Travel Trumps Therapy in Strengthening Relations
By Hermoine Macura-Noble
Special to The Times Kuwait
New research suggests the most powerful spark for romance may lie not in traditional gifts, but in passports and plane tickets. While many couples turn to therapy to strengthen their bond, psychologists say shared travel experiences can be even more effective in deepening emotional connection.
“Romance is not about routine gestures, it is about shared discoveries, new experiences and unforgettable moments,” says Jacques Claudel, general manager at Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort in Morocco.
Science agrees. Studies published in the Journal,Personality and Social Psychology show that couples who engage in novel activities together experience higher relationship satisfaction and stronger emotional bonds. The reason? Shared adventures activate the brain’s reward system—releasing dopamine, the same feel-good chemical associated with early-stage love.
Renowned relationship expert Dr. Terri Orbuch, known as ‘The Love Doctor’, has long advocated for shared experiences as a key to long-term connection. In her publicly available guidance, she notes, “Couples who break out of routine and try something new together reignite the excitement that brought them together in the first place.”
Similarly, licensed marriage therapist Aaron Anderson, director of The Marriage and Family Clinic in Colorado, USA, has stated in his relationship advice resources, “Travel forces couples to communicate, problem-solve, and experience joy together; the three ingredients that strengthen intimacy far more effectively than sitting on opposite sides of a therapy couch.”
This trend is especially visible among GCC travelers, who are increasingly seeking destinations that offer both luxury and cultural resonance. From beachfront rooms to bespoke spa rituals and gourmet dining, many couples are seeking both indulgence and authenticity.
In the GCC region, several hotels stand out as premier sanctuaries for couples looking to reconnect, including luxury ocean-front wellness resort, Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort in Morocco, the iconic Burj Al Arab Jumeirah in Dubai, and the Four Seasons Resort in Bahrain Bay, which includes an overwater spa, lush landscaping, and refined Arabian hospitality.
Whether it is wandering ancient souqs, indulging in spa rituals, or waking up to panoramic sea views, travel invites couples to step away from routine and back into connection. So, this holiday season, experts suggest swapping therapy appointments for boarding passes. Why sit in a psychologist’s office discussing your relationship, when you can explore, discover, and fall in love all over again through travel.
By Hermoine Macura-Noble
The first Australian English speaking News Anchor in the Middle East. She is also the Author of Faces of the Middle East and Founder of US-based 501c3 charity – The House of Rest which helps to ease the suffering of victims of war. For more from our Contributing Editor, you can follow her on Instagram, here.
