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Find the Most Romantic Island That’s a Direct Flight from Your City

Because when you’re eager to celebrate your love on a romantic island, nobody has time for layovers.

Want to steal away for a romantic rendezvous — and get there fast? These tropical islands have perfected the art of romance, and they’re each a nonstop flight from a major city — maybe even your city. Because when you’re eager to celebrate your love, nobody’s got time for layovers.

Bermuda beach
Bermuda’s pink sand beaches make for magnificent backdrops. Shutterstock

If you live in New York (JFK), fly to Bermuda (BDA)

Flight info: Approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes on JetBlue and Delta

More than 40 moongates grace Bermuda’s Olde English-meets-tropical-island landscape. Couples famously kiss under these stone circles for good luck; find them on beaches, in gardens and at hotels like adults-only Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa. Other ways to feel the love: Find your own secret beach along the south shore trail; unwind side by side in Grotto Bay Beach Resort‘s cave spa; and toast with rum swizzles at Hamilton Princess hotel’s weekly Friday-night happy hour.

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A waterfall in Hilo, Hawaii Island
A gorgeous waterfall in Hilo, Hawaii. Shutterstock

If you live in Los Angeles (LAX), fly to Hilo, Hawaii Island (ITO)

Flight info: Approximately 5 hours, 45 minutes on United

Sunset is undeniably the most romantic time of day — and sunset from the top of 13,796-foot Mauna Kea volcano is one of the most dramatic dusk displays on Earth. Stick around for some stargazing, and cuddle close — temps at the summit hover around freezing. For even more excitement, feel the rush (literally) on a waterfall tour with Hawaii Forest & Trail, or turn up the heat by viewing spattering lava from the Jaggar Museum & Overlook. Spend date night at the intimate Mauna Kea Beach Hotel Luau, the longest-running luau show on Hawaii Island.

Ibiza, Spain
There’s always something exciting happening in Ibiza, Spain. Shutterstock

If you live in London (STN), fly to Ibiza, Spain (IBZ)

Flight info: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes on easyJet and British Airways

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Ibiza’s first hotel, the circa-1933 Gran Hotel Montesol Ibiza, is still one of its most romantic. Here, history lovers are just steps from the castle, cathedral, monastery and cobbled passageways of Dalt Vila (Upper Town). More fairy-tale sights await at the circa-1763 Torre des Savinar tower. Romantic dining is ubiquitous on the White Island; reserve a table at Sa Caleta, which has been run by the same family for several decades and sits in what is believed to be the same place the Phoenicians first settled thousands of years ago.

Bonus: Every February, the rural village of Santa Inés turns pale pink when the almond trees bloom, as if on cue for Valentine’s Day.

Nassau, Bahamas
Nassau is home to a variety of resorts that offer something for every traveler, and that certainly includes romance. Shutterstock

If you live in Chicago (ORD), fly to Nassau, Bahamas (NAS)

Flight info: Approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes on United

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Nassau Paradise Island has wooed couples for decades, whether they crave a peaceful stroll through Versailles-inspired gardens or a heart-pumping swim with reef sharks. With recent additions at Baha Mar, the romantic possibilities are even greater. Paddle over turquoise waters in a double kayak (complimentary rental), clink glasses at Skybar’s 20th-floor rooftop lounge, and escape for the day to Long Cay, a private islet with comfy tented beach beds.

Grand Cayman beach
Grand Cayman’s scenic beaches are ideal for long walks at sunset. Shutterstock

If you live in Houston (IAH), fly to Grand Cayman (GCM)

Flight info: Approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes on United

Along the eastern shore of Grand Cayman, a stone wall bears the sign, “Lovers Wall.” The peaceful scene is the perfect spot to stare at the ocean, snap a selfie and steal a kiss. Speaking of kisses, adventurous couples can smooch wild stingrays at Stingray City (not an amusement park — just a natural sandbar where these friendly sea creatures congregate). Cozy nooks, from daybeds and pool cabanas to a spa soaking grotto, are scattered throughout the grounds of Kimpton Seafire Resort, the island’s newest hotel.

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A beach in Montego Bay, Jamaica
Montego Bay in Jamaica has long been a preferred escape for young couples. Zach Stovall

If you live in Dallas (DFW), fly to Montego Bay, Jamaica (MBJ)

Flight info: Approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes on American

Venice meets tropical rainforest on Jamaica’s Rio Grande river, where 30-foot-long bamboo rafts are just wide enough for two. More watery thrills are on tap at Dunn’s River Falls, which entails lots of hand-holding as you scramble up the slippery cascade. The island’s most romantic spot may just be the Blue Lagoon, filming site of the eponymous movie; legend holds the waters are an aphrodisiac. Couples who stay at Secrets Wild Orchid also have free access to the amenities at Secrets St. James and Breathless Montego Bay; all three resorts are adults-only.

A beach in Aruba
Aruba is one of the liveliest islands in the Caribbean, which is great for days spent exploring and nights spent enjoying. Shutterstock

If you live in Miami (MIA), fly to Aruba (AUA)

Flight info: Approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes on American Airlines

In Aruba’s arid Arikok National Park, shallow caves hold secrets and lore from the past. Bring your flashlight to explore the Tunnel of Love (Huliba Cave), named for its heart-shaped entrance. Adventurous souls will also relish a tandem jump into the wild and scenic Natural Pool. After active days, a quiet tête-à-tête is in order; try a romantic dinner sail for two on the Tranquilo, or head to Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort‘s Passions restaurant for torch-lit dining on the sand. You’ll be calling each other dushi — the island word for “sweetheart” — in no time.

A beach in the Turks and Caicos Islands
With one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Turks and Caicos is as romantic as it gets. Shutterstock

If you live in Toronto (YYZ), fly to Turks and Caicos Islands (PLS)

Flight info: 3 hours, 50 minutes on Air Canada

Conch is everywhere in Turks and Caicos — even on the flag of this British oversees territory. Try it at Da Conch Shack — and if you’re brave enough, slurp down the conch’s pistol, aka “sea Viagra.” Discover more ocean treasures on a blissful snorkel sail up the Caicos Cay chain with Sun Charters. On Tuesday nights, the party is at The Somerset on Grace Bay, where the weekly beach barbecue features a rum bar, DJ, fire dancer and bonfire.

A beach in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Punta Cana is home to some amazing beaches, but the best resorts also offer amazingly romantic amenities. Shutterstock

If you live in Philadelphia (PHL), fly to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (PUJ)

Flight info: Approximately 4 hours on American


For couples with the will power to tear themselves away from Punta Cana’s white-sand beaches, romantic dining can be enjoyed over the water at Tortuga Bay‘s rustic La Yola Restaurant. After, get loose at Flavio Acuña Spa Natural Center, where the Massage Under the Moonlight treatment comes with sparkling wine. Or just let your suite’s outdoor hydro-massage tub at Grand Palladium Palace Resort Spa do the work.

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