Norma Oldman

Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Go for: A new island hotel and outdoor adventures

For the longest time, a trip to the Andamans meant picking between homestays or the only premium boutique hotel on the island. That’s changed in the past few years, with resorts like Taj Exotica Resort & Spa and Jalakara. The most recent entrant to the mix is Tilar Siro, a CGH Earth outpost on Havelock Island (now, Swaraj Dweep). The 25-key property is breezy, green, and immersive. You can learn about the island’s history and food, take scuba diving courses, and enjoy guided walks through the dense rainforests. There’s a lot to do beyond Havelock, including sea safaris at Cinque Island and kayaking expeditions with stargazing thrown in. Take a day trip to Barren Island to visit India’s only active volcano or take a ferry to Little Andaman Island for pristine beaches and lagoons.

Zamora, Spain
Few know—even in Spain—that Zamora is the city with the most Romanesque architecture in Europe, but it was reason enough for UNESCO to make Zamora a European World Heritage Site for 2023. Additionally, its proximity to Madrid—an hour away thanks to a new high-speed AVE train, inaugurated just a year ago—put this underrated town high on our must-visit list.

But there is more to Zamora, such as its enormous modernist legacy and its Lagunas de Villafáfila, a collection of lakes that are home to thousands of migratory birds each season. There’s even more to see, scattered throughout the province: Lake Sanabria is the largest glacial lake in the Iberian Peninsula, and just a few miles away, Puebla de Sanabria is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Spain. Towards the east you will find Toro, the epicenter of bold red wines—and home to critically acclaimed winery Numanthia that’s credited with putting the wine region on the map. Not far away, in the heart of Tierra de Campos, snag a table at Lera, which got its Michelin star in 2022, and is a favorite among wild game enthusiasts.

Finally, to the south, Arribes del Duero shows that Zamora province has it all—even fjords. Beautiful crags and cliffs mark the border with Portugal in a natural park that has become a center for viticulture and attracts reputed international winemakers. Olive, citrus, and other fruit trees, artisanal ceramics, and stunning natural beauty turn this secluded corner into a Mediterranean paradise. Consider the luxurious Hacienda Zorita Natural Reserve, and the Castillo de Buen Amor (refurbished in 2021) in Salamanca, just a 30-minute drive away, the perfect setting for your quaint Zamora escape.

Romantic Small Towns in Europe
Geiranger, Norway
Nestled at the base of a UNESCO-protected fjord and surrounded by steep, snow-capped mountains, the village of Geiranger is as postcard-perfect as it gets. Views aside, it's also a secret foodie paradise, home to chocolate shops, cheese shops and excellent farm-to-table restaurants (like the intimate and very proposal-worthy Brasserie Posten, found at the very edge of the fjord). Don't miss a boat ride to see the fjord's spectacular waterfalls, one of which is aptly named "The Suitor."

Annecy, France
Sometimes called "the Venice of Savoie," this dreamy alpine town is treasured for its sloping hillsides and bridge-covered canals (the perfect backdrop for a photo op—or even a proposal). The town’s cobblestone streets are ideal for strolling hand-in-hand, and its proximity to the emerald waters of Lake Annecy make it all the more romantic.