In the quest for love and luxury, the world continuously unveils hidden gems that redefine romance with luxury romantic retreats.
As a luxury travel curator, Today’s Traveller has scoured the globe, including the enchanting landscapes of India, to bring you the latest, most talked-about romantic luxury destinations. These hideaway retreats and private islands offer an unparalleled blend of intimacy, opulence, and beauty, perfect for those seeking a love-filled escape.
Greek Elegance: Santorini’s Cliffside Wonder
Santorini, with its iconic whitewashed buildings set against the azure Aegean Sea, stands as a quintessential romantic destination. This Greek island enchants couples with its stunning sunsets, which paint the sky in hues of orange and pink, best viewed from the charming town of Oia. Santorini promises an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Cyclades.
The dramatic caldera, a vestige of a volcanic eruption, offers a breathtaking backdrop for intimate moments. Santorini’s allure extends to its secluded beaches, such as Red Beach, where lovebirds can enjoy quiet strolls along the unique, colourful sands. The island’s vineyards offer an opportunity to taste exquisite local wines, perfect for a romantic evening.
Santorini is not new to the romantic scene, but its cliffside wonders have set a new standard in luxury.
Cliffside Elegance: A Sensory Retreat in Andronis Luxury Suites
The ultra-luxurious Deluxe Suite, at Andronis Luxury Suites perched atop the cliffs, offers a mesmerizing panoramic view of the sea. This haven of peace is designed to transport its guests on a unique sensory journey, combining comfort with breathtaking vistas. Featuring a spacious bedroom, and a living room area, it extends into the outdoors with a relaxing hot tub.
Of course, the ultimate romance is in the 80m2 Honeymoon Suite, ideally positioned on the hotel’s upper levels to capture the stunning views of the volcano and the Aegean Sea. The suite boasts a private terrace and hot tub, perfect for witnessing the majestic surroundings. Inside, find serenity in the bedroom with a walk-in closet, a separate living room, and an authentic Santorinian touch – an indoor cave plunge pool. Each suite at this hotel is more than just a place to stay; it’s a sanctuary offering an unforgettable cliffside retreat.
The Highland Romance: Scotland’s Castle Retreat
Imagine whisking your loved one away to a stunning Scottish castle, perched majestically amidst the rolling highland hills. This hidden gem combines historical grandeur with modern luxury. Each accommodation is uniquely designed, offering breathtaking views of the lush landscapes, while the castle’s private chef indulges you with bespoke gourmet experiences.
Aldourie Castle: A Fairytale Romance in the Highlands
Aldourie Castle, commanding a breathtaking position in the Highlands, blends tradition, opulence, and style for a fairytale experience. Set on a 500-acre estate along Loch Ness, the castle features a leafy marina, woodlands, and a tree-lined drive. Enjoy formal gardens, a sprawling lawn leading to the Loch, and a terrace ideal for outdoor dining. The preserved Kitchen Gardens with historic greenhouses and walkways offer a picturesque setting.
Available exclusively for your stay, whether for a night or an extended period, Aldourie Castle offers butler service, private chefs, housekeeping, and a dedicated concierge to cater to all desires. The interiors exude quality, comfort, and a welcoming warmth, perfect for an unforgettable romantic getaway.
Aldourie Castle promises a blend of luxury, history, and natural beauty, making it an ideal retreat for those seeking a romantic and exclusive Highland experience.
Rajasthan’s Royal Love Affair
Rajasthan, India’s land of maharajas and ancient forts, is home to some of the world’s most stunning palace hotel. These palatial abodes, many of which were once the residences of royal families have been meticulously restored and transformed into luxurious hotels, blending historical grandeur with modern comfort.
From the opulent Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur, one of the world’s largest private residences, to the enchanting Oberoi Udaivilas, with its beautiful courtyards, gentle rippling fountains, reflecting pools, and verdant gardens, each palace hotel tells its own unique story of heritage and splendour.
Couples can enjoy majestic views of rugged forts, serene lakes, and lush gardens, often accompanied by experiences such as royal banquets, folk performances, and elephant rides. Staying in these palace hotels is not just about luxury; it’s about immersing oneself in the rich tapestry of Rajasthan’s history, culture, and unparalleled hospitality.
Taj Lake Palace – A palace hotel in the heart of a lake
Presenting its fabled jewel – a restored palace in the heart of Lake Pichola in Udaipur, Rajasthan showcases its finest. The Taj Lake Palace, a marble heritage hotel, stands majestically in Udaipur’s Lake Pichola. Once a Mewar Royal family summer residence, it now houses 65 lavish rooms and 18 grand suites, all restored to their original glory. Merging royal Indian traditions with contemporary luxury, this palace hotel is a testament to love and opulence.
Famed for its feature in the James Bond film ‘Octopussy’, the palace offers stunning lake views from every room, overlooking the City Palace and surrounding hills. Its exclusive restaurants cater only to resident guests, ensuring a private, luxurious dining experience.
