The Best Honeymoons and Romantic Getaways for Couples
February 14, 2020 by Allison Reiber DiLiegro
Are you thinking about whisking someone away on a romantic getaway? We think that’s a wonderful idea (and we’re sure they’ll agree). Honeymoons get all the press, but there are many good reasons to plan a romantic weekend, from anniversaries and birthdays to taking time to reconnect after a busy project.
While everyone’s idea of a love-filled weekend will be different, – some prefer wine tasting while others opt for a sandy beach – a few elements practically promise a wonderful trip: quality time, special surprises and (why not?) a particularly gorgeous suite. We’ve assembled a few of our most romantic properties to inspire you.
Tetiaroa, French Polynesia
If the warm breeze of the South Pacific tickles your imagination, let The Brando bring the fantasy to life. Set on Marlon Brando’s private island, The Brando is ultra-luxurious, super-exclusive and eco-friendly. In other words, it’s a splurge you can feel good about. Each of the 35 villas has a private infinity pool and its own strip of sand. With the friendly staff, private island freedom and all-inclusive pricing, you’ll feel like the island is all yours. Romance is guaranteed: Stargaze from a hammock, snorkel over buzzing reefs or explore the lagoon on a kayak. After a day in the sun, head to the Varua Te Ora Polynesian Spa for a treatment fit for royals. (The Royal family used to come to the island for beauty rituals.)
The room: Each one-bedroom villa has a private pool surrounded by pandanus, miki miki and coconut trees, with the beach just steps away.
The moment: Spotting a humpback whale breaching in the distance while you sip mojitos on the beach.
Millahue Valley, Chile
Set in Chile’s picturesque wine country, Puro Vik was made for wine- and design-lovers. Opened in 2019, Puro Vik is the sister property to Vik Chile, known for its world-class art collection and award-winning winery, Viña Vik. Puro Vik is comprised of 19 glass casas, each hand-designed by the Viks and perfectly placed for stunning views of the landscape. Days are spent exploring the countryside on horseback, unwinding in the holistic wine spa and, of course, sipping the home-grown Cabernet Sauvignon.
The room: You can’t go wrong. Each glass-walled casa comes with a hot tub on the terrace and sweeping views of the valley.
The moment: Horseback riding to a picnic among the vines.
Botswana, Zimbabwe and Kenya
For nature-loving lovebirds, there’s no magic like the safari. From the quiet moments watching elephants graze to the thrill of catching a chase, safaris create indelible memories. Great Plains offers a range of luxurious, eco-friendly safari camps in Botswana, Zimbabwe and Kenya. While each destination has its own unique benefits (contact us if you’d like to learn more), Botswana feels particularly romantic as it’s so remote, like you have it all to yourselves. Days may include a bush walk, a game drive, an afternoon massage, a bubble bath and sundowners overlooking the lagoon.
The room: Zarafa Camp’s luxury safari tents are lush and sprawling, with a private plunge pool where you can spot animals on the lagoon.
The moment: Waking up from an afternoon nap to see an elephant strolling below your stilted suite.
Nosy Ankao, Madagascar
Just off Madagascar, on the remote island of Nosy Ankao, TIME + TIDE Miavana is a beachy paradise that makes a grand finale to a safari or a show-stopping destination all its own. Barefoot and breezy yet totally luxurious, each villa comes with a private pool, a butler and direct access to the Indian Ocean. Days are spent reading on the beach, indulging in in-villa spa treatments and sipping Champagne sundowners. If lazy beach days aren’t for you, there are plenty of opportunities for adventure. Couples can take an exhilarating helicopter trip to northern Madagascar to spot lemurs in the wild, go whale watching or try kiteboarding and windsurfing.
The room: The one-bedroom villas are private and romantic, with floor-to-ceiling windows so you can wake up to sparkling views of the Indian Ocean.
The moment: A boat ride to your own private cove on a deserted island, where you’ll spend the day snorkeling, paddle boarding and picnicking.
North Malé Atoll, Maldives
Fresh from a renovation, Gili Lankanfushi epitomizes romance with its “No News, No Shoes”. This island sanctuary is set on its own private island boasting 45 overwater bungalows with picturesque views set in the heart of the Maldives in the North Malé Atoll. The property wows guests at every turn with its eco-friendly design that blends seamlessly into its pristine surroundings. Spend the day reef diving or have your toes in the sand enjoying a refreshing cocktail at the Overwater Bar or venturing to the to the Meera Spa to retreat for one of the sumptuous Gili Well-Being Journeys.
The room: For those looking for seclusion, retreat to the luxurious ocean-facing Residence villas which are located at the end of the two jetties. After a day of exploring, unwind on your private rooftop terrace where your Mr. Friday can set up a bed beneath the stars.
