By Melanie Mar
This winter, some lucky couples will be cuddling up next to fireplaces, warming up with hot chocolate and marshmallows, and, depending on their location, riding in horse-drawn carriages and hitting the slopes together…all in the name of love. The holidays often bring out a softer, more romantic side as established pairs get nostalgic and newbies want to create magical memories. What better way to beat the winter blues and heat up your relationship than getting away for a fabulous rendezvous with your mate?
Pictures of celebrities often grace the covers of magazines at the most desirable locales, so it’s no surprise we look to them when choosing a vacation spot. Make your fantasies a reality and become the star yourself with the following destinations. Not only are these celebrity-visited locations glamorous, but they’re also some of the most romantic places on the planet. You don’t have to break the bank to live your dream. Scour the internet for special offers and packages, and enjoy these top ten most romantic holiday getaway spots.
Related Link: Cupid’s Weekly Round-Up: Make Your Holiday the Best One Yet
1. Aspen, Colorado is by far the ultimate romantic dream winter getaway, thanks to its breathtaking ski slopes, steamy hot tubs, high-end shopping, and endless fine dining. The Colorado Chamber of Resorts even called Aspen the “Rocky Mountain Playground for the Rich and Famous.” Aspen mountains are a favorite, as celebs don’t stand out as much and can maintain their privacy. Stars that frequent the snowy town include longtime lovers Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell and hot new parents Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis.
2. Following Bridget Bardot’s lead, tourists and celebs visit St. Tropez, France all-year round. The beaches of this small town are the perfect place to achieve that Victoria’s Secret-like bronzed tan while getting close to your lover, so pack your colorful swimsuit and gear up for some snorkeling! It is no surprise that A-list stars frequent this coastal city, including Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka as well as the lovely Naomi Watts and Liev Schreiber. St. Tropez will leave you never wanting to return home!
3. The Eiffel Tower lit up at night, carousels that spin around in delight, bunches of flowers in the marketplace, and balloons come to mind when I think of Paris, France. The City of Lights is one of the most heart-stopping, romantic vacation spots on the planet. How many movies do we see that whisk the couple off to Paris for a secret rendezvous? Take a stroll along the famous bridge and seal your love with a special lock and key, or set up your own lovely picnic along the river Seine and enjoy the magic.
Related Link: Dating Someone New During the Holidays
4. Lake Como, Italy is now a popular destination, thanks to stars like Brad Pitt and George Clooney. The view alone is a postcard-like vision and enough to make anyone get dreamy-eyed. With the castles, lush gardens, giant cathedrals, and quaint shops, you’re sure to find many places to reignite that romantic spark! Lake Como is a fairy-tale getaway for many celebrities including David and Victoria Beckham as well as Matt Damon and his wife Luciana Barroso.
5. The coastal towns Carmel and Monterey, California are both fabulous places to visit with someone special. The many cozy inns located here provide the perfect place to keep warm. Beaches, golf courses, upscale shopping, phenomenal spas, and many other beautiful outdoor spots will leave you feeling rested and refreshed. The wooded area near the Coastal Cruise on Highway 101 is the perfect place to stroll with a coffee before hitting the spa. End your day with a glass of wine at Pacific Edge Grill.
6. Mallorca, Spain is the largest island in the Balearic Islands along the Mediterranean Sea. This gorgeous location is a lover’s favorite, so much so that recently a friend of mine decided to move there after falling head over heels in love with a man from the area! Have a glass of wine and snuggle up in a secluded restaurant, take a bike ride along the beach, or even scuba dive in the clear waters. Most celebrities choose this luxurious spot for a break from their fast-pased lives and for its cultural appeal. Frequent visitors include hot couple Justin Theroux and Jen Aniston as well as power pair Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones, who own a home there.
Related Link: Ashley Hebert and J.P. Rosenbaum Celebrate Holiday Traditions
7. This past summer, Kanye West and Kim Kardashian jetted to Punta de Mita, Mexico and shared Instagram pictures of the magical sunsets, delightful spreads of food, and infinity pools in this romantic town. Punta de Mita is a beachfront village that offers high-end places to stay like the Four Seasons Resort or the private retreat built by mogul Joe Francis. This is a wonderful spot to escape to this year, as it is both private and posh and will certainly bring new passion to your relationship.
8. Maui, Hawaii is not only a great place to visit in the summer, but it’s a hotspot during the winter months as well. Just ask sweet couple Brian Austin Green and Megan Fox, who got hitched on the island. Maui offers its visitors breathtaking hikes, eye-popping volcanoes, and a variety of private beaches.
9. While most vacationers think that Rio De Janeiro, Brazil is a destination for the summer months only, celebs have long been fans of this tropical paradise. Sunbathe on the beach of Ipanema, take a bike ride through the village, or visit the many gardens and museums. Javier Bardem and his beauty Penelope Cruz and handsome bachelor Gerard Butler have been known to vacation here. It’s the perfect place to relax, unwind, get closer to your partner, and enjoy a new culture all at the same time.
Related Link: Adam Levine Marries Behati Prinsloo in Mexico
10. Celebrities love to head to the beaches of Los Cabos, Mexico. One frequent famous guest, Jennifer Lopez, enjoys staying at the luxurious Mexican resort, Las Ventanas. This private getaway is a romantic vision with enormous suites and private bungalows, each with private Jacuzzis on their balconies. You will be enamored with your choice as you overlook the magnificent waters of Mexico.
Winter is the perfect time to escape from the stress, the cold, and the city, and there is nothing quite like finding the perfect place to unwind and just relax. Whether you choose a chillier climate to snuggle up in or a warmer one to throw on your swimsuit and show off your tan lines, these holiday hot spots are sure to make your winter sizzle!
Melanie Mar is a relationship and life coach as well as co-owner of the Millionaire’s Club International Matchmaking Agency for the U.K. and Europe. She is certified by the WANT Institute in Androgynous Semantic Realignment and a Transaction Analysis practitioner certified by the United States America Transaction Analysis Association.