Each room, draped in traditional Indian silks and adorned with dark teak furniture, reflects the palace’s royal heritage, offering guests a taste of princely luxury. Taj Lake Palace is a romantic retreat where elegance and exclusivity converge, promising a memorable experience in the heart of Udaipur.
Tropical Serenity: Bali’s Hidden Jungle Paradise
Deep in the heart of Bali’s lush jungles lies a fabulous retreat that promises a serene escape. With just two luxury residences that are seamlessly integrated into the natural landscape, offering stunning jungle views and complete seclusion. Indulge in spa treatments beside tranquil rivers, dine under the stars, and experience the spiritual heart of Bali.
Sungai Jungle Villas: Bali’s Luxurious Wilderness Escape
Nestled in Cepaka village’s lush hillside, Sungai Jungle Villas offers a luxurious escape with two chic, private residences. These villas blend sophisticated design with seclusion, featuring romantic canopy beds, private infinity pools, and dedicated staff for a personalized stay.
Experience the luxury of a five-star resort in your own private villa, ideal for a romantic getaway. Situated just 20 minutes from Canggu’s beachside, these two villas offer an authentic Balinese experience with a balance of tranquillity and adventure.
Jungle Villa I is a highlight, boasting 1-3 bedrooms, an 18m pool, a spa room, and outdoor dining under a pergola, ensuring a luxurious stay amidst Bali’s enchanting jungles.
Under the African Sky: South Africa’s Exclusive Safari Lodge
For the adventurous couple, South Africa unveils an exclusive safari lodge where luxury meets the wild. Well established, this lodge offers private safari experiences, where couples can witness the majesty of Africa’s wildlife. By night, dine under the vast African sky and retreat to your secluded luxury tent, echoing the romance of a bygone era.
Nestled within some of the world’s most renowned wildlife reserves like Kruger National Park and Sabi Sand Game Reserve, these lodges provide an intimate glimpse into the untamed African wilderness. Guests can embark on thrilling game drives to witness the majestic Big Five, enveloped by the raw beauty of the savannahs.
The lodges themselves are a testament to luxury, with private plunge pools, elegant suites, and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Personalized service is paramount, with expert guides and chefs ensuring each experience is tailored to individual preferences.
Singita Sabi Sand – an exclusive safari retreat
Singita Sabi Sand is an exclusive safari retreat set in the Sabi Sand Reserve, renowned for its high concentration of wildlife and exquisite luxury lodges. The reserve offers an intimate wildlife experience, with guided safaris to witness Africa’s Big Five in their natural habitat. The lodges at Singita Sabi Sand are a testament to eco-friendly luxury, offering private and serene accommodations with breathtaking views of the African bush.
Set along the boulder-strewn banks of the Sand River, Boulders Luxury Lodge seamlessly blends the beautiful light, colours and textures of its surroundings into vast interiors that spill onto expansive wooden decks. Simplifying the essence of comfort, it welcomes complete unwinding. Each of this contemporary retreat’s 12 glass-fronted suites offers the utmost privacy, ultra-spacious interiors and heated pools, with handmade furnishings and soft, natural fabrics mirroring the breathtaking scenery outside.
Jamaica’s Enchanted Forest Retreat
In the heart of Jamaica’s forests, a new luxury retreat offers a fairy-tale experience. Couples can stay in ultra-luxury treehouses, suspended above the forest floor, combining intimacy with nature. These retreats offers outdoor adventures by day and romantic, starlit evenings by the fireplace.
Imagine enjoying champagne on a private balcony amidst lush rainforests, or relaxing in a claw-foot tub overlooking breathtaking mountain scenery. These arboreal retreats offer the ultimate in comfort, from sumptuous king-sized beds draped in fine linens to exquisite dining experiences high in the treetops.
Kanopi House Treehouses: A Luxurious Treetop Retreat
The Kanopi House Treehouses are luxury accommodations connected by a series of staircases and jungle-lined walkways and strategically built in the surrounding treetops, on a hill overlooking the famed Blue Lagoon in Port Antonio, Jamaica.
Each treehouse, enveloped in the jungle’s embrace, offers an intimate and secluded experience, with thoughtful designs ranging from open-plan to partitioned spaces. Every treehouse features a deck, inviting guests to relax and absorb the tranquil vistas.
The interior décor of the treehouses reflects a harmonious blend of nature and local craftsmanship. The prevalent use of wood celebrates the surrounding trees, while contributions from local designers and artisans add to the eco-friendly ethos. Couples at Kanopi House Treehouses often face a delightful dilemma: the temptation to luxuriate in the beautifully designed interiors or to answer the call of the nearby Blue Lagoon. The lure of its shimmering waters for a refreshing swim makes it a joyous challenge to choose between the allure of nature and the comfort of luxury.
Fiji’s Overwater Elegance
Lastly, Fiji’s overwater resorts are a haven of tranquillity. and the epitome of peaceful luxury. Floating above clear turquoise waters, each overwater villas feature private infinity pools and glass floors, to experience the edge-of-the-world feeling.
