CASABLANCA
We start the list with the earliest, but probably most well known, Casablanca (Michael Curtiz, Warner Bros, 1942). In the city of the same title, the film is set in the midst of WWII, as a cynical nightclub owner protects an old lover and her husband from Nazis.
Only a short journey from the Strait Of Gibraltar (and thus the Mediterranean Sea) Casablanca is surprisingly accessible by boat. Most famous for its incredibly intricate and beautiful ‘Hassan II Mosque’, the city also boasts an abundance of cultural history dating back to the 7th Century.
A short distance along the coast (South of the city) you will find beautiful stretches of white sand beaches and grassy plains.
If you’re used to spending time along the French Riviera or just experienced in the ‘language of love‘ you’ll find it easy to communicate in Casablanca as most of the locals are bi-lingual in both Arabic and French.
RYANS DAUGHTER
Our second romantic movie on this list is the 1970’s Irish film, Ryans Daughter (David Lean, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, 1970).
Set in the wake of the 1916 Easter Rising, a married woman in a small Irish village has an affair with a troubled British Officer.
Ireland has always been a mystical backdrop for Hollywood drama, fantasy and indie films. Now, Lean, the director of ‘Bridge Over the River Kwai’ and ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ takes us to this incredible Atlantic facing stretch of coastline.
With striking rock formations and stunning sunsets across the endless horizons, this south west corner of Ireland will take you to another era as you sail alongside this area of cinematic history. (A certain Jedi Master was also filmed on the rock face of this beautiful coastline back in 2017)
Why not take a hiking excursion so you can experience the views at height looking over the vast, ragged cliffs and choppy waters below, and bask in the warm glow of the setting sun?
SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE
Tom Hanks stars as a widowed single father on the search for a second chance at love, of which a local radio station happens to find for him on the other side of the country in Baltimore (Nora Ephron, Tri Star Pictures, 1993).
Our third choice is a bit of a curveball. Seattle, the most metropolitan location on this list is located in the North West of the US in Washington State.
Whilst not on the direct coastline of the country, Seattle is tucked away in a fabulously scenic area of the world. 100km south of Vancouver this area can get a little wet and chilly however it encompasses endless days out and things to do in a small but busy area.
The island city is famous for its largest building, the Space Needle which can be seen from miles before you approach the city via water and the view only becomes more impressive as you sail closer.
Providing many spots to dock up and explore the city you’ll be struck with fascinating cultural history from the Native Indians to the current cosmopolitan districts found all across the ‘Seaport City’. Far in the distance you will be greeted by Glacier Peak, a snowcapped mountain hugging the outskirts of the city and surrounding boroughs.
Seattle is surrounded by over 7 national parks and reserves, protecting the natural beauty of the area, so once you are finished in the city why not take a sea tour and visit some of the surrounding locations such as Victoria, Port Angeles or the breathtaking Pacific Rim National Park.
50 FIRST DATES
This contemporary classic starring, award winning Drew Barrymore and funnyman co-star Adam Sandler is set on the beautiful Hawaiian island of Oahu.
Henry (Sandler) is a commitment-fobe but when he first lays eyes on Lucy in a cafe he instantly falls for this beautiful girl. However, Lucy (Barrymore) suffers a concussion which wipes her memory from all following days from the accident. Henry is then tasked to reintroduce himself and start their relationship over every day thereafter.
Reminiscent of Groundhog Day this film ditches the icy grey city and smelly rodent for a the picturesque island of Oahu.
Whilst still classed as a US State, this chain of Islands is nothing like you will find on mainland USA.
Surrounded by incredible coral reefs, turquoise water and golden beaches this Island has to be the ultimate romantic couples spot. From its unique culture to exquisite cuisines and peaceful, friendly locals, Oahu welcomes you with warm glorious sands and luscious green forests.
The island isn’t short of excursion activities either. From water-sports and scuba diving to forest hikes and tasting local, fresh produce there is plenty to do on this tranquil island paradise.
THE LIGHT BETWEEN OCEANS
Finally in our list, the most recent release, The Light Between Oceans (Derek Cianfrance, Dream Works, 2016) stars Micheal Fassbender, Alicia Vikander & Rachel Weisz.
When a lighthouse keeper and his wife lose their children they discover a baby alone in a boat, which they raise as their own; until they discover the identity of the true mother.
Despite being the most melancholic film of our selection, Otaku, New Zealand is full of grand landscapes, vibrant grass meadows and beautiful sapphire oceans. Unlike the Irish cliffs of Ryans Daughter the rock faces found in this part of the world are fascinatingly alien. Featuring multicoloured layers of minerals and rock the smooth sides of the land form arches, stacks and spits twisting in and around small bays.
On a calm day this area is truly magnificent to behold. The peace and quiet of the area is the ideal get away from a hectic city life back home. In the vicinity is the beautiful town of Dunedin, great for catching a bit of local culture and coffee. The area offers great wildlife viewing and many coastal hiking areas for those who like to keep active on their time away. Tunnel beach (pictured) is a must see for the areas famous rock archway, great for those travel snaps and swimming selfies!
While we wish your trip isn’t like the often traumatic lives featured in The Light Between Oceans, we do know you’ll fall in love with the beautiful area this film was located and shot.
We hope this list encourages you to visit one (or all!) of these remarkable places with someone you love. Whether it is for Valentines day or a vacation alike, these locations have all been chosen by the Directors for their unique expression of love. What they have to offer differs vastly, from urban cityscapes to sandy shores but all are perfect destinations for couples that love adventure, and each other.
