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4 Romantic Hotels Around the World
Discover our romantic hotels around the world
Romantic hotels offer more than just decor—they provide an atmosphere: a soothing view, enchanting lighting, and the feeling of being alone in the world for a romantic getaway. Plume has selected romantic hotels around the world—from South Korea to The Gambia to Vietnam—where the charm of the setting meets the elegance of the architecture: intimate hideaways, waterfront retreats, luxurious boats, charming mountain hotels, and destinations nestled in the heart of nature. These are places designed to help you slow down, reconnect, and experience a different kind of travel for two.
You One Jae: a romantic getaway surrounded by nature, near hot springs in contemporary hanoks
In South Korea, You One Jae reimagines romance beyond the clichés. More than just a hotel, this contemporary spa retreat—inspired by hanok, traditional Korean houses—invites couples to slow down, reconnect, and savor the passing of time.
Nestled in the Chungju region, in the heart of unspoiled nature, the estate consists of intimate cottages opening onto private gardens. Designed to preserve each guest’s privacy, each accommodation becomes a sanctuary where the outdoors gently blends in.
All rooms feature a private garden and an outdoor bath fed by a natural hot spring. Between dips in the thermal waters, the large floor-to-ceiling windows offer views of the surrounding greenery, while the light wood, clean lines, and absence of screens create an atmosphere that encourages you to unwind.
Here, the days unfold to the rhythm of baths, treatments inspired by Korean traditions, meals served in a serene atmosphere, and walks through the surrounding countryside. Far from hotels where one activity follows another, You One Jae embraces understated luxury, where every moment is designed to be shared as a couple.
The common areas, intentionally understated, recede into the background behind the individual cottages to preserve guests’ peace and quiet. This approach makes You One Jae the ideal destination for a romantic getaway, where silence, nature, and hot springs are the true sources of well-being.
Plume’s Pick
For couples seeking a timeless escape, You One Jae offers a wellness-focused take on romance. Hanok-inspired pavilions, private thermal baths, nature all around, and minimalist elegance come together to create a retreat where guests can simply reconnect.
A Romantic Journey on the Mekong: With the Mekong Romance, Rivages du Monde Reinvent the Romantic Cruise
There are rivers that seem to have been created for lovers. With the Mekong Romance, scheduled for fall 2026, Rivages du Monde envisions a different way to explore the Mekong—a journey that becomes a romantic getaway in all its splendor, carried along by the river’s gentle flow, the beauty of the landscapes, and the joy of sharing every moment as a couple.
Between Vietnam and Cambodia, the Mekong River unfolds its lush banks, peaceful villages, and blazing sunsets in an atmosphere that invites contemplation. It is against this backdrop that the Mekong Romance comes to life—a new, intimate ship designed as an elegant floating retreat.
The tone is set the moment you board. The common areas evoke cozy living rooms where you’ll want to linger: the decor features wood paneling, refined furnishings, and design elements inspired by the colonial mansions of Indochina. The large floor-to-ceiling windows constantly draw your gaze to the river, while the light gently accompanies the rhythm of the cruise.
The suites, all facing outward, enhance this sense of escape. Every morning, guests are greeted by an ever-changing view of the Mekong Riverbanks, transforming the cabin into a true exotic retreat.
On board, the days flow by naturally. A dip in the pool on the Soleil Deck, a break at the spa, a few moments in the hammam or sauna, then a drink as the sun sets before dinner. Nothing is mandatory; everything invites you to slow down and fully enjoy each other’s company.
The cuisine is also an integral part of this experience. Inspired by Vietnamese and Cambodian traditions, it takes you on a journey just as much as the landscapes do. Generous lunchtime buffets, table service for dinner, and private dining rooms for the most intimate meals: every moment becomes a celebration of travel.
By connecting Cambodia and Vietnam, the Mekong Romance restores the river’s full poetic charm. More than just a cruise, it’s an invitation to experience a romantic getaway where luxury is expressed through silence, the serene beauty of the landscapes, and the privilege of sailing far from the hustle and bustle of the world. Set to begin service in the fall of 2026.
Plume’s Pick
TheMekong Romance brings together everything that makes a romantic getaway magical: an intimate boat, suites overlooking the river, spectacular sunsets, a spa, exquisite cuisine, and the soothing rhythm of the Mekong. A cruise where romance isn’t limited to the setting, but permeates every moment shared together.