Likuliku Lagoon: Fiji’s Premier Adults-Only Getaway
Easy Access to Serenity Just off Nadi’s coast, Likuliku Lagoon Resort is a tranquil paradise on a small island in Western Fiji. Reachable by a quick speedboat transfer, it offers a peaceful escape. Likuliku Lagoon, combines eco-consciousness with luxury. These adult-only bungalows feature natural materials, direct water access, glass floor panels, and baths with lagoon views.
The resort caters to all aquatic interests, from jet-skiing to scuba diving among marine life and historic wrecks. Island hopping and cruises offer additional excitement. Likuliku prioritizes conservation, especially of the rare Fijian Crested Iguana. Guests can take guided forest walks to learn about local ecology.
Romantic Island Excursions include a visit to nearby Mociu (Honeymoon Island) and Monuriki, the ‘Castaway’ movie location, for unique romantic experiences.
Likuliku Lagoon Resort is an all-encompassing retreat for couples, blending romance, adventure, and environmental care for an unforgettable luxury experience.
In each of these destinations, the promise of romance and luxury awaits. As a curator of luxury travel, we invite you to explore these havens, where love and luxury meet in the most extraordinary settings. Remember, in the world of romantic getaways around the globe, the journey is as splendid as the destination.
Canyon Point, Utah: A Desert Romance
Nestled in the heart of the American Southwest, Canyon Point in Utah emerges as an unexpected yet enchanting destination for romance-seekers. Known for its striking landscapes and serene atmosphere, this secluded spot is perfect for couples looking to escape into nature’s embrace.
Canyon Point is surrounded by some of the most dramatic scenery and is one of the most romantic getaways in the USA, including the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and the borders of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. The area is characterized by its sweeping vistas, towering rock formations, and deep canyons, offering a stunning backdrop for a romantic getaway.
A remote hideout under the stars – Amangiri
Tucked away in the rugged landscapes of Canyon Point, Utah, Amangiri is a remote hideaway that blends seamlessly with its desert surroundings. This luxury resort is known for its minimalist design, which emphasizes the breathtaking panoramic views of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
Amangiri seamlessly integrates into the pristine red-rock expanse of over 900 acres in the Colorado Plateau, the heart of the original Wild West. Set amidst a dramatic desert landscape of canyons, mesas, ridges, and gorges, Amangiri’s modernist suites and the tented pavilions of Camp Sarika offer a captivating entry into one of the world’s most secluded and striking environments. Each suite boasts an outdoor lounge and fireplace, offering sweeping views of the desert, with select suites featuring private pools or rooftop terraces for an immersive experience in this rugged, yet majestic setting.
Amangiri offers a peaceful retreat with activities that explore the region’s dramatic natural beauty like the evenings which bring stunning sunsets, transforming the desert into a palette of colours, perfect for a romantic evening under the stars.
Isles of Love: French Polynesia’s Romantic Luxury Getaway
French Polynesia, a mosaic of enchanting islands in the heart of the South Pacific, stands as an epitome of romantic luxury. Renowned for its dream-like scenery, the region boasts idyllic beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and lush tropical forests. Luxury resorts on islands like Bora Bora and Tahiti offer overwater bungalows that provide a private slice of paradise, where couples can wake up to the soothing sounds of the ocean and enjoy breakfast with a view of the majestic Mount Otemanu.
Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Nestled on a private island in the heart of French Polynesia, the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora epitomizes island luxury. With its overwater bungalows that extend into a turquoise lagoon, the resort offers breathtaking views of the surrounding seascape and Mount Otemanu. Known for its world-class service and exquisite dining, guests can enjoy a range of water sports, relax on white sandy beaches, or indulge in spa treatments that incorporate traditional Polynesian techniques.
Azure Bliss: The Maldives’ Secret Island Haven
Nestled in the heart of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives has long been synonymous with romantic luxury. But here’s our recommendation, which really spells romance. How about a private atoll, that offers an exclusive sanctuary?
With a private freshwater pool and sunken dining area, couples can immerse themselves in the oceanic wonder while enjoying unparalleled privacy.
Soneva Jani: Luxurious Retreat in Noonu Atoll
Soneva Jani, set in the Noonu Atoll, offers a blend of over-water villas and grand island residences. This low-density resort provides privacy, space, and stunning views, ideal for romantic escapades.
Among the 51 over-water and seven island residences, the One Bedroom Water Reserve stands out. The One Bedroom Water Reserve epitomizes luxury with a spacious over-water setting. It features a unique retractable roof in the master bedroom, revealing the night sky at a button’s touch.
The villa includes an ensuite bathroom with both indoor and outdoor showers, a signature sunken bath, and direct lagoon access. The large outdoor deck, facing either sunrise or sunset, is equipped with a private freshwater pool, sunken dining area, daybeds, a swing, and catamaran nets, perfect for lounging and enjoying the serene environment.
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