Top romantic retreats we're dreaming of visiting

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we've been feeling wistful about the romantic trips and getaways we would have loved to plan this year. So while we're temporarily stuck at home, we'll be using our imagination to transport ourselves to these beautiful home swap properties. And most importantly? We're busy planning the most amazing Valentine's 2022 trips! To give you a little inspiration, we’ve rounded up a few of our favourite romantic retreats to help you plan for your next home swap. 

Paris, France

Arguably the most romantic place in the world, we simply had to include Paris in our top romantic holiday destinations. Whether you fancy a stroll down the Seine, a cosy meal in a Parisian bistro or a trip up the world-famous Eiffel Tower, there are plenty of ways to impress in Paris. If you're looking for loads of ideas on the most romantic spots in Paris, then this Jetsetter article is bursting with great ideas. 

This apartment (above) oozes Parisian style and glamour - making it the perfect place for a romantic weekend in Paris. 

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Venice, Italy

Venice is the perfect backdrop for a romantic getaway. With stunning architecture, winding canals and quiet alleyways, it's the loveliest location for a short weekend away. We love this beautiful apartment that would make the perfect swap - its exposed beams, stunning views and tasteful décor makes it the ideal retreat after a long day of exploring all that Venice has to offer. There's a lot to see and do here, so immerse yourself in this fantastic blog before you go, and draw up the most romatic itinerary. 

This romantic apartment in Venice is tucked away in the side streets, with incredible city views of San Marco and the Campanile Bell Tower.

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Bali, Indonesia

With its tranquil atmosphere and idyllic landscapes, Bali makes for an unforgettably romantic vacation experience. Explore the island the most authentic way by renting a scooter and exploring the rice fields - and prepare to be wowed by panoramic views of the most incredibly lush landscape. The Blonde Abroad blog is full of inspirational things to do, as is this blog by Where's mollie?

We love all of Bali, but many tourists rave about the romance of Ubud, a small town filled with boutique stores and intimate dinner spots.  

As a relatively affordable destination to visit (minus the pricey flights) Bali offers a fantastic array of accomodation to suit everyone's needs. We've got lots of great options to pick from, including gorgeous villas and fully-catered and staffed complexes! 

In need of a seriously romantic getaway? Then this elegant villa in Buleleng with magnificent views and a private pool (pictured above) may be just the ticket!

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Hawaii, USA

Nothing comes closer to paradise than the gorgeous beaches of Hawaii. From diving in the beautiful blue sea to simply enjoying the tropical landscape, Hawaii is sure to be the welcome break you deserve. Understandably, Hawaii is often top of every honeymooner's list of dream destinations, so it really is well equipped for a romantic retreat! This round-up of romantic activities on the island (such as attending a Luau, watching the sunrise from Mount Haleakala and enjoying a sunset cruise) was originally written for newlyweds - but it's perfect for all lovebirds! 

To top off your trip, make sure you stay somewehere really lovely. Our members have lots of beautiful homes on the island, so whether you fancy being just steps away from the sand, or you fancy the excitement of the city, you're sure to enjoy all that Hawaii has to offer. 

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Florence, Italy

Home to Renaissance masterpieces and architecture, Florence is one of the most romantic places on earth - and a world-class vacation destination at any time of year. With popular attractions like Michaelangelo’s David, works by Leonardo da Vinci and beautiful buildings like the Duomo, it’s difficult to know where to start.

If you're looking for a romantic place to propose - or just a great backdrop for an iconic photo - then this article on the Love From Tuscany website has lots of suggestions. The top idea is standing on the Ponte Santa Trinita, from which you'll get a money-can't-buy view of the world-famous Ponte Vecchio - though we also like the suggestion of watching the sunset over Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo. Those in the know also head to the rooftop bar at the SE.STO on Arno for an aperitivo with a view.

Our members have lots of romantic apartments and homes both in the heart of the city, and further out too. So have fun browsing their stunning homes, and make sure you've got a tranquil hideaway to return to after a day of sightseeing.

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The Cotswolds, England

If a romantic retreat to the English countryside is what you’re looking for, then the Cotswolds are the perfect destination for you. As an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (these are regions in the UK that are protected for their significant natural importance - and they're therefore gorgeous!) you'll find loads of great walking spots, traditional cosy pubs and iconic stone cottages to cosy up in after a long day of exploring. The official Cotswolds Tourist Information Site is jam-packed with loads of great ideas on how to fill your days (spoiler alert - there's enough to keep you busy for a lifetime!) and we love the simple approach that Roberta Facchini has taken with a 2-day itinerary. If the photos in this blog don't make you desperate to visit the Cotswolds, then nothing will! 

Our members have so many gorgeous homes in the region, like this lovely home in the town of Painswick. You'll be spoilt for choice when you're looking for a romantic retreat.

If you want to stay in the heart of The Cotswolds, then take a look at this cosy cottage in the town of Painswick.

View more homes to swap in The Cotswolds

New York City

New York is always a winner, and is one of the most popular romantic holiday destinations for Valentine’s Day - which is no big surprise when you consider the amazing experiences you can have in the Big Apple. For some, the perfect date will involve a stroll through Central Park, dining at a fine restaurant, and indulging in some serious retail therapy. For others, a truly romantic experience will include absorbing some culture in one of the many museums before catching a show on Broadway. TimeOut have featured a round-up of their favourite romantic experiences in NY, and we love this blog that includes lots of free and low-cost suggestions. 

To make your trip even more memorable, retreat back to a gorgeous Love Home Swap property. Whether you're looking for a stunning townhouse in the heart of Manhattan, or a cosy apartment with views to die for, our members are ready to share their homes with you.  

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Greece

The Greek islands are some of the most sought-after destinations for a romantic getaway in Europe. With exquisitely clear waters, dramatic landscapes, picture-perfect towns and the drama of an active volcano, they're high on the must-do list for many travel-lovers. 

Although Santorini is traditionally renowned as the 'go to' for romantic getaways in Greece, there are a host of other amazing islands that each offer unique experiences. Conde Nast Traveller features an interesting article on their preferred romantic escapes, and we love this blogger's insightful round-up of her preferred islands that are well-suited to couples. We also love Crete for a huge dose of culture without the crowds - and with masses of homes available to our members, you're bound to find the ideal hideaway. 

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For loads more romantic holiday destinations and breathtaking properties around the world, head to our homes page and use the filters to select the features that matter the most to you (if a dishwasher is essential to your ideal romantic trip, we're not judging!) And don't forget to share your tips and hints for the best romantic locations with our members on our social media channels. Click here to chat with our friendly members in our Facebook group, or make us jealous with your romantic break snaps on our Instagram page!