Forget Venice and Paris this year and head to any of our carefully selected romantic destinations—cities and experiences that give out an aura of romance, and make for
a lasting memory.
BY VANDANA MALHOTRA

HOT DESTINATIONS ABROAD

KRABI AND PHI PHI ISLANDS, THAILAND
Archaeological evidence reveals that Krabi has been home to homo sapiens since 25,000 BC. Its pristine beauty therefore comes as a welcome surprise, for the human hand seems to have inflicted little damage on its spectacular landscape. The southern province on Thailand’s Andaman coast, Krabi is scenic in the extreme: deep turquoise waters, emerald forests, and lush mangroves. But despite being replete with natural beauty, it pales in comparison to the amazing and rather dramatic landscape of the Phi Phi Islands close by. Think aweinspiring, green-clad cliffs raising their heads up from jade waters and small sandy bays that promise both intimacy and privacy. Krabi and Phi Phi make for a perfect romantic getaway that can easily be livened up with canoeing, diving, cape touring and cliff climbing. Getting there: Fly to Phuket and take a ferry to Krabi.

KNYSNA, SOUTH AFRICA
Ever dreamt of lying on the deck of a small boat—with your significant other—as it sways hypnotically with the wind and water on a balmy summer day? Knysna, in the heart of South Africa’s Garden Route, could be the place to play out your dream in. It sprawls along a magnificent lagoon and is surrounded by luxuriant forests, placid lakes and golden beaches. Two massive sandstone cliffs, popularly known as the Heads, guard the mouth of the lagoon which connects the estuary with the sea. Climb up to the lookout on the eastern head for fantastic views of the lagoon and the Garden Route. End your day with the most succulent oysters you’ve ever tasted at one of the restaurants on the waterfront. Getting there: Fly to Cape Town and then drive east to Knysna (four hours); www.gardenroute.org.

MEXICAN RIVIERA
The Mexican Riviera is the stretch of coast from Mexico’s border with California to its northern end near Guatemala. What has turned it into a lovers’ Mecca is its glorious mix of possibilities: watersports, gambling at glamourous casinos, dining at intimate taverns, and more. Instead of any one city like Acapulco or Cabo San Lucas, take a cruise that will allow you to spend time at some of the most interesting places along the coast. Getting there: Most cruises start in Los Angeles and some from San Diego. Or fly to Acapulco and then travel down the coast by road

TOZEUR, TUNISIA
Put it down to collective mass subconscious or genetically encoded memory, but the mere sight of a desert camp against palm trees conjures up visions of intrigue and passion. The oasis city of Tozeur, known for its beauty and stately date palm trees, is surrounded by the formidable Tunisian desert. Opt for a night under the stars, enjoy camelback safaris, or just amble through narrow streets and alleys that lead you to mosques built thousands of years ago. Getting there: Fly to Tunis and take a domestic carrier to Tozeur; www.tourismtunisia.com

BRUGES, BELGIUM
Nothing rivals the romance and charm of a medieval European city; especially one like Bruges, whose monuments have so carefully been preserved. Stately homes, rolling parklands, Gothic churches, museums—there’s enough to keep veteran sightseers busy. But couples might prefer to simply soak in the atmosphere, stroll along the 12th-century canals, sample the locally brewed beer. Handpick the best lace in Europe (lacy lingerie, anyone?), kilos of rich, smooth chocolate (it’s jaw-droppingly cheap), and the most delicious mayonnaise you’ve ever tasted. With its genteel, laidback appeal and worldclass restaurants (even an Indian eatery called Bhavani!), Bruges is the perfect town for a cosy twosome. It is said that even the government promotes romance: a statue near City Hall honours couples who have been married there. Getting there: Fly to Brussels, about an hour from Bruges by train.

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