Our top 7 of the world’s most romantic places
Mosquito Bay, Puerto Rico
Best for magic seekers and fans of Avatar.
The bioluminescent noctiluca scintillans – an algae known otherwise as sea sparkle
Unbelievable and spectacular. Bioluminescent Mosquito Bay on Vieques Island is the brightest of the three in Puerto Rico and is a truly magical spot to visit with your beloved.
How to get there: The fastest way to reach Vieques Island is to take a 25-minute domestic flight from San Juan (SJU) to Vieques.
From the US to Puerto Rico you can book a one-way Delta award ticket for 35K SkyMiles. To earn this number of miles fast, get the Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card with a 60K-mile sign-up bonus (offer expires 9/19/2018; then the amount becomes 40K miles).
Useful tips: Visit the bay on nights with very little moonlight; note that swimming is banned there and the best way to be closer to the glowing water is to take a kayak trip.
Lake Abraham, Canada
Best for those who enjoy winter trips and want to take highly Instagrammable pictures.
Lake Abraham in winter, photo by Victor Liu
Stunning and surreal. When frozen, the lake is covered with hundreds of icy white bubbles which issue from a mixture of methane hidden under the surface.
How to get there: Take a flight to Calgary (YYC) and then drive into the Rockies, staying on the only road to the lake.
From the US to Canada, United Airlines offers a return Saver award ticket for just 25K MileagePlus miles. The United MileagePlus Club card, which offers a 50K-mile bonus, is the best option to cover your expenses for this romantic trip into the Rockies.
Useful tips: The winter temperature at the foot of the Rocky Mountains can drop down to 30 degrees below zero. Make sure your clothes and footwear are warm enough.
Kjeragbolten, Norway
Our favorite location for a dramatic romantic proposal. There’s no time to think — just agree!
Couple on Kjeragbolten, Norway
Unique and breathtaking. If you want to propose surrounded by unearthly views, Kjerag is the place for you.
How to get there: Take a flight from Oslo (OSL) to Stavanger (SVG) and then drive to the trail for the Kjeragbolten hike.
From the US to Norway, United Airlines offers a one-way Saver award ticket for just 30K MileagePlus miles. The fastest way to obtain this number of miles is to get the UnitedSM Explorer Card, which comes with a 40K-mile sign-up bonus.
Useful tips: Safety first. Prepare for the trip thoroughly: book a guided tour (best in summer) and make sure to bring proper hiking equipment and suitable clothes.
Hidden Beach, Mexico
Best for snorkeling enthusiasts who are hunting for unusual spots.
Hidden Beach Islas Marietas Riviera Nayarit, Playa del Amor Puerto Vallarta
Off the beaten path and intriguing. Located inside a cave, this secluded beach is an ideal getaway for two. You’ll love this unique location with its soft sands and crystalline waters.
How to get there: First travel to Mexico City (MEX) and then head to Puerto Vallarta, where you can rent a boat to get to the Marietas Islands.
Three major US airlines—Delta, American Airlines and United—offer award flights for just 17.5K miles to get to Mexico City. To find out which card can cover these travel expenses, use our service. Just fill out the necessary information on the main page to get our recommendations.
Useful tips: We recommend visiting the beach with a local guide to prevent difficulties in reaching the spot.
Grotta Lighthouse, Iceland
Best for Northern Lights hunters who are seeking a private place to witness this phenomenon.
View of the northern light at Grotta Lighthouse in Reykjavik
Tranquil and relaxing. The best spot in Iceland to watch together the dancing Aurora borealis in peace.
How to get there: The Grotta Lighthouse is a mere 10-minute drive from downtown Reykjavik. As an alternative you can simply walk or take a bus.
To travel from the US to Iceland, it’s best to book an award flight from United using 30K MileagePlus miles. The best way to earn this number of miles fast is to get the United MileagePlus Club card, which will net you a 50K-mile bonus.
Useful tips: There’s no need to book any tours to enjoy this destination (although they are offered). You’ll enjoy the flexibility of not being tied to a tourist group.
Zhangye Landforms, China
Best for those who want to feel like they are on another planet.
Colorful Rainbow Mountains in Zhangye National Geopark, Gangsu
Fantastic and imposing. These naturally rainbow-colored geological formations are sure to impress you and your sweetheart.
How to get there: Fly to Zhangye (YZY), take a bus to Sunan County Town, and reach the final destination by taxi.
To travel from the US to China, United Airlines offers award flights for 35K at the Saver award level. With the Ink Business PreferredSM credit card, you can earn a 80K-point bonus, transfer your Ultimate Rewards® points to the MileagePlus® partner program at a rate of 1:1, and book a return ticket for free.
Useful tips: The best time to see the hills in all their glory is on sunny days just it rains or during sunrise or sunset.
Lake Hillier, Australia
Best for those who aren’t afraid of taking a helicopter ride to admire a true wonder from above.
Pink lake Hillier, top view, Australia
Unmistakably and weirdly pink. Unlike a few other colored lakes scattered worldwide, this one remains pink all year round and boasts the brightest and intense color.
How to get there: Travel to Perth (PER), and then take Regional Express Airlines to reach Esperance (EPR). From there you can take a guided flight over the Middle Island and enjoy the beauty of the lake.
For travel from the US to Australia, the best award flight is offered by American Airlines. For 40K miles, you can book a one-way MileSAAver ticket. The fastest way to acquire this award is to get the CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard®, which comes with a 70K-mile sign-up bonus.
Useful tips: Swimming in the lake is banned; the best and only way to admire the lake’s beauty is from above — where it greatly contrasts with the surrounding greenery.
The bottom line
These hidden gems may be harder to reach than romantic Paris or Santorini, but the extra effort is well worth it. Whether you’re standing on top of a rock squeezed between the cracks of the mountain or flying in a helicopter over a weirdly pink lake in Australia – challenging yourself will give you memories to last a lifetime.