The moment: Head out to sea and feel the ocean breeze for a sunset cruise on the resort’s Riviera Yacht. Afterwards, savor a romantic candle-lit beach dinner with your toes in the sand.
Laamu Atoll, Maldives
With overwater villas, powdery white sand and buzzing coral reefs, the Maldives holds a special allure for beach lovers. Set on one of the more remote islands in the Maldives, Six Senses Laamu is blessed with rich sea life, incredible quiet and a dark sky for stargazing. Days can be spent lounging on your overwater hammock, snorkeling over technicolor fish and being pampered in secluded spa “nests.” The honeymoon package includes five nights in a villa, breakfast, round-trip domestic transfers, a 60-minute couple’s massage, a private sunset cruise, a BBQ dinner on the beach, an in-villa Champagne breakfast and more treats to keep you on your toes.
The room: The lavish Ocean Water Villa with a Pool features an upper and lower deck, a private pool and an overwater glass-bottomed soaking tub.
The moment: A candlelit dinner on the beach arranged by your Guest Experience Maker. Make it a surprise with a sunset walk.
Papagayo Peninsula, Costa Rica
For lush wilderness, eco-friendly luxury and plenty of privacy, head to Kasiiya on Costa Rica’s Papagayo Peninsula. Kasiiya has just five tented suites over 123 acres of private beach and lush forest. The suites are eco-friendly but totally luxurious with ample space, sleek wood furnishings, breezy linens, air conditioning and stunning views. Guests are invited to create their own experience with the help of the engaging team, with activities like water sports, spa treatments, movement classes in the “Jungle Gym,” yoga and morning meditations.
The room: The Laughing Whale suites offer privacy and panoramic ocean views from the sprawling terrace.
The moment: A seaside meditation session and yoga class on the private virgin beach, followed by a swim.
Zakynthos, Greece
There’s a reason the Greek islands have a reputation for romance. Lesante Blu, set on the island of Zakynthos, delivers that iconic experience. There are whitewashed facades that contrast with bright blue skies, spectacular sunsets and delicious Mediterranean meals of fresh seafood and crisp local wines. Yet Lesante Blu offers an experience all its own. It’s sleek, sexy, luxurious and – it must be said – adults-only, for a sophisticated, luxurious feel. Days are spent lounging by the pool, relaxing by the private white sand pebbled beach or jetting off to explore the picturesque village of Tragaki.
The room: The Honeymoon Suite comes with an expansive terrace, a private pool and sweeping sea views.
The moment: Spending the day sunning yourselves on a private yacht charter around the island.
Grenada
A visit to Grenada’s shores is marked by pristine natural beauty where sparkling, azure waters meet stretches of pure white sands. Unwind luxuriously together in Grenada’s spice island teaming with exotic forests, fruit trees and fragrant, tropical blooms. Enjoy picturesque ocean views from your well-appointed suite or gorgeous villa. Surrender to the island’s natural beauty set on Grand Anse beach with two miles of soft white sand, clear waters, calm breezes and a 339-foot pool infinity pool-the longest in the Caribbean-that seems to drop right into the sea.
The room: The resort’s modern architecture breathes of elegance and simplicity. The spacious Ocean View rooms offer picture-perfect views of the endless Atlantic and the gardens.
The moment: Venture for a morning hike and treat yourself to a rejuvenating spa treatment inspired by the spices of the island. Savor a romantic dinner at Asiatique while taking in the breathtaking sunset.
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- Chablé Resort
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- Temazcal Ceremony
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- Chablé Maroma
Yucatán & Riviera Maya, Mexico
For couples seeking lush scenery and a soulful wellness program, Chablé Resort and Chablé Maroma are calling. Chablé Resort, set in a leafy jungle on the Yucatan peninsula, is a magical, remote hideaway where wellness and spirituality blend. Here, you’ll find Mayan rituals, yoga classes and sweat sessions in the traditional temazcal saunas. Beach-lovers might opt for Chablé Maroma, a plush beach retreat with its own excellent wellness program. Couples can indulge in spa treatments, take yoga classes or just lounge on the beach. Both properties offer delicious Mexican cuisine and a truly impressive tequila collection. (See? Wellness destinations can be fun, too).
The room: Chablé Maroma’s freestanding one-bedroom villa offers plenty of privacy and a private pool. At Chablé Resort, the spacious casitas feature glass walls that let the Mayan jungle envelop you.
The moment: Morning yoga in Chablé Resort’s cenote, or watching the sunrise at Chablé Maroma over warm coffee and pastries, left outside your villa at dawn.
There’s more romance where this came from. Contact us at mail@hiddendoorwaystravel.com to learn more about honeymoon destinations and romantic getaways from our bespoke travel collection.
