Top 10 romantic getaways for couples
SYDNEY (Reuters Life!) - Couples looking for time away together have a list of 10 of the world's most romantic destinations from Life Books. This list was published in Life's "Dream Destinations: 100 of the World's Best Vacations" and is not endorsed by Reuters.
1. Wildflower Hall, India
At an altitude of 2,500 meters (8,250 feet), Wildflower Hall is a 45-minute drive through forested hills from Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh. The spa resort is a serene getaway that was once the estate of Lord Kitchener.
2. The Camargue, France
In the delta of the Rhone river, Mediterranean beaches glow white along a warm sea, medieval walled cities, cathedrals and dreamy pink flamingos. See the famous white ponies of Camargue.
3. Kyoto, Japan
With its 2,000 Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, and palaces, gardens and architecture intact, it is one of the best preserved cities in Japan. A boat tour into the Hozu river through a wooded valley or a trip on the aptly named Sagano Romantic Train is a delight.
4. The Cinque Terre, Italy
Along 18 kms of sheer rocky coastline in northern Italy, terraced hills and vineyards, five little villages are built into the rocks between the beach and the hills. You can hike, swim, drink red wine, and watch blazing Mediterranean sunsets.
5. Montreal, Canada
Canada's fabled city of romance is bright and full of energy, fascinating by day and festive at night. It also boasts the magnificent Notre-Dame Basilica and sumptuous accommodations.
6. Brussels, Belgium
Cobble stone lanes, small shops selling chocolates, pastries and antiques and a daily flea market with all pathways leading to the large courtyard of the Grand Place, a splendid open air plaza. This is a city of delights tucked away at every corner.
7. Saint Lucia, Caribbean
A volcanic island with mountains rising to nearly 3,000 feet, and in the interiors there are lush rain forests accented by wild orchids, where parrots and birds of paradise thrive. The beaches are shaded by large palm trees.
8. Napa Valley, California
Getting there is half the fun with Napa about an hour's drive from San Francisco. The Napa Valley is renowned for its wines which are matched by the reputation of its restaurants. The valley is beautiful all year and the wine is always delicious.
9. The Inn at Little Washington
About 67 miles west of Washington D.C., nestled between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah Valley, is a tiny village that was the first place to be named for George Washington. Relax, renew, have a cocktail and a top class meal.
10. Lake Wanaka, New Zealand
Nearly 1,000 feet above the sea level, in the center of New Zealand's gorgeous South Island, lies this 27-mile long lake. The lakeside town, a charming place to stay, also goes by the name Wanaka with sheep farms dotting the surrounding countryside.
