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The World's Most Romantic Hotels to Visit in 2026
Looking to impress that special someone in your life? These exceptional hotel stays represent the pinnacle of romantic escapes for your next couple's getaway, offering everything from jungle glamping to historic castle retreats.
Planning Your Perfect Romantic Escape
Whether you're dreaming of glamping in Bali's lush jungles or a cosy staycation in a New Forest cabin, we've curated the most romantic destinations for lovebirds seeking quality time together. Our selection spans historic castles with antique four-poster beds to Scottish escapes featuring in-house poets who can compose Shakespeare-worthy love notes for your beloved.
Top Romantic Hotel Picks at a Glance
- Best luxury hotel: Taj Lake Palace hotel
- Best hotel for honeymoons: Capella Ubud Bali hotel
- Best boutique hotel: Amberley Castle hotel
- Best hotel for a city break: The Balmoral Hotel
- Best hotel with a hot tub: Rome Cavalieri hotel
Global Romantic Destinations for 2026
Our comprehensive guide includes a rainforest retreat in New South Wales, a Sussex castle where couples can stargaze under dark skies, a five-star hotel on an island in Udaipur's Lake Pichola, and a Rome suite with breathtaking views of St Peter's Basilica's dome. Consider us your personal Cupid for travel planning.
1. The Utopia in Japan Suite at Park Hotel Tokyo
Tokyo, Japan showcases themed hotel rooms done brilliantly, with Park Hotel Tokyo standing out for its artist-designed accommodations. The cherry blossom-themed "Utopia in Japan" suite, created in late 2025 by artists Nagisa Nakauchi and Wakako Kawakami, features romantic symbols including plushie parakeets on the bed and blush-pink cherry blossom walls representing love and renewal. Located in Shiodome near Shiodome City Center tower, guests can enjoy spectacular Tokyo views from the Sky Bar SPADE on the 41st floor.
2. The Architect's Tent at Capella Ubud Hotel
Ubud, Bali offers just 23 luxurious tent suites at Capella Ubud, each featuring private pools. The antique-stuffed "Architect's Tent" provides particularly romantic dusk experiences when the jungle quietens and the hanging pool appears to float mid-air. Couples can book the "Confined to Quarters" 24-hour wellbeing ritual including massages and Balinese blessings. The resort's design draws inspiration from twelfth-century love story of Chinese princess Kang Cing Wie and King Jayapangus.
3. The Lake Cabin at Lime Wood Hotel
New Forest, UK presents this gorgeous cabin with stripped oak floors, open fires, and a freestanding bathtub enhancing the romance factor. The self-contained accommodation includes a kitchenette and fully stocked larder, perfect for secluded hideaways. New foraging masterclasses launched in early 2026, led by plant expert Sammie Longhorn, teach couples about plants' healing powers. General manager Kenneth Speirs recommends nearby Exbury Gardens for its seasonal beauty.
4. The Grand Royal Suite at Taj Lake Palace Hotel
Udaipur, India hosts this five-star hotel on an island in Lake Pichola, where couples receive rose petal welcomes. The Grand Royal Suite features crystal chandeliers, gold leaf accents, and marble-clad bathrooms. New experiences introduced in 2025 include private dinners on the Mewar Terrace, a popular proposal spot with stunning lake views.
5. The Vineta Palm Beach Hotel
California, USA welcomes Oetker Hotels' first US property opening around Valentine's Day 2026. This intimate Palm Beach retreat with just 41 rooms showcases Mediterranean Revival architecture with original historical features. Unique roving carts offer vintage Rothschild champagne, gelato, and gym kit delivery to sun loungers, bar stools, or beds.
6. The Royal Champagne Hotel and Spa
Champagne, France attracts celebrities and honeymooners to this popular retreat, including recent visitors Romeo Beckham and Jackie Apostel. The Josephine Suite, inspired by Napoleon Bonaparte's first wife, offers vineyard terrace views. During winter, the Salon Fines Bulles bar provides cosy fireside settings, while warmer months allow private terrace dining with dedicated butlers.
7. Crystal Creek Rainforest Retreat
New South Wales, Australia designs romance into glass-walled cabins overlooking rainforests with sunken double baths, plus cottage-style spa cabins with log fires. Located in Tweed Valley between Numinbah Nature Reserve and Springbrook National Park, couples can order picnic baskets for secluded spots like the Creekside Pavilion cantilevered over mountain-fed creeks.
8. The Balmoral Hotel
Edinburgh, Scotland offers romantic city breaks with resident poets available to compose love poems or recite Gaelic verses. This historic hotel features intimate dining at Number One restaurant, where banquette tables create candlelit settings removed from city bustle, as recommended by restaurant manager Emma Hemy.
9. Amberley Castle Hotel
Arundel, Sussex provides stargazing experiences launched in late 2025, with blankets, chocolates, and journals for couples to enjoy South Downs National Park's dark skies. The Chichester Suite on the manor house top floor features roaring fires, leaded windows, and antique gilt mirrors beneath original beams.
10. Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Hotel
Montreal, Canada commemorates John Lennon and Yoko Ono's "Bed-In for Peace" protest with their namesake suite featuring images and handwritten notes. The hotel's French restaurant offers candlelit dinners with mussels or lamb, while Friday "Seafood and Jazz" events combine live music with oyster sharing plates.
11. The Penthouse Suite at Rome Cavalieri Hotel
Rome, Italy presents this palatial accommodation with a sliding ceiling revealing St Peter's Basilica dome views, also visible from the private rooftop garden hot tub. Hotel director Valeria Licoccia describes the 2,300-square-foot sanctuary as offering "the most romantic panorama of the Eternal City."
Why Trust Our Recommendations
The hotels featured in this list have been carefully selected by The Independent's expert travel writer Tamara Hinson. When choosing which properties to include, she considered personal experience staying at these hotels while evaluating location, facilities, service, and all details that create exceptional stays for travellers seeking romantic getaways.