Read “A Dream Trip on the Mekong”
Mandina River Lodge: A Romantic Getaway in the Heart of Untamed The Gambia
In the heart of The Gambia, far from the Atlantic beaches, the river meanders peacefully through the Makasutu Forest. It is here that the Mandina River Lodge invites couples to enjoy a timeless getaway in stilted cabins nestled amid silent mangroves and unspoiled nature.
Just an hour’s drive from the beach resorts, it’s a complete change of scenery. Here, there’s no Wi-Fi and little to no cell service. Everyday life fades away, giving way to birdsong, the rustling of mangroves, and the soothing rhythm of the river. A true break from digital detox—perfect for reconnecting as a couple.
The lodge is nestled in the heart of the Makasutu Cultural Forest, a protected area spanning nearly 400 hectares that has become one of the most beautiful natural sanctuaries in The Gambia. Monkeys, baboons, and more than two hundred species of birds inhabit this exceptional ecosystem, turning every day into an immersive experience in unspoiled nature.
The nine lodges—ranging from floating cabins to pavilions on stilts and accommodations nestled in the vegetation—each offer a unique experience. Built of mahogany, with high ceilings, private terraces, and bathrooms that open onto the natural surroundings, as well as four-poster beds protected by mosquito nets, they embody a simple elegance where comfort blends with adventure. The most spectacular lodges, perched high above the river, feature spacious living areas and invite guests to gaze at the sun’s reflections on the water from their terraces.
Waking up is one of the most beautiful moments of the stay. An outdoor shower overlooking the mangrove forest, sharing a cup of coffee on the terrace, and then the silent spectacle of the forest coming to life—all of this adds up to a rare luxury: the luxury of having time.
Each day unfolds in tune with nature. Every couple is accompanied by a local guide who helps them discover the forest’s secrets on foot or by canoe through the mangroves—or simply enjoy the pool surrounded by canopy beds.
At dusk, dinner is served outdoors under the thatched-roof shelters. Some evenings extend into the night around a campfire, whose flames gently illuminate the forest, creating a special atmosphere.
Born out of a large-scale reforestation project conceived by James English and Lawrence Williams more than twenty years ago, the Makasutu estate is today a successful example of responsible tourism. The Mandina River Lodge continues to support local communities while preserving this exceptional natural heritage.
Easy to combine with a few days on the beaches of The Gambia or even a trip to neighboring Senegal, this destination is one of West Africa’s most unique experiences.
Plume’s Pick
Sleep in a cabin on stilts, wake up to a view of the mangroves, explore the forest by canoe before dining under the stars… The Mandina River Lodge offers a vision of romantic travel where luxury is measured by silence, privacy, and the beauty of unspoiled nature.
Read the article “7 Hotels Around the World Along the Water”
Sowaka Kyoto: A Romantic Hotel in Japan
In the historic Gion district, in the heart of Kyoto, a century-old tea house has been transformed into a luxury hotel without losing any of its soul. The Sowaka—meaning “happiness” in Sanskrit—strictly adheres to the Sukiya architectural tradition and blends heritage, serenity, and contemporary elegance.
With just 23 rooms, the hotel cultivates an intimate atmosphere where every detail invites guests to slow down. The property has retained its delicate lines, fine materials, and authenticity, while incorporating the comforts of a luxury hotel. Some rooms offer peaceful views of the wooded hills of Higashiyama, providing a setting particularly suited for couples’ getaways.
Yet the heart of Sowaka beats in its garden. Behind the house’s walls, this verdant oasis forms a miniature landscape of remarkable delicacy, where every stone, every patch of moss, and every tree seems to find its natural place. A quiet refuge that invites both contemplation and intimate conversation.
The experience continues at Gion Loka, where traditional Japanese cuisine meets a more contemporary approach. Dinner in this intimate setting is one of the highlights of any stay in Kyoto.
As you step out of the hotel, the historic alleyways of Gion reveal their timeless charm. Amid the wooden houses, lanterns, tea houses, and figures dressed in kimonos, a stroll here feels like a journey back in time. The nearby Maruyama Park offers the perfect setting to extend this romantic getaway as the seasons change, especially in the spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.
Sowaka captivates guests not so much with ostentation as with its art of creating precious moments. It is a place where luxury lies in tranquility, the beauty of its service, and the privilege of experiencing Kyoto at its most intimate.
Plume’s Pick
Staying in a former teahouse, strolling hand in hand through the narrow streets of Gion, dining in a cozy atmosphere before stepping into a secret garden… The Sowaka is one of those places that give Kyoto its romantic charm.
Read the article “5 Places to Discover Kyoto’s Unique Charm”
