The 19 Best Romantic Winter Getaways for a Couple's Trip

For some, romantic winter getaways evoke images of curling up by a roaring fireplace and watching the snow fall outside with a glass of red wine in hand. Others prefer escaping to sunny beach destinations, where the biggest decision to make is whether to order margaritas or a bottle of champagne to your private cabana. The truth is, it all works, because the only requirement of a fabulous couple’s trip is being together in a wonderful place—and letting the hotel staff spoil you.

Here, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite hotels and resorts that create unforgettable winter experiences for two—from a remote outdoor retreat in Swedish Lapland to a classic New England countryside estate to Hawaii, Mexico, the Maldives and more.

Contact Indagare or your Trip Designer for assistance in booking the best romantic winter getaways for you and your significant other.

Magical Outdoor Retreats

Fjellborg Arctic Lodge, Lapland, Sweden

Lapland’s renowned aurora borealis peaks in winter and this family-run lodge’s remote location north of the Arctic Circle delivers prime viewing, along with fun-for-two outdoor activities from dog-sledding to snowshoeing in pristine wilderness.

The Romance Factor: Guests arrive by husky-driven sled between November and April then check-in to the private Master Cabin decked out with reindeer hide-covered benches, a bear-skin rug, candle-lit lanterns, a wood-burning fireplace, a private sauna and a hot tub for two set under shimmering night skies

The Ranch at Rock Creek, Montana

A stylish interpretation of the Wild West, this Indagare Index property is surrounded by 6,600 acres of pure Big Sky Country. Come winter, there’s an abundance of outdoor activities, such as skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, skating and horse-drawn sleigh rides on trails through pristine pine forest.

The Romance Factor: Sleigh rides over the snowy terrain in a traditional buggy, followed by hot cocoa (or toddies), and snuggling up in one of the two ‘glamping’ cabins—Trapper and Sweet Grass—that stay open year-round. Each comes with a wood-burning stove and a private outdoor cedar soaking tub.

“It was all pretty perfect. The service was great, the food was fabulous and it’s so very beautiful.” —Indagare member Marianna Green

Wickaninnish Inn, Tofino, British Columbia

This pampering hideout on Vancouver Island can largely be credited with turning rugged Tofino into an international destination. Set on a rocky Pacific Ocean shoreline, with staggering ocean views at every turn, it’s the place to go storm-watching in winter.

The Romance Factor: The understated rooms and suites come with plush down comforters, gas fireplaces, soaking tubs and floor-to-ceiling picture windows overlooking the Pacific’s crashing waves. Most importantly, each one also comes his-and-hers Helly Hansen rain gear, perfect for kitting up to watch the area’s renowned storms roll in from October to March.

Beaches for Two

Little Palm Island, Florida

The only private island resort in the U.S. is an adults-only haven just off the coast of Key West. Here, secluded thatched-roof beach cottages with sophisticated West Indian interiors open out to private terraces with outdoor showers, Balinese daybeds and stunning ocean views. There are no in-room TVs and ringing phones are taboo. The overall effect: Upscale castaway island.

The Romance Factor: The luxurious spa specializes in couples treatments; guests can book private torch-lit dinners on the sand; Island Romance Suites add a copper tub to the en-suite deck.

Four Seasons Lanai, Hawaii

Zen-ed out interiors and lush gardens overlook Hulopoe Bay, one of Hawaii’s dreamiest coves (on one of its dreamiest islands). Couples come to chill out at this Indagare Index resort’s glamorously secluded setting, lie on the beach, and relax in its small spa. Some days, the height of activity is spotting migrating whales in the distance or a pod of spinner dolphins cavorting in the bay.

The Romance Factor: While the resort does welcome kids, it’s much more of an ‘adult-first’ hotel than the Four Seasons Maui. Guests can arrange a private dinner under the stars with customized wine pairings and watch the sun set over the Pacific on a private yacht cruise, Champagne in hand.

Las Ventanas al Paraíso, A Rosewood Resort, Los Cabos, Mexico

At this beachfront honeymoon favorite, whose name translates to “the windows to paradise,” sumptuous guest suites feature in-room fireplaces and balconies spilling over with pink bougainvillea. Several rooms add on outdoor showers, private plunge pools and alfresco hot tubs. At sunset, hundreds of candles and trees strung with twinkling lights add an ethereal glow.

The Romance Factor: A dedicated “Department of Romance” is on hand to craft ultra-custom experiences and special moments from private candlelit dinners at the water's edge to an aromatherapy bath for two (and much more).

