The best romantic destinations for couples in 2026

As 2026 grinds into action, there’s one thing the entire H! Fashion team have on their mind – a great holiday. This year, romance has traded rose petals for serene getaways, with sunshine on the minds of those desperate to escape the office-bound hubbub of city life.

 2026’s most swoon-worthy destinations are less about grand gestures and more about deliciously intimate trips that feel tailored to you and your loved one. Think slow mornings, fast airport connections and settings that make you fall head over heels for each other – all over again. Luckily, we’ve done the hard work for you, compiling this gorgeous list of unexpected destinations to stoke the flames of your relationship once more.

We’ve found something for everyone – from tropical sun seekers to adrenaline junkies and those who just want to lay horizontally poolside with a book undisturbed. 

So grab your partner, your calendar and start planning… 

For Sun-Seekers: The Seychelles

For couples looking for the ultimate relaxation and true slice of paradise, the newly revamped Avani+ Barbarons Seychelles is the place to go. Located on Mahé’s pristine west coast, bringing fresh energy to one of the island’s most idyllic stretches of sand. Following a full-scale transformation, the resort now blends Seychelles’ natural beauty with luxurious coastal design.  

Tucked between palm-fringed gardens and the turquoise shimmer of the Indian Ocean, the 192-room beachfront property was curated for slowing down. Think brand-new Lagoon Access rooms that flow straight onto the water, and private terraces strung with hammocks where time seems to pause. Open-air communal spaces blur the line between indoors and out, letting the sea breeze envelop your senses. Beyond the beach, you can unwind with a couples massage at the inviting AvaniSpa, snorkel in crystal-clear shallows or explore nearby nature reserves and plantations. Curated experiences celebrate the island’s Creole heritage, from local market tours to museums. 

Dining is a true highlight at the hotel – you can even request a romantic private dining experience on the beach under the stars, which is like something out of a film. Pti-Bazar restaurant serves global flavours with a local twist, Somewhere specialises in wood-fired grills, and SEYUMAI delivers sushi inspired by Seychellois coastal cuisine. Sip on tropical cocktails at the Zil swim-up bar, and look ahead to the opening of two new venues – Nowhere, a secret rum and hammock bar, and Upper Deck, a Champagne and tapas lounge with sweeping bay views – set to join the line-up later this year. 

The Seychelles is an award-winning destination for couples known for lush, luxury resorts spread across the 115 islands and the sparkling sea between. Offering a perfect marriage between privacy and romance, the picturesque beaches are world renowned for good reason. 

Avani+ Barbarons Seychelles sets a new tone for modern luxury by the shore – yet still invites guests to slow down and savour the rhythm of island living. It’s the perfect hotel in the most romantic and relaxing location. 

For Explorers, Istra

For couples seeking a chic, under-the-radar European escape, Istria in Croatia is a destination that effortlessly balances romance, culture, and incredible food. Ideal for foodie couples or those who love a beautifully packed itinerary, Istria offers a slower, more intimate alternative to Croatia’s busier hotspots without sacrificing experiences.

Days in Istria are best planned around sunrise or sunset, especially when they include a sea swim in Croatia’s famously crystal-clear waters. For a truly special stay, Grand Hotel Brioni is a standout choice. Perfectly positioned on the coast, it sets the tone for a romantic trip while also offering easy access to some of the region’s most memorable sights. From here, couples can spend a day exploring Brijuni National Park, followed by wandering through Pula’s old town, where layers of Roman, Venetian, and Austro-Hungarian history unfold at every turn.

While in Pula, a visit to the Istria Wine Museum is highly recommended. It’s an intimate, informative stop and the perfect excuse to pick up a bottle of local wine to enjoy together while watching one of Istria’s breathtaking sunsets.

Although the coastline is undeniably beautiful, Istria’s magic truly reveals itself inland. Rolling hills, olive groves, and vineyards create a dreamy countryside that feels worlds away from the beach. Chiavalon Olive Oil Estate offers a fantastic experience for couples, combining tastings with insight into Croatia’s celebrated olive oil production, both romantic and enriching.

For couples who travel for food, Rovinj is the culinary heart of the region. The town boasts several Michelin-recognised restaurants, making it ideal for memorable date nights. Agli Amici, with two Michelin stars, delivers an exceptional fine-dining experience, while Monte and Cap Aureo, both one-star establishments, offer refined, intimate meals that elevate any romantic getaway.

To fully embrace Istria’s wine culture, a stay at Meneghetti Wine Hotel is hard to beat. Set among rolling vineyards, it allows couples to enjoy wine tastings right on their doorstep, unwind in serene surroundings, and truly slow down together, glass in hand, surrounded by nature.

Istria is a destination made for couples. It’s romantic without being showy, indulgent without being overwhelming, and rich in experiences that are best enjoyed together. Whether you’re swimming at sunrise, sharing a Michelin-starred meal, or sipping local wine as the sun dips below the horizon, Istria invites couples to reconnect.

For Lazy Days, The Cotswolds

The Painswick is a perfect Cotswolds bolthole, and you’ll find it hard to leave after your stay – trust us. Settled amongst some of England’s most beautiful landscapes, the hotel is housed in a beautifully proportioned Palladian building dating back to the late 18th century. Formerly Prospect House, later Gwynfa House and the Cranham Woods Hotel, its latest chapter feels like the most confident yet. Since its thoughtful restoration in 2015, the property shines, blending period elegance with relaxed, contemporary comfort.

