Our favourite luxury romantic getaways
Published on: September 5th, 2017
Last modified: March 21st, 2024
Luxury romantic getaways should give you time to relax, indulge and enjoy some quality time with your other half.
You want to be able to forget the stresses of everyday life; these escapes that combine idyllic seclusion with stress-free ease are ideal.
Our list has been carefully curated to include only the most exclusive, luxury havens that will make for the most sublime romantic break.
1) North Island, the Seychelles
A secluded island paradise, the Seychelles’ North Island is a winner when it comes to luxury romantic getaways. With only one hotel on the island, this gem in the middle of the Indian Ocean is one place that can genuinely be called heaven on earth. Just a fifteen minute helicopter ride from the larger Mahe Island and fit for a royal couple, there’s nowhere quite like it.
As deliciously secluded as if you’d been shipwrecked, but with a lot more comfort than Robinson Crusoe would have had (think private palapa-style villas, elegant beach piazza, wine cellar, library, spa and gym, boutique shop and sumptuous cuisine), you won’t ever want to leave this slice of Eden.
2) Palazzo Margherita, Bernalda, Puglia, Italy
Get off the beaten track in Italy in the gorgeous hilltop town of Bernalda, where you’ll find this authentic 19th century palazzo restored by none other than Francis Ford Coppola, whose intention was to introduce visitors to this stunning and still undiscovered region. Tourists are still such a rarity here that you will be welcomed as friends wherever you go.
Think beautifully restored frescoes and original marble floors, terraces and balconies opening onto baroque gardens with a picturesque courtyard. Then add tasteful modernisations such as a swimming pool, a cinema specialising in Italian Cinema and a private suite designed by Sofia Coppola complete with a hammam and chromatherapy shower – and you start to get the idea. Palazzo Margherita is possibly the most decadent luxury romantic getaway we’ve included on this list, but it’s worth every penny.
Visit the small, prettily bustling town, eat at the Cinecittà Bar, a traditional café and pizzeria that spills out onto main street looking over the town square, explore the Puglian countryside by bike, visit local artisans and dip into local wine tastings, or take the complimentary shuttle to the Palazzo’s private beach club nestled against the balmy Ionian sea: this is a real Italian paradise.
3) RAAS Devigarh, Udaipur, India
Few places are as serenely romantic as the city of Udaipur, with its grand palaces reflected in shining lakes and encircled by the wooded Aravalli hills. With its rich cultural history, sublimely ornate temples, palaces and forts, tumbling alleys and streets, ancient bazaars and vibrant arts scene, the city will transport you into another world entirely.
For the utmost tranquility, base yourself in the heart of the surrounding countryside at RAAS Devigarh, a romantic hill-top palace transformed into a luxurious boutique retreat. Its ornate 250-year-old-architecture is combined with elegant modern craftsmanship to create an airy white marble haven, brimming with balconies and windowseats in which to nestle as well as private sundecks and sparkling pools.
Explore the countryside by horse, mountain bike or on foot, visit the nearby villages and temples, relax and indulge at the spa, take a rooftop yoga class, sip a sunset cocktail at the bar, and tuck into the sumptuous Indian and international cuisine at the restaurant.
The best of the rest
4) Nihi Sumba Island, Indonesia
Sumba‘s private island retreat, Nihi Sumba, is a romantic island retreat par excellence. With its private beach coves, whitewashed beaches, picturesque terraced rice fields and tropical forest, it has the kind of untouched natural beauty that people only dream of. Swim in natural waterfall pools, horseback ride through the emerald jungle, and dine privately in one of the resort’s secluded romantic spots.
5) Singita Faru Faru, Tanzania
For a wildly romantic safari getaway, you can’t do much better than The Grumeti, Tanzania’s largest private reserve, which offers hot air balloon safaris and gives you 350,000 acres of untouched wilderness all to yourself. At Faru Faru Lodge you can sit back and relax in the utmost luxury as the migrations come to you, alongside mountain biking, relaxing in the spa, and dining under the stars in this truly stunning corner of the world.
