While family travel The world offers many opportunities to create memories, and sometimes it’s nice to take a moment for a romantic getaway. From intimate waterfront villas in the Maldives to the boutiques of Jordan’s famous Rainbow Street, the world is waiting for you to treat yourself to a romantic getaway for two.
The Maldives
The Maldives, a country of 1,192 islands spread across the equator, is a top destination for anyone looking to make the trip. The archipelago is known for its natural atolls, circular islands surrounding channels and lagoons, lined with white-sand beaches, azure ocean waters and colorful coral reefs.
With five resorts spread across the Maldives, Maldives-based Sun Siyam Resorts offers luxurious island accommodation. Two of these resorts stand out for their adults-friendly experiences. The all-inclusive Iru Veli resort has 125 suites along the beach and over the water, and each villa comes with a private pool. Be sure to book the Cast Away experience, which will take you to a secluded sandbar for lunch, games, and snorkeling with no other souls in sight.
Adventurers might prefer Iru Fushi Island, which offers 221 villas and suites accessible only by a 45-minute private seaplane flight. The resort is a foodie’s paradise, with 14 dining options ranging from an overwater French restaurant to a restaurant 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 a long way to go, but it's worth it. Head to Kochi (or Cochin), India. Then take the 1.5-hour connecting flight to Male, the capital of the Maldives.
Nevis
St. Kitts' sister island, Nevis, is an unspoiled Caribbean paradise in the West Indies, where the North Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea meet. The birthplace of American founding father Alexander Hamilton, Nevis is known for its sparsely populated coastline and crystal-clear waters, both set against the majestic Nevis Peak, a volcano in the center of the island.
The best way to explore this 36-square-mile island is with Nevis Sun Tours, a luxury travel management company that works with a select few resorts. The group specializes in immersive, authentic tours, 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 all the island has to offer.
By design, Nevis Sun Tours only works with a few luxury properties, including the Four Season Resort Nevis, located on idyllic Pinney's Beach. Boasting luxurious suites, fine dining, complimentary water sports, multiple swimming pools and a golf course home to a colony of vervet monkeys, this five-star resort is the perfect getaway. Consider it your home base during your retirement.
To get there, fly from Nashville to Miami. Then, take one of the daily connecting flights to St. Kitts (about three hours). Nevis Sun Tours will arrange 15-minute water taxis to take you to and from the airport.
Modena, Italy
The Italian region of Emilia-Romagna is known for culinary staples like Parma ham, Parmigiano Reggiano, tortellini, and traditional balsamic vinegar. It’s also the birthplace of Lambrusco, a controversial (but delicious) sparkling red wine that pairs beautifully with the epicurean treasures on offer.
But Modena, a city in Emilia-Romagna, is not only known for its food and wine. Luxury car manufacturers such as Ferrari, Lamborghini, Pagani and Maserati have made it their home, earning Emilia-Romagna the nickname Motor Valley. The city is also rich in art and architecture. After admiring the magnificent palaces and cathedrals, you can visit the birthplace of the famous tenor Luciano Pavarotti.
If you want to immerse yourself in the art and culture of Modena, the best place to stay is legendary chef Massimo Boturra’s country estate, Casa Maria Luigia, which dates back to 1775. Each of the beautifully appointed rooms is adorned with artwork from Boturra and his wife’s personal collection, as well as memorabilia from his three-Michelin-starred restaurant Osteria Francescana. Even if you can’t score a coveted reservation at Osteria Francescana, you can still hope to score a midnight snack in Boturra’s kitchen.
There are several connecting flights from Nashville to Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport. Once you land, you can expect a 40-minute drive to Modena.
Amman, Jordan
Amman is not only the capital of Jordan. It is also the country's main commercial, financial and international trade center, and arguably its most progressive city. Amman is a crossroads of civilizations, so there are striking contrasts between the eastern and western parts of the city.
Head east and enjoy bountiful Jordanian cuisine at Jordan Heritage Restaurant in the bohemian Jabal al-Weibdeh neighborhood. You can also explore the Amman Citadel perched atop the city’s tallest hill, Jabal al-Qal’a. While Amman isn’t exactly pedestrian-friendly, a stroll down Rainbow Street is a must – with plenty of opportunities for shopping, dining, and people-watching.
The city’s stunning selection of five-star accommodations includes the St. Regis Amman, located in the upscale Abdoun district to the west. Luxurious amenities such as personal butler services, breathtaking city views, luxurious treatments at the Iridium Spa and sunset champagne sabering rituals live up to the high standards for which the St. Regis is renowned.
Due to the language barrier, experts recommend using interpreters or travel guides when possible. Remember to dress modestly, although, with the exception of a few destinations, wearing a head covering is not mandatory.
Several flights with or without stopovers are available from Nashville to Amman's Queen Alia International Airport, but be prepared for a long day of travel. Tourist visas are required.
