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8 Quick Romantic Getaways

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With travel opening back up, a quick romantic getaway with the one you love has never been more fitting–which is where your SmartFlyer travel advisor comes in with vetted options for that much-needed romantic retreat.

Whether it’s simply a stolen weekend away without the kiddos or a little something you’re tacking on to a work trip with your someone special, a few days in a plush hotel and intoxicating destination can make all the difference. We’ve checked in with our team to source some recommendations for top romantic spots you can enjoy with your partner in four days or less. From buzzy Baltimore to the beaches of Malibu and beyond, we have you covered with some of our top hotels where we make your stay even more special with amenities accessible only by booking with your trusted SmartFlyer travel advisor.

Malibu

Its laid back-surfer town feel and sweeping vistas are hard to beat!

With views from every cliff, charming restaurants and a relaxed pace, it’s easy to fall for Malibu. NJ-based travel advisor Carly Robinson shares her insights into this region outside of busy LA, dishing, “Malibu has a vibe that’s chill, but still chic enough to attract celebrities and socialites. Its laid back-surfer town feel and sweeping vistas are hard to beat! In terms of where to stay, Malibu Beach Inn is perched right above the beach, which means guests will be lulled to sleep by the waves crashing on the shore. The property’s simple aesthetic and hint of coastal decor keeps the vibe super tranquil. And of course, there’s a spa allowing for a true R&R retreat with your partner.”

But, it’s not all about the hotel when you’ve got the incredible dining and activities nearby. Carly shares, “Malibu Farms offers a cute seaside atmosphere with two eateries located on the pier right next to each other, the more casual café and the restaurant. They offer diverse menus with some healthy, fresh options and of course, frosé. Speaking of wine…the Malibu Wine Safari is a completely unique experience in a stunning atmosphere. You can choose from different tour options, but the combination of getting to see the safari animals and do wine tasting is memorable. You get to feed animals and taste both red and white wines that they grow in their on-site vineyards. Feeding Stanley the giraffe is definitely a highlight!”

For more, check out Carly’s complete Malibu guide here.

Baltimore

…during our stay, we were told a story about a couple who recently got married at the hotel because the groom’s parents got engaged there themselves at a community banquet decades earlier.

Just a two-and-a-half Acela train ride away from NY’s Penn Station, Baltimore is an easy getaway for New Yorkers. But beyond ease of access, we’re crushing hard on the city’s newly opened Sagmore Pendry Baltimore, fraught with rich history and cool vibes. Manhattan-based travel advisor Xavier Cano shares, “Built in 1937 as a commercial pier, the premises were historically used to serve Baltimore residents as a community gathering place and playground before closing down. Now that the property has been restored to its former glory, things have come full circle; during our stay, we were told a story about a couple who recently got married at the hotel because the groom’s parents got engaged there themselves at a community banquet decades earlier.”

Xavier elaborates, “The Pendry in Baltimore has the welcoming spirit of a place worth living in, especially when it comes to visiting for the weekend with a loved one to enjoy the fabulous hotel amenities while getting a taste of the city (prepare for lots of rye whiskey and crabs!). During our recent stay, we loved doing a tasting in the Sagamore Spirit Distillery followed by dinner at the Rec Pier Chop House and sunset drinks at Sandlot. Don’t worry though, you can work it off the next morning with a private training session at Under Armor headquarters! Depart the city by water taxi for an extra special goodbye.”

Charleston

Imagine strolling along the cobblestone streets, admiring the old-school Southern architecture, hand-in-hand with your partner.

A destination filled with the utmost Southern charm and rich history, Charleston makes for a perfect romance-filled getaway; there’s a reason the “Holy City” has been named Travel + Leisure’s #1 City in the World, after all! For a classic pick, our team can’t get enough of the iconic Charleston Place property, located in the heart of downtown Charleston, it makes the perfect home base to explore the Historic District, the shops on King Street, or even the College of Charleston. Pulling up into the driveway here, guests can expect to be greeted with the utmost Southern hospitality. The lobby is large, bright, and airy with a grand staircase that transports you back to another time. While the property boasts an interior of classic elegance, it has still been renovated to feature modern touches and a simple color scheme. You will not get stuffy, Victorian-era vibes here! Alternatively, for a more boutique stay, consider Hotel Zero George, a property that made our SmartFlyer 30 Stateside Hitlist.

Imagine strolling along the cobblestone streets, admiring the old-school Southern architecture, hand-in-hand with your partner. Romantic walks, rooftop sunsets, cozy restaurants, and carriage rides are plentiful in this city. Dining at Chez Nous – widely considered to be one of Charleston’s top restaurants – is sure to be a highlight during your stay. Prepare to be dazzled by the elegant vibes, high-touch service, and the melody from the live jazz band in the background. Oh, and the crab cakes are just to die for. Another favorite is 167 Raw; while this gem doesn’t accept reservations, the idea is to order a glass (or a bottle, even better), while you sit on the porch at sunset and wait for a couple of seats to open up. Here you will have the best lobster roll, and scallop po boy (a personal fave!), the city has to offer.

Cabo

Pure romance envelopes you the moment you enter Las Ventanas al Paraíso.

For West Coasters, Cabo has long been the perfect spot for those romantic getaways. Surely, you can’t go wrong with a stay at the iconic Rosewood Hotels property, Las Ventanas al Paraíso. Newport Beach-based travel advisor Kimberly Gavin shares, “Pure romance envelopes you the moment you enter Las Ventanas al Paraíso, and a trio of musicians serenade you as the host hands you a frozen Margarita. The resort is beautiful and blissfully private, with its network of underground tunnels allowing staff to be discreet and making it a favorite among honeymooning couples and celebrities. Perhaps the most memorable aspect of Las Ventanas is the service, with every suite receiving its own butler who is on call 24 hours a day.”

