Nurturing Romantic Love

From adventures in nature to exploring ancient traditions, these couples retreats offer unique ways to get you two in-sync—and strengthen your bond.

Good relationships are the foundation of happiness. That’s what the Harvard Study of Adult Development tells us. And considering that from 1938 to today, this landmark research has definitively shown that positive connections—those that are actively nurtured—help people live more fulfilling lives that last longer and are healthier, we’re buying it. Yet, amidst the stress and busyness of our everyday existence, prioritizing and tending to our union can sometimes get benched. One solution? Travel.

71% of couples say talking and reconnecting is a key reason for taking a vacation, and 86% believe a little escape keeps the romance percolating.

Getting away with your partner is a prime way to keep the love alive—studies and experts agree.

Consider: Couples who travel together communicate better, feel more romantic, and are more likely to stay together longer, finds a survey conducted by the U.S. Travel Association. In fact, 71% of couples say talking and reconnecting is a key reason for taking a vacation, and 86% believe a little escape keeps the romance percolating.

Breaking free from routines is a big part of it. Of course, routines keep the necessary wheels turning in daily life, but every pattern needs disruption now and again for a hit of energy, and vacations do that, while also inviting opportunities for self-expansion. Research published in Science Direct this year states that vacations that include novel, exciting, or challenging experiences—referred to as self-expanding activities—can lead to higher satisfaction, passion and even crosses over to physical intimacy post-holiday.

And lest you wonder if that self-expansion requires a lengthy, exotic voyage, the happy truth is that no matter the type of trip or the length, you can reap the perks that bring fresh blood to your bond. “A three-day weekend getaway can be perfect for having more fun together, rekindling your connection and remembering why you fell in love in the first place,” says Laura Silverstein, LCSW, a Gottman-certified couples therapist who leads romantic retreats at The Lodge at Woodloch, in Hawley, Pennsylvania.

“Traveling together, we are in a different mindset,” adds Lynn Saladino, PsyD, a therapist in New York who employs a holistic approach to addressing relationship dynamics. “When we feel less stressed, we’re able to be open and curious. You may find out more about your partner than you could at home because you’re really paying attention.”

It’s not always easy to come by, that chance to hyper-focus on each other. But Silverstein, and likely every other therapist out there, says it’s paramount: “If you don’t intentionally carve out time to make each other feel treasured and prioritized, you risk feeling taken for granted or not valued as a top priority.”

Even better, travel builds unique ways to connect that don’t involve determining who’s making dinner or walking the dog or other normal domestic duties. To paraphrase Dr. Saladino: You get to share experiences that don’t come with baggage, like seeing foreign places or attempting an activity you’ve never tried, and that puts you on the same team. She makes the case that being in a different setting also encourages creativity in how you connect: “You may choose to spend a dinner asking each other fun, surprising questions or revisiting dreams or goals. Or you may just lie by the pool unencumbered and giddy to be quietly in each other’s company.”

If travel is the secret ingredient to bumping up the amour, resorts are stepping in to serve. They’re curating couples retreats that go beyond the usual getaway—think exciting new adventures, peaceful private sojourns, spiritual exploration, and expert-guided sessions to dive into what makes your twosome tick. Each is designed for relationship R&R (reset and revival) in a setting that’s relaxed and dreamy. Here’s a lineup of romantic escapes that’ll have you both feeling stronger and more in-sync than ever.

A Deep Dive into Love

The Lodge at Woodloch, Hawley, Pennsylvania

Its yearly Valentine’s three-day romance weekend retreat offers a focused, evidence-based approach to strengthening relationships through talks and workshops. Led by couples therapists Silverstein and her husband, participants are guided through discussions on topics such as what makes love last, and practical tools designed to improve communication and intimacy. Some of the fun highlights include a playful “Couples Game Show Night” inspired by the Newlywed Game and a heartfelt Love Letter Writing Workshop, where partners write and share meaningful messages.

“Bringing this type of programming to the spa is essential because we recognize that true wellness extends beyond physical relaxation—it includes emotional and relational health,” says Molly Morgan, programming coordinator. “We aim to create a space where couples can deepen their connections. It’s about giving our guests not just a momentary escape, but meaningful, lasting benefits they can take with them long after they leave.”

Between workshops, couples can unwind in the resort’s peaceful setting in the forest-dense Poconos, while they wander the hiking trails, sit and gaze at the lake, and curl up by the outdoor fire pit.

