Fairy-Tale Escape on Lake Louise
There's a reason that Lake Louise is the Canadian Rockies’ most iconic site: simply put, it’s beautiful. Here, mountains and glaciers frame milky emerald water set at the foot of a grandiose turn-of-the-century hotel. Rent a canoe to explore the lake or ride the Lake Louise Gondola for a chance at spotting a grizzly bear. Numerous hiking trails also lead from Lake Louise, including the 45-minute Fairview Lookout and the four-hour Plain of Six Glaciers, which takes you to a lovely backcountry teahouse. In the winter, Lake Louise transforms into a ski resort and you can also rent skates to visit an ice castle that’s erected annually on the lake. And when it comes to accommodations, the lavish Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise (pictured) takes the cake for its superb amenities and jaw-dropping alpine views.
Cozy Colorado Cabin Retreat
Riverfront rusticity meets modern luxury at Dunton Hot Springs. Book one of the 12 Lincoln Log-like cabins, located in a restored ghost town at the foot of the San Juan Mountains in southwestern Colorado, and find ready-to-light fireplaces, gorgeous beds, and an exquisite onsite restaurant. For the occasion, we recommend trying to book the Wellhouse Cabin, which comes with its own spring-fed copper tub, or the Echo cabin, which has a discreet outdoor shower. Head out into the nearby outdoors for hiking, horseback riding, and best of all, the 107° hot springs the area is known for. In late fall, the river is still warm enough for swimming, and come winter, you can spend a blissful day cross-country skiing or dogsledding among the pines before unwinding with a soak or an in-cabin spa treatment. No matter what time of year you visit, you and your sweetie will discover that a beach vacation isn’t required for the ultimate romantic escape.
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Tucked into a Remote Corner of Maui
Hawaii is one of the first places that leaps to mind when considering a romantic getaway, and for good reason: a tropical setting easily lends itself to unwinding, unplugging, and simply being present with one another. On the island of Maui, Hana takes that notion to the next level. First, there’s the winding road leading there, lined with lush greenery, stunning shoreline, and the occasional waterfall. Second, while the Road to Hana is certainly not off the beaten path, most tourists pass through town after exploring Oheo Gulch and the red-sand beach. Meaning, it’s rare happenstance that people actually stay the night. Take this as your cue to make Travaasa Hana your basecamp. The verdant oasis set on 69 acres atop ocean bluffs offers cozy bungalows and suites, fantastic dining, and a top-notch spa. All of the luxury amenities and only-in-Hana surroundings will be yours to savor.
Glamping in a National Park
For couples with a sense of adventure yet a desire to not totally rough it on their anniversary trip, Under Canvas Zion presents the perfect solution. Roomy canvas glamping suites offer you the chance to sink into cushy Casper mattresses (some with views of the stars), warm your toes beside wood stoves, and share romantic sunrises on a private deck. Plus there’s the adjacent Zion National Park, with all its slot canyon and switchback trail glory.
Wine-Tasting Sojourn South of the Border
North of Los Cabos' beach resorts stretches the West’s hottest wine region, Baja’s Valle de Guadalupe. The valley is home to more than 200 wineries, offering a range of varietals from Cab and Merlot to lesser-known grapes like Nebbiolo and Vermentino. However, the region’s culture of gastronomy, flush with fresh, simple, vibrant flavors, now vies with the wine as a reason to visit. Plus there are hip accommodations throughout, from the modern upcycled chic of Casa 8 at Bruma (pictured) to the cabins on stilts at Encentro. Less than a two-hour’s drive from San Diego, the region is accessible and relatively affordable—and far less crowded than, say, Napa Valley.
Sublime Santa Barbara Getaway
Santa Barbara is a place to spark the romantic imagination. Its stunning stretch of coastline, flanked by the Santa Ynez Mountains, offers prime sunset viewing opportunities as you and your love stroll the beach or drive the curving roads in and above town. A stay at the Belmond El Encanto in town elevates the experience. A world-class spa, with a saline pool—always kept at a balmy 86°—keeps you rested and relaxed. An A-list restaurant focusing on local seafood and farm-to-table cuisine keeps you well fed. The ocean and mountain views, and the sounds of the nearby Old Mission Santa Barbara’s bells, keep the romance going strong.
Alaska by Train
When you’re celebrating a milestone anniversary, you want to go big—and it doesn’t get any more epic than Alaska. While many opt to explore the state via cruise ship, landlubbers take note: Alaska Railroad’s round-trip Coastal Classic route gets you even more up close and personal with the wonders of the Last Frontier’s wilderness. Start your journey in Anchorage, wind along the Turnagain Arm, pass glaciers, waterfalls, and wildlife as you chug through the Kenai Peninsula, and make a pit-stop in Seward, where you can enjoy an excursion to the iconic Kenai Fjords National Park. Your camera’s memory card, and your heart, will be full.
Blissed out on the California Coast
Big Sur is the stuff of magic. Redwood forests sprawl out toward the shore, where cliffs spill precipitously into the ocean, studded by golden beaches. It’s a camper’s paradise, to be sure, but you’ll likely want to turn it up a few notches for your special-occasion trip. There’s no better place to bed down in the area than Ventana Big Sur, a luxury retreat with refreshed rooms, glampsites, an infinity hot tub overlooking the Pacific, and stellar spa. Use it as your basecamp for hikes at Point Lobos State Natural Preserve, strolls on Pfeiffer Beach, and oceanside dining at Nepenthe.
Away from It All on Vancouver Island
Located in a temperate rain forest on western Vancouver Island (remote enough to require a seaplane or ferry to reach it), Clayoquot Wilderness Resort offers accommodations in raised tents, tipis, Airstreams, and yurts set up on mountains, along riverbeds, and in rainforests and redwoods—just waiting for you to check in and exhale. It’s the perfect place to let the rest of the world slip away and enjoy time with your most precious person.
Spa-cation in Arizona
If you’re a wellness-minded couple, a spa getaway is a no-brainer—and Tucson’s Canyon Ranch is practically synonymous with luxury spa. The 80,000-square-foot property boasts an impressive menu of treatments, while guests can also take part in meditation, nutrition, and fitness activities. Cell phone use is limited to private rooms only, so the vibe is total serenity. Healthy meals and cozy rooms round out the experience.
