Where else would you like to meet?

XOXO,

Aina

1. Paris

The City of Light  tops the list of most romantic cities, and for good reason. A day spent sipping cafe au lait in a tiny side street bistro, window shopping along the ritzy Champs Elysees, and visiting Sacre-Coeur Basilica for a jaw-dropping view of the city, and all the while eyeing the Eiffel Tower, is enough to make any pair of honeymooners feel like they’re floating on air. Pack your itinerary with culture and take in modern art at the Centre Pompidou and classic masterpieces at the Louvre. Spend a leisurely evening people-watching and drinking champagne.
Romantic Must-do Take a stroll along the Seine and admire the scene along the left and right banks. Along the way, spend some time relaxing on the Pont Neuf (the oldest bridge in Paris) and check out the unbelievably beautiful cathedral Notre Dame. At night, visit one of Paris’ famous jazz clubs (try Le Caveau de la Huchette). 

2. Venice

Few images are more emblematic of romance than a gondola ride on the waterways of Venice, the city that came in a close second in our survey. Venice’s unique layout — curvy, narrow streets interspersed with canals — makes it a wonder to explore. Although you shouldn’t miss the major tourist spots like Piazza San Marco, the city’s main square, and Ponte dell’ Accademia, a bridge across the Grand Canal, you should also take a boat off the beaten path. Travel by a water bus (called vaporetto) to visit the nearby island of Murano, famous for the glass-blowers who practice their trade there, or to the less-traveled Burano, known for its lacework.
Romantic Must-do There’s no better way to see Venice than to wander because you can’t get lost. Start at Piazza San Marco and see where the side streets take you. Be sure to stop in a bacaro (a Venetian wine bar) for a glass of Chianti in the afternoon.

3. Rome + Florence

Two more Italian cities finished neck and neck in our poll, each with its own reasons to rank among the world’s most romantic cities. Rome has a more energetic feel, and you can spend each day admiring monuments like the Colosseum and St. Peter’s Basilica. The ambience in Florence is all about the Renaissance, so soak in the art of Michelangelo and Botticelli, and marvel at the dome in the Duomo Cathedral.
Romantic Must-do In Rome, sample gelato at Il Gelato di San Crispino and visit some of the city’s famous fountains at night. If the Trevi Fountain is too crowded, head to the Fountain of the Four Rivers at Piazza Navona (but throw a coin and make a wish at each). In Florence, climb to the top of the Palazzo Pitti (one of the biggest palaces in the city) for a fabulous view or place a lock on the bridge Ponte Vecchio and throw the key into the Arno River: According to legend, this means your love will last forever. 

4. New York City

What do brides choose as the most romantic city in the United States? None other than New York. There are countless places to have a romantic moment in the city — a picnic in Central Park, a walk around The Cloisters museum, or a candlelit dinner at One if by Land, Two if by Sea in the West Village. Tourist traps like Times Square are worth a visit if you’ve never been, but you’ll probably have a better time strolling along the side streets of SoHo or relaxing on the lawn amid the skyscrapers in Bryant Park.
Romantic Must-do Walk from Manhattan into Brooklyn across the Brooklyn Bridge (stop at Grimaldi’s for pizza), and then along the promenade for an amazing city view.

5. Honolulu

The islands of Hawaii are known for sparkling water, picturesque beaches, and idyllic sunsets. Honeymoon in Honolulu and you’ll find all of that, plus the exciting nightlife and amazing restaurants you’d expect from any major city. Spend an afternoon shopping for clothes, art, and jewelry at the newly rebuilt Waikiki Beach Walk, and take a hike to the top of Diamond Head (a huge volcanic crater).
Romantic Must-do Cuddle up on a bench at the Foster Botanical Gardens, and then take a fun (and frightening) ghost tour. You’ll probably need to cuddle here too. See OahuGhostTours.com for details. 