The rooms are stylish and serene, with plenty of natural light and a sense of understated, comfortable luxury that makes it so easy to snuggle up in an armchair and refuse to move. Have a drink in one of the elegant lounges and explore the beautifully kept gardens that feel like an extension of the surrounding countryside. Don’t miss afternoon tea, the perfect treat to share with a loved one. And dine at restaurant Sauce, helmed by head chef Jamie McCallum. Treat yourself to delicious dishes such as cheddar & jalapeno croquetas and British classics like the glorious Beef Wellington. 

Set in the heart of the postcard-pretty village of Painswick, the hotel is perfectly placed for exploring the Cotsworlds – the home of some of England’s most incredible green spaces. Step outside and you’re surrounded by rolling green hills, honey-stone houses and winding lanes ideal for cycling or long walks, but equally well suited to slower pleasures, from visiting nearby country homes to browsing local food markets and antique shops. 

And of course, don’t neglect the plethora of country pubs that surround the hotel to visit for a well deserved pint after a refreshing stroll through the British countryside. The perfect spot for the couple who want to do not very much and feel fantastic about it. 

For History Lovers, Venice

For couples looking for the buzz of a city break paired with the luxury of a cultured romantic escape, Venice is the perfect destination. The intimate city, made up of 118 small islands, is linked together like a web, connected with bridges and canals, making exploring easy and entertaining – almost like walking amongst a movie set.

When arriving in the city by plane, take a private water taxi from the airport’s own port to really feel like a true movie star arriving. The water taxi sets off from the airport, bypassing neighbouring islands such as Murano, famous for its iconic glass blowing. As the boat pulls closer towards Venice, you’ll begin your trip into the canals. The water is perfectly still and even though boats are the form of transport over cars here, the road equivalents are not jam-packed and traffic-filled, making for a peaceful boat ride towards your final destination. Top tip: the water taxi drivers are super helpful at finding the nearest dock to your accommodation, saving you from dragging luggage across the cobbled steps and bridges of the city, a common sight with Venice tourists, so it’s a true win.

To fully embrace Venice’s intimate luxury, stay at Palazzo Priuli, where the property brings to life the city’s vast art history amongst its walls. Each room at Palazzo Priuli is uniquely furnished in neo-Renaissance style, embellished with velvets, brocades and Murano glass chandeliers. Palazzo Priuli is a true jewel among Venice’s period residences, having preserved its ancient characteristics and charm over the centuries thanks to expert restoration work (the most recent in 2000) directed by the Venice Superintendency. Enjoy a spritz in the bar or dine at the property’s intimate couples’ table, set outside on the bank of the canal, perfect for an Italian date night. It wouldn’t be a trip to Venice without a gondola ride along the canals either, and from Palazzo Priuli, Venice’s historic and renowned gondola rowers are placed right outside for you to hop on and glide through a piece of Italian history.

When in Italy, we know what you’re all thinking, where is the best spot for a spritz? In Venice, it just has to be Harry’s Bar, located minutes’ walk from the main St Mark’s Square. Opt for the Bellini; Harry’s Bar is the exact location where the iconic drink was first created. Served in dainty coupes and paired with Venice’s famous cicchetti bites, you’ll be left wanting more and more.

For things to do during your city break, take time to wander around the famous St Mark’s Square and enjoy some shopping along Via XXII Marzo, where luxury boutiques line the street. Ready to put your feet up? Head for a coffee and Italian pastry at Italy’s oldest café, Caffè Florian. It opened in Piazza San Marco in 1720 and has been operating ever since, making it the oldest coffee house in continuous operation in Italy.

For Beautiful Beaches, Antigua

Searching for some sun, sea and sensational island life? Couples who are ready to escape the dreary English winter weather for hotter climes should look no further than The Verandah. Spanning from the white beaches of the island to the hillsides climbing with palm trees, the hotel has true Antiguan charm paired with ultimate luxury. 

The all inclusive beachside hotel is set across almost 30 acres of tropical gardens and white-sand beaches next to the island’s Devil’s Bridge National Park. Perfect for the couples who like to do it all, whilst basking under the Caribbean sun, the hotel hosts a range of activities perfect for adults seeking a balance of relaxation and adventure. Whether it’s watersports including kayaking and hobie cat sailing, feeling tranquil in one of the properties four swimming pools or heading to the fitness centre and getting in a pickleball game, you’re bound to remain entertained with a variety of activities that appeal to both active travellers and those seeking downtime. 

Plus, when’s too many options for dining on the island? The hotel is home to multiple dining venues, from casual beachfront bars and grills to fine-dining options, serving a mix of international and local cuisine, perfect for those looking to try something new throughout their trip. And what’s a tropical holiday without the best rum-punch spots? Whether you’re opting for a mocktail or ready to try some of the island’s most iconic tipples, the hotel’s bar scene ranges from poolside lounges to laid-back bars. 

The properties ‘Hillside Villa’ rooms are set within the hotel’s idyllic tropical gardens and provide a peaceful escape with garden views from the villa’s private verandas. Take time for slow island mornings in your king-size bed with garden views or unwind after a busy day with a rum cocktail or two on the nature-immersed balcony. Top tip: Don’t forget to make the most of The Verandah’s luxurious spa and wellness centre offering a variety of treatments in a relaxing, topical setting to unwind fully. 

The hotel is easygoing and social, with a variety of activities that appeal to both active travellers and those seeking downtime. As soon as you arrive you’ll be ready to kick off your shoes and walk barefoot along the island sand, immerse yourself in the tropical greenland and take time for you and your loved one under the sun.