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Whether you’re in need of a little winter wonder or simply want to enjoy some time alone with your partner, a romantic winter getaway is the perfect answer. That getaway can take many forms—you might opt for a tropical escape with clear blue waters, or you might prefer to take in the picturesque winter scenery while snuggling in front of a fire. Regardless of what you’re after, and whether you plan to stay Stateside or travel internationally, there’s a romantic hotel on our list that will make for a fantastic escape.
The Most Romantic Hotels for a Winter Getaway
- Best Overall: Mandarin Oriental Palace, Luzern - Switzerland
- Best Luxury: Aman New York - New York
- Best Budget: The Publishing House Bed & Breakfast - Illinois
- Best Beach: Four Seasons Resort Lanai - Hawaii
- Best Boutique: Castle Hill Inn - Rhode Island
- Best for Winter Activities: Waldorf Astoria Park City - Utah
- Best Spa: Rosewood Miramar Beach - California
- Best Country Escape: Twin Farms - Vermont
- Best for Privacy: Banyan Tree Mayakoba - Mexico
Best Overall : Mandarin Oriental Palace, Luzern - Switzerland
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Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental
With captivating views of the Alps and legendary service, the Mandarin Oriental Palace is a landmark in one of Switzerland’s most charming cities.
Full-service spa, multiple restaurants, Diptyque amenities in every room
Waterfront property
Spectacular service
Recently renovated
Boats can be noisy
Housed in a majestic Belle Epoque building, the Mandarin Oriental Palace, Luzern is one of the most romantic hotels in the Swiss Alps. Sitting on the shores of Lake Lucerne, it offers captivating views from every angle. For particularly frame-worthy vistas, book one of the Panoramic Rooftop Terrace Suites or the Presidential Suite; they offer 360-degree lake and mountain views along with luxe amenities by Diptyque and Dyson.
After a recent renovation, the Mandarin Oriental Palace reopened with 136 redesigned rooms, including 48 suites, that are inspired by the beauty of the surrounding landscape. And while you can enjoy the views from the comfort of your room, be sure to also stroll through the medieval town, which is just a brisk walk away. In the evening, enjoy the hotel’s two restaurants (with two more coming in early 2023), which impress with their quality and variety.
Best Luxury : Aman New York - New York
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Credit: Robert Rieger
A retreat in the middle of New York City, the Aman has luxe amenities, enormous rooms with fireplaces, and lots of perks for guests.
Wraparound terrace, fireplaces and soaking tubs in suites, three-floor spa
Large, beautiful suites
Panoramic city views
Private restaurants
Limited room service menu
If you’re looking to take advantage of all the holiday romance that New York City has to offer, you’ll want to stay at Aman New York. The highly anticipated hotel opened inside the redesigned Crown Building in Midtown and offers 83 stunning suites, each complete with a cozy fireplace and soaking tub.
A large wraparound terrace treats guests to breathtaking views of Fifth Avenue, allowing you to take in the city from above if you need a break from its bustle. During your stay, don’t forget to visit the hotel’s bars and restaurants, open exclusively to guests, as well as the three-floor Aman Spa, which features a gorgeous indoor pool, treatment rooms, and everything else you could want.
Best Budget : The Publishing House Bed & Breakfast - Illinois
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Courtesy of Publishing House Bed & Breakfast
The personalized service at this warm bed-and-breakfast makes it perfect for a Chicago getaway.
Personalized service, complimentary breakfast
Intimate property
Boutique hotel experience
Budget friendly
Limited amenities
Small rooms
Housed in a historic building, the Publishing House is a rewarding find for those looking to enjoy Chicago’s picturesque winter. It merges the personalized service of a bed-and-breakfast with the carefully designed interiors of a boutique hotel, creating an atmosphere that’s cozy and filled with tons of thoughtful details.
With just 11 rooms, the property can only accommodate 24 guests, so it’s extremely intimate and perfect for a romantic getaway or staycation. Each room is decorated differently, and there are numerous living and dining areas that the hotel encourages visitors to take advantage of. And as a B&B, the Publishing House includes a delicious breakfast (they make their own homemade granola) in your stay.
Best Beach : Four Seasons Resort Lanai - Hawaii
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Courtesy of Four Seasons Resort Lana'i at Manele Bay, Lanai Hawaii
With lush greenery, lots of outdoor activities, and ample space to relax, this resort is the ideal beachside retreat.
Archery and shooting range, yoga studio, golf course, tennis center
Adults-only pool
Complimentary fitness and yoga classes
Shuttle to Lanai City
Popular with families
Remote location
Located on the pristine Hawaiian island of Lanai, Four Seasons Resort Lanai is the perfect reprieve for couples looking to escape chilly winter temperatures. Its lush, expansive grounds provide space for a wide range of activities, from tanning on the private beach to strolling through the on-site botanical garden. Other amenities include complimentary snorkeling gear, fitness, and yoga classes, tennis courts, archery and shooting range, a shuttle to Lanai City, and 24-hour room service.
Each room at the resort features a private terrace with either garden or ocean views. The property also has four restaurants, including Nobu that serves Japanese cuisine by renowned chef Nobu Matsuhisa, along with three bars that all serve specialty cocktails and drinks.
Best Boutique : Castle Hill Inn - Rhode Island
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Courtesy of Castle Hill Inn
This upscale sanctuary occupies a 19th-century mansion and is located on its own private peninsula.