6. Barcelona

Even if you’re not architecture buffs, nearly everyone who sees the surreal designs of Antoni Gaudi — which can be found throughout Barcelona — is enthralled. The most awesome example is the enormous (and still unfinished) basilica Sagrada Familia, which Gaudi worked on for over 40 years. And don’t forget to wander around the cool shops and cafes on Las Ramblas, one of Barcelona’s most famous and lively streets.
Romantic Must-do Go to a flamenco show (try a place like Tablao Flamenco Cordobes) and then practice a few of your own moves of this steamiest of dances.

7. San Francisco

Honeymoon in San Francisco and you’re practically guaranteed fine food and a laidback metropolitan vibe. If you can handle the crowds, spend an afternoon eating oysters in Fisherman’s Wharf or shopping for souvenirs at Union Street. If not, drive to Inspiration Point in the Presidio for a romantic vantage of Angel Island, Alcatraz, and the San Francisco Bay.
Romantic Must-do Take a walk among the towering redwoods in Muir Woods outside of the city. The drive back into San Francisco will provide one of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge imaginable. 

8. Vienna

Austria’s capital is totally conducive to taking long, romantic walks. The main streets are laid out in rings, and there are lots of little shops and cafes on streets like Karntnerstrasse. The buildings have the sort of stylized facades that make you really feel like you’ve traveled to Europe. And don’t forget to try a traditional weiner schnitzel, a thinly sliced piece of breaded veal.
Romantic Must-do You can’t visit Mozart’s hometown without seeing an orchestra. Even if you’re not into classical music, a performance by the Vienna Philharmonic can be overwhelmingly beautiful.

9. London

London is the perfect honeymoon destination for travelers who want the culture of Europe with the convenience of an English-speaking country. There’s lots to see in the city’s museums (trips to the Victoria & Albert and Tate Modern are a must), and if you’re there in season, see a play at Shakespeare’s Globe Theater. There’s no roof and the space in front of the stage is standing room only. After the performance find a bench along the Thames River (preferably one with a view of St. Paul’s Cathedral) and simply enjoy being newlyweds.
Romantic Must-do Reserve a private capsule for a 30-minute ride on the London Eye (it’s like a big Ferris wheel that lets you see for 25 miles in each direction on a clear day) with a bottle of bubbly. See LondonEye.com for details. 

10. Prague

Nothing says “fairytale” like a castle on a hill, and Prague has just that. Even in the winter (when there are way fewer tourists), Prague’s dramatic architecture is a wonder. Spend a day exploring Prague Castle and return to the Old Town Square on the hour so that you can witness the chime of the 600-year-old astronomical clock.
Romantic Must-do Have a phenomenal meal right on the river bank at Kampa Park (see a menu at kampapark.cz), and then walk along the Charles Bridge to feel like you’ve been transported back 200 years.

– Miles Stiverson

Of course, my vote still goes to Quito, but feel free to take me to any place on the list and I promise to be swept off my feet!

XOXO,

Aina Montero

On Coruña & Julio Salumbide:

This 2 bedroom apartment in La Floresta features a loft-style living area with fireplace and balcony, and is currently being offered at $650/month.

On the corner of Madrid & Lugo:

Two bedroom, two bath condo in a high-security La Floresta building, $550

Please contact me if you would like any assistance finding a vacation home, retirement home, apartment or condominium for purchase or rental in Quito and the Central Highlands.

XOXO,
Aina Montero

Non-stop from Miami: $1105 business/$505 coach
Non-stop from Atlanta: $1647 business/$729 coach
Non-stop from Houston: $1675 business/$829 coach

One-stop from NYC: $1213 business/$457 coach
One-stop from Los Angeles: $1479 business/$556 coach
One-stop from Chicago: $1798 business/$626 coach

The mountain town of Baños, seen here from the Tungurahua hillside, is only a 3 hour drive from Quito.

I agree 100%, so I’m sharing three special vacations we can take together. These places are near to my heart and closer to home – for me at least!

