From Beaches to Heritage Cities: Thomas Cook India & SOTC Travel’s Valentine’s Picks for Couples

This Valentine’s Day, couples are redefining romance through journeys that feel personal, immersive and experience-led. Moving beyond conventional celebrations, they are choosing destinations that reflect shared passions—whether that means unwinding by the sea, escaping into nature, exploring heritage-rich cities, indulging in retail therapy, chasing adventure or witnessing rare natural phenomena. Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel spotlight thoughtfully curated destinations that blend romance, discovery and ease of travel, making them ideal for short breaks, long weekends and well-paced international escapes.

Beach Escapes: Where Romance Moves at the Pace of the Tide

•       Goa: Goa continues to charm couples with its effortless mix of leisure and energy. Boutique resorts, beachside cafés, sunset cruises along the Mandovi and an eclectic nightlife allow couples to design days that flow from laid-back mornings to vibrant evenings—making it a perennial favourite for a spontaneous romantic escape.

•       Andaman Islands: For couples seeking seclusion and natural beauty, the Andamans offer untouched romance. Crystal-clear waters, coral reefs and quiet beaches set the tone, while snorkelling, scuba diving and island-hopping experiences add gentle adventure without disrupting the tranquillity.

•       Maldives: Maldives is ideal for couples seeking privacy and indulgence. Overwater villas, turquoise lagoons, sunset cruises and bespoke dining experiences create an atmosphere where time slows down and every moment feels exclusive.

•       Mauritius: Mauritius blends beachside relaxation with cultural richness. White-sand beaches, lush interiors, Creole cuisine and easy-paced exploration make it perfect for couples who enjoy variety without compromising on romance.

•       Seychelles: Seychelles offers raw, unspoilt beauty for couples who value serenity. Granite rock formations, powdery beaches and intimate island resorts set the stage for barefoot luxury and deeply personal experiences.

•       Philippines: With its island clusters, hidden lagoons and crystal-clear waters, the Philippines appeals to couples seeking offbeat tropical romance. Destinations like Palawan and Boracay combine natural drama with relaxed island living and water-based adventures.

•       Phuket (Thailand): Phuket offers couples the freedom to travel at their own pace. Indulgent spa retreats, island-hopping excursions and romantic beachfront dining combine with lively pockets of culture and nightlife, creating a balanced escape.

•       Krabi (Thailand): Krabi’s dramatic limestone cliffs, emerald waters and hidden coves create a naturally intimate setting. Private long-tail boat rides and secluded beaches make it ideal for quiet, scenic romance.

•       Phu Quoc (Vietnam): Phu Quoc offers couples a quieter, more intimate tropical escape. Palm-fringed beaches, clear waters and a relaxed island rhythm come together with sunset walks, private boat trips and fresh seafood dining—perfect for couples seeking understated, off-the-radar romance.

•       Bali (Indonesia): Bali delivers romance through experiences rather than excess—think private pool villas, jungle retreats in Ubud, beach sunsets in Seminyak and deeply rooted wellness and spirituality that invite couples to slow down and reconnect.

•       Langkawi (Malaysia): Langkawi blends tropical serenity with nature-led experiences, from rainforest walks and sky-bridge views to a relaxed island dining.

Hills & Nature Retreats: Romance in Every Shade of Green

•       Manali: Manali transforms Valentine’s travel into a winter fairytale, with snow-dusted landscapes, cozy mountain stays and adventure options.

•       Coorg: Coorg invites couples to slow down amid misty coffee plantations, birdsong-filled trails and intimate luxury homestays.

•       Darjeeling: Darjeeling’s timeless charm unfolds through heritage hotels, toy train rides and sweeping Himalayan views.

•       Kashmir: Often described as paradise on earth, Kashmir offers romance wrapped in natural grandeur. Snow-covered valleys, shikara rides on Dal Lake, heritage houseboats and scenic meadows create a setting that feels poetic and deeply immersive.

•       New Zealand: Scenic road trips, glacier landscapes, lakeside towns and adrenaline-filled activities make New Zealand ideal for couples who love the outdoors.