Walking trails, afternoon high tea, complimentary parking
Impeccable grounds
Lots of privacy
Unbelievable views of the property and bay
Fewer amenities in winter
Couples looking for a peaceful East Coast hideaway will adore Castle Hill Inn. It’s set on its own private peninsula, with 40 sprawling acres and views of Narragansett Bay. The setting creates the perfect prelude to an enchanting evening in front of the fireplace during the snowy months.
Apart from the views, the hotel offers visitors a wonderfully intimate experience, as it only has 33 guest rooms. Each is decorated in a Victorian style that feels historic yet modern at the same time. The inn serves complimentary breakfasts and afternoon tea, while its four-star restaurant, The Dining Room, provides stunning sunset views and a menu inspired by local produce and seafood.
Best for Winter Activities : Waldorf Astoria Park City - Utah
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This wintry oasis offers gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains and just about every winter activity imaginable.
Ski valet, full-service spa with nail and hair salon, fitness classes, year-round heated outdoor pool
Complimentary shuttle service
Dog friendly
Rooms and suites with gas fireplaces
$40 overnight valet fee
No 24-hour room service
Crowded in winter
Waldorf Astoria Park City is a luxury mountain resort that’s known for its wide range of winter activities, including skiing, snowboarding, dog sledding, and snowshoeing. Each room has beautiful views of the Wasatch Mountains, along with a woodsy winter design and cozy gas fireplaces that are perfect for a romantic night in after a long day outdoors. And while we wouldn’t blame you if you spent your entire getaway enjoying the incredible full-service spa, which includes a hair and nail salon, make sure not to miss the heated outdoor pool and the mountain-inspired comfort food served at the on-site restaurant, Powder Restaurant.
Best Spa : Rosewood Miramar Beach - California
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Rosewood Miramar Beach
A serene setting along California’s coast, plus a spa, guided hikes, and beach butler service make this Montecito resort a fantastic getaway for couples.
Sense spa, guided hikes, Lincoln car usage
Two pools, including one for adults only
Patios or terraces for every room
Six restaurants and bars
Valet fee is $60 per day
Although close to the town of Montecito, Rosewood Miramar Beach feels a world away. The green gardens, pools, restaurants, and bars create the perfect atmosphere for a weekend filled with romance. One thing that shouldn’t be missed? The wide, sandy beach out front, where a beach butler sets up umbrellas, chairs, and pretty much any beach game you can think of. Rosewood’s Sense spa is the property’s true highlight, however. Opt for the Montecito Sage Purification treatment, which combines a body scrub with a full-body hot stone massage, then spend the day enjoying the steam rooms, sauna, and relaxation areas.
The Rosewood also offers a special service for couples called the Love Language Concierge, where guests will take a love language quiz and be provided a selection of romantic experiences tailored to each couple.
Best Country Escape : Twin Farms - Vermont
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Courtesy of Twin Farms
With abundant privacy, this all-inclusive resort is the perfect escape from Boston or New York.
Skiing and snowshoeing trails, ice skating rink, spa with Japanese furo bath
Easily accessible from Boston and New York City
Adults only
Meals, fine wines, activities, and equipment are included
No nearby towns
Nestled within 300 acres of secluded Vermont countryside, Twin Farms is an idyllic rural escape. Since the property is adults-only, you can take advantage of the picturesque scenery and slew of winter activities in peace and quiet. Enjoy ice-skating on the pond, skiing or snowshoeing on private groomed trails, or simply sitting by the bonfire with a hot chocolate (or hot toddy) in hand. We’d be remiss not to mention the impeccable service, which allows you to relax while your meals, beverages, activities, and equipment are taken care of. With its close proximity to Boston and New York City, Twin Farms makes a fantastic weekend away.
Best for Privacy : Banyan Tree Mayakoba - Mexico
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Ultra-private accommodations, delicious dining options, cooking classes, and nature trails await couples at this tranquil Mexican resort.
Nature trails, tennis courts, tequila tastings, cooking classes
Private pool in each room
12 dining options
Secluded guests-only beach
Not adults only
Surrounded by mangrove forests and crystal clear blue waters, Banyan Tree Mayakoba is a favorite of honeymooners and families. Its dreamy, secluded beachfront suites and lagoon sunset villas all have private pools, letting couples enjoy plenty of one-on-one time.
The property has tennis courts and complimentary bikes for guests to use, and visitors can also take part in wine and tequila tastings and cooking classes. The award-winning spa offers hydrothermal therapy, Thai massages, and other spectacular treatments. Banyan Tree Mayakoba truly stands out with its 12 dining options, including the brand’s signature Saffron restaurant that serves authentic Thai cuisine with amazing views of the water.
Final Verdict
While some imagine the perfect winter getaway as enjoying all a city has to offer, others picture secluded beaches and sunshine. Whatever your preference, there’s a romantic hotel that will make the perfect winter getaway. Our overall favorite, the Mandarin Oriental Palace, Luzern offers breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps and everything else you’d expect from a luxe property. If you’re looking to spend some much-needed time with your significant other, Banyan Tree Mayakoba or Rosewood Miramar Beach should be your top choices. For fantastic winter experiences, opt for Twin Farms or Castle Hill Inn.
Methodology
To find the best romantic hotels for a winter getaway, we researched dozens of properties, with a special eye on notable amenities, location, and property features. We also spoke with travel writers and researched online reviews to make sure experiences lived up to the hotels’ claims.
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