The package also includes thoughtful extras like a bottle of wine, handcrafted sweets, flowers, and generous spa credits.

“When we feel less stressed, we’re able to be open and curious. You may find out more about your partner than you could at home because  you’re really paying attention.” 

–Lynn Saladino, PsyD, a therapist in New York

Spiritual Connection

Chablé Yucatán, Yucatán, Mexico

“The Sacred Soulmates retreat is a special spiritual journey deeply rooted in Mayan healing traditions created for those looking to rekindle or strengthen the romance in their relationship,” says Tania Luna, wellness director of Chablé Yucatán, of the luxe duo-escape to the stunning Yucatán jungle. This is a four-night stay designed to help you and your partner reflect on your relationship, renew trust, and set new intentions for what’s to come. Guided by the resort’s spiritual leader, participants, as they describe it, find new paths of happiness together by taking stock of the past, present and fresh beginnings to shape the future. Couples also take part in ceremonies such as a Maya ritual to bless their union and a private Temazcal (a traditional steam house) companionship experience with a shaman. In the evenings, stargazing is led by an astronomer and dinner, lit by candlelight, takes place on the private terrace of Ixi’im Restaurant. Guests stay in high-end King Casitas, each with a private pool, and tropical birds overhead as au naturel décor.

Thrills and Chills

Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland

Couples can choose between chilling in tranquil privacy and pumping up adrenaline with adventure, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Swiss Alps at this deluxe mountainside resort that hovers over Lake Lucerne. For those seeking some quality one-on-one time, the Private Spa à Deux offers a wellness retreat in a serene, exclusive setting—the sauna, whirlpool jacuzzi, and treatment room are all yours to relax without interruption. The experience is paired with a four-course, pan-Asian, aphrodisiac tasting menu at their restaurant Spices Kitchen & Terrace and a luxurious teatime with champagne and sweet delicacies.

Thrill-seeking couples can go an entirely different route to getting closer, through the Ultimate Alpine Experience, an unforgettable adventure for two. It starts with a helicopter flight (the views!) that lands on a glacier (that’s right, a glacier) for Swiss raclette and champagne, then a 24kt Gold Hot Stone Massage, and a panoramic mountaintop picnic. The three-night package also includes a stay in a stunning suite, two hours in a Private Spa Suite with champagne, and access to the expansive Alpine Spa.

Communing with Nature, and Each Other

The Green O, Greenough, Montana

The emphasis at this adults-only resort is on reconnecting—with your partner and with the natural world—through shared experiences in a beautiful, untamed landscape. That landscape consists of 37,000 acres of Montana wilderness, within which are 12 two-person fully tricked-out cabins that offer privacy and views of the surrounding forest.

Every season brings its own lineup of activities. In spring, couples can try a real cattle drive, fly fishing, or hit the trails to spot wildlife. Summer offers whitewater rafting, sporting clays, and romantic boat rides to dinner at the Island Lodge on Salmon Lake, where you can watch the sunset from the deck.

The Green O’s wellness program centers around outdoor relaxation. Couples will definitely want to book massages or mud wraps in the treatment tents (glamping for sure), or join forest bathing and yoga sessions designed to help you stay present with yourself and each other. The fitness center offers classes and guided workouts to get your hearts pumping even more.

At the end of the day, dining is its own adventure at Social Haus. An eight-course tasting menu, created with locally sourced ingredients, brings you out of your culinary comfort zone.

Physical-Meets-Mental Melding

Hotel Wailea, Maui, Hawaii

Perched on the extraordinary island of Maui, this retreat, devoted to its guests’ wellbeing, offers couples an opulent getaway from real life where they can surround themselves with palm trees, soft sand, and ocean views. That’s enough to get you both in a loving mood, but the resort’s wellness program takes things further—it’s designed to foster connection through unique physical, mental, and spiritual experiences.

There’s a lot to choose from, depending on a twosome’s style and what builds their bond: A private Serenity Sound Bath, held in your suite, uses Himalayan singing bowls to create soothing vibrations that help clear and calm the mind. For something more active, there’s couples aerial silks yoga, where you’ll learn to climb and suspend yourself in mid-air—a way to bond over the challenge.

The Mindfulness Holoholo’, or pleasure stroll for two, takes you to a peaceful spot on the island for a guided walk and seated meditation, helping you both feel grounded and present. And for those who are up for an even deeper mutual exploration, the private tantra session draws from ancient Eastern traditions to build emotional and spiritual intimacy through breathing exercises, guided movements, and moments of focused connection.