Choosing a romantic hotel is a vital part of any couples trip.
Romance is often about indulgence — something that can add multiple dollar signs to your stay — so, while we are showcasing these exotic hideaways, we’re also sharing our tips on how to shop for last-minute Valentine’s trips.
Viceroy Anguilla, British West Indies
Nestled in the Caribbean Islands, the Viceroy Anguilla sits on 35 acres of utter paradise. Its modern architecture screams luxury and gives way only to the surrounding exotic natural environment and two white-sand beaches. Stay in a private oceanfront villa, a beachfront suite, or a bluff-top guestroom – all of these boast your very own private pool.
La Réserve Ramatuelle, St. Tropez
On a hill high above the Mediterranean, this new hotel has only 23 rooms and villas, but each one has unparalleled elegance with floor-to-ceiling windows and open floor plans. It’s known for its spa atmosphere and sanctuary feel, so sink into the champagne environment and enjoy. This accommodation does not come cheap, but you can save – a little – by booking a junior suite.
Fairmont Frontenac, Quebec
Every cold winter night deserves a cosy room in a castle, so make your fairytale happen at the Fairmont Frontenac in Quebec. European charm makes this United Nations World Heritage Site a gem in historic Old Quebec, and its turrets and grand architecture keep up the majestic atmosphere. Its elegant rooms and regal décor make it easy to play romantic royalty for the weekend.
Rosewood Mayakobá, Riviera Maya
This part of Mexico is known as the place “where the ocean and jungle meet,” and this hotel is set on a 1,600-acre luxury resort on a mile of beach. The serene lagoons of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula lap gently nearby. Stay in a Lagoon Suite for your own private plunge pool, rooftop sundeck, bathroom with outdoor garden shower and views of the lagoons and mangroves. Here, romance is hard to ignore.
Rayavadee Resort, Krabi Island, Thailand
Krabi Island is a two-hour drive from Phuket, but feels more remote than that. Unique in its location, the resort is situated on the edge of Krabi National Marine Park, enveloped in lush flora, limestone cliffs, three beaches and the clear waters of the Andaman Sea. Stay in one of the Spa Pavilions to enjoy your own private outdoor jacuzzi, shower and gazebo for ultimate seclusion.
Villa Bordoni, Tuscany
Food, wine, and Tuscan scenery do wonders for the palate – and the heart. This little country house-turned-hotel is enclosed in vineyards, terraced olive groves and forests in the heart of the Chianti Classico region of Tuscany. The Gardners, a Scottish couple, took over and revamped the property and added a cooking school. You and your special someone can – under the tutelage of one of the chefs – spend the afternoon concocting a feast for that evening. Mangia!
Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo Island, Australia
For the adventurous couple, this Kangaroo Island escape puts you up close and personal with some of Australia’s native animals. Koalas, kangaroos, fur seals, sea lions, ospreys and echidnas are just some of the residents. Just off the coast of Australia (a 30-minute flight from Adelaide), some consider it to be a peer of the Galapagos Islands. The hotel also provides a serene spa and stunning panoramic ocean views that allow whale and dolphin spotting. Luxurious wilderness, anyone?
Hotel on Rivington, New York
This is a very different kind of scenery. Overlooking Manhattan, the Hotel on Rivington is all about the views. From high up among the skyscrapers, rooms with floor-to-ceiling glass windows make privacy an edgy matter. The hotel gives guests unobstructed 360-degree views, and large rooms that boast glassed-in bathrooms with steam showers and Japanese-style soaking tubs. Book a high-floor corner king with a soaking tub to get the most luxury for the lowest rate.
Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii
Most people don’t need much persuading when it comes to understanding just how blissful Hawaii is, but oceanfront cabanas, waterfall massages and sandy lagoons are just a few reasons that the Fairmont Orchid makes Waimea all the more enticing. The “Make Room for Romance” option includes orchid petals, slippers, bath robes, Hawaiian bath crystals, floating candles, tropical massage lotion, champagne and strawberries to kick off your getaway.
Capella Singapore, Singapore
It seems like Southeast Asia always has a new tropical retreat to discover, and this one is worth exploring. The Capella Singapore on exotic Sentosa Island has 112 rooms on a property dotted with sculptures and peacocks roaming about. Its design overhaul has created a lavishly modern escape in an old-world destination. Constellation rooms include alfresco terrace rubs overlooking the South China Sea, and lunar cycle-inspired spa treatments set the mood for prime indulgence.
(Main image: Nickay3111)
