While Travel + Leisure asked its readers to name their most romantic hotels, we took it a step further to scout out the best suites and tell you the closest private jet airports where you can fly in.
- Le Casa Que Canta
- Casa Gangotena
- Hotel Santa Caterina
- Farmhouse Inn
- The Oberoi Vanyavilas
- Little Palm Island Resort & Spa
1. La Casa Que Canta, Zihuatanejo, Mexico
T+L writes of #1 La Casa Que Canta, “An intimate, 25-suite hideaway overlooking Zihuatanejo Bay proves that romance can be found even in the most remote stretches of the planet—especially when there are private plunge pools and sweeping views.”
There are only 25 rooms, providing a intimate setting on the terraced hillside over Zihuatanejo Bay. The 1,200 sq. ft. penthouse level Owner’s Suite is the most private and offers 180-degree ocean views from the pool in its living terrace.
The suite includes a living room terrace with two tables, chairs and sun loungers, plunge pool, walk-in dressing room, king bed, complimentary mini bar and fresh fruit replenished daily, complimentary WiFi, and twice a day housekeeping.
Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo International Airport (ZIH) is eight miles away. It is an international port with an 8,202 ft. runway, but not 24 hours.
2. Casa Gangotena, Quito, Ecuador
Tied for #1 on the Travel + Leisure list is Casa Gangotena in Quito, Ecuador. T+L writes, “Instead of saltwater pools and tequila bars, guests staying in this restored colonial mansion find romance in the charming interior gardens and on the balconies overlooking Plaza San Francisco.”
Columns, hand painted murals, and veined marble are the upscale touches that mark the 31-room colonial building.
There are no suites, however, at the end of the western wing on the first and second floors, you can connect two Luxury Rooms (overlooking the garden with views of Pincincha Volcano) to form your own suite. The hotel will convert one-bedroom to a living room, office, or whatever you prefer.
Each Luxury Room includes high ceilings, a separate shower and bathtub, free WiFi, and 32-inch flat screen TV.
Mariscal Sucre New Quito International Airport (UIO) is 25 miles from the hotel with restricted 24 hour operations. Runway is 10,240 ft. Ecuacentair is the FBO. UIO is 9,223 ft. elevation.
3. Hotel Santa Caterina, Amalfi, Italy
Placing third on the T+L list of most romantic hotels, Hotel Santa Caterina offers iconic Amalfi Coast views and several varied choices of suites for amorous interludes.
The Il Torrino Suite is near Hotel Santa Caterina’s botanic gardens (above). The suite’s large windows look out over the coast. From the living room, you access the mezzanine floor and the bedroom. White ceramic floor tiles, a bathroom with circular Jacuzzi tub, and a king size bed are highlights of the suite.
The Follia Amalfitano suite (below) is situated amidst orange and lemon trees, and also offers memorable views.
White walls create a contrast with emerald green of the ceramic floor tiles. The living room opens out on to a large terrace. Among the suite’s most appealing features are the sunken Jacuzzi pool overlooking the sea and the shell-shaped king size bed.
The Giulietta & Romeo Chalet (below) has a private circular terrace with spectacular view of the ocean. The suite is built on two levels, with king sized bedroom and master bathroom with Jacuzzi bathtub on the top floor and lounge, second bathroom, and terrace leading out on to a private garden with heated “infinity pool” on the floor below.
Naples Capodichino Airport is 40 miles from the hotel. Runway is 8,622 ft. and it is an international port. There are two FBOs, Sky Services and Alisud/GH Napoli.
4. Farmhouse Inn, Forestville, California
Farmhouse Inn in Forestville, CA, the middle of wine country, ranks #4 on the Travel + Leisure list of most romantic hotels in the world. Its King Luxury Suite features a private deck and patio with indoor/outdoor fireplace. It is 850 sq. ft. There is also a jetted tub with large windows looking into the woods, a steam shower and heated marble floors.
Sonoma County Charles M. Schulz Airport (STS) is six miles away with a 6,000 ft. runway. Kaiser Air and Sonoma Jet Center are the two FBOs.
5. The Oberoi Vanyavilas, Ranthambhore, India
Romance in a tent, albeit a luxury tent, placed 5th on the Travel + Leisure list of most romantic “hotels’ in the world. In this case the 790 sq. ft. tents at The Oberoi Vanyavilas in Ranthambhore, India provide everything from WifFi to separate water closet, shower and tub.
Each of the air-conditioned luxury tents have a private sunbathing deck and a garden. The tents feature block printed fabrics, teak wood floors, a four-poster bed and a dressing room with a walk in closet.
Winter is known as the best season to visit this area. Winter lasts from November to February, during which time temperatures range from 50-68 °F. Morning safaris during these months can be very cold, but very beautiful.
Local sites include UNESCO World Heritage Ranthambhore Fort and Surwal Lake, which attracts bird watchers from around the world. There is also a full Oberoi Spa. Best way to get there (apart from a three hour drive or train) is a helicopter. There is a helipad 15 minutes from the hotel.
6. Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, Little Torch Key, Florida
If you want to get far away from the partying of South Beach for a romantic getaway, hop on a seaplane and in less than half an hour you will be at Little Palm Island Resort & Spa on Little Torch Key, accessible only by boat or seaplane.
The two-story British Colonial style Island Grand Suite is 1,000 sq. ft. and includes separate bedroom, living room and dining area. There is a claw foot tub and walk-in shower, a large front porch, redwood cedar hot tub, and sunset views from your verandah. This is also a fire pit for a romantic evening, you can dine on the beach, and so you won’t be tempted, there are no TVs, telephone or alarms clocks in the suite.
The two nearest airports are Marathon International Airport (22 miles) away and Key West International Airport (28 miles from the resort). In both cases, you take the resort’s private motoryacht, which makes the run hourly for the final stretch.