Culture & Heritage Trails: Where Romance is Layered with Stories

·        Udaipur: Often described as India’s most romantic city, Udaipur sets the stage with shimmering lakes, grand palaces and heritage hotels. Sunset boat rides and candle-lit dinners overlooking historic landmarks create moments that feel cinematic and timeless.

·        Jaipur: Jaipur blends regal heritage with contemporary flair. Couples can explore majestic forts, browse vibrant bazaars, enjoy curated culinary experiences and retreat into boutique heritage stays—making culture-led romance both immersive and stylish.

·        Tbilisi (Georgia): Tbilisi offers couples an offbeat European escape. Cobblestone streets, historic architecture, café culture and Georgia’s famed wine traditions combine to create a destination that feels intimate, affordable and refreshingly unexplored.

·        Morocco: Morocco captivates with its colours, contrasts and sensory richness. Riad stays, bustling souks, desert journeys and starlit dinners infuse romance with mystery, making every experience feel deeply atmospheric.

·        Greece: Greece delivers romance that is both iconic and experiential. Whitewashed villages, ancient ruins, island sunsets and leisurely seaside dining allow couples to blend history, scenery and indulgence in one unforgettable journey.

Shopping-Led Escapes: Shared Indulgence, Elevated

·        Dubai: Dubai pairs high-energy shopping with iconic experiences. Luxury malls, traditional souks and waterfront dining are balanced with desert safaris, skyline views and world-class hospitality.

·        Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi offers a refined take on romance and retail. Architectural landmarks, cultural districts, upscale shopping and serene beaches appeal to couples seeking sophistication over spectacle.

·        Singapore: Singapore’s appeal lies in its seamless elegance. From Orchard Road and neighbourhood boutiques to award-winning dining and waterfront strolls, it offers a compact yet indulgent romantic escape.

·        Oman: Oman delivers an authentic shopping experience rooted in tradition. Handcrafted silver, frankincense and vibrant souks pair beautifully with coastal drives, desert landscapes and warm Arabian hospitality.

Adventure Getaways: For Couples Who Bond Over Thrills

·        Australia: Australia offers adventure at every scale—from coastal drives along the Great Ocean Road and reef experiences in Queensland to wildlife encounters and rugged outback landscapes—ideal for couples who thrive on exploration and shared discovery.

·        New Zealand: From bungee jumping and jet boating to glacier hikes and scenic trails, New Zealand allows couples to share adrenaline-filled experiences while surrounded by nature at its most dramatic.

·        Rishikesh: Rishikesh brings together adventure, nature and spirituality, offering couples a refreshing alternative to conventional romantic escapes. White-water rafting on the Ganges, forest trails and Himalayan treks introduce shared thrills, while yoga sessions, riverside walks and quiet moments by the water encourage deeper connection. Adding to the destination’s appeal is Nature Trails by Thomas Cook, which offers immersive, nature-centric stays designed around outdoor experiences, comfort-led accommodations and curated activities—allowing couples to unplug from routine and reconnect in serene surroundings.

·        Greece: Beyond its romantic imagery, Greece offers active pursuits such as hiking ancient trails, island-hopping and water sports—ideal for couples who enjoy dynamic, experience-driven travel.

Phenomena & Once-in-a-Lifetime Experiences: Moments That Stay Forever

·        Finland/Norway/Sweden: Witnessing the Northern Lights together is a profoundly shared experience. Arctic landscapes, glass igloos and hushed nights beneath dancing skies create memories that feel intimate and extraordinary.

·        Japan/South Korea: Cherry blossom season transforms Japan and South Korea into a poetic dreamscape. Strolling through pink-lined parks, exploring historic cities and enjoying seasonal cuisine makes romance feel fleeting, beautiful and deeply memorable.

·        South Africa/Kenya: Experience the extraordinary diversity within a single journey. Romantic wildlife safaris allow couples to experience close encounters with the Big Five, sunset game drives and intimate lodge stays set amid vast natural landscapes. Beyond the wild, the destination unfolds into scenic coastal drives, vineyard retreats with curated wine tastings, and vibrant city experiences. This blend of adventure, indulgence and natural beauty makes it ideal for couples seeking depth, variety and unforgettable shared moments.