Kimberly continues sharing, “Making Las Ventanas your home-base for this couples getaway means that you’ll not only have the spa and beach to enjoy, but you and your partner will have plenty of special dining opportunities at your fingertips. Don’t miss the ‘Magic Dinner’ with the resort’s resident magician host, featured in the latest collection of once-in-a-lifetime experiences showcasing best of Baja. Surrounded by catrinas, candles and other traditional décor at the resort’s magical herb gardens, guests are immersed in an unparalleled theatrical experience full of intrigue and mystery. It really does make for a romantic night.”

Portland

Accommodations felt fresh, young and vibrant – ideal for a couple who is seeking a more light and bright vibe.

Oregon’s cultural capital is the kind of place you arrive and your breath immediately seems to flow more slowly. For the couple looking to take a reprieve together – and maybe even get an outdoorsy fix – Portland will do just the trick. Sharing feedback from a recent stay, Director of Content, Kayla Douglas divulges, “You can’t help but be chill in PDX. The locals are naturally so relaxed that even for the most regimented East Coaster, you feel your shoulders come down and you just take a deep breath. I loved my stay at The Woodlark, a recently opened property under the Provenance Hotels umbrella. Accommodations felt fresh, young and vibrant – ideal for a couple who is seeking a more light and bright vibe. Not to mention, all of their partnerships with local artisans and tastemakers made the experience feel even more integrated in with the Portland vibe.”

For the active traveler, she shares, “A highlight of my stay was a run with Wy’east Wolfpack – a local run group affiliated with the hotel – that brought us out of the heart of Portland and into the literal forest in under 20-minutes. It was so refreshing to see so much green just outside of the city center! Or, for those who’d rather stick to the hotel, their gym is outfitted with top technology including The Mirror or Peloton for streaming fitness classes. You’ll need it since you’ll be eating your way through the city thanks to foodie hotspots like Blue Star Donuts, Tasty N’Adler, Bullard and more.”

Anguilla

For couples, this is the ultimate place to relax on the pristine beach with your partner.

With its turquoise waters, powdery white sand, theatrical sunsets and free-flowing rum, Anguilla is a postcard vacation come to life. Las Vegas based travel advisor Addie Bell shares, “While there are several incredible hotels on the island, Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla offers some of the best service. With the brand consistency loyal guests have come to know and love, a check-in here means you know you can expect the best! Plus, the fresh resort interiors give off modern and bright vibes to keep vacationers feeling sunny both indoors and out.”

Addie elaborates, “For couples, this is the ultimate place to relax on the pristine beach with your partner. Or, if you’re more of a pool person, the property offers both the adults-only Sunset Pool (where the swim-up bar comes right to you!) and private pools off of your own villa. Couples will really feel at home in their sprawling accommodations but equally liberated to try activities together like snorkeling, paddle-boarding, yoga and more. No matter how you choose to spend your time here together, you’re sure to leave the island feeling rejuvenated!”

Cape Cod

…they even have a whole section of rooms dedicated to spa, so if your romantic weekend getaway is all about detoxing and wellness, you can stay in that nook of the property and enjoy your treatments like royalty.

Back on the East Coast, New Englanders have been flocking to the Cape for decades for its nautical charms, beautiful beaches, and of course, endless seafood. Chatham Bars Inn is beloved by our clients and team alike for its exclusive location on Cape Cod. Beyond the incredible beach, the staff, service, and activities offered on property are what really make this spot stand out! Chatham Bars Inn offers so many different room categories, but a favorite is the rooms directly on the beach where you basically feel like you’ve rented your own home for the weekend (that just so happens to have top-quality hotel service). Plus, their spa is also amazing any time of year – they even have a whole section of rooms dedicated to spa, so if your romantic weekend getaway is all about detoxing and wellness, you can stay in that nook of the property and enjoy your treatments like royalty. Or, if you’re the traveler who likes to mix and mingle with other guests on property, they also offer rooms in their main building where they have three dining options and a living room that includes all of your favorite games!

On summer mornings, they offer a ride on their speed boat called The Bartender where you ride around Chatham’s share of the Cape to spot the ‘local seal hangouts’ and watch them play in the water! They also do fun, and sometimes themed beach BBQs for guests on a regular basis – it’s a great way to casually enjoy dinner in a fun environment without having the leave the property. And, if you want to leave the property to either go into town for shopping or a meal (which is about a 10-minute drive) the staff is happy to personally drive you in their house car and recommend some of the best restaurants in the area!

Napa Valley

From their spa to their award-winning dining, couples have no shortage of phenomenal options to enjoy the region together.

While in Cali, you’d be hard-pressed to find a destination more romantic than Napa Valley. Showcasing breathtaking views, Auberge du Soleil is the realization of French restaurateur Claude Rouas’ dream dating back to the 1980s. After the immediate success upon opening Napa Valley’s first fine-dining restaurant – designed to reflect a taste of Provence in California wine country – the hotel (then named “The Inn of the Sun”) was born. Nestled within a terraced, sun-kissed hillside amid 33-acres of heritage olive and oak trees, Auberge du Soleil offers fifty contemporary guestrooms and suites that effortlessly blend relaxed sophistication with understated elegance, earning a long-standing reputation as one of wine country’s most iconic luxury property.

Inspired by the South of France and infused with California soul, this is your ideal spot for a couples’ getaway. Newport Beach-based luxury travel advisor Lauren Grubbs shares, “Clients love beginning their day at Auberge du Soleil on the outdoor terrace enjoying breakfast and the incredible views of the Napa Valley!” Chicago-based luxury travel advisor Justyna Della Valle adds, “Auberge du Soleil is classic wine country. The rolling hill views remind me of being in Italy.”

For more, check out our team trip to Napa here.

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