Nature's Island Paradise
Compared with the mainland, this volcanic island is more scenic and relaxed. It has been a favourite honeymoon spot for Koreans for decades. Couples walk coastal paths, visit waterfalls and watch sunrise from the crater of Seongsan Ilchulbong. Tangerine farms and black pork restaurants serve local food.
Temples, geisha districts and kaiseki dining
This city was the capital of Japan for more than 1,000 years. Couples wear rented kimonos to walk through old streets in Gion and Higashiyama. The red gates of Fushimi Inari stand along a forest path. Bamboo groves in Arashiyama are quiet at dawn. Kaiseki dinners offer many small courses.
Island Vibes and Crystal Waters
Fishing families lived on this small island long before travellers arrived in the 1980s. There are no cars or motorbikes, only bikes and horse carts. Couples snorkel with sea turtles just off the beach. Beach bars on the west side are good places for sunset drinks.
Onsen town with Fuji views and lake cruises
This small mountain area is only about 90 minutes from Tokyo by train. Many inns have hot springs and some rooms have private outdoor baths. Boats cross Lake Ashi with views of Mount Fuji on clear days. The Open Air Museum has sculptures in a garden.
Laid-back charm by the Mekong River
About 50,000 people live in this small town on the Mekong River. The old centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Monks collect alms at dawn in a quiet ritual that visitors can watch from a respectful distance. Kuang Si Falls has turquoise pools. Sunset boat rides on the Mekong are easy to book.
Tropical Beaches, Rainforests and Sunsets
In 2007 this island group in Malaysia was named a UNESCO Global Geopark for its ancient rocks and mangrove forests. Couples ride the Sky Cab up Gunung Machinchang and cross the curved Sky Bridge. Kayak tours go through the mangroves. Beaches at Pantai Cenang are busy with sunset dinners. Duty free shops are common.
Thailand's paradise with growing pains
This tiny island in the Andaman Sea lies near the Malaysian border, inside a marine national park. The water is clear and the beaches have soft white sand. Couples snorkel at nearby reefs on boat trips. Walking Street has cafés, seafood grills and small bars. There are almost no cars.
Ancient Charm by Erhai Lake
This old town in Yunnan lies on the west shore of Erhai Lake, below the Cangshan mountains. Couples rent bikes or electric scooters to ride along the lake. The Three Pagodas are lit at night. Bai people sell tie dyed cloth and fresh cheese in the markets. Small guesthouses have courtyards with flowers.
Coral atolls, lagoons and overwater villas
Sea conditions are calmest in the dry months from December to April. Overwater villas have steps straight into a warm lagoon. Couples have private dinners on the beach or picnics on empty sandbanks. Snorkelling trips visit reefs with manta rays and turtles. Spa treatments are offered at most resorts.
Karst Mountains and Serene Rivers
Romantic and scenic, this region has limestone peaks that rise straight from the fields and rivers. Couples take bamboo rafts or cruise boats down the Li River to Yangshuo. Moon Hill has a natural arch with sunset views. The Longji rice terraces are a short trip for a quiet day.
Charming Lanterns and Timeless Streets
On the full moon each month, parts of the old town switch off electric lights. Lanterns are lit instead. Couples float candles on the Thu Bon River. Tailor shops make clothes in a day or two. It is a short bike ride to An Bang Beach, which has seafood grills.
A Timeless Blend of Serenity
Early morning walks around West Lake are quiet before the tour groups arrive. Willow trees and stone bridges are found along the shore. Couples can take a wooden boat across the water. Leifeng Pagoda is lit at night. Tea villages nearby serve fresh Longjing tea.
Ancient Charm and Mountain Majesty
Old and charming, this town sits at about 2,400 metres in the mountains of Yunnan. Cobbled lanes run beside small canals in the old town. Naxi musicians play in teahouses. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is a short drive away. Quieter villages such as Shuhe are good for a slow afternoon walk.
Avatar's Floating Mountains Come Alive
Thousands of tall sandstone pillars rise from the forest in Hunan province. Cable cars carry visitors to viewpoints above the mist. The Bailong Elevator is a glass lift on the outside of a cliff. Couples can walk the Golden Whip Stream path in the shade. Guesthouses nearby offer simple local dishes.
Live music, Eisa dance and champuru culture
Couples often end the day at an izakaya with live sanshin music. A glass of awamori, the local rice spirit, goes with it. This island has white beaches and clear water. Churaumi Aquarium has whale sharks. Shuri Castle is a short trip from Naha. Cars are easy to rent.
Ancient heritage meets natural wonders
Compared with busier Gulf neighbours, this country is quiet and uncrowded. Desert camps in Wahiba Sands have tents and star filled skies. Wadi Shab has green pools reached by a short hike. Muscat has a grand mosque and a waterfront souk. Frankincense is sold in local markets.