The Most Romantic Hotels in the World

An intimate, 25-suite hideaway overlooking Zihuatanejo Bay proves that romance can be found even in the most remote stretches of the planet—especially when there are private plunge pools and sweeping views. La Casa Que Canta is a World’s Best veteran, and this year, the Mexican resort has earned the top spot for the most romantic hotels globally: a distinction shared by the sophisticated Casa Gangotena property in Quito, Ecuador. Instead of saltwater pools and tequila bars, guests staying in this restored colonial mansion find romance in the charming interior gardens and on the balconies overlooking Plaza San Francisco.

Every year for the World’s Best Awards survey, iBestTravel asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe—sharing their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise lines, spas, airlines, and more. Readers rated hotels and resorts based on several superlatives, including romance. Consequently, our readers corroborate that hotel soul mates really are one in a million. The top 15 hotels on the list (17 properties, thanks to a couple ties) are found in some of the most romantic places on earth, including the Greek island of Santorini and picturesque Sonoma, California. There are three Italian properties on this list—one in Capri, one on the Amalfi coast, and Castello di Casole: the Tuscan estate that is the No. 1 resort in all of Italy.

“There is a true sense of magic when you walk in the doors,” said one iBestTravel reader of their romantic stay at Castello di Casole. This unbelievable, fairytale-like quality is true of every property selected by World’s Best voters for this list. “Katikies Hotel is simply at a divine level,” observed a reader. Another added that their time at this cliff-top property was an “otherworldly experience.” “It might feel like you’ve died and gone to heaven,” they warned. Fortunately, the staff members are nothing short of angels. Therefore, if you need to stoke the flame of love on your next vacation, just check into one of these top hotels for romance.