For those who dream of the ultimate winter wonderland, it doesn’t get more magical than Lapland. Located in the northernmost part of Finland, this mystical place is known for its furry reindeer, huskies, midnight sun, the Northern Lights and Santa, who’s hometown is Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland. Romantic experiences abound in this snowy land for lovers seeking a remote and unique getaway. Take a reindeer ride through snowy forests as you cuddle up inside a wooden sleigh, visit Santa Claus Village and meet the jolly man himself, take the plunge and go ice swimming before warming up in a traditional sauna, go snowshoeing in pristine freshly fallen snow, and then spend the night in an igloo or tree house with the Northern Lights dancing above you.

Nestled within a box canyon in the Colorado Rockies and surrounded by magnificently towering mountain peaks, lies the beautiful resort town of Telluride. Boasting exceptional snow quality, crystal-clear sunny days and luxury shopping, dining, spas and accommodation, this is the top-notch snow vacay for discerning couples who are as serious about their snow activities as they are their après. This once sleepy mining town from the late 1800s has preserved its unique heritage well, and its two centres, connected by scenic gondola ride, are quaint yet bustling. Historic Telluride is lined with charming cafes, boutiques and a clock tower while the more contemporary Mountain Village offers fine dining restaurants, world-class accommodations and skier services. When you’re not hitting the slopes, take your romance to new heights in a hot air balloon ride, hike up to Bridal Veil Falls and see the state’s longest free-falling waterfall, catch a show at Sheridan Opera House, bliss out in a luxury spa, and dine on an exquisite five-course meal in the highest-altitude restaurant in America, Alpino Vino.

Sitting on the shore of Lake Wakatipu and set against the majestic mountain backdrop of the Southern Alps in New Zealand’s South Island, Queenstown is a vision to behold. An alpine playground for the adventurous at heart, thrill-seeking couples will love skiing its world-class terrain, bungy jumping, white water rafting and speeding through narrow canyons on the famous Shotover Jet. Couples seeking something a little less adrenalin fuelled can go wine tasting at Brennan Wines or Chard Farm, explore the charming and historic Arrowtown, take a scenic sunset gondola ride to the top of Bob’s Peak, relax in a hot tub whilst taking in stunning panoramic views, and indulge in a fine dining degustation dinner at one of the fancy lakeside restaurants. Choose to stay in a secluded boutique luxury lodge such as Azur Lodge, Stoneridge Estate and Mt Rosa Lodge.

The French know their stuff when it comes to romance and Quebéc, the French region of Canada, dishes it out in spades. A must-see is the UNESCO World Heritage listed Old Quebéc, dating back 400 years. Step back in time as you navigate its cobble-stoned streets and charming neighbourhoods, exploring an astonishing array of architecture, heritage, art and culture. During winter, this fairytale city is blanketed in soft white snow, appearing more magical than ever, and during the months of December through to March, there are plenty of festivities and activities taking place. Meander through the variety of Christmas markets and pick out a special trinket for your loved one, watch the fireworks light up the sky on New Year’s Eve, admire ice sculptures at Carnaval de Quebec, take a horse-drawn carriage ride through town, and spend a night at the enchanting Hótel de Glace made entirely of snow and ice.

With its cobble stoned streets, historic Charles Bridge arching over Vltava River and magnificent Prague Castle, this Eastern European city looks like it came straight out of a fairy tale. Utterly charming, the timeless romance of Prague can be felt all around, and the most memorable and romantic way to explore it is on a horse-drawn carriage ride through the winding streets of Old Town. Sip on mulled wine and stroll hand-in-hand through the Prague Christmas Markets, enjoy a dinner cruise along the river with a side a of live jazz aboard the Jazz Boat, and go ice skating in the middle of Old Town.

While the springtime cherry blossom season may be more synonymous with romance in Japan, the sparkling white winter makes for a truly special time to visit, offering the ideal opportunity to explore the country beyond the cities. With its stunning and diverse natural landscape, combined with culture, history, mouth-watering cuisine and myriad wellness offerings, Japan is an excellent destination for couples seeking the perfect mix of authenticity, immersion and of course, romance. Renowned for its pristine, powdery and heavy snowfalls, Hokkaido is the jewel in Japan’s snow crown and great for skiing and snowboarding of all levels. Off the terrain, check out the enchanting snow sculptures at the annual Sapporo Snow Festival, stroll through the charming European-style port city of Otaru, decorated with snowmen and candlelight every February, and warm up with sake, shabu-shabu (hot pot) and a hot onsen at one of the many romantic resorts or traditional ryokans (inns).