10 Romantic Destinations for a Valentine Getaway | Blog | TravelBook

Palawan

This province has a wide range of romantic retreats in store, most of them tucked away in private islands, and ranging from the charmingly rustic to the extravagantly luxurious. The natural setting of the country's widely acknowledged last frontier makes an ideal backdrop for shared adventures and quiet evenings─couples can explore the marine life and mountain flora and fauna, go on a firefly cruise, marvel at the naturally carved surreal landscape of karst islands and cliffs rising from the clear turquoise waters, or enjoy a sunset dinner on the soft white sand beaches.

Find hotels for couples in Palawan here.
Photography: Courtesy of El Nido Resorts

Tagaytay

Tagaytay in Cavite is a popular destination for Manila residents, being just a short southward ride away. The windy city on a ridge has numerous bed & breakfasts catering to couples looking to get away for a weekend of relaxation. The main highlight here is the view of the Taal Volcano and the mountain atmosphere. Most hotels have special cuisine and spa services to cap off the entire experience, and beyond the in-house offerings, there is a wealth of choices for restaurants and spas throughout the city.

Find hotels for couples in Tagaytay here.
Photography: Betty Tianco

Pangasinan

Adventurous beach-loving couples tired of the usual beach vacation can try taking a road trip north to Pangasinan. The dramatic seascapes and tempestuous waves of Pangasinan's beaches, particularly Patar Beach and Cape Bolinao, with its towering lighthouse, have become a surprise favorite for soon-to-weds' prenup photos. The sunset behind the South China Sea is especially vivid, making a perfect backdrop for long walks on the beach.

Find hotels and resorts for couples in Pangasinan here
Photography: Jason Zarzuela

Batanes

Located at the northernmost tip of the Philippines, the islands of Batanes, with their adobe houses, rolling hills, and craggy cliffs, create perhaps the most distinctive landscapes in the country. The solid, rustic feel of the pristine countryside gives a sense of time standing still in the province─a very romantic old world feeling indeed. Batanes' three main islands─Batan, Itbayat, and Sabtang─offer rugged beaches, old Spanish structures like churches and lighthouses, and hardy but welcoming natives, setting the scene for a few days of exploration and discovery.

Find hotels and resorts for couples in Batanes here.
Photography: Kage Gozun

Baguio

The self-proclaimed City of Lovers, Baguio during the post-war years enjoyed its heyday as a popular destination for honeymooners, with its cool alpine weather and quaint American log cottages complete with cozy fireplaces. Today the city is still a favorite romantic retreat, and the range of accommodations has grown to include everything from modern boutique hotels to native Ifugao huts. A strong artists' community ensures that couples interested in art and culture will find endless pursuits to occupy themselves with in the local galleries, cafes, and bookshops.

Find hotels for couples in Baguio here.
Photography: Martin Flordeliza

Bohol

Aside from its historic and natural attractions, Bohol is best known for its beaches. Though Alona Beach in Panglao is often touted as a smaller version of Boracay, in general, Bohol's beaches are more laid back and make for more relaxing getaways. Boutique luxury resorts─particularly suited to couples looking for some quiet time together─abound.

Find hotels and resorts for couples in Bohol here.
Photography: Kam Cudia

Boracay

Party people, honeymooners, old marrieds with families in tow─there's one beach destination with something for everyone, and that's Boracay. Valentine celebrations are easy in a town with virtually all manner of restaurant, bar, café, and lounge. Boracay has exclusive luxury resorts, charming boutique cottages, sleek modern apartments, rustic huts, and everything in between. That, and the undeniably gorgeous 3.5 kilometer-long stretch of White Beach, coupled with the island's other beautiful, and more secluded, beaches, makes Boracay a fixture on any list of Philippine romantic destinations.

Find hotels and resorts for couples in Boracay here.
Photography: Betty Tianco

Ilocos

The two Ilocos provinces─Norte and Sur─share a strong Spanish influence and a resulting abundance of churches. Couples who share a passion for photographing, exploring, and just plain experiencing crumbling stone churches, lighthouses, watchtowers, and other remnants of the bygone days will find a lot to keep them occupied here. The UNESCO World Heritage Site town of Vigan stands out as a prime example of the era's romantic old world architecture, with its quaint cobblestone streets and genteel bahay na bato homes.

Find hotels and resorts for couples in Ilocos here.
Photography: Abet Lagula

Cebu

Cebu is not only a cosmopolitan destination with easy access to untouched islands and beaches─it is also possibly the province, barring Metro Manila, with the most spas in the country. The wide selection of resorts with in-house spas gives couples a chance to enjoy pampering treats together, often in the comfort of their spa-oriented rooms. Beyond this, of course, are Cebu's numerous attractions─historic sites, a hip, thriving local dining and entertainment scene, distinctive dive experiences, and tropical island getaways─that are best shared with someone special.

Find hotels and resorts for couples in Cebu.
Photography: Courtesy of Mövenpick Resort and Spa Cebu

Batangas

If you're the sort of couple that needs to be up and about doing something to enjoy yourselves, consider experiencing Valentines Day figuratively and literally on top of the world. Camp out near the summit of a mountain within both your skill levels and get up for a pre-dawn trek, just in time to watch the sun rise through the clouds. Batangas has a range of peaks─Taal, Maculot, Malarayat, and Batulao, among others─to try, and a range of resorts along the province's many beaches, if you prefer something a bit more down to earth.

Find hotels and resorts for couples in Batangas.
Photography: Courtesy of Acuatico Beach Resort