Gyeongju, South Korea

For a break from Western-style luxury, consider a night in this facsimile of a Silla palace, whose design was derived from nearby archaeological sites. Carpenters and wood carvers from across the country were recruited to build the complex, which comprises 16 traditional houses connected by pillared walkways and interlocking courtyards. Each functions like a suite, with its own living room and sleeping area (offering a choice of regular beds or Korean mattresses on under-heated ondol floors), and exclusive onsen tubs, supplied with hot water from an underground spring. It may not be as ancient as it looks, but the Ragung Resort is undeniably romantic.