Lake Tekapo, New Zealand
No trip to New Zealand is complete without a visit to Lake Tekapo. Wedged between Queenstown and Christchurch, snow-capped mountains flank the azure lake. This spot is at its prime in late November and December when the pink and purple-hued lupins come out to play. Even if you don’t manage a visit during the Southern Hemisphere’s early summer months, Lake Tekapo is part of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, and you can see the Milky Way and even the southern lights, or aurora australis, from here on a clear evening.
Isabella Plantation in London, England
London’s largest Royal Park feels a million miles away from the bustling cosmopolitanism of the capital’s center—making it one of the best places to propose in London. Richmond Park spans an incredible 2,360 acres, so plenty of corners are ideal for romantic escapades. Among our favorite areas of the park is the Isabella Plantation, an enchanting 40-acre woodland garden within a Victorian plantation. Visit during spring (April and May) to see it in all its glory, as azaleas bloom funnel-shaped flowers and bluebells paint the woodland floor like an Impressionist painting. The park flows down towards Richmond upon Thames, a Thames-side town and part of the wider Royal Borough, where couples take to the water in rowing boats in summer and groups gather in picturesque pub gardens.
Groot Constantia Wine Estate, South Africa
There’s no jostling for the perfect picnic spot at Groot Constantia Wine Estate, one of South Africa’s most beautiful vineyards. The story goes back to the late 17th century, when Simon van der Stel requested land from The Dutch East India Company as compensation for years of loyal service. After examining various soil samples from across the region, he settled on a sprawling area totaling around 763 hectares—primarily for its wine-growing potential. Interest in the wine estate’s produce increased in subsequent decades and centuries, and Groot Constantia is now credited for forming the origins of the now-renowned South African wine industry. Explore Cape Dutch Manor House, gawp at countless bottles lining the cellars, admire the beauty of the peaceful Constantia Valley, and try the goods for yourself; the estate offers a range of experiences, including wine tasting, restaurant tables, and picnics.
The Lofoten Islands, Norway
It’s rare to discover a landscape as breathtaking as that of the Norwegian archipelago of Lofoten. Snow-capped peaks plummet into deep, dark ocean blues, fertile pastures and charming villages dotting the hillsides in between. The best way to get to the islands is by ferry from Bodø (around three and a half hours) or to fly—Norwegian operates flights to Harstad/Narvik Airport Evenes, from which you can drive to your desired destination. The awe-inspiring smattering of islands is one of the most romantic places in Europe, especially when the Northern Lights illuminate the seemingly endless darkness during the bitterly cold winter months. In summer, make the most of long days on mountain hikes before sampling local cuisine and dipping in and out of art galleries—there are plenty of ways to discover the peaceful islands.
Lucky Bay Beach, Australia
While most tourists head to Australia’s eastern coast hotspots like Sydney and Byron Bay or south to Melbourne, those in the know go west. Western Australia is home to some of the country’s most beautiful national parks—but the Cape Le Grand National Park takes the top spot. You’ll find some of the world’s most stunning white sand beaches here. Our pick is Lucky Bay Beach to have wild kangaroos hop beside you while you get down on one knee.
