It’s easy to unplug on your honeymoon when you journey off the beaten path. These destinations take a bit more time and logistics to reach, but trust us—the tranquility and lack of selfie-stick-wielding tourists will be worth the extra effort. And don’t worry about roughing it. We’ve tracked down the most comfortable stays, delicious meals and romantic experiences in some of the most far-flung corners of the world. Check them out, below.
Port de Sóller, Mallorca
Europeans know about Mallorca, but this Mediterranean paradise in Spain’s Balearic Islands still flies largely under the radar of American travelers. Port de Sóller, a little village in one of Mallorca’s most beautiful harbors, is an ideal base for exploring the island.
When to go: September, when the temperatures are still quite warm, but less humid, and most of the Euro crowd has returned home.
Where to stay: Raw, handcrafted furniture, boldly colored woven rugs and large dream-catcher-like wall hangings give the 114 rooms at newcomer Bikini Island and Mountain Hotel a fun, funky vibe. A poolside bar and an outpost of trendy Israeli-influenced restaurant Neni ups the cool factor.
How to get there: Fly into Palma de Mallorca Airport then drive 40 minutes north along Ma-11.
What to do: Ride the historic tram, one of the oldest in the world, 30 minutes from Port du Sóller to the town of Sóller and soak up Spanish culture at a café.
Romantic moment: Stroll the narrow streets of Fornalutx, known as one of Spain’s prettiest villages, and time your arrival at Es Turó restaurant so you can watch the sunset from the terrace.
Con Dao, Vietnam
This 16-island archipelago served as a penal institution for more than a century. Despite, or perhaps because of, its ugly past, it’s remained one of the few hidden spots in Vietnam, blessed with deserted white-sand beaches, vibrant coral reefs and dense forests.
When to go: Turtles nest on beaches around the islands from May to October. The water is clearest for diving February to July.
Where to stay: You’ll feel miles away from civilization at Six Senses Con Dao. The only five-star option on the island features 50 villas along a romantic, mile-long beach. Take advantage of complimentary Guest Experience Managers who can arrange romantic outings just for you.
How to get there: Take a direct 40-minute flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao Airport via VASCO, a subsidiary of Vietnam Airlines, or hop on a high-speed boat from Soc Trang.
What to do: A protected marine nature reserve, the Con Dao islands host over 340 species of coral, and 1,300-plus marine species, including rays, barracuda and bamboo sharks. Explore on stand-up paddleboard or channel your inner Jacques Cousteau on a scuba excursion with the Con Dao Dive Center.
Romantic moment: Play castaway for the day at Dam Trau Beach, reached by a 15-minute scooter ride from Six Senses. Swim in the turquoise waters, snooze in a hammock and explore food stalls featuring grilled clams and cold beers.
Antarctica
The last patch of untouched wilderness, Antarctica is about as off the grid as you can get. The Great White Continent is a photographer’s dream with its otherworldly ice formations and unique wildlife.
When to go: You can only visit during the Antarctic summer, November through March. Fluffy penguin chicks are abundant in January and February while March is the best month to spot whales.
Where to stay: Silversea’s new 254-passenger Silver Cloud expedition ship boasts suites with verandas and four luxe dining options. Equipped with 16 Zodiacs and 10 kayaks, and staffed by a team of historians, geologists and wildlife experts, you’ll feel like an explorer by day and be pampered like royalty by night.
How to get there: Cruises depart from Ushuaia, Argentina. Silversea offers roundtrip charter air flights from Santiago, Chile, with the option to add three nights pre-cruise to explore the famed Chile Wine Route.
What to do: Daily Zodiac excursions weave around glowing blue icebergs and deposit guests on shore for an up close encounter with penguins and sunbathing seals.
Romantic moment: Allow your butler to serve you a six-course, wine-paired tasting menu on your suite’s private balcony.
Priesteregg, Austria
Once a retreat for Salzburg priests, this tiny mountain village tucked away in the Alps is straight out of a fairy tale. It may not have the cachet of France, the Swiss Alps or Lech, but it’s got all the right ingredients for a romantic alpine retreat.
When to go: Visit in summer and early fall to hike and bike. Winter months are for skiing, snowshoeing and cozying up by the fire.
Where to stay: Each of the 16 chalets at Bergdorf Priesteregg is crafted from wood sourced from Austrian barns and outfitted with relaxation-inducing amenities such as a fireplace, soaking tub, hot tub and sauna. Rustic restaurant Huwi’s Alm serves hearty Austrian classics, and a menu of regional specialties, like cheese dumplings, can be served in your chalet.
How to get there: It’s less than a two-hour drive from Munich, Salzburg or Innsbruck airports, but don’t rely on GPS. Ask your hotel to send directions for reaching the little-known village. In winter, avoid snowy roads and take the train to Leogang station, where hotel staff can pick you up, or catch the Holiday Shuttle from Salzburg and Munich airports to Priesteregg.
