Whether it’s your first anniversary or your 50th, you may be thinking about hitting the road (or the skies!) for an epic anniversary trip to celebrate your nuptials. Not only do you deserve this romantic getaway, but it may be a first for you, at least in the last few years since the onset of the pandemic.
It’s true that, with mass vaccinations underway, and infection rates finally turning towards a decline, per the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there’s no time like the present to research anniversary trip ideas and plan a special vacation. In fact, travel experts are already seeing major spikes in travel and tourism, and the numbers are projected to continue climbing through 2022. The number of visitors through the summer, which is usually the low season in Los Cabos, Mexico where Bonnie Chase, wedding planner and owner of Bliss Events, is based, were staggering. “Many people stayed home for a year or longer because of the pandemic, and now that travel advisories are lifted, people are feeling safer traveling, everyone is ready to jet off into the sunset,” she says. “Also, many people made more and spent less money during the first year of the pandemic that they had prior to that, and are now in a more financially comfortable financial position to travel, so we’re also seeing a trend of elevated event budgets.”
The good news: If you’re looking to travel in 2022, your chances of an unforgettable trip are pretty high. So many destinations are back up and running and are eager to satisfy travelers coming through—especially those looking to celebrate something special, like an anniversary. If you’re in the midst of planning a romantic vacation with your significant other, here are some of the top anniversary trip ideas and destinations to hit in 2022.
Napa, California
If you and your spouse appreciate a good glass of cabernet, chances are, California wine country has been on your list of places to visit for some time. Not only does it offer up some of nation’s, and maybe even the world’s, best wineries (next to Sonoma), but it also provides picturesque views of the rolling countryside, not to mention access to some outstanding restaurants where you can sip on this local wine. If nothing else, it’s the perfect place to cheers to another year or marriage, especially if you stay at one of the romantic resorts like The Meritage Resort & Spa. Just five miles outside of downtown Napa (biking there is even a possibility!), this luxury resort has everything you need to unwind, relax and toast to your marriage, including their award-winning, underground spa (couples’ massage anyone?), on-site wine tasting and classes, candlelight yoga offerings and Tuscan-inspired restaurant. Napa is also just an hour drive from San Francisco, so you can hit both destinations with one romantic weekend road trip.
The Bahamas
This tropical island just off the coast of Florida is a vacation hotspot for obvious reasons: crystal clear waters, sandy beaches, eclectic cuisine, vibrant nightlife, aquatic sites and swanky resorts. It’s also not too far travel-wise from most areas of the U.S., but offers a true vacation feel, especially if you’re looking for a beach destination. For an unforgettable anniversary getaway, stay at The Cove at Atlantis Paradise Island, which is nestled right between two private white sand beachfronts. Each luxury suite features floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the ocean, balconies to step out and soak up the view and impeccable butler service and the facilities include an adults-only Cove Pool with 20 private beach cabanas, the Mandara Spa, the Caribbean’s only outdoor gaming, exceptional cuisine at Fish by the world-renowned and Michelin star Chef José Andrés (foodies will love this restaurant!), shopping and more.
New York City
As the saying goes, “New York City is always a good idea,” and this is definitely true when it comes to celebrating your anniversary. One thing is for sure: There is no shortage of things to do and fun to be had in the Big Apple. On the list of romantic activities, you can catch a Broadway show, visit one of the city’s Michelin-star restaurants, check out one of the cool art galleries, walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, take a day trip to the Long Island wineries, shop around SoHo and even kiss atop the Empire State Building. And when it comes to places to stay, the options are really endless. A central location and a romantic ambiance is a must for an anniversary trip. Consider the Loews Regency New York Hotel, situated right on New York’s Park Avenue and within walking distance to Central Park. With a fun and vibrant Art Deco feel, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the city in most rooms and book yourselves a treatment at Julien Farel Restore Salon & Spa located right below.
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
With low cases of COVID, Cabo San Lucas is a hot destination for all sorts of travel in 2022. It’s located on the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula and is beloved for its crystal clear waters and white, sandy beaches. One of the reasons Chase recommends it to clients looking for a romantic getaway in the midst of the pandemic is because it is located close to many places in the world, especially the U.S., and hotels are able to operate at full capacity again. On the list of romantic, splurge-worthy resorts, Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal sits at the top. It’s situated on a 24-acre site at the southernmost tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula and offers more than just gorgeous beaches and an outdoor infinity pool. They have specific offerings for couples to enhance the romance, including their Lovers Soak Tub Experience, which involves sipping champagne in the property’s signature soaking tub while enjoying sweets from the resort’s on-site pastry chef, a private cliffside dinner at El Farallon by the Sea while overlooking crashing waves down below and their Sun-Kissed Love package, which includes roundtrip air transfers, daily breakfast, dinner for two at their Don Manuel restaurant, a rose petal turndown and 20 percent off spa treatments.
