Cinque Terre, Italy
ShutterstockThe Backdrop: Cliffside buildings in pastel hues are strewn together by rocky footpaths, olive groves and winding, narrow streets. Watching the sun sink into the Mediterranean here (a UNESCO World Heritage site, we should add) is gorgeous too.
Hot Spot for Sunset Viewing: The steep walk up to the Castle of Riomaggiore—the southernmost village in Cinque Terre (which translates to Five Lands)—rewards you with a Crayola-doused sky that pairs perfectly with the region’s celebrated white wine, as long as you’ve got the muscle power to haul the vino uphill. We think it’s worth it.
Where to Turn in: Retreat to Manarola and check into La Torretta Lodge, an intimate gem set high in the hills. Book the romantic Panoramic suite, just off the main building, for the most unbelievable sea views.
What to Do: Hike the trail connecting the villages, making pit stops for gelato and focaccia. Swim off the (rare) sandy beach in Monterosso al Mare, or, if you’re more adventurous, spring off rocks into the sea.
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
ShutterstockThe Backdrop: Safari seekers choose the Serengeti in East Africa for its infinite sky and unspoiled open landscape filled with wildlife. (Lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffalo and elephants are regulars.) Travel in late summer to catch the Great Migration.
Hot Spot for Sunset Viewing: During evening game drives, camps embrace the safari ritual of sundowners (sipping drinks while watching the African sky transform), arranging magical pop-up cocktail service for guests in the bush.
Where to Turn in: Dressed in classic Safari style, the thatched-roof cottages at the indulgent, remote Klein’s Camp have canopied beds with views of rolling grasslands.
What to Do: Early in the morning, seek out animal encounters in a safari 4×4 with a guide. Visit an authentic village of the local Maasai people and get a fascinating peek at their traditional, tech-free daily ways, from seeing how water is collected to watching women create beadwork.
Paradise Island, Bahamas
ShutterstockThe Backdrop: After an easy flight, you’re on island time, relaxing with ocean breezes, sipping fruity frozen drinks (served by an attentive waitstaff) and spending most of your time in barefoot bliss. Paradise indeed.
Hot Spot for Sunset Viewing: At the Atlantis resort, sit in the sands of Cove Beach near the iconic single palm tree (it’s called Palm Point) and turn your gaze toward unobstructed views of the horizon.
Where to Turn in: Think of The Cove Atlantis as the glam, more mature hotel sibling on the massive multi-lodge complex. Staying in this all-suites section grants access to the adults-only pool that comes with daybeds, concierge service and even an outdoor gaming area.
What to Do: Break from lounging and plunge down the towering waterslides at Atlantis’s Aquaventure water park, or swim with a dolphin (great honeymoon photo op) at Dolphin Cay, one of the largest marine habitats in the world. At night, get into the gaming action at the casino, head to Aura for a taste of the island nightlife, or catch a show from the LIVE concert series.
Punta Mita, Mexico
ShutterstockThe Backdrop: Inside this exclusive gated resort enclave along the Pacific, you’ll find luxe accommodations, oceanside golf courses and tropical scenery framed by the Sierra Madre Mountains, the perfect setting to take in a jaw-dropping sunset.
Hot Spot for Sunset Viewing: Get closer to the tinted sky with a private sunset dinner atop “The Rock,” an impressive cliff overlooking the seemingly endless Pacific.
Where to Turn in: Expect VIP treatment at the Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, where servers cater to your every request.
What to Do: Take a day trip to the funky fishing village of Sayulita for a surf lesson. If you’re honeymooning in winter, whale watching is a must-do.
Door County, Wisconsin
ShutterstockThe Backdrop: This peninsula surrounded by Green Bay and Lake Michigan is all about scenic simplicity. Endless shoreline, lighthouses and old-fashioned towns are backlit by the county’s famed sunsets. (Full disclosure: Summer through early fall is when the place really shines.)
Hot Spot for Sunset Viewing: Dangle your feet over the edge of the Anderson Dock in the town of Ephraim to watch the amazing “show.” Before settling in, follow local tradition by painting your names on the dock’s old boathouse turned art gallery. (Insider tip: Bring your own paint!)
Where to Turn in: The Bay Point Inn in Egg Harbor stands along the peninsula’s Western coast, making it a short walk to the beach and village and an idyllic place to enjoy the golden hour.
What to Do: Sail aboard a Tall Ship or rent bikes from Edge of Park and pedal along a trail in Peninsula State Park.
Key West, Florida
ShutterstockThe Backdrop: Expect to stop and stare (a lot) in this free-spirited southernmost city. From the vibrant turquoise water and playful architecture to the fun street performers (including magicians, high-wire acts and sword swallowers) and, yes, the fiery sunsets, there are plenty of sights to take in.
Hot Spot for Sunset Viewing: It’s no surprise that Key West puts the sun to bed with a huge party. Join hundreds of other revelers mixing with jugglers, psychics, food vendors and artists in Mallory Square at the nightly Sunset Celebration.
Where to Turn in: Anchoring the end of buzzing Duval Street, the sophisticated Ocean Key Resort & Spa is ideal for those who want to bounce between a lively social scene and quiet time for two. Book a deluxe oceanfront room to catch the sunset from your private balcony.
What to Do: Take in the local culture with visits to the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum and Blue Heaven restaurant for Key Lime pie. Go diving around the world’s third largest coral barrier reef or book a tour of Dry Tortugas National Park by seaplane.
Las Vegas, Nevada
ShutterstockThe Backdrop: This energy-infused neon city is an old pro at pulling off spectacles.
Hot Spot for Sunset Viewing: See Sin City in a softer, romantic light with a sunset spin on the world’s tallest (550 feet) observation wheel, the High Roller.
Where to Turn in: Guests at the celeb-chef-branded Nobu Hotel find a slice of Zen on the pulsating Strip and score VIP reservations to the namesake restaurant. Don’t miss out on casino action—the hotel is inside Caesars Palace.
What to Do: At the hotel’s 50,000-square-foot Qua Baths & Spa, experience a couple’s massage and the Arctic Ice Room (with its heated floors—and falling snow). Get tickets to one of the Strip’s Cirque du Soleil productions and watch some bold acrobatic talent.
Koh Samui, Thailand
ShutterstockThe Backdrop: Give your dream beach escape exotic flavor. On this palm-fringed island in the Gulf of Thailand, fascinating Thai culture and mystical temples coexist with glimmering sands, blue water and a hopping nightlife for the ultimate couple’s getaway.
Hot Spot for Sunset Viewing: Climb the stairs of Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha Temple) and behold the gilded, mega-sized Big Buddha statue bathed in shimmering light. Don’t forget to strike one of the bells that surrounds the figure for good luck. Never hurts, right?
Where to Turn in: Feel right at home at Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort with its tropical gardens, traditional Thai design and a neck massage at arrival. Decompress even more with a yoga session on Bophut beach.
What to Do: Explore a local market with Anantara’s chef for ingredients to create a Thai lunch at the hotel’s cooking school. Navigate the caves and hidden coves via kayak around Angthong National Marine Park.