6) The Brando, French Polynesia
The favoured island retreat of Tahitian royalty before Marlon Brando fell in love with it and built his luxury resort here, the Tetiaroa atoll of French Polynesia was made for lovers to lose themselves in its airy, ethereal beauty. Bright, airy villas with private plunge pools blend harmoniously into their surroundings, whitewashed beaches slope into pristine waters, and you’ll find a luxurious spa nestled among the tropical flowers of the lush green interior.
7) Karmairi Hotel Spa, Cartagena, Colombia
Labelled the ‘Florence of South America’ for its historic beauty and wealth of culture, Cartagena is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and setting of Gabriel García Marquéz’ famous novel ‘Love in the Time of Cholera’. For perfect romantic seclusion just outside the city, stay in the stunning spa hotel of Karmairi, whose private beach and luxury spa make the perfect base from which to discover this dreamy swathe of the Caribbean coast.
8) Amanjiwo, Java
Enjoy an atmospheric romantic getaway with a difference amongst the misty volcanic mountains of Java. Immersed in this headily dramatic landscape, splashed with ancient cities and brimming with cultural heritage and legend, stay at the luxurious and decadend Amanjiwo over looking the world-famous 9th century Buddhist sanctuary of Borobudur, where you can watch the sunrise over the majestic Mount Merapi with a private tour.
9) The Aleenta Pranburi, Cha Am & Hua Hin, Thailand
Just a couple of hours’ drive from Bangkok, this resort fringing a pretty Thai fishing town offers an authentic and serene Thai experience, boasting vast stretches of romantic beaches, fresh and tasty seafood, and tours to Thailand‘s most beautiful national park. Guestrooms come with private decks and are designed with a simple modernist décor that makes the utmost use of the natural light that floods in.
10) Tongabezi, Livingstone & Victoria Falls, Zambia
For a romantic alternative to flying, take the overnight train to this fairytale spot near the unforgettable Victoria Falls. Spectacular sunset cruises and helicopter tours over the falls will give you memories to last a lifetime, whilst romantic riverfront cottages with a private plunge pool and exclusive garden make for a heavenly hideaway.
11) El Mangroove, Costa Rica
Golden secluded beaches, a laid back approach to life and exotic natural surrounds make the Guanacaste Coast a lovely romantic destination. El Mangroove makes a more personal alternative to the larger resorts of the area with its atmosphere of barefoot chic, and offers a sublime range of activities from fishing to yoga and surfing, as well as some truly excellent Peruvian and Argentinian cuisine.
12) Hotel Marques de Riscal, La Rioja, Spain
This design-focused boutique hotel and winery is the masterpiece of architectural genius Frank Gehry, set in La Rioja‘s quaint town of Elciego. Delight in its Michelin star cuisine and impressive wine list, explore the stunning La Rioja countryside with balloon rides, biking and horseback riding alongside wine tours and tastings, or even indulge in their Vinotherapy spa. Nothing short of perfection for oenophiles and romantics alike.
13) Annandale, Christchurch, New Zealand
Romance doesn’t get more idyllically secluded than at Annandale’s Seascape Villa. Nestled amongst the utter seclusion of a 40,000 acre working coastal on the Banks Peninsula, its glass facade looks out over sweeping ocean views, and its open fireplace, wooden ceilings, outdoor lounge area and sheepskin rugs all add to its feeling of wild, luxurious isolation.
14) Aman Sveti Stefan, Montenegro
This rustic and luxurious seaside hamlet, with its quaint stone houses, cobbled lanes, courtyards and red tiled roofs, is joined to the mainland by nothing but a narrow isthmus, providing a charming hideaway with its three sweeping beaches. Enjoy its opulent spa, gym and yoga studios, fresh locally sourced cuisine, and wild romantic landscape of mountains, forests, lakes and ancient historic towns.
Our ultimate romantic example trips...
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