While family-friendly travel offers abundant opportunities for memory making, sometimes it’s nice to spare a moment for a just-the-two-of-us escape. From intimate waterside villas in the Maldives to shopping Jordan’s famous Rainbow Street, the world is waiting to offer a romantic getaway for two.
The Maldives
A nation of 1,192 islands spanning the equator, The Maldives is a worthy destination for anyone willing to make the trek. The island chain is known for its natural atolls — circular islands surrounding canals and lagoons — banked by white sandy beaches, azure ocean waters and colorful coral reefs.
With five resorts throughout the Maldives, the Maldivian-owned group Sun Siyam Resorts offers luxurious island accommodations. Two of the resorts stand out for their adult-friendly experiences. The all-inclusive Iru Veli resort boasts 125 suites along the beach and on the water, and each villa comes with a private pool. Make sure to book the Cast Away experience, which will take you to a secluded sandbank to enjoy lunch, games and snorkeling without another soul in sight.
Adventurers may prefer the island playground Iru Fushi, which offers 221 villas and suites accessible only by a 45-minute private seaplane ride. The resort is a foodie’s paradise, with 14 dining options ranging from an overwater French restaurant to a spot specializing in local seafood. A day at The Spa by Thalgo is a must, with over 140 treatment offerings to choose from.
Getting there from Nashville is quite the trek, but well worth it. Travel to Kochi (or Cochin), India. Then take the 1.5-hour connecting flight to the Maldivian capital, Malé.
Nevis
The sister island to Saint Kitts, Nevis is an unspoiled Caribbean paradise within the West Indies, where the north Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea meet. The birthplace of American founding father Alexander Hamilton, Nevis is known for its sparsely populated shores and crystal clear waters — both set against the majestic Nevis Peak, a volcano in the island’s center.
The best way to explore the 36-square-mile island is with Nevis Sun Tours, a luxury tour management company that works with a select few resorts. The group specializes in immersive and authentic tours, ranging from rum tastings to cooking classes to sunset cruises. And all of its experiences are turnkey, so you can let the group streamline transportation and logistics while you enjoy everything the island has to offer.
By design, Nevis Sun Tours works with just a few luxury properties — including the Four Season Resort Nevis, situated on idyllic Pinney’s Beach. Offering luxury suites, fine-dining options, complimentary water sports, several pools, and a golf course home to a colony of green vervet monkeys, the five-star resort makes a perfect getaway. Consider it your home base on your retreat.
To get there, fly from Nashville to Miami. Then, catch one of the daily connecting flights to Saint Kitts (which takes about three hours). Nevis Sun Tours will arrange 15-minute water taxis to take you to and from the airport.
Modena, Italy
Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region is known for culinary staples like Prosciutto di Parma, Parmigiano-Reggiano, tortellini and traditional balsamic vinegar. It’s also the birthplace of lambrusco, a controversial (but delightful) sparkling red wine that pairs beautifully with the epicurean treasures on offer.
But Modena, a city in Emilia-Romagna, is not just known for its food and wine. Luxury automakers, like Ferrari, Lamborghini, Pagani and Maserati, have called the city home — earning Emilia-Romagna the Motor Valley moniker. The city is also rich in art and architecture. After taking in the beautiful palaces and cathedrals, you can visit the birthplace of famed tenor Luciano Pavarotti.
If you want to immerse yourself in Modena’s art and culture, the best place to stay is legendary chef Massimo Boturra’s countryside estate, Casa Maria Luigia, which dates back to 1775. Each of the beautifully appointed rooms is adorned with art from Boturra and his wife’s personal collection and memorabilia from his three-Michelin-star restaurant Osteria Francescana. Even if you can’t get a coveted reservation at Osteria Francescana, you can hope to score a midnight snack in Boturra’s kitchen.
There are several one-stop flights from Nashville to the Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport. Once you land, you can expect a 40-minute commute to Modena.
Amman, Jordan
Amman isn’t just Jordan’s capital. It’s also the country’s chief commercial, financial and international trade center — and arguably its most progressive city. Amman marks a crossing point for civilizations, so there are striking contrasts between the east and west parts of town.
Head to the east, and you can savor an abundance of Jordanian cuisine at Jordan Heritage Restaurant in the bohemian Jabal al-Weibdeh neighborhood. Or you can explore the Amman Citadel perched atop the city’s highest hill, Jabal al-Qal’a. While Amman isn’t terribly pedestrian-friendly, a stroll down Rainbow Street is a must — with plenty of shopping, dining and people-watching opportunities available.
The city’s astonishing selection of five-star accommodations includes the St. Regis Amman, which is located in the affluent Abdoun district to the west. Opulent offerings — like personal butler services, breathtaking views of the city, luxurious treatments at the Iridium Spa, and sunset Champagne sabrage rituals — hold up to the high standards the St. Regis is known for.
Because of the language barrier, experts recommend booking interpreters or travel guides when possible. Remember to dress modestly — though with the exception of a few destinations, head coverings aren’t required.
There are several one-stop and two-stop flights available from Nashville to Amman’s Queen Alia International Airport, but prepare yourself for a long day of travel. Tourist visas are required.