Ampora Wine Tours, Mendoza, Argentina

Casa Real Hotel at the Santa Rita Winery, Santiago, Chile

And, if you are feeling adventurous, I would love to escort you on a custom winery tour of the Ica region of Peru, perhaps in combination with the wonders of Machu Picchu or the beaches of the Ruta del Sol.

Of course, I am always willing to visit Europe, Australia or the United States, so here are Trip Advisor’s original recommendations!

French Wine Destinations:

Provence

Bordeaux

Champagne-Ardenne

Italian Wine Destinations:

Tuscany

Piedmont

Veneto

United States Wine Destinations:

Napa Valley, California

Charlottesville, Virginia

Sonoma Valley, California

Australian Wine Destinations:

Yarra Valley, Victoria

McLaren Vale, South Australia

Barossa Valley, South Australia

Inca Hacienda San Agustin de Callo, with Cotopaxi Volcano in the background

My favorite room is the Inca Tambo Suite, because it features the remaims of an Inca wall, which were discovered while renovating the main building. There is a queen bed and three fireplaces, including one in the bathroom, which also has an antique tub. A side door in the sitting room leads out to the gardens.

Oh, and the hacienda has trained llamas that march into the central courtyard twice a day and eat carrots out of guests’ hands. I’m not making this up.

Rooms are air-conditioned and comfortable, but not luxurious. The ship has a dining room, bar and multiple observation decks. Rates start at $523 per person (double occupancy) for a 3-night cruise, and include accomodations, meals, shore excursions and airport transfers. A national park entrance fee of $20, the flight from Quito to Coca ($120 roundtrip) and alcoholic beverages are not included.

As always, I am available to escort you to Coca and accompany on the Manatee explorer. For more information, or to schedule a trip, please email me. I do provide travel concierge services and can plan and book this or any other vacation for you.

The Manatee Explorer, the interior of a guest cabin, and an Ecuadorean mantled howler monkey

The route of the Manatee Explorer

Lodging is available in the newly renovated main hotel building or in one of two clusters of cabins. The accommodations are in the three and a half star range. The deep tubs inside the rooms fill with thermal spring water. Beds are comfortable, but not luxurious. Each cluster of cabins or rooms has its own set of three or four thermal pools that are for the exclusive use of guests.

The main pool area comprises nine hot pools and three cold pools, but it is still very crowded on weekends, especially summer weekends (May through August). A better bet is using the pools in the spa area, which is smaller, with five hot pools and one cold pool, yet much more relaxing. Spa treatments are also available, from massages and facials to mud wraps and body scrubs.

Guests who are looking for a more active vacation will enjoy horseback riding, rafting and hiking inside the Cayambe-Coca Ecological Reserve. I am always willing to help you plan your getaway, escort you to Papallacta and accompany you during your stay at the resort. Please email me for more details.

Kea Artisanal offers six-day cooking and culture seminars, costing €1555 per person. Each seminar includes 2-4 cooking workshops led by owner and cookbook author Aglaia Kremezi, a Greek wine tasting conducted by French-educated wine producer Alexandros Megapanos, all meals (with wine), island tours, guided walks, boat trips and visits to local artisans.

The island has magnificent valleys, hills, orchards, olive tree plantations, mountains and sandy beaches. Kea has 36 kilometers of scenic footpaths, most of which are paved with stones, that lead through seaside and mountain villages, areas of natural beauty, secluded shores and impressive historical and religious sites.

Lodging is available at Porto Kea Suites, the island’s only 4-star property. The hotel complex is located right on the beautiful beach of Korissia, offering a spectacular view of the Aegean Sea. The Porto Kea Suites Hotel is fully air-conditioned, with a swimming pool, beach access and extensive grounds. All rooms and suites have a balcony or verandah, with a view of either the sea or the hotel gardens, and twelve of the suites feature working stone-brick fireplaces. Kea Artisanal provides transportation to and from the hotel for seminar attendees.

The last session in 2008 runs from September 14-19. Who wants to take me?

Kea is an ideal sailing port for those keen on sea explorations

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