Courtship and comfort: the best five-star hotels for romance

Let's face it; after a year locked in a house together, those couples who braved the never-before-seen, warts-and-all elements of their relationship deserve a romantic break to rekindle the fire that brought them together in the first place.

And there are few better ways to stoke the flames than a romantic luxury hotel break, be it one complete with a view over Monte Carlo or hidden in the affluent neighbourhood of Bel Air. 

Here, Tempus takes a look at the best hotel destinations for a romantic getaway.

Hotel Bel-Air, LA

Many Hollywood love stories have played out at this iconic hotel in its 75-year history, and it is easy to see why stars including Marylin Monroe and Grace Kelly have fallen for its romantic allure. Set within the blissful Canyon landscape, and untouched by the clamour of life beyond its gates, this private and elegant hotel is a haven in LA and renowned for its 12 acres of winding, tropical greenery surrounding the beloved Swan Lake, filled with flowers that bloom all year round and home to a 100-year-old sycamore tree.

For an extra special stay, the famed Presidential Suite is the perfect room for the ultimate romantic evening. Drawing on Hotel Bel-Air’s glamorous roots with classic details, modern lines, and a tranquil sense of space, it offers private dining for ten, a chef’s kitchen, a study, living room with grand piano, and a private, full-sized swimming pool, for a truly luxurious stay.

Coworth Park, Ascot

Nestled in 240 acres of picturesque Berkshire parkland, Coworth Park is the ultimate countryside escape, where rural charm meets modern delight. This luxury country house hotel and spa is perfect for a romantic getaway, honeymoon, or the ultimate outdoor wedding, surrounded by the timeless romance of the English countryside.

Couples can enjoy Michelin star dining at Restaurant Coworth Park, rejuvenating spa treatments at the award-winning spa, and romantic strolls through the hotel’s idyllic grounds, featuring a rose garden, lime grove, sunken garden, wildflower meadow and croquet lawn. The hotel is home to 70 luxurious rooms, including 21 stunning suites, but its signature stand-alone luxury cottages, Dower House and the newly-launched North Lodge, are the jewels in its crown. Combining luxurious touches with a cosy country feel, they are ideal for those seeking romantic seclusion, each with three en-suite bedrooms, idyllic private garden, and personalised butler and chef service available upon request.

Le Meurice, Paris

For a five star stay in the most romantic city in the world, look no further than Le Meurice – nestled in the heart of enchanting Paris, surrounded by the idyllic Tuileries Garden, the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde, the hotel is a living work of art unlike any you have seen before. The original palace hotel, Le Meurice is steeped in romantic history – follow in the footsteps of Picasso and Russian ballet dancer Olga Khoklova, who held their wedding lunch in the awe-inspiring Salon Pompadour, that transports its guests straight to Versailles.

Guests can also enjoy intimate dinners at two Michelin star Restaurant Le Meurice Alain Ducasse, where chef Amaury Bouhours creates haute cuisine with the finest ingredients in a truly spectacular setting. For the stay of a lifetime, the famed Belle Étoile Penthouse Suite is the only suite in Paris that truly rivals the city’s own beauty – its vast terrace, complete with private garden, offers a spectacular 360° view of the city of love which twinkles on through the night after magnificent sunsets.

Hotel Eden, Rome

Perfectly placed between the tranquil Villa Borghese gardens and Rome’s centre, Hotel Eden is the ultimate destination for a luxurious escape in the heart of the Eternal City. Guests can enjoy private dining from Michelin-starred Chef Fabio Ciervo in the hotel’s glamorous Sala Borghese, drenched in classic Italian style, as well as romantic al fresco meals for two at Il Giardino Ristorante, which offers unrivalled views.

The Aurora Terrace Suite at Hotel Eden offers an exclusive al fresco experience and is the pinnacle of Italian decadence. Accessible from the main living area and master bedroom, the elegant terrace features lounge furniture and a large dining area. The Aurora Terrace Suite was once home to the Swedish actress and star of the film Casablanca, Ingrid Bergman, then wife of the celebrated director Roberto Rossellini. It guarantees complete privacy for you and your loved one, featuring a private lift accessible to guests of the Penthouse and it stands in a separate area of the top floor.

For an extra special touch, Hotel Eden’s Romantic Getaway package includes a three-course dinner at Il Giardino Ristorante, a bottle of Champagne and a rooftop breakfast, to set you up for a day wandering the city’s charming, cobbled streets.

Hotel Metropole, Monte Carlo

For those thinking of popping the question in a truly showstopping way Hotel Metropole’s Will you marry me? experience is the ultimate proposal. 

Starting the experience in style, the couple will enjoy a helicopter transfer to the hotel and will be greeted with a personalised welcome upon arrival, before being led to the magnificent Suite Carré d’Or where a number of surprises await them, including welcome gifts, a bottle of Dom Pérignon and a mini-bar with unlimited soft drinks.

In preparation of the big moment, a personal butler will serve a romantic candle-lit dinner on the star-lit terrace overlooking the Mediterranean ocean and the hotel’s pool. The couple will then be guided towards the staircase to discover the text, ‘Will you marry me?’ projected on the bottom of the pool.