As couples look ahead to 2026, travel is becoming less about checking boxes and more about meaningful experiences shared together. From barefoot island escapes to culture-rich destinations and design-driven retreats, these standout locations offer the perfect backdrop for honeymoons, anniversaries, and romantic getaways—places where newlyweds can slow down, reconnect, and celebrate the start of a new chapter.
Eleuthera, Bahamas
A Barefoot Honeymoon Escape
Getting to The Potlatch Club, Eleuthera’s first true luxury boutique hotel, will be easier than ever this January, with daily Aztec Airways flights from Fort Lauderdale and new Tradewind Aviation service from both Fort Lauderdale and Stuart, Florida, directly into North Eleuthera (ELH) year round —making it an effortless escape for honeymooners looking to unwind immediately.
Offering just 11 suites, cottages, and villas set on a seven-mile stretch of pink-sand beach, this secluded island retreat—once beloved by New York socialites and Hollywood icons—captures the timeless magic of the outer Islands and offers the kind of privacy and romance couples crave after the wedding whirlwind.
Atacama Desert, Chile
For Couples Who Chase the Extraordinary
January is one of the most magical times to visit the Atacama Desert, when clear summer skies and warm nights make stargazing transcendent—an unforgettable experience to share as a couple. With virtually no light pollution and an exceptionally dry, high-altitude climate, the Atacama offers some of the most dazzling night skies on Earth—so remarkable that NASA partners with local observatories and even uses the desert as a test site for Mars exploration.
Set amid Chile’s Salt Mountains, Nayara Alto Atacama blends seamlessly into its red-rock surroundings, offering unmatched access to the stars in extraordinary comfort. The 42-room adobe-style lodge sits within a designated dark sky reserve, one of the clearest places on the planet for celestial observation. Guests can enjoy the property’s private observatory—equipped with a high-powered Celestron 8SE telescope and rotating lounge chairs—or opt for a more intimate experience on the two new stargazing terraces, perfect for couples marveling at the cosmos together under the desert sky.
Napa Valley, California
A Cozy, Cultured Couples’ Retreat
Following Napa Valley’s bustling harvest season, January is the start of wild mustard season, when bright yellow blooms blanket the vineyards and mark the beginning of a new growing cycle—a fitting backdrop for newlyweds. Winter also brings lower hotel rates, a chance to grab reservations at coveted Michelin-starred restaurants such as French Laundry, Kenzo, La Toque, and Bouchon, and a chance to meet winemakers behind the scenes as new vintages age in the barrels.
While the wineries remain the region’s hallmark, the vines only cover nine percent of the Valley floor. The mountain ranges that bracket the area, the Mayacamas and the Vaca, are laced with hiking and biking trails ideal for couples who love to explore together. With temperatures hovering in the mid 60s, it’s an ideal time to explore the more than 5,000 acres protected by the Napa Valley Land Trust. Visitors can also enjoy the Napa Lighted Art Festival, a month-long celebration of art, technology, and light beginning January 17, 2026—where downtown Napa transforms into a glowing, walkable open-air gallery perfect for a romantic evening stroll.
Palm Beach, Florida
Old-World Glamour Meets Modern Romance
Escape the winter blues with a trip to Palm Beach in January, when the island comes alive and the Florida season hits its stride—especially appealing for couples seeking sun, style, and celebration. The month marks the start of the Winter Equestrian Festival in nearby Wellington, drawing the global riding elite for showjumping, dressage, and après-stable celebrations. The Palm Beach Polo Season is also in full swing at the National Polo Center, with Champagne-fueled Sunday matches setting the tone for the social calendar. And in its second year, a new kind of sporting spectacle joins the mix: TGL, Tiger Woods’ high-tech golf league, bringing arena-style competition and big-name players to Palm Beach Gardens.
White Elephant Palm Beach is the smartest home base for couples who want front-row access to the best of both worlds: Palm Beach’s old-guard glamour and its new-energy arrivals. Set in a landmark building, the 32-room hotel channels the spirit of a grand home, complete with a Mizner-style façade, a buzzy outpost of Nantucket favorite Lola 41°, and an eye-popping collection of over 120 modern and pop art pieces. Guests can unwind in the new Lobby Library: Palm Beach Edition, sip throwback classics from the Lola 41° Vintage Cocktail Menu, or enjoy curated beach setups and complimentary BMWs—luxurious touches that elevate a honeymoon stay. Add bicycles and no resort fees, and it’s never been a better time to make White Elephant Palm Beach a winter address.
Palm Springs, California
Mid-Century Romance in the Desert
Each January, Palm Springs takes center stage with the Palm Springs International Film Festival, drawing A-list talent and cinephiles to the desert for screenings, galas, and red-carpet glamour—ideal for couples who love culture with a side of sunshine. While the full program of films and honorees has yet to be revealed, the festival has confirmed that Adam Sandler will receive the 2026 Chairman’s Award for his performance in Netflix’s Jay Kelly starring George Clooney. Just minutes from the action, the Parker Palm Springs offers a playful, design-forward retreat on a lush 13-acre estate that was once home to Gene Autry and Merv Griffin.
Reimagined by Jonathan Adler, the 144-room icon features whimsical mid-century style, two sparkling pools, and hidden gems like mister parker’s—one of the desert’s most sought-after dining experiences—and a two-bedroom Gene Autry Residence with its own secret screening room, perfect for couples seeking extra privacy. With mild, sunny winter weather, Palm Springs in January is the beautiful blend of Hollywood buzz and laid-back desert luxury.
The Scottish Highlands
A Storybook Escape for Literary Lovers
January 24 marks Burns Night, one of the most important Scottish cultural events honoring the country’s most iconic poet, Robert Burns, known for his lyrical reflections on nature, identity, and love—making it an especially meaningful celebration for couples. Many Scots celebrate at home with a supper of Haggis Neeps and Tatties, a tradition dating back to 1801 when a group of Burns’ close friends gathered to mark the fifth anniversary of his passing. Today, celebrations have evolved into grand affairs featuring traditional music, poetry recitals, whisky tastings, and the Burns Supper.
The Fife Arms, the former Victorian coaching inn built in 1856, is the perfect place for couples to celebrate together. The hotel is hosting a traditional Burns Dinner, poetry readings, and musical performances including a Pipe Band, followed by a ceilidh. For literary-minded couples, the hotel also offers a creative writing experience hosted by award-winning poet Gillian Shearer. During the two-hour workshop, guests are invited to harness their inner wordsmith before venturing into the Cairngorms—an atmospheric, romantic setting ideal for a honeymoon rooted in culture, creativity, and connection.
