Holiday reviews

Travel Makes You Happy. Durrr.

We knew it. The key to happiness is through experiences, rather than things – and we recently came across research from Cornell University in New York that confirms it.

Hollywood Luxury Meets Counter-Culture at The Redbury

For couples looking to stay in the silver screen capital of the USA, The Redbury Hotel is situated on the iconic convergence of Hollywood and Vine, below the famous hilltop Hollywood sign. 

Ten Romantic Experiences in Hawaii

We're kind of in love with Hawaii here at H4C – how could you not be?

The Way Life Should Be

Laid back and lovely, Maine USA is perfect for a relaxing driving holiday writes Alex McClintock. Just don't forget your lobster bib.

Discover New York: The Couples' Guide

It’s one of the most exciting, romantic places in the world but as the most populous city in the USA, visiting New York can be a daunting prospect, even for the well-travelled couple.  

Getting the most out of this city is all about the neighbourhood you stay in, and trust us – they are all very different. That's why we've compiled our individual neighbourhood guides to help you get the most out of your couples' holiday to New York.

Upper West & Upper East Side | Midtown | Chelsea, Greenwich & West Village | East Village to Tribeca | Williamsburg & Brooklyn

Discover New York: Williamsburg & Brooklyn

Going on a New York romantic getaway or honeymoon with your sweetheart? Our guide to Williamsburg and Brooklyn, two of New York's hippest and most indie locales, will help make your romantic adventure a breeze.

Discover New York: East Village to Tribeca

Going on a New York romantic getaway or honeymoon with your sweetheart? Our guide to the trendiest areas in New York – from the East Village to Tribeca – will help make your romantic adventure a breeze.

Discover New York: Chelsea, Greenwich & West Village

Going on a New York romantic getaway or honeymoon with your sweetheart? Our guide to some of the most quintessential areas in New York City – Chelsea, Greenwich, the West Villages and Meat Packing District – will help make your romantic adventure a breeze.

Discover New York: Midtown

Going on a New York romantic getaway or honeymoon with your sweetheart? Our guide to one of New York City's most fashionable and busy areas, Midtown, will help make your romantic adventure a breeze.

Chicago – the City by the Lake

On the shores of the bluer than blue Lake Michigan, Chicago is the perfect choice for a romantic getaway.

Discover New York: Upper West & Upper East Side

 Going on a New York romantic getaway or honeymoon with your sweetheart? Our guide to one of the most luxe areas of New York City – the Upper West and Upper East Side – will help make your romantic adventure a breeze.

Rancho Valencia… as good as it gets

Sometimes you discover a place that is so special, it captures your heart. Rancho Valencia, in San Diego is such a place.

It doesn't take long to fall under the spell of Rancho Valencia – the only Relais and Chateaux member in Southern California. Just 30 minutes north of San Diego, the property is tucked away in leafy Rancho Santa Fe – the third most expensive postcode in the USA – surrounded by olive groves, gum trees and orchards.

Top 5 driving holidays in the USA

The United States of America is full of incredible driving routes that treat you to beautiful scenery and historic attractions to boot. 

Here are five of the best for you to tackle - time to take a vacation and hit the road!.

Top 5 Vegas Hotels for Two

Which of these fabulous Las Vegas hotels tickles your fancy?

Are you thinking of visiting Las Vegas with your loved one? We don't blame you! With glittering lights, luxurious hotels, great shopping and endless entertainment, we say yes to the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas.

Here are five of the city's top hotels for two to enjoy when you make your way to this desert paradise.

All You Need is Love… in Vegas

Las Vegas, or 'Vegas' for short, is not just party central, although Prince Harry and The Hangover might suggest otherwise. It has just about everything for everyone and when it comes to having a romantic city break with your loved one, it is a sure-fire bet.

Room for Two: The St. Regis New York

A New York icon has just been treated to a swanky multi-million dollar makeover. Since opening its doors in 1904, The St. Regis New York has always been a style setter but with freshly-redesigned guest rooms, suites and public spaces under the philosophy 'timeless is modern' the hotel sets a new benchmark.

Room for Two: Metropolitan by COMO, Miami Beach

Overlooking one of America's most iconic beaches, Metropolitan by COMO, Miami Beach brings a shot of chic to the heart of the historic Art Deco district.

Romance in the south: Savannah, Georgia

The USA is high on the travel bucket list for many couples, and for good reason. There is so much to do and see in America, and many couples choose to combine a few destinations, creating their own personal epic USA holiday or honeymoon, to be savoured over several weeks. You can easily get from one side of The States to the other with affordable internal airfares, or make part of your romantic getaway the classic American Road trip ... what an amazing couples holiday, driving some of the classic routes such as Highway 101 or Route 66! 

With the Aussie dollar still strong, and regular flights  or connecting flights from any capital city, there are some compelling reasons to visit the USA sooner rather than later.

