Planning a romantic getaway? From historic city hotels to relaxing coastal escapes, here’s a round-up of the five top destinations for couples’ retreats.
Romance, SoCal-Style
Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows epitomizes the Southern California lifestyle with its glam and laid-back vibe. A Santa Monica icon for more than a century, this historic seaside retreat once hosted such luminaries as Greta Garbo and Marilyn Monroe. It’s the ideal spot to mix romance with beach and urban adventures.
Indulge in our Romance with a View package and enjoy a top-floor suite in the 1950s Ocean Tower for the sweeping coastal views from the two balconies. Or fully embrace SoCal beach life in a chic 1930s garden bungalow. You can lounge beneath soaring palms by the pool or treat yourselves to a signature flow massage at exhale® Spa & Gym.
It’s only a short walk to swimming and surfing at Santa Monica Beach. Stroll along the famous Santa Monica Pier, where you can try fishing or snuggle together as you take a spin on the solar-powered Ferris wheel. Back at the hotel, fish tacos and margaritas on the outside deck of The Bungalow are an excellent way to end the day.
A Coastal Canadian Retreat
Allow Fairmont Empress, an iconic Victoria landmark, to set the stage for a romantic getaway dedicated to treasured time spent together. The grand 1908 hotel faces the city’s Inner Harbour and is steps from the city’s major sights and shops. Impress your other half with a sleek, well-appointed Harbor View suite, where you can spot seaplanes landing and taking off. Opt for an evening-in courtesy of the in-room dining menu.
Victoria, BC enjoys the mildest weather in all of Canada, which means you can spend your days exploring the coastal waters around Vancouver Island. Whether you kayak or stand up paddleboard, you’ll enjoy endless views of Victoria’s vibrant city and historic sites, including the BC Parliament Buildings, CPR Steamship Terminal and Fairmont Empress.
After your excursion, enjoy sweet and savory treats during a traditional afternoon tea in the hotel’s elegant Lobby Lounge. Choose from a seasonal selection of LOT 35 fine loose-leaf teas and indulge in an assortment of delicately made scones, pastries and finger sandwiches, plus honey from the hotel’s hives.
Sparkling turquoise waters and an immaculate white-sand beach create an idyllic setting for Fairmont Royal Pavilion. For a memorable experience, check into a stylish Beachfront Suite, where you can relax on your private deck. Butler service includes evening canapés, insider tips and daily, complimentary afternoon tea.
Grab a double kayak for a romantic paddle along the shore, and don’t forget snorkeling gear so you can jump in to see the sea life. Afterward, you might stretch out with Rum Punch and Bajan fish cakes at the Taboras Bar or enjoy a candle- and tiki torch-lit dinner on the sand.
Before you leave the island, take the rum experience tour at St. Nicholas Abbey, a 17th-century mansion and sugar plantation. Beginning with a steam train ride, the tour features live music and tastings in the estate’s distillery.
Timeless Elegance
Blending stately splendor with exceptional service, Fairmont Copley Plaza is a historic gem in the heart of the Back Bay neighborhood. Luxurious signature suites celebrate the city’s heritage with carefully curated art and objects showcasing Boston’s rich culture and history.
A great way to kick off your Boston getaway is a stroll through the Public Garden. Established in 1837, the park is filled with flower beds and statuary, while swan boats transport passengers around a central lagoon from April to September. In winter, you can spin your partner around the ice on the nearby Boston Common Frog Pond in America’s oldest public park.
For a romantic meal out, look no further than OAK Long Bar + Kitchen. Oak vaulted ceilings, crystal chandeliers and an 83-ft-long copper bar set the stage for a sophisticated meal. The food and cocktails are as decadent as the decor, with a strong focus on regional flavors such as Maine lobster rolls and Cape Cod clams.
Living the High Life
If you’re looking for elevated luxury in Toronto (literally and figuratively), consider Fairmont Gold on the 18th floor of Fairmont Royal York. Designed by acclaimed New York studio Champalimaud, the rooms and suites are modern and understated, with art deco touches offering a nod to the hotel’s heritage.
Discovering Toronto’s cosmopolitan neighborhoods is a must. Begin by exploring the Yorkville neighborhood. Upscale boutiques, chic dining options and picture-perfect Victorian side streets offer endless options. In the Distillery Historic District, one-off boutiques, art spaces and eateries fill converted Victorian industrial buildings. If you’re in the mood for modern French fare, there’s no better choice than local favorite Cluny Bistro & Boulangerie.
After dark, settle into a nook in the intimate Library Bar, a storied cocktail den tucked in a corner of the hotel. Start with an order of oysters and a Birdbath Martini, the bar’s signature drink crafted with their exclusive QUILL vodka or gin, served tableside.
Inspired by these destinations? Book your next couples’ retreat with Fairmont Hotels and Resorts.