Maldives
Another favorite anniversary trip idea as of late and arguably one of the most romantic places on the planet, is the Maldives. This stunning chain of islands in the Indian Ocean has long been a top destination for honeymooners and anniversary celebrations alike. Although the flight is long from the USA, the destination offers gorgeous and relaxing private accommodations, boating, snorkeling, diving, fishing, city tours and restaurants. One top anniversary destination in the Maldives is located on the Muravandhoo island in the Raa Atoll. Located in one of the deepest coral atolls in the world is luxury island resort JOALI. Not only is it fringed by pristine white-sand beaches and brilliant blue waters, but it’s set up for romance. Enjoy a private dinner on a secluded island or in their private oceanfront treehouse, Manta Tree House. Interested in a vow renewal? This resort specializes in that and even has an on-site wedding specialist who can help set up your entire evening.
Boston, Massachusetts
If you’re open to staying in the United States, this charming city is set up for romance in a humbling, yet bustling way. Although this New England city is one of the oldest in the nation, which its founding dating back to 1630 (yes, seriously), it’s constantly changing, especially the Seaport District, which has seen immense growth over the last decade. Once a muddy part of Boston Harbor, the northeast region of the city now offers award-winning waterfront restaurants, jaw dropping high rises and high-end hotels with epic views. If you’re on the hunt for a romantic hotel to stay at for your weekend getaway, consider the newly opened Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport, the largest hotel to open in Boston in more than 10 years. With more than 1,000 rooms and suites and 22 floors all with breathtaking views of the city, it’s home to three restaurants, a full-service spa, a rooftop pool open 365 days a year and grab-and-go coffee shop offering a carte du jour of breakfast and lunch items. If you’re a first-time visitor to Boston, be sure to check out a tour of historic Fenway Park where the Red Sox play, visit the Museum of Fine Arts, enjoy a classic Italian meal in the North End and take a stroll in the Boston Public Garden.
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Another great anniversary destination in the U.S. that is idyllic year round is Virginia Beach, Virginia. From unbeatable ocean views, wildlife reserves and national parks and state parks to top-ranked cuisine, scenic golf courses, shopping and entertainment, the city offers a huge range of indoor and outdoor activities and opportunities for couples celebrating their anniversary. There are plenty of beautiful places to stay, but to make the most of your romantic getaway, consider The Cavalier Resort, which sits against the Atlantic Coast at the Virginia Beach oceanfront and home to Virginia Beach’s top four restaurants on TripAdvisor: Tulu, Becca Restaurant, Orion’s Roof, and Hunt Room. Also located at the Cavalier Hotel is their SeaHill Spa—the perfect destination for indulging in a glass of champagne and toasting to your marriage. Don’t forget to head to the nearby Norfolk Botanical Garden—a scenic gem near Virginia Beach.
Koh Samui
If this island off the coast of Thailand has been on your fairytale bucket list, there’s no time like the present to take a visit. This summer, the tropical paradise welcomed fully vaccinated international guests back after months of record-low infection rates. While rates jumped back up this fall, as it did nearly everywhere else in the world, it’s finally on a steady decline and will hopefully stay that way. In other words, now is the time to travel to Thailand if it’s been on your wishlist and to enjoy everything this beautiful destination has to offer: pristine beaches, meaningful cultural immersions, southern Thai culinary experiences and exceptional island lifestyle to name a few. Stay at the luxury hotel, The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui which sits on a prowling 58 acres of land on the north-eastern part of the island that stretches from beach to hilltop. With two breathtaking beaches, 11 restaurants with gorgeous vista views, the only ocean swimming pool in Thailand, outdoor adventures including hiking trails, kayaking, canoe rentals, a huge Spa Village Koh Samui with age-old spa therapies (and a hot tub), the largest one-of-a-kind swim reef and two floodlit tennis courts, there’s much to be enjoyed in this epic destination.
Virgin Voyages
If you’re not usually keen on cruises, this brand-new cruise line is about to change everything you know about a traditional cruise experience. “In typical Richard Branson fashion, everything on this adult-only ship, from the staterooms to the entertainment to the fine dining, is completely redesigned and unique,” says Kayla LeClerc, owner of Whimsical Wishes Travel Concierge. It just set out on its maiden voyage in October and is already making waves for its super-yacht feel, 20 restaurants and specialty eateries, energetic entertainment and, most importantly amidst a pandemic, its safety standards. All sailors and crew are fully vaccinated and the cruise provides free COVID-19 testing at the terminal. Cruise the Caribbean or Europe—your choice!
