If you have an anniversary, unique celebration, or milestone event on the horizon, there’s no better way to commemorate the date than with an unforgettable trip with your loved one. There are some destinations in the world that you may visit multiple times, and then there are others that offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience that should be saved for something (or someone) truly special. These are the three top destinations to consider when the occasion you’re celebrating is momentous.
FRANCE
Paris earns the title of the world’s most visited city, attracting 44 million tourists in 2022 with its famous museums, churches, and culinary scene. Despite all its offerings, there’s actually much more to France than Paris. The City of Lights may sweep you off your feet, but it’s the French Riviera that will steal your heart – the country’s southern coastline beloved by celebrities, tourists, and locals alike.
Provence
A softer, prettier side of France, Provence is renowned for its superb wines– particularly rosé . In the country’s oldest wine-making region, you can visit historic vineyards, sample exquisite French vin, and soak up views of the region’s iconic lavender fields. Hop from one charming town to the next and admire the colorful old buildings, stroll the winding streets, and embrace the slow-paced Mediterranean lifestyle.
Nice & Cannes
No matter how hard you try, you won’t be able to resist the charm of the French Riviera. Despite its reputation for glitz and glamor, Nice’s old town –with its humble St. Francis Square, fish market, winding alleys, small cafes, and piazzas lined with 17th and 18th century churches– is quaint and authentic. Cannes offers an equally intriguing contrast for the senses with Michelin star restaurants mingling amongst ancient stone churches. From Cannes, you can also take a boat to Île Saint-Honorat, a secret island inhabited by monks who tend to the many vineyards.
Marseille
Founded by the Greeks 2,500 years ago, the oldest city in France is full of historic castles and churches, like the Château d’If and Norte Dame de la Garde. A boat tour of Calanques National Park allows you to discover the dramatic landscape of the area while a day trip to charming towns like Cassis, Château De Sannes, or Villa Baulieu to learn about the region’s history in viticulture and enjoy tutored tastings.
Monaco & Beyond
Drive the famous corniches, expertly etched into the craggily cliffside, that connect the cities of Nice and Cannes to the even more renowned country of Monaco. This is one of the most scenic drives in France, which also allows you to stop in the village of Eze for a perfumery tour before crossing the border into the world’s second smallest nation to catch the annual Grand Prix de Monaco.
TANZANIA
How often do you have a chance to experience the power and profound beauty of east Africa through the lens of a luxury safari? A visit to Tanzania is truly a once-in-a-lifetime trip for you and your loved one to experience together.
Luxury Accommodation
The 4- and 5-star safari lodges or luxury tented camps offer opulent accommodation options and impeccable service while still allowing for complete submersion in the wild and rugged landscape. You’ll be treated like royalty throughout your stay, whether you choose to indulge in spa treatments in the middle of the Serengeti or swim in an infinity pool while gazing out on the wildlife as it lumbers by. These accommodations may be remote, but don’t let that deter you – their isolation makes them truly intimate and romantic, in which your every whim is catered.
Safari Experience
Experience an up-close and personal encounter with the Big 5 game animals (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo) and so many others during your private game drives and safaris. There are few better places in the world to celebrate a milestone event with someone special than by bonding over the raw beauty of Mother Nature in Africa. A Tanzanian safari is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Ngorongoro Crater
Spend an entire day in the Ngorongoro Crater – the largest caldera in the world – where wildlife is guaranteed to be spotted. Enclosed with lush green cliffs and supplied water by Lake Magadi, the unique geography of the crater effectively creates its own ecosystem. black rhinos, lions, wildebeest, zebras, and 500 bird species all call Ngorongro crater home, many of which are all but guaranteed to be spotted during a visit.
Serengeti to the Sea
Hit all the highlights of Tanzania when you combine a safari with the dazzling beauty of Zanzibar. Your experience begins with a choice between a stay in a luxury tented camp or traditional game lodge – both of which offer different experiences – surrounded by wildlife and the magic of the Serengeti. Next, learn more about Tanzania’s rich culture when you visit a local tribal village. Come away with a deeper appreciation for the country’s indigenous population, and reflect on your trip from the white sand beaches and blue crystal waters of Zanzibar.
SPAIN
Prepare to be wowed by Europe (and wow your special someone) in a whole new way, look no further than southern Spain. Spanish culture is warm, welcoming, and infectious, which guarantees good times and a bevy of excursions and activities at your fingertips. Celebrating a milestone in the south of Spain is the perfect choice if you’re an active pair looking to mingle with the locals, learn a little history, and dive deep into Spanish culture.
Madrid
As the art and culture capital of the country, Madrid houses some fabulous art galleries, museums, and the most delicious traditional Spanish food you’ll ever taste. The Prado Museum, Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum, and Reina Sofia Museum (where you can view some of Picasso’s famous work) make up the “Golden Triangle of Art” and are hailed as must-visit museums among travelers. Break up time spent inside with strolls through neighborhoods like Gran Vía and Lavapiés, stopping to try the gourmet fare from Mercado de San Miguel along the way.
Seville
A visit to Seville is like signing up for an unofficial cultural tour of Spain with pretty parks, historic palaces, and soaring cathedrals all within walking distance of one another. Wandering around the former Spanish royal digs and pretty gardens at the Real Alcázar is a must, followed by a horse-drawn carriage ride through Parque de María Luisa, site of the 1929 World’s Fair exhibition. Drop by historic cathedrals on your way to Plaza de España so sweeping views of the city. Finally, enjoy Seville-style nightlife by experiencing an authentic flamenco show.
Celebrating a milestone in the south of Spain is the perfect choice if you’re an active pair looking to mingle with the locals, learn a little history, and dive deep into Spanish culture. As the art and culture capital of the country, Madrid houses some fabulous art galleries, museums, and the most delicious traditional Spanish food you’ll ever taste. A visit to Seville is like signing up for an unofficial cultural tour of Spain with pretty parks, historic palaces, and soaring cathedrals all within walking distance of one another.
Costa del Sol
Costa del Sol is the crux of luxe travel in Spain. Not only will you be spoilt for choice of high-end accommodations, the bounty of activities and sites ensure there’s no shortage of things to do. Marbella is a golfer’s paradise with 21 world-class courses and the city to post up in if you desire a laid back vibe with plenty of beach options along the cerulean Alboran Sea. Malaga offers a mix of beach and culture, with one of its biggest claims to fame being the home of renowned painter Pablo Picasso, whose childhood home is now an impressive art museum. The charming Spanish town also offers a lively bar and tapas scene (a must-try while in Spain), a bustling shopping center, and its charming namesake cathedral.
Day Trips
The bonus of spending time in southern Spain is the opportunity for day trips. Ronda–located less than two hours from both Malaga and Marbella–is a dramatic mountaintop city steeped in history (it’s the birthplace of bullfighting!) that’s worth tearing yourself away from the coast for. And if you want to hit two countries with one stone, consider a day trip to Tangier, the oldest city in Morocco!
