Couples holiday - where should we go?

[HappyKoala56]

DH and I are looking to plan a week away, just the two of us, for our 40th birthdays. Kids will be 14 and 16 so will be fine at home with my mum and dad, but equally I don't think I want to be several hours away - DH fancied New York but I don't want to be that far and I'm not generally that bothered about NY. I suggested the arctic circle to see the Northern Lights but he isn't keen. We both want to do something special and memorable. Any suggestions? Flights I think 5 hours would be about my maximum. My ultimate ideal would be somewhere like Borneo to see the rainforests but it's waaaaay too far 😟

Cruises are very popular at moment (not something I'm keen on) but northern lights are also on my wish list, together with whale watching and I'm hoping to combine the two one day. I thought about maybe a cruise around fjords?
The longer haul flights like New York and Borneo can still be an option when you're celebrating your 50ths, when your kids are more independent if you're nervous of being too far away.

Oooh definitely Italy! I'm a massive fan of Lake Como, absolutely beautiful and the food is spectacular! X

We’re doing a cruise to Norway for our 20th wedding anniversary next year. My parents are joining us for their golden wedding.

Going from Southampton so no flights, I’m looking forward to amazing food, Gary Barlow pops up regularly on the ship so hoping he’ll be on.

i want to see the nothern lights.

Jordan to see Petra?
Rome

We I’d a Nile cruise, it was brilliant!

*did

Santorini or any part of Greece.
Marrakech (stay in a 4+star Riad)
French Rivera
Cape Verdes
The Gambia

@Yoloohno oh I'd love the details of your cruise? Who did you book with etc. Sounds amazing

Sorry OP, don't mean to hijack your thread

What time of year? Makes a big difference to what I’d suggest.

Thank you all, some great suggestions.

@twilightstarbright we are willing to go any time of year really - our birthdays are November and April, but we just want to travel sometime in that year

Have a look at IKOS resorts OP.

If I were you I’d stay at Stella Island in Crete and take some time to explore the history of the island

TUI have a range of holidays called "TUI Blue for Two" - they are adults-only hotels across Europe, N Africa and the Caribbean. I have stayed in several and have found they range from good to absolutely superb (Atlantica in Crete). With flights included there is a range of rooms from very ample to large suites and from breakfast to all-in. I would recommend half board. Two things you might not like are (a) a preponderance of older couples, rather than romantic twosomes, as a reflection of the cost; (b) most are beach holidays - but it is possible to choose a place near lovely countryside as well, or within reach of a major city or historical area.
Adults Only Holiday Deals | TUI.co.uk

DH and I managed a 3 night break when our DC were the same age as they were both in school trips at the same time

We went to Dubrovnik. One day there were lots of cruise ships in so we got a boat to Cavtat (about 40 mins away by boat). We sat in the shade of the pine trees next to the sea , eating seafood and drinking cold wine for HOURS with no one saying “I’m boooored”.

Then we watched the sunset from a seaside bar and just chilled.

In Dubrovnik we got up early to walk the medieval walls before it got busy - no teens to drag out of bed. We visited a fancy hotel just outside the city and drank espresso martinis and sunbathed.

Absolute heaven.

We really enjoyed Monaco when we went for a break as just a couple.

We stayed at el dorado seaside suites in mexico... loads of a la carte restaurants included and a swim up room. I miss it every day.

We did this last year and ended up doing a cruise. It was so out of our comfort zone but we loved it. It's not something my children would have liked so was the best time to try a cruise, and we got to see so many places that we now would like to go back to for longer.

Lake Como or Maggiore? Cinque Terre?

Iceland

Santorini is stunning, especially if you can go outside of peak, I went for my honeymoon in late September and it was incredible.

Amalfi coast is wonderful too.

San Sebastián is a favourite of mine.