It seems Mother Nature is in cahoots with Cupid. She has lovingly kissed the world with assorted heart shaped islands, lakes, rocks, reefs and forests that can’t help but make you smile. Looking for a special location to pop the question, or want to share some geographic love with your significant other? Just in time for Valentines Day, here are 19 heart shaped landmarks from all corners, heights and depths of the globe. Swoon away.
1. Tupai Atoll, French Polynesia
This uninhabited atoll just north of Bora Bora has to be the most romantic-looking place on the planet. Not only is its reef and outline heart shaped, its inner lagoon echos this form as well. A fly-over gives a couple a birds-eye view of the amorous atoll, but you can also arrange a day visit. Not surprisingly, this Polynesian paradise is popular for proposals and weddings.
2. Shimshal Lake, Pakistan
This remote lake in the Hunza Valley of Pakistan only recently had road access anywhere near it. Seen from above, it makes one of the most perfect cookie-cutter landmarks of the symbol of love.
3. Galernjak, Croatia (sp)
Galešnjak island is another naturally occurring landmass in this flirty form. It’s also referred to as the Island of Love and Lover’s Island. The amorous Adriatic island isn’t really accessible for visits, but you can admire its outline on Google Earth.
4. Nakulele Point, Maui
We heart this little hole in the rocks near the Nakulele blowhole. It almost looks fake and made made, but this is nature’s handiwork, lovingly carved by the wind and the waves. Just be careful not to get too close to the gushing blowhole when trying to take a picture of this feature.
5. Makepiece Island, Australia
If you have deep pockets, you can sweep your valentine off to Makepiece Island near Noosa Head, Queensland, along with 20 of your closest friends. Richard Branson owns this luxurious heart shaped retreat, but when he’s not there this Balinese-styled sanctuary can be yours for about AUD$8,000 a night.
6. Joshuah Tree, California
Joshuah Tree National Park is an otherworldly desertscape of prehistoric trees and boulders that lure hikers and rock climbers from all over. There are several rocky heart shaped landmarks within this spectacular Mojave Desert habitat.
7. Heart Shaped Island, Maldives
As if being a tropical paradise in the Indian Ocean isn’t romantic enough, one of the Maldives’ 1,190 coral islands has to go and be heart shaped. Sigh.
8. Tung Talay Luang Island, Thailand
Okay, so man had a hand in the making of this heart shaped island in Sukothai, Thailand. It’s still an adorable landmark, built as an irrigation project after the floods of 1995.
9. Boldt Castle on Heart Island, New York
This getaway in the Thousand Islands region of the St. Lawrence River has a heart-breaking history. George Bolt, the wealthy manager of the Waldorf-Astoria in 1900, set out to build a dream six-story castle here as a present for his beloved wife. He even made some minor modifications to the land to make it even more heart shaped. Sadly, she died in 1904 and the construction was abandoned for 73 years. However, it has since undergone a $15 million restoration and is now more glorious than old George ever envisioned. Visitors can explore the island, castle and yacht house, and even host weddings here.
10. Trnovacko Lake, Montenegro
This lovely lake in the mountains of Montenegro is a popular spot for hikers and campers. It’s located in Sutjeska National Park.
11. Heart Shaped Cutout, Corsica
The heart of Corsica lies in Les calanches de Piana within the island’s Regional Natural Park. Views of these rugged red rocks are sweetened by this naturally carved symbol.
12. Isla Corazon, Ecuador
Within the Chone River near Ecuador’s Bahía de Caráquez lies a naturally heart shaped mangrove island. It is a nesting site for one of the world’s largest colonies of frigate birds. Who knew those snatchy seabirds were so romantic? You can take a tour to explore this rich ecosystem by canoe.
13. Heart Shaped Road, Slovenia
Amongst the vineyards of Slovenia lies this heart shaped road. It’s not necessarily the most direct route, but it sure makes a pretty picture.
14. Heart Lake, Olympic National Park, Washington
Here’s another lake basin you gotta love. The mountains and trails of Olympic National Park are spectacular enough, but having a heart shaped surprise nestled in there just makes it all the more special.
15. El Pico de las Nieves Forest, Canary Islands
From the ground, you can’t see the forest for the trees. But if you view it from a certain angle above, its outline might make you heart beat faster.
16. Heart Reef, Australia
The coral reefs around the Whitsunday Islands are a stunning natural wonder. This particularly romantic formation off the coast of Airlie Beach has risen to iconic travel brochure status, and is the focal point of many scenic seaplane tours around the area.
17. Okinawa Reef, Japan
True love knows no depth, except in this case when it appears at about 18m underwater. This SCUBA site near Irabu Island features this heart shaped rock arch. Divers love to see it while exploring the shallow caves and tunnels in the area.
18. Harbor Island, Main
Doesn’t this adorable woodsy island near Brooksville, Main make your heart soar? It’s been listed for sale from time to time, but is now owned and protected by the Maine Coast Heritage Trust.
19. Tavarua Island, Fiji
This scenic South Pacific darling is ideal for surfing, sailboarding, kite-surfing, SUP, diving, fishing and any other activity its shape might inspire you and your valentine to partake in.
