Honeymoon in Buenos Aires

Though BA faced tough economic times in the 1980s and '90s, it has since rebuilt itself as one of South America's sexiest cities. Would you expect anything less from the country that brought you tango and Evita?

Most of all, Buenos Aires is a city of neighborhoods. Puerto Madero is the newest hot spot, and the Rio de la Plata waterfront bustles with restaurants and clubs that cater to celebrities and trendsetters. Palermo lures 20- and 30-somethings with hip hotels, chic boutiques and hot nightlife. But elegant Recoleta is the city's heart.

From here you can stroll to many historic sites, including Recoleta Cemetery, where Eva Peron is buried, and the balconied Pink Palace, where she gave her stirring "Don't Cry for Me Argentina" speech. La Boca is farther afield, but this colorful barrio is worth the taxi ride for its brightly painted buildings and collection of nattily dressed tango dancers and related memorabilia shops. (The provocative dance got its start in this neighborhood.)

Of course, a city known for tango and wine is bound to have fantastic nightlife. Take a gastronomic tour, dining on grilled meats of every kind (washed down with local malbec, of course) at parrilla joints like Cabana Las Lilas and Sucre. Dinner starts late — think 10 p.m. — which is fine because the best milongas (tango clubs) don't even get started until midnight.

Honeymoon-worthy hotels:
Faena Hotel + Universe Philippe Starck brings his unique whimsy to a historic red-brick granary on the waterfront, with the end result recalling a super-cool movie set. "Universe" refers to all the sexy extras, like the Turkish-style spa, swanky Library Lounge and El Caberet, home to the city's sultriest tango dinner show. From NZ$1170.

Palacio Duhau — Park Hyatt Buenos Aires You'd expect accommodations in a palace to be posh; what's unexpected is the modern feel of this gorgeous hotel. Bonuses are the floor-to-ceiling windows in the sophisticated yet understated rooms, a top-notch wine bar and a prime spot on prestigious Avenida Alvear. From NZ$600.