Best Ocean Destinations for Couples

The best couples’ trip is not a compromise

One of you wants to surf at sunrise. The other wants coffee, a massage and a slow morning. That does not mean you need separate holidays.

The trick is choosing destinations where the ocean is central but not the only attraction.

Maldives: easy to divide the day

The Maldives works particularly well because one person can dive or surf while the other enjoys the resort, spa, lagoon or beach. The destination’s reef geography makes water activities central to the experience.

Bali: the most flexible itinerary

Bali is useful when couples have different interests. Surf, diving, restaurants, temples, wellness and private villas can all fit into one trip. Indonesia’s official tourism information lists a wide range of surf areas for different abilities.

Portugal: romance without the long flight

A luxury coastal stay around Ericeira, Comporta, the Algarve or Madeira can deliver ocean time without turning the journey into an expedition. Portugal’s surf coastline provides a large choice of locations.

For a once-in-a-decade trip

French Polynesia and the Seychelles are worth the distance when the landscape and romance should dominate: lagoons, overwater villas and very low-density islands.

The question to ask

Instead of asking, “Where is the most romantic beach?” ask, “Would both of us enjoy a week here?” That is a much better filter.