“The resort and its understated elegance, unparalleled service and luxe, organic feel coupled with the attention to every single detail surpassed every expectation I could imagine. ​The staff was incredibly personable and we felt welcome from the moment we arrived. I really enjoyed the couple’s massage and private beach cabana. Our room was so gorgeous. This was my most favorite vacation ever. We look forward to returning very soon.”  —An Indagare member

Related: Where to Stay in Los Cabos: The Best Resorts for Every Traveler

Romance on the Slopes

The Little Nell, Aspen, Colorado

Aspen’s only five-star ski-in/ski-out property is the Colorado resort town’s most coveted address each winter. People-watching may be a top draw at this luxe property located at the base of Ajax Mountain, but couples can happily retreat from the scene to a serene guest room that blends chic contemporary New York apartment vibes with Western touches (think: “barn door” closets that slide open and wrought-iron hardware).

The Romance Factor: The flawless and discreet staff can arrange everything from in-room spa treatments to personalized wine tastings and private dinners in the hotel’s award-winning cellar. You can also reserve a complimentary Audi and snowshoes to create your own outdoor adventure.

Related: Indagare Ski Report 2021: What's New at Ski Resorts from Aspen to Sun Valley

Washington School House Hotel, Park City, Utah

This 19th-century limestone school in Park City reborn as a hip, 12-room boutique hotel with a ski lounge, heated pool and guests-only bar, appeals to both skiers and non-skiers alike. Individually decorated rooms are outfitted with hand-wrought iron beds, heated bathroom floors, vintage antiques and luxurious linens.

The Romance Factor: Romantic extras include après-ski by the roaring fire, in-room massages and a private chef who whips up whatever guests desire. For the ultimate hideaway, book the spacious Penthouse Suite accessed by private-keyed elevator and decked out with crystal chandeliers, a living-room fireplace and galley kitchen.

“The Washington School House was delightful. The penthouse room was one of the prettiest and most comfortable rooms that we have ever stayed in. The included food and wine was delightfully delicious.” —Indagare member Shelby Butterfield

Le M Megève, Megève, France

This stylish boutique hotel brings a sexy factor to this glamorous French Alps ski resort town with a look that’s masculine, cozy and contemporary.

The Romance Factor: Pine wood–paneled walls, orange and gray Arpin bed covers and leather headboards create a mod cabin vibe. The Royal Suite adds a working fireplace, balneotherapy bath and perks like breakfast in bed and a bottle of Champagne on arrival.

Cozy Country Estates

Blackberry Mountain, Tennessee

The smaller, more rustic sister to Blackberry Farm showcases Appalachia chic vibes with a strong wellness bent at their mountaintop property spread over eight square miles in the Great Smoky Mountains. Come winter, a visit to this Indagare Index retreat is all about clear mountain views, breathing in crisp air on local trails and warming up by roaring fires.

The Romance Factor: Book a one-bedroom Clingmans Cottage for unobstructed mountain views; in-room couple’s massages in the convertible spa room; an outdoor soaking tub and fireplace; and a private golf cart to take you all over the property.

“While at Blackberry Mountain in December, it was easy to fall in love with the snow-crisped mountain air and hikes to the Catspaw Ridge to eye-widening views of the dappled, blue-hued Great Smoky Mountains. With rosy cheeks, a final ascent to the top of Goat Hill at sunset filled us with that sense of wonder we’ve been missing these last months—and after a super-sensory dinner at the Three Sisters restaurant, we were content to sit by the fire, ordering whiskey from the bar and savoring all we had experienced.” —Indagare’s Elizabeth Harvey

Related: Our Favorite U.S. Hotels with Private Cottages or Villas

Ashford Castle, Cong, Ireland

This grand 13th-century lakeside estate in County Mayo is one of Ireland’s finest castle properties with roaring fires and hearty fare come winter. It’s also home to the country’s oldest and most prestigious School of Falconry: A “Hawk Walk” through the 350-acre grounds is a must.

The Romance Factor: Public spaces conjure visions of royalty, with plush red velvet furnishings, glittering chandeliers, rich mahogany woods and exquisite antiques. Rooms are appointed with four-poster beds and original fireplaces. Looking for more privacy? Book the Hideaway Cottage for the utmost in one-on-one time.

Related: Indagare Matchmaker: Ireland's Best Castle Hotels

Twin Farms, Vermont

This bucolic 300-acre Indagare Index estate promises plenty of winter weekend-favorite activities for two, including snowshoeing, ice skating and skiing. Daily activities are complemented by excellent food and cosseting villas with fabulous décor and priceless art, including Jasper Johns, Frank Stella and Roy Lichtenstein.

