Five of the Most Romantic Luxury Resorts in the World by Jill Starley-Grainger
Featured Hotel in Koh Kood
Soneva Kiri by Six Senses
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Six Senses Soneva Kiri, Thailand
The flight to Six Senses Soneva Kiri sets the mood. At Bangkok Airport, the two of you will be escorted to a small eight-seater plane with old-world good looks (but modern technology) - leather seats, walnut trim and charming pilots. After 100 minutes of soaring over the lush islands and crystal-clear waters in the Gulf of Thailand, you’ll arrive at a jungle paradise in the country’s southeast corner.
Live out your Tarzan and Jane fantasies in extraordinary Eco Villa, or go Colonial-chic in a Beach Villa. With large lap pools, indoor and outdoor living areas, open-air showers and baths, and plenty of jungle privacy for getting back to nature, there’s no need to leave your accommodation.
And your personal Thai-smiley Girl or Guy Friday is a phone call away to see to all your needs, whether a couples’ Thai massage in the spa, a private picnic on the resort’s pristine white beach, a rom-com flick with popcorn at the open-air cinema or a night of moon-viewing in the small observatory.
Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra, India
With the Taj Mahal, the world’ s greatest monument to love, as your inspiration, a stay in the fairytale setting of Oberoi Amarvilas is pure romance. Couples stroll hand in hand among the terraced lawns, past reflection pools, fountains and pretty pavilions.
Romantics can expect royal treatment, with such pleasures as intimate al fresco dinners on your private terrace or in the poolside pavilion, accompanied by the soft strains of live Indian classical music.
If you’re feeling extravagant express your feelings with a fireworks display or sweep your beloved off her feet and onto the back of an elephant in full regalia, as rose petals are strewn in your path by maidens in colourful silk saris.
Contributed by Hallie Campbell.
Bilila Lodge Kempinski
Set in Tanzania's stunning Serengeti National Park, the new Bilila Lodge Kempinski is all about romance. With just 74 rooms, the resort is intimate and cosy but has all the perks you'd expect from a bigger hotel, such as the Anantara Spa and a cooling infinity pool. Although the rooms are plush, the real attraction is outside.
Teak decks offer jaw-dropping views over the wilderness, and even a personal telescope for game watching or star gazing. Tear yourself away from the resort for a dawn game-drive, or just relax by the pool while elephants graze below. Toast a spectacular day with sundowners with a view.
Contributed by Rowena Carr-Allinson.
Pink Sands, Harbour Island, Bahamas
A beach that lives up to the hype (it really is the softest of soft pinks), 25 stylish one-bed cottages hidden in 20 acres of tropical gardens, and perennially cheerful staff – but what makes Pink Sands really special is the fact that it is on irresistible Harbour Island (pop 2,000), a short hop from Nassau.
The capital, Dunmore, is picture-perfect cute with a selection of eccentric bars and eateries, including one run by a cheerful chap called Hitler. Many romantic hideaways can be a teensy bit dull come sundown – at Pink Sands you won’t be bored for a moment.
Contributed by Ed Reeves.
Alila Villas Hadahaa, The Maldives
‘Cerulean waters’, ‘marooned’, ‘deserted atoll’, ‘swaying palms’... All well-used words that spring to mind when confronted with Alila’s latest offering in the Maldives. And it would be a screaming cliché (albeit an absolutely stunning one) – if it didn’t broadside you with a huge blast of minimalist cool.
Packed with clean lines and playful riffs on Indian Ocean standards (grass-roofed water villas are offset by a poolside bar to match the sleekest of Scandinavian art galleries and a restaurant like an upturned Viking longboat), Alila Villas Hadahaa is a romantic retreat for style junkies.
Contributed by Ben Cooper.
If you're planning a trip away with a loved one, be sure to check out our stellar collection of romantic hotels.
Or, Visit 101 Honeymoons for more romantic hotels and honeymoon ideas.