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When you picture a romantic escape, you might dream of the honeymoon suite at a luxury, adults-only resort with swim-up bar and daily spa treatments, or maybe an idyllic private villa surrounded by astonishing natural beauty, where each day yields another indulgent spa treatment. Our list of the world’s top ten best honeymoon resorts and adults-only destinations offers every imaginable type of romantic getaway to suit any time of year.
Bora Bora is quite simply one of the most breath-taking places on Earth: an ancient, craggy volcanic peak, densely clad in green, overlooking a lagoon that’s dappled in every imaginable shade of blue. Even the airport, set on one of the tiny atolls that circle the lagoon, is outrageously beautiful. Added to all that natural beauty is a collection of incredible luxury resorts whose overwater bungalows vie for the title of most extravagant, plus an intoxicating blend of French and Polynesian hospitality. Our favourite romantic experience: a gourmet picnic, complete with Champagne, on your very own private island.
Our pick: Sofitel Bora Bora Private Island
Over-water bungalows in Bora Bora
Endless beaches to laze upon, luxurious private villas that cater to your every whim, blissful spa retreats offering flower baths and traditional massages: Bali caters to every imaginable romantic experience. Watch the sunrise from atop a volcanic peak, go horseback riding along a deserted beach and then browse the Ubud markets for the perfect souvenir of your holiday. Our favourite romantic experience: attend a jewellery-making class and craft a unique piece for your loved one.
Our pick: Samanvaya Luxury Resort & Spa
Relaxing in outdoor bath with flowers in Bali
This UNESCO World Heritage Site has been popular as a luxury destination for at least two centuries, so they’ve had plenty of time to achieve near-perfection as a romantic experience. Pretty villages cling to the 25-kilometre stretch of winding coastline, while fishing boats bob gently at their moorings, offering up gourmet treats such as shrimp, sea urchin and octopus. Our favourite romantic experience: hiking the aptly named ‘Path of the Gods’ and toasting your exertion with a glass of locally produced limoncello.
Our pick: Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel & Spa
Stunning Amalfi Coast
There are many islands within the Eastern Caribbean that you could choose for a romantic escape, but from the moment you arrive in St Lucia, you’ll know you’ve landed somewhere remarkable (we recommend a choosing a luxury resort with swim-up suites for that extra touch of wow). Sugar Beach is considered one of the best beaches in the Caribbean: set at the feet of a pair of mountain peaks, it’s also a magical spot for every type of water sports from snorkelling to SUP. Our favourite romantic experience: a private dinner for two at sunset on the dock below the renowned Cliff at Cap Restaurant.
Our pick: Jade Mountain Resort
Sugar beach, Saint Lucia
Taking the concept of barefoot luxury and running with it, the twenty islands that comprise the Yasawas are home to a number of all-inclusive resorts that are just a short seaplane or helicopter flight from Nadi. Less is definitely more here – think simple days spent snorkelling, diving or swimming with manta rays, and candlelit evenings made richer by famously warm Fijian hospitality. Our favourite romantic experience: take a scenic boat ride to explore the hidden caves of the Sawai-Lau Caves, also known as the Blue Lagoon.
Our pick: Yasawa Island Resort & Spa
Yasawa islands, Fiji
An entirely different Blue Lagoon awaits you in Iceland: a naturally occurring, thermal bathing spot that’s renowned for its milky blue waters and other-worldly, lava field setting (we recommend the Couples’ Float Therapy experience). In fact, Iceland is bursting with romantic backdrops, from rainbow-veiled waterfalls to huge ice diamonds glittering on a black-sand beach. Our favourite romantic experience: relaxing in your private whirlpool tub after watching a captivating display from the Northern Lights.
Our pick: Hotel Grimsborgir
Blue Lagoon in Reykjavik
You don’t have to be a beach person to love fall in love with Maui – as well as endless white sand beaches, the Garden Isle is blessed with numerous incredible island resorts that feature the vital elements for a romantic escape, such as butler service, nightly entertainment and spectacular ocean views. The island packs plenty of memorable experiences into a relatively compact area, from snorkelling with sea turtles at nearby submerged Molokini Crater to hiking through a forest of bamboo on the Road to Hana or learning to surf together in Lahaina. Our favourite romantic experience: sipping hot chocolate while watching the sunrise from the summit of Mt Haleakala.
Our pick: Hotel Wailea Maui
Maui, Hawaii
The province of Lampang in northern Thailand offers a different type of romantic escape to the beaches and islands for which Thailand is typically prized. Here, the traffic buzz of tourist towns like Patong is replaced by the sound of brightly painted, horse-drawn carts clip-clopping through the streets. Fill your days hiking to pristine waterfalls, enjoying the tranquillity of ornately decorated temples and admiring the street art which adorns the riverside. Our favourite romantic experience: taking a cooking class so you can recreate the flavours of your holiday when you return home.
Our pick: Baan Suchadaa Lampang Resort
Aerial view of Wat Phra That Doi Phra Chan temple in Lampang, Thailand
If your recipe for a romantic holiday requires brilliant sunsets, epic seafood feasts and an astonishing collection of world-class resorts with private infinity pools and sweeping ocean views, the Greek island of Santorini is for you. Formed by the remains of an ancient volcano, you’ll find beaches of white, black and even red dotted around the island, perfect for a few hours (or days) lazing under a beach umbrella with your special person. The island’s villages are a photographer’s dream, all whitewashed stone and tumbling bougainvillea: Oia is rightly renowned for its incredible sunsets while Megalachori is beloved for its traditional blue and white architecture. Our favourite romantic experience: sample the island’s locally produced wines on a guided winery tour.
Our pick: Dana Villas & Infinity Suites
Unforgettable Santorini, Greece
The self-proclaimed ‘city of love’ rounds out our top ten romantic destinations, beloved by happy couples for centuries a location for indulging in the best romantic clichés: strolling along tree-lined boulevards, enjoying mouth-watering dinners at intimate bistros and picnicking on Champagne, strawberries and gooey cheese in manicured parks. Our favourite romantic experience: follow the centuries-old custom of sharing a kiss at the Temple of Love, set on an island within the gardens of the Palace of Versailles.
Our pick: Paris j’Adore Hotel & Spa
Paris, the city of love
Whether your honeymoon planning needs a little extra inspiration or you’re looking for the latest amazing romantic getaway ideas, talk to one of our personal travel managers who specialise in honeymoon travel.
We at Travel Managers Australia recognise the traditional owners of the country where we live and work. We recognise and celebrate the diversity of Indigenous people and their enduring cultures and connections to the land and waters of New South Wales.
