From house boat experiences to safaris; and ice hotels to luxurious spa experiences, we take a look at some of the most sublime destinations around the globe that combine luxury and relaxation with one big dash of romance!
Drift amidst the lotus flowers on a houseboat in Kashmir, India
The beautiful lakes of Kashmir have long been a refuge from the sweltering heat of the Indian summer plains. Originally developed by the Indian Mugal rulers for this purpose, then enjoyed by the British Raj in the 1800s, modern tourists are now again enabled to draw on this wonderful resource for the most romantic and indulgent get-away imaginable on a beautiful houseboat in Srinagar.
The houseboats, with whimsical names like Queen Elizabeth and Helen of Troy, are equipped with elegant and beautifully refurbished accommodation, including modern bathrooms, and also offer balconies and decks to relax on and laze away the hours while enjoying the lavish hospitality and delicious food provided, as each houseboat has its own chef. Transport in a free shikara is provided to visit local amenities and gardens.
Revel in the cherry blossom season in Japan
Japan has always offered a unique blend of the modern and cutting edge, and the almost mystical charm of the traditional. And nothing emphasizes this latter quality more that the Japanese reverence for the fragile and ephemeral beauty of the millions of cherry trees and their yearly flowering. The national excitement builds as the cherry blossom front, the sakura zensen, sweeps across the country from the south to the north of the country, creating scenes of simply stunning beauty and mesmerizing the people. Why not share this magical time with your loved one in the luxurious accommodation of a traditional ryokan inn whose ‘onsen’ hot springs will make your stay even more memorable?
Sunsets, starbeds, and safaris at sublime Samara, South Africa
One can understand why luxury safari game lodge Samara has been called one of the twelve most romantic getaways in the world, as the Samara team will go to great lengths to help you create cherished memories. These include wilderness picnics or outdoor dining in style, either out on your own private verandah, or in the bush as the sun sets and dusk descends on the unique landscape. Or let them indulge you with a relaxing couple’s massage at their spa, followed by a wonderful lunch on the river. You enjoy the wonderful food, sip a bottle of complimentary sparkling wine, relax in your canvas chair, while the river literally flows past your feet! And can anything be more magical than a night spent under the stars, snug in your luxury four-poster, mosquito-netted bed with only your loved one and the stars for company? And if you are planning a honeymoon, the honeymoon suite at Karoo Lodge will surely put the ultimate seal on your happiness.
Combine romance and a superb spa experience in Ibiza
There is a reason, of course, why Ibiza is one of the premier romantic holiday destinations in the world. Not only does it offer some of the most spectacular scenery in the world, with sun, sea, and secluded romantic coves galore, but its numerous luxury hotels, wellness centers and spas provide pampering of the highest order. Indulge yourself and your partner with yoga and Pilates, wonderfully relaxing and restorative facials for men and women, hot stone massages, or a Bali massage with perfumed frangipani and lotus oil. Have a cleansing body scrub followed by a seaweed wrap or indulge yourself and your loved one with an absolute spa ritual in a romantic treatment cabin. And if you’ve been a bit too energetic with the sightseeing and walking, you can even have a tired leg massage to set you up for the next day’s activities!
Snuggle up in the Ice Hotel in Sweden
Not that the romantically inclined normally need an excuse to cuddle, but if you do need one, living in an ice hotel surely provides the best ever! The first ICEHOTEL, rebuilt yearly, was built in the tiny town of Jukkasjärvi, a mere two hundred kilometers north of the Arctic Circle, in the late 1980s. But thanks to the marvels of solar power, providing cooling in the summer months, ICEHOTEL 365 is a permanent structure that provides enterprising and wealthy visitors the ultimate in unusual accommodation. Luxury suites are on offer, each with bathroom, sauna(!) and art suite attached. The hotel also boasts a large ice bar that serves champagne, and an ice gallery.
Northern Lights tours, ice fishing, dog sledding, moose watching, ice sculpture classes and even a snowmobile safari are some of the activities on offer.
Magic in the Maldives
The Maldives with their placid waters, beautiful beaches and prolific marine life have long been desirable holiday destinations. Luxury hotels and spas abound, and a plethora of activities are on offer, including glass-bottomed boat trips, catamaran sailing, kayaking and snorkeling, to mention but a few.
Many of the resorts offer romantic, luxurious and secluded sanctuaries where every aspect of your health and wellbeing is be addressed. The Muraka at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island even offers what must surely be close to the ultimate in luxury accommodation - under the sea in purposely designed undersea living spaces, bedrooms and bathrooms! Have that most romantic of dinners with your partner - five meters below the surface of the ocean - in Ithaa, one of the world’s first undersea restaurants, that provides views of amazing coral gardens!