Hotel Crushes and Solo Pleasures: Where to Find Love in the World

While we’re not much for Hallmark holidays, we are much for celebrating love wherever we find it.

Double Occupancy

We asked couples who created and run some of our favorite hotels where they go to escape and reconnect with each other.

Beach babies at heart, to us there’s nothing more romantic than a long salty day in the sun with nothing to do but be together. Our European choice is Hotel Il Pellicano for its amazing service, epic views, eccentric history (the jet set would saunter in off their yachts for a martini at the “if you know you know” bar), and Federico, who is still mixing those perfect cocktails. The other way: no frills, completely private, off-the-beaten-path beaches at the end of a perfect coconut grove in Mexico. For this, we love Cuixmala to explore untouched beaches with postcard-perfect coconut trees — even better is exploring on horseback. Raes Hotel in Byron Bay is steps away from the most idyllic Aussie beach, with crystal clear water and perfect waves for a surf. Mangoes for breakfast, prawn sandwiches for lunch. Where life is easy.
- Matt and Emma Goodwin, The Surfrider Malibu

The Greenwich Hotel in Tribeca is intimate and layered with global antiques, museum-worthy artwork (many painted by Robert DeNiro’s father), and rooms that feel more like private residences than hotel suites. Add the subterranean candlelit Shibui Spa, and it becomes one of the most romantic places to disappear in New York. Izza in Marrakech is romance at its most cinematic. The medina glows by candlelight, and Izza embraces that mood with intimate courtyards, lantern-lit pathways, layered textiles, and privacy that feels almost otherworldly.
- Kimberly Walker and Mike Kyle, Nomada

Between our kids and the hotel renovation, we haven’t been able to escape for a while now. Aman Venice is close by and always beautiful, but because we are more guided by restaurants, I’d say Antica Osteria Cera in Lughetto near Venice. Their Catalan lobster is a dream!
- Ursula and Ugo Pizzinini, Aman Rosa Alpina

I always send people to my favorite spot, Hotel Signum, which we discovered by chance on a sailing trip through the Aeolian Islands. It’s so magical to sip a crisp, minerally white wine and watch the Stromboli volcano erupt on the horizon. The Bowery Hotel and Wythe Hotel are favorite staycation spots in NYC when we want to get away from it all but not travel.
- Lyon Porter and Jersey Banks, Urban Cowboy

We would go to Rome for a weekend. Lunch at Pierluigi, dinner at Nino, and a visit to the Musei Capitolini to view the wonderful Roman statues. If we are feeling adventurous, a walk to Caracalla to visit the Roman baths immersed in lush vegetation.
- Antonio and Carla Sersale, Le Sirenuse

We both love Italy, so it would have to be Hotel Il Pellicano in Porto Ercole. It has that rare balance of discretion, beauty, and timeless glamour. We switch off almost instantly there — long lunches, swims in the Mediterranean, and a deep embrace of il dolce far niente.
- James Jayasundera and Marc von Schmarsow, owners of 7 Koppies, Franschhoek, South Africa

San Ysidro Ranch is the ultimate romantic Montecito staycation that we can walk to from our house.
- Brian and Jessie DeLowe, Proper Hotels

10 Ways to Pleasure Yourself

Where to go when you want to be alone …

… and very quiet
Mountain Cloud Zen Center in Santa Fe, New Mexico

… and on a mission to surf
Mellowmove Surf Camp in Ericeira, Portugal

… and tapped into design
The Hoxton Lloyd in Amsterdam

… and cocooned in beauty and warmth
Chesa Marchetta in Sils Maria, Switzerland

… and in the company of fun-loving people
GoldenEye in Oracabessa, Jamaica

… and like an artist in repose
Rosemary in Marrakech

… and back to the land
Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California

… and on a shopping spree
Vico Milano in Milan

… and restored and rejuvenated
Ser Casasandra on Isla Holbox, Mexico

…and slathered in thermal mud
Terme di Relilax in Montegrotto, Italy

Fathom Shopping Cart: Love Edition

• Adaptogens for the bedroom: Moon Juice Sex Dust
• Cute, portable bedside espresso machine: Alessi Pulcina Espresso Coffee Maker
• Three cheers for anti-AI content: Camp Snap Video Camera
• Strike your fire: Archivist Matches
• What’re those lipstick kisses on your neck? Cocobaby Hand-Illustrated Silk Scarf
• Wear your heart on your tote: J.Crew Tassel Bag Charm
• Yes! Yes! Yes! Chocolate: Compartés Vegan Chocolate box
• You had me at pasta: Ravioli-Making Kit
• Yours from head to toe: Cute Heart Bootie Socks

There’s even more in the Fathom Shop

Passion Plays

A handful of favorite books, movies, podcasts, shows, and albums from the last year that toy with matters of the heart.

Heated Rivalry, HBO Max
Full-contact sports. Slow-burning situationships. Bare asses.

People We Meet on Vacation, Netflix
An adaptation of Emily Henry’s tale of friends becoming lovers with witty banter, comedic flashbacks, and other expected rom-com bits.

Shrinking, Apple TV
Connecting through love in friendship, family, loss, and therapy.

Heavyweight, Pushkin.fm
A podcast about mining the past to confront deep regrets and resolve unfinished business. Recent episode “#66 Deborah” explores what happens when a 101-year-old woman reignites an old flame.

Flesh, David Szalay
Exploring a detached emotionally unavailable man’s life with seduction so slow and dialogue so spare that your eyes will race across the page in captivation.

A Danger to Ourselves, Lucretia Dalt
The experimental Colombian artist’s album about connection is fantastical, visceral, dark, and sumptuous.

Moisturizer, Wet Leg
From the Isle of Wight: hot English indie rock that’s sharp and fresh and restless.

Live at Revolution Hall, Adrienne Lenker
Careful: Her sweet dulcet tones will gut you.