While you may have read lots about New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Miami, why not consider a part of America that less Australians travel to? A part that is so very different to the more famous cities and regions. The southern states of the USA have a charm all of their own, and are a fabulous complement to any big-city USA honeymoon or romantic getaway, showing a unique side to The States that you would otherwise not see. Often with an incomparable level of warmth and hospitality, you'll likely feel at home as soon as you make a trip down country. 

One incredibly romantic part of The States is Savannah, Georgia. You might not know a lot about this treasure, but we have a feeling you and your loved one will soon be hankering to make a trip.  Here are some of the features of this lovely city and just why it's a great place for honeymoons and other holidays for couples - regardless of your age or reason for a romantic getaway!

Falling in love with New York city

New York is one of the world's most iconic cities, full of hustle and bustle, but in all the daily chaos and madness, it is in fact a city of extreme romance. From its sumptuous luxury accommodation and eateries to its amazing vistas, it's a city for falling in love, and a city to fall in love with. 

California love: Romance in the sunny state

Sunny California is a haven for romance. These days, more and more loved up couples are heading to America's coolest state for honeymoons or even just a wonderful holiday escape.

From beautiful beaches to a myriad of activities and pursuits, it's easy to while away the day in Cali. It's a big state, so you'll never run out of things to see and do. 

Here is just some of what you can get up to as a pair of starry-eyed lovers on your visit. We suggest you get planning now!

Top 5 Music Events in 2014

Whether you are into beats, breaks, ballads or Beethoven, 2014 has a music festival for you.

Here are five to get you in tune.

10 reasons to honeymoon in Las Vegas

While many view Las Vegas as a hedonistic, party destination, it actually has a smorgasbord of charms that make it great for honeymoons!

Check out these reasons why you should consider making your way to this infamous desert destination after your wedding.

1)      Dine with a view. See the twinkling lights of Vegas from over 240 metres high at the Stratosphere Casino, Hotel and Tower, home to the Top of the World Restaurant. It rotates as you savour gourmet fare, giving you a 360 degree view of Vegas.

Top 5 places to ride in a hot air balloon

There are few things more romantic than a sunset or sunrise balloon ride. You'll never forget watching the world go by from high above with your honey.

Wherever you choose to enjoy such, be sure to book your flight early, and don't let price be the only consideration. Look for an experienced pilot who speaks your language. Consider what time of year the weather's best and try to choose a smaller balloon. A small balloon carries fewer people, and is inherently safer.

Here are some of the best ballooning spots in the world:

The romance of dining barefoot

There's something incredibly enchanting about strolling up to a restaurant barefoot, ideally after a short walk along the beach from your luxury ocean-front bungalow. It's the picture of romance: eating fresh seafood at a candle-lit table on the beach, while the waves crash directly in front of you and your hair blows in the wind.

While there are a wide array of such spots on islands all over the world, there are a couple of places that are worth a special mention.

Top 5 Places to see the Northern Lights

According to NASA, 2013 and 2014 are going to be stellar years for seeing the Northern Lights as the sun is being unusually active and sending off the vital solar flares needed to trigger the polar light displays. You still need an awful lot of luck and some planning to see them. Here are five spots to chose from:

Three great spots for a winter getaway

A romantic vacation to a mountainous wintry destination will offer solitude, breathtaking views, and, best of all, lots of great opportunities to snuggle in front of a fireplace. 

For adventurous, outdoorsy couples, few things compare to a mountain getaway with uncrowded slopes and plenty of powder for skiing or snowboarding.

Top 10 destinations for proposals

Looking for a creative way to pop the question? Destination weddings may be getting all the attention these days, but a destination proposal makes the moment she says "yes" truly unforgettable as well.

1. Great Wall of China

Located on the northern border of China, the Great Wall was steadily constructed from 3rd century BC to the 17th century AD. The awe-striking nature of the wall - which stretches more than 20,000 km - combined with the spectacular views from the top, make for one of the most memorable places you could possibly propose.

Yes Sur! Take a Spin Along California’s Fabled Highway One

Take a spin along California’s fabled Highway One.

Greater names than mine have written about the California coastline known as Big Sur – Henry Miller and Jack Kerouac, just to name two.

And greater lovers than I have been moved by the sky-thrusting coastline and wild waves that have pounded these shores.Tumultuous lovers Rita Hayworth and Orson Welles purchased a cliff top cabin while driving through Highway One that later became Nepenthe Restaurant (more of that later).

New York Like a Local

Planning a trip to fabulous New York City? Local foodie Elyse Pasquale gives the lowdown on the ultimate couples experiences the Big Apple has to offer.

» Please tell us a bit about yourself, your upcoming projects and your connection to New York.

I’m a food and travel writer who takes to the skies in search of the world’s best local food. As “Foodie International” I’ve flown more than half a million kilometres in the past three years, eating my way around more than 100 culinary destinations worldwide. When I’m not on the road, I’ve called New York City home for the past 15 years.