What to do: Eat breakfast in bed, then explore the 170 miles of slopes at the Leogang Saalbach-Hinterglemm ski area.
Romantic moment: After a day of outdoor adventure, couples can sip champagne as they soak in a steamy bathtub hidden at the edge of the forest.
Isla Holbox, Mexico
Whale sharks are the most famous residents on Isla Holbox (pronounced hol-bosh), a sleepy, pretention-free island off Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Tranquil aquamarine waters and swaying palms make this the perfect destination to embrace the art of doing nothing.
When to go: Time your trip to whale shark season, May through September.
Where to stay: A beachfront setting and an excellent restaurant make it hard to ever leave boho-chic Casa Las Tortugas. Luckily, persuasive staff get guests off property to discover the island’s beauty via activities such as kitesurfing, horseback riding and kayaking.
How to get there: It’s just over a two-hour drive from Cancún International Airport to the port of Chiquilá, where a 30-minute ride on the ferry takes you to Holbox.
What to do: Snorkel alongside whale sharks. The largest known fish species can reach more than 40 feet in length. Casa Las Tortugas runs half-day boat trips every morning in season.
Romantic moment: The spa at Casa Las Tortugas is influenced by practices of ancient Mayan Healers. Book the Luna de Miel, a couple’s experience that includes a massage and milk bath with bugambilia flowers.
Saratoga, Wyoming
The small town of Saratoga is full of Old West charm. Nearby, you can get lost on endless trails in the million-acre Medicine Bow National Forest, soak in hot springs and cast for trout in the North Platte River.
When to go: Summer days are punctuated with afternoon storms, which keep temperatures cool. July is peak fly-fishing season, while fall temperatures are ideal for hiking.
Where to stay: Foodies with a penchant for outdoor adventure should book one of the nine log cabins at Magee Homestead. Set on 7,000 acres of high mountain desert plain, this adults-only, all-inclusive retreat feels like a private prairie hideaway. Open May through October, activities include horseback riding, float trips, mountain biking and more.
How to get there: Denver International Airport, the closest major airport, is a three-and-a-half-hour drive. Private and charter planes can fly into Shivley Field Airport in Saratoga, just 20 minutes away.
What to do: Head to the Gun Club and let Jon Kruger, known as the Tiger Woods of the shotgun world, help perfect your aim.
Romantic moment: Relax with a Wildflower Fields couple’s massage at the spa, then retreat to your own private pool cabana for lunch. Don’t miss the burger, featuring ranch-raised Akaushi, a rare Japanese breed of beef.
Istria, Croatia
The largest peninsula in the Adriatic is lined with picturesque beaches. Inland, you’ll find rolling hills and vineyards reminiscent of an unspoiled Tuscany.
When to go: Year-round sun means there’s no bad time to visit. Spring and autumn have warm days and cool nights. The Adriatic heats up in July and August, making it ideal for swimming and sunning on the peninsula’s pretty beaches. Truffle season runs from September through October.
Where to stay: The restaurant at Hotel San Rocco is a destination in itself. This family-run countryside retreat in the village of Brtonigla is surrounded by olive groves and gardens, and the coast is just four miles away. Each of the 14 rooms reflects the regional architecture, with original wood-beamed ceilings and exposed stone walls. An outdoor infinity pool and wellness center with a Finnish sauna make relaxing effortless.
How to get there: Pula is the gateway city to Istria, with an airport that receives regular scheduled flights May through October. Venezia Lines offers catamaran services from Venice in the summer. The three-hour ride is an easy way to tack on a visit to one of the world’s most romantic cities.
What to do: Go wine tasting. Must-stop vineyards include Cossetto, a family-run winery dating back three generations, natural wine specialist Roxanich and Kozlovic, where harvest is still done exclusively by hand.
Romantic moment: Splurge on the seasonal degustation menu at Hotel San Rocco’s esteemed restaurant. Request a table on the terrace overlooking the gardens.
Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska
Denali, the highest mountain peak on the continent, is the most obvious draw in the park. But the wildlife (caribou, moose, wolves) and clear, starry skies are equally awe inspiring.
When to go: The Northern Lights appear September to March. May to July is adventure season, when guests can go by helicopter to remote hikes and hot springs.
Where to stay: Sheldon Chalet looks like a hexagonal lighthouse, perched 6,000 feet above sea level amid a 35-square-mile snowfield amphitheater in Denali National Park. The family-run lodge has just five rooms, all with mountain views. You won’t have cell service or Wi-Fi, but you will have champagne and king crab legs.
How to get there: From Anchorage, drive just over two hours to Talkeetna, or journey three hours on Alaska Railroad. A 45-minute helicopter ride deposits guests at the chalet.
What to do: Take in the sights and sounds of the massive Ruth Glacier, plus the best views of the summit of Denali, with a snowshoe tour.
Romantic moment: Enjoy a bouillabaisse dinner for two around a table dug into the snow. Insulated blankets and wine will keep you warm as you watch a chef prepare a seafood stew over a portable butane stove.
