing couples, prepare yourself for some of the bluest water around; seriously, fans of this Filipino island swear that the ocean views here put the Caribbean Sea to shame. Often noted as one of the most beautiful islands in the world to visit, Palawan remains, inexplicably, under the radar – meaning you’ll definitely be the first in your circle of friends to get to brag about traversing the island’s famed underground river, or to snuggle up under the awe-inspiring sunsets and whale-spot from one of the white sand beaches of El Nido. Photo: Getty

Speaking of showing love, plenty of it has been voiced from around the world for this vacation-favorite Caribbean island in the wake of Hurricane Irma. Known for their pampering, St. Barts has long boasted some of the best dining in the region with outposts from celebrity chefs like Jean-Georges Vongerichten as well as exemplary classical French cuisine (it is still a part of France, after all.) High-end boutiques from Hermes, Louis Vuitton, and Cartier (just in case someone needs to pick up a special ring before the trip is over) also line the streets. One trip and you'll understand why St. Barts has so many devotees.

Photo: Getty

From: Harper's BAZAAR US