The Romance Factor: All of the accommodations have soaking tubs and fireplaces, most of them wood-burning. To really up the wow factor, book the fanciful, Moroccan-themed Meadow Cottage to bask in rich textiles and a two-person pedestal tub.

“With its vaulted, beamed ceilings, walls of well-thumbed books, fascinating artwork and handpicked antiques, Twin Farms was clearly once a beloved private home—the former estate, as it happens, of Nobel Prize–winning author Sinclair Lewis and his wife, journalist Dorothy Thompson, who lived there in the 1920s.” —Indagare’s Eliza Scott Harris

Related: The Most Romantic Hotels in the U.S.

Urban Retreats

Ett Hem, Stockholm

Stockholm does winter extremely well and there’s nowhere better to snuggle up on short days than at this effortlessly chic, 12-room jewel box of an Indagare Index hotel. It’s so special, it’s worth visiting Stockholm just to stay here.

The Romance Factor: Rooms feature deep soaking tubs and plush Swedish sheepskins; some of the junior suites also have fireplaces or wood stoves. The heated conservatory is an idyllic place to cocoon yourselves with glogg (Scandinavian mulled wine) during a winter snowfall.

Relais Christine, Paris

Indagare’s most-booked Paris hotel in 2021, this Indagare Index property also happens to be one of the City of Light’s most romantic places to stay. Picture: A discreet, hidden gem tucked away on the Left Bank with a lovely interior courtyard and public spaces full of cosy nooks and warm fireplaces.

The Romance Factor: Stylish couples will love the duplex suites with a skylight right above the bed. You can also rent the hotel’s adorable Fiat 500 S to zip around town and beyond.

Zero George, Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston’s most picturesque hotel occupies five 150-old townhouses with classic architecture and period millwork details that will have you thinking seriously about moving here, permanently. Winter is a delightful time to experience this Southern charmer, too: Annual food, wine and oyster festivals entice foodies and seasonal temps stay mild.

The Romance Factor: Book the Garden Suite, in the original carriage house, for your own secluded courtyard with outdoor sitting area. The hotel’s renowned cooking school also offers intimate classes in its handsome 1804 kitchen carriage house.

Related: Indagare Foodie Travel Guide 2022: The 15 Best Cities for Everyone Who Loves Food

The Lowell, New York

One of Indagare’s most-booked hotels in New York may be Manhattan’s coziest hideout come winter—ideal for an arts-and-culture filled weekend getaway or an uptown staycation. Its discreet Upper East Side address comes with elevated concierge services, too, including access to hard-to-get tickets and after-hours tours. The Romance Factor: Most rooms are suites, many feature wood-burning fireplaces, and all are beautifully decorated. The Garden Suite, with its living-room fireplace and two terraces, is popular with couples who want to entertain when in town.

Far-Flung Flings

Cheval Blanch Randheli, Maldives

Glass doors and cathedral ceilings maximize the views at this ultra-modern, 45-villa resort on its own island in the Noonu Atoll, where couples can spend the day on the water, in the spa or at the beach.

The Romance Factor: The spa’s breezy Orchidée Villas, overwater bungalows for couple’s treatments from Guerlain.

Le Royal Mansour, Marrakech

King Mohammed VI’s personal passion project, this hotel with its 53 palatial riads—built around a gorgeous pool and Moorish-style gardens— serves as an opulent enclave for privacy and pampering.

The Romance Factor: The three-story Premier Riads have 1,800-square-feet of glamorous areas to relax, from the ground-floor private courtyards to the rooftop plunge pools and tented lounges.

“We have stayed at many fine hotels, Ritz Paris, Aman Tokyo, Baur Au Lac Zurich, and none compare to the level of seamless service and indulgence of this exceptional hotel. I will argue that nowhere offers such an extravagant experience. If you wish to experience what it may be like to live like royalty, this is probably as close as you can get in a hotel experience. Oh, and the food and beverage is as exceptional as the hotel.” —Indagare member Brian Thomson

Awasi Patagonia, Chile

Sitting amidst astonishingly beautiful nature on a private reserve with views of Torres del Paine’s snow-capped mountains, this Indagare Index property redefines luxury in Chilean Patagonia. Each of its 14 spacious villas come with a private guide and 4×4 vehicle for excursions into nearby Torres del Paine National Park, best visited from November to early March.

The Romance Factor: The modern bungalows are perched on stilts and set far apart for extra privacy. Each features an open floor plan, wall-to-wall windows, and some of the world’s best stargazing from the ensuite private hot tub. Dedicated private guides also mean you can customize every excursion.

Related: The Most Romantic Hotels in the World

Contact Indagare or your Trip Designer for assistance in booking the best romantic winter getaways for you and your significant other.