Top 10 Solo Travel Destinations for Valentine’s Day

The Best Destinations for Solo Travel This Valentine’s Day

Spending this Valentine’s Day on your own? Although it can be hard to avoid starry-eyed romantics during the mushiest time of the year, don’t let that derail your plans for a sun-soaked getaway. It may seem like most resorts cater to couples and families, but there are plenty of hot spots for solo travel—simply follow our lead!

1. Cancun

Secrets Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort is an upscale adults-only all-inclusive close to Cancun’s most popular tourist beach, yet worlds away from its frenzied vibe. Avoid over-the-top PDA by booking an oceanfront suite with its own private dipping pool and whirlpool bathtub, not to mention its broad expanse of pristine beach. 24/7 room service means you’ll never have to leave your sweet digs if you choose not to, but you’ll likely be tempted by the resort’s stellar spa, fabulous a la carte dining and lively on-site nightlife.

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2. Nevis

A tiny island on which monkeys actually outnumber people, Nevis makes up for its size by extending as warm a welcome as you’ll find in the Caribbean. The disarmingly friendly, small-town atmosphere is best experienced at the lovely country cottage-style escape of Nisbet Plantation Beach Club, which, although homey, boasts luxurious accommodations. Guests and locals alike enjoy getting together for beach barbecue nights with live music, and the dining is first-rate in the club’s Great House main mansion.

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Photo: Aquafari

3. Curacao

Quirky, fun and colourful, there are scads of cool adventures for solo travellers on Curacao. Try Aquafari, a surreal underwater scooter that takes you 30 feet below to view marvellous marine life. True adrenaline junkies may opt for Curasub, which plunges to depths of 1,000 feet! Stay at Santa Barbara Resort for privacy, pristine nature and sublime spa experiences, and pay a visit Serena’s Art Factory to make your own Chichi—the island’s iconic souvenir. To kick it up with the locals, head to trendy Pietermaai at the legendary Avila Beach Hotel (a favourite with the Dutch royal family). The historic urban neighborhood is now a hotbed of culture, nightlife, and dining.

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4. Panama

You don’t need to have an entourage to receive VIP treatment in the “Crossroads of the Americas,” but by the time you leave Hard Rock Hotel Panama Megapolis you’ll probably have one. It’s impossible to be a wallflower at the hotel’s hot nightlife emporiums—especially with infectious beats pumping throughout the 66th floor’s indoor/outdoor dance club labyrinth, and the rooftop pool, which also attracts a hip and happening set. The interior throughout is a mini-museum dedicated to musical legends, and you’re mere minutes away from other cultural and historical attractions including the famous Panama Canal, the Bio Museum, and the UNESCO World Heritage site Casco Viejo.

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5. Aruba

Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort is ideally situated on the “Happy Island.” Although it sits on a bustling activity beach, it also faces a natural bird sanctuary, so the vibe is up to you depending on whether you’re feeling social or serene. No matter what you choose, no car is required as gourmet dining, fabulous shopping and electric nightlife options are all just steps away. Be sure to check out the resort’s sea-view spa!

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6. Dominican Republic

Solo sporty types will be totally engaged at Casa de Campo at any time of the year. It’s a massive surf-side vacation community—7,000 acres in all—with a private island for sunbathing and snorkelling. (Thankfully, golf carts come with each room for easy exploration!) The top-notch sports instruction and facilities include three championship golf courses and a comprehensive equestrian centre, offering English and Western riding, polo and even donkey polo! There’s also tennis, sport shooting (clay, trap and skeet), kayaking, paddle boarding and sailing. Soothe aching muscles at the end of the day at the facility’s spa and health and wellness retreat.

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Photo: Kimpton Seafire

7. Cayman Islands

It’s with good reason they named the most luxurious hotel on Grand Cayman the Kimpton Seafire: each night, the blazing sunset reflects off the gently rolling waves along Seven Mile Beach. Greet the next morning with a relaxing yoga session on the beach, then continue the core workout with 60-minutes on a stand-up paddleboard, gliding over the blissfully warm, crystal-clear waters. Round out the day with some serious retail therapy at the nearby Shops at Camana Bay, where you’ll find world-class shopping and beauty services, along with a weekly farmers’ market every Wednesday.

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8. Riviera Maya

Who needs a mate to spoil you when you can spoil yourself silly with an incredible spa week? Zoëtry Paraiso de la Bonita is a secluded oasis of pampering that boasts one of the most comprehensive spas in the Riviera Maya. It’s an upscale adults-only all-inclusive resort with an incredible range of treatments. Superb facilities include an impressive thalassotherapy (water healing) centre, a Mayan healing “temazcal” ceremony, yoga and breathing sessions. Private dipping pools, seaside whirlpool circuits and a calm sea on a pristine beach add to the liquid luxury.

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9. Puerto Rico

The San Juan Marriott & Stellaris Casino is located on stunning Condado Beach, minutes from San Juan’s historic city centre and flanked by trendy neighbourhoods filled with cosmopolitan attractions. It’s also a perfect base for outdoor activities, as zip-lining, horseback riding and waterfall-chasing are just short treks away. The glitzy casino attracts high rollers, and some of the eclectic on-site dining goes very late. With live music and salsa nights, the Red Coral Lounge is ideal for solos seeking to “go local” and learn a dance step or two, and an alluring seaside water circuit adds to its overall appeal.

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10. Bahamas

Though the Bahamas are liberally peppered with all-inclusives geared towards couples and families, there’s a specific region that’s all about boating. The Abacos Island chain is the sailing capital of the Caribbean, and Abaco Beach Resort & Boat Harbor Marina is the best place to experience the yachtie’s life. Take a sailing class or island-hop with a boat rental or public ferry. The neighbouring islands are a stone’s throw away from each other, and each has its own allure and attractions, from drop-dead gorgeous beaches and party bars, to cultural attractions like a sculpture foundry and a wooden boat building centre.

Next, check out the 10 best solo travel destinations for women!