Let’s hear it for New York concrete jungle where romantic dreams are made. If your summer of love is heating up like the temps in the city, head to these hotspots to cool off and cozy up for your next date night.
Explore NYC’s new floating island
Head off to a tropical oasis without leaving NYC at Little Island. Floating over the Hudson River at 13th Street, this whimsical new green space is filled with lush gardens (350 different floral and tree species), an amphitheater, a central plaza with food and drinks trucks, and various vantage points offering dazzling views over the Hudson River and Manhattan. Set to become a summer hotspot, head there for a meander, a picnic or to enjoy its curated art program, featuring artist installations, live performances, and events.
Escape to The Rockaways designer hotel
Further proof that The Rockaways is out to reclaim the glory and glamour of its heyday – and take on the Hamptons as New Yorker’s summer escape – is the arrival of the seriously chic The Rockaway Hotel inspired by the iconic beach peninsula’s surfing and cultural scene. Just steps from the beach, the hip new hang, whose design takes its cue from its laid back coastal surroundings through oceanic accents, retro color pops of blue, yellow, and pink and a touch of Scandinavian minimalism has an outdoor heated pool, a rooftop bar with live music and ocean views, a luxury spa, an elevated culinary program, and a lively events program that includes art installations, live music festivals, film screenings and all things fun and happening.
Sunset Sail
A luxury sunset sail to see spectacular Manhattan start to twinkle at the golden hour is beyond romantic, especially when the ship happens to be a vintage fishing wooden schooner (the last of its kind in existence). OK, the Sherman Zwicker doesn’t actually set sail, today this beauty is Grand Banks, a luxury oyster bar located near Pier 26 in TriBeCa that makes for the perfect date night of oysters, rose, crafted cocktails, and mesmerizing views. Crew, founded by brothers and lifelong sailors Alex and Miles Pincus, is the restaurant group behind Grand Banks and its sister waterfront maritime-inspired seafood-focused hotspots Drift In Pilot, and Island Oyster bringing a touch of the French Riviera meets Nantucket to NYC.
Cozy up in Central Park
There’s no place more romantic than Central Park, whose iconic scenery has played a starring role in many a romantic comedy. Think the Bow Bridge in ‘You’ve Got Mail,’ Carrie and Big falling into the lake at The Boathouse in Sex and the City7 and of course Shakespeare Garden, originally named Garden of the Heart it was renamed in 1916 in honor of the great playwright and features only plants from his plays. Belvedere Castle, next door, is another couples’ favorite set on the highest point of the park with a lake and field that is perfect for a romantic picnic. Check out our guide to the perfect luxury picnic and playlist here.
Cocktails with a View
NYC is all about awesome rooftop bars with killer views, but naturally, we have our favorites.
Refinery Hotel Rooftop: Fairy lights, an outdoor fountain, and a fireplace set the romantic vibe for NoMad’s most stunning view of the Empire State Building and Manhattan skyline. Head here at sundown for a signature cocktail, like the Baby Doll, a vodka, watermelon, vodka, pineapple, and lemon juice. JIMMY at ModernHaus: Towering 18 stories above Soho, JIMMY is one of the most adored – rooftop bars in the city. Inspired by Picasso’s blue period, JIMMY has its own pool and rooftop deck with epic views of Midtown, Wall Street, the Hudson River, and the bridges spanning the East River.
Also, add these amazing rooftop bars to your summer date night itinerary; Hotel 50 Bowery, Wythe Hotel, The Standard Highline, and East Village, Arlo Nomad, Hotel Hugo and Refinery Hotel, Archer Hotel, Jimmy, Hotel 50 Bowery, The Gansevoort, Fifteen Stories at The Mondrian Hotel. And of course, if you’re a member or are dating someone who is there’s the chic private members club Soho House and Dumbo House are the places to sip cocktails with the cool crowd, around the pool while enjoying romantic views of the city and in the case of Dumbo House, the beautiful Brooklyn Bridge.
Dine Alfresco
There are three reasons to visit the Roman and Williams Guild in Soho. To shop the renowned furniture and homeware emporium, to pick up stunning flowers from the florist, and to dine alfresco at NYC’s prettiest garden and most Parisian cafe, La Mercerie. Everything about the setting, food, and vibe is quintessential French romance from its stunning décor to its menu of French classics by Chef Marie Aude Rose. We especially love the idea of a romantic breakfast of crème anglaise and slices of brioche or Breton-style crepes served with creamed chicken.
