Asia’s Most Romantic Destination
Winner: The Maldives
The Maldives sweep couples off their feet. This classic honeymoon destination comes complete with white-sand beaches, crystal clear waters, private islands, overwater villas and unparalleled snorkelling, all of it leading to once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
‘Images just don’t do it justice. The magic of romance abounds: from an overwater villa with water lapping below, to private atolls for that special tête-à-tête, or nights where the lights reflect on the water and the clarity of the stars above…’ –Alison Gilmore, international business development professional and part of our panel of travel experts
Asia’s Most Romantic Destination Shortlist
Bali
Nothing says romance like stunning sunsets, candlelit dinners, beachfront wanderings, dolphin spotting, cooling waterfalls and couples’ massages, which is why the island of Bali draws honeymooners, partners and lovers alike.
Phuket
Romance is in the air in Phuket, a popular wedding destination, place for newlyweds, and choice for couples. Intimate dinners on beautiful beaches, private pool villas, sunsets from secluded sites – it’s a location for love.
Hanoi
At the heart of Hanoi, Hoan Kiem Lake is a popular place for couples to meet, for proposals and for wedding photoshoots. Romance emanates from this body of water, lending the city a certain mystique.
Luang Prabang
Float down the river hand in hand, enjoy a sunset dinner cruise, splash in waterfalls, ride on an elephant, look out over the stunning landscape from various viewpoints – Luang Prabang embodies romance.
Hoi An
The soft glow of lanterns lights the way through the pedestrianised streets of this Unesco World Heritage site. Boutique hotels, sunset dinner cruises, explorations by bicycle – there’s an allure to the ancient city of Hoi An.
Koh Samui
A picture postcard honeymoon destination, Koh Samui is complete with deserted white-sand beaches, intimate resorts with private pools, couples’ spa sessions, island hopping excursions from one private inlet to another, and sunset sailing tours.
Hokkaido
Out-of-this-world landscapes and natural beauty make Hokkaido a desirable destination for couples, whether it’s Beie’s fields of colourful flowers, the old-fashioned city of Otaru, volcanic valleys above Noboribetsu onsen town, or the snow-capped peak of Mount Yotei.
Bagan
Sunrise and sunset veils Bagan’s stupa-studded plains in the most beautiful, soft light. Couples can get lost exploring by bicycle, or take in the view from above with a bucket-list hot air balloon ride.
Galle
A wander through the historic fort city of Galle is like stepping back in time. The European architecture now houses intimate boutique hotels and cosy yet contemporary restaurants, while on the waterfront palm trees sway above fishermen on traditional stilts.
Taitung
The look of love? Magnificent scenery surrounds Taitung, from mountains on one side to the rugged beauty of its coastline. There are picturesque hot springs, too, the undulating Sanxiantai dragon bridge and an annual hot air balloon festival.
Check out more of the 2019 Marco Polo Members’ Choice Travel Awards:
Asia’s Best City for Food >
Asia’s Best Shopping Destination >
Asia’s Best City for a Night Out >
Asia’s Best City for Art and Culture >
Asia’s Best Long Weekend Destination >
Asia’s Best All-in-One Destination >
Asia’s Best Up-and-Coming Destination >
Asia’s Best Airport >
Back to the main Travel Awards page >>
