In a world where everything is disposable, even relationships, ten years is a beautiful milestone. If you’ve made it this long, your love deserves a celebration – a big one! There are so many places to spend your tenth anniversary, how do you choose? Don’t stress – we’ve narrowed it down for you.
So pick one of our romantic locales, pack your bags, and go celebrate your romance!
• Paris
It’s the city of love! How could we keep it off the top of our list? Songs have been written about Paris in the springtime, but this city is the perfect place for romance any time of the year.
Where to Stay:
The Eiffel tower is the ultimate can’t miss location, and the perfect backdrop for your anniversary selfies. Why not dial up the romance by booking a hotel room with a view? Les Jardins D’Eiffel is the perfect choice, just a short stroll from the Eiffel Tower, the Seine, and the chic shops of the Champs-Elysées. The hotel even has an interior garden, your own secluded haven when you need a break from the bustling city.
What to Do:
While the Louvre is a can’t-miss stop for anyone, try not to over-plan your visit with sightseeing. Instead, simply wander hand-in-hand through the city, dodging into whatever gallery, shop, or bistro seems most irresistible to you. Check out all of the interesting neighborhoods (called arrondissements). Be sure to make your way over to Montmartre, where you can climb to the dome of the Sacré-Couer, with its panoramic views of Paris. When you’re ready for a snack, head over to Ladurée on the Champs-Elysées, home of the most decadent macarons.
Can’t Miss:
For a truly magical evening, book a dinner cruise on the Seine. There’s nothing quite as romantic as flowing down the river, watching the lights of the city twinkling in the water around you.
• Napa Valley, California
Regardless of whether or not you like wine, an anniversary trip to California’s Napa Valley will be remarkable. With its laid-back yet sophisticated vibe, it’s the perfect place to relax and spend time outdoors – wine optional.
Where to Stay:
The luxurious Meritage Resort and Spa is the ultimate splurge in Napa Valley. Home to one of Napa’s premier farm-to-table restaurants, the resort offers fine dining without even having to leave the property. You can also opt for a chef-prepared gourmet picnic, which you can enjoy amongst the hotel’s 9 acres of vineyards. Finally, to end your evening, Meritage offers nine wine tasting rooms, each featuring a local boutique winery.
What to Do:
A vineyard tour is practically a given when you visit Napa Valley. While you can certainly pick one of the high-rated wineries for your tour, we recommend something a bit more fun: the Napa Valley Wine Train. The 36-mile round-trip tour takes you to St. Helena and back, stopping at some of Napa’s most celebrated wineries along the way. Another unique way to see Napa Valley is from the air – there are numerous hot air balloon rides that will give you the perfect bird-eye view. Finally, if you want to indulge in a day of pampering, try one of Napa’s many upscale spas. The Spa at the Napa River Inn features luxurious products derived from local grapeseed.
Can’t Miss:
Napa Valley might conjure images of endless stretches of vineyards, but believe it or not, you can take a gondola tour in Napa Valley. Book a private gondolier on the tranquil Napa River, listen to music, and toast to your anniversary with a top Napa vintage.
• Bora Bora
If you’re dreaming of a lush tropical escape, Bora Bora is the ideal anniversary destination. With its warm turquoise waters, powdery white sand, and vibrant sunsets, you’ll feel like you’re on the set of a romantic movie.
Where to Stay:
Bora Bora is home to one of the most memorable hotel experiences: the overwater bungalows. A wooden walkway connects you to your private thatched-roof bungalow, situated over the crystal clear island lagoon. While there are plenty of options, we recommend staying at Le Méridien Bora Bora. Situated just off the mainland, the resort features a world-class spa, a variety of activities (kayaking, snorkeling, and more), and onsite dining – you’ll never have to leave. If you decide to explore more of the main island, a shuttle boat will transport you there in just 30 minutes.
What to Do:
As you might expect, the majority of activities on Bora Bora are water-related. If you enjoy water sports, you can’t go wrong here. Your hotel will probably offer these onsite, but if you’d rather explore there are numerous other opportunities. Sure, you can just relax on a beautiful beach, but you can also jet ski, cruise, snorkel, scuba dive… the list is endless. If you’re feeling adventurous, there are even boat tours that will take you snorkeling amongst the sharks! If you want to spend a day out of the water, stay active by taking a guided hike up an extinct volcano.
Can’t Miss:
The Bora Bora Lagoonarium is a natural aquarium where you can actually swim with the lagoon’s inhabitants. Take a snorkel tour with a wildlife guide, and you’ll get up close and personal with fish, turtles, stingrays, and maybe even a shark or two. If you’d rather stay out of the water, you can opt for a canoe trip, instead. Either way, you’ll marvel at the exotic sea creatures of Bora Bora.
• Rome
What better place to celebrate your eternal love than the eternal city? Italians are known for their romanticism, and their capital city is no exception. With its beautiful gardens, charming side streets, and gorgeous sunsets, it’ll be the 10th anniversary of your dreams.
Where to Stay:
Rome knows how to take care of its visitors, and the hotels here can be simply magnificent. The Hassler Hotel, right on the Spanish steps, is in a prime location in the heart of Rome. Located in the city center, the hotel is located in close proximity to many historic sights: cathedrals, museums, and ancient ruins are all within walking distance. When you’re ready for some downtime, head to its Amorvero (which translates to True Love) spa for one of their famous massages or body treatments.
What to Do:
Rome is a natural fit for the foodies – from the most upscale restaurant to the smallest cafe, delicious food is everywhere. Luckily, with all these sights, you can walk off those decadent meals. Ancient Roman ruins such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon will give you a glimpse into its glorious past. Rome is bordered by the Tiber River – cross over it at the Pont Sant’Angelo, a pedestrian bridge built in 134 A.D.It is lined with 10 beautifully unique statues of angels. If you prefer the modern era, sit at one of the many outdoor fountains (many by Bernini, created in the 1600s) and people-watch while you enjoy your gelato. Live la dolce vita on your anniversary!
Can’t Miss:
Although the Vatican isn’t technically in Rome – it’s in its own country, Vatican City – no trip to Rome is really complete without a day here. Even if you aren’t religious, the artwork contained in the Vatican museums is remarkable. The Sistine Chapel, sculptures by Michelangelo, and some of Raphael’s most famous paintings are just a short metro trip from the center of Rome.
