For a truly romantic gesture this Valentine’s Day, treat your loved one – and yourself – to a ‘once in a lifetime’ customised travel experience from the luxury experts at Abercrombie & Kent.
Rekindle the passion on a romantic adventure to far-flung destinations and some closer to home. Here are just a few ideas for lovers – and lovers of travel.
Out of Africa
In the spirit of the heartbreakingly romantic ‘Out of Africa’, a safari is hard to beat for passionate adventure. Pick of the bunch for dreamy-eyed romantics is Kenya where vast landscapes, magical safari camps and huge herds of game set hearts aflutter. This is Africa’s famed big game country and it’s where, at the famous Masai Mara Game Reserve, you find the newly refurbished Sanctuary Olonana on a stretch of the Mara River where the final scene of the movie was filmed. Cherish show-stopping sunsets, hot air balloon rides and raw wilderness up-close.
Our Suggested Journey? A&K’s ‘Wildlife & Warriors’ 11-day Private Journey, priced from $14,250 per person.
Cambodia
Watch dawn break over Angkor Wat and ramble through 900-year-old ruins with your beloved. Marvel at some of the most remarkable architectural and artistic accomplishments of the ancient world and delve into its epic history with a leading anthropologist. Explore the capital by tuk tuk and stop off in some of the country’s leading restaurants for a culinary adventure and see how a not-for-profit performing arts school is improving the lives of children, young adults and their families at a special performance. Wind down at sublime new island getaway Six Senses Koh Krabey and toast journeys shared.
Our Suggested Journey? A&K’s ‘Wonders of Cambodia’ 10-day Private Journey, priced from $6,390 per person.
Andean Escape
For adventure travellers, South America surpasses expectations and to experience some of the world’s most arresting landscapes head to Bolivia. Explore the remote altiplano and high-altitude lakes, the glistening salt flats of Uyuni and the sparse lowland country on a one-of-a-kind journey rich with indigenous and colonial art and culture, unexpected religious relics and architectural gems. For the ultimate in romantic seclusion, book a deluxe Air Stream camper on the Uyuni salt flats which comes with its own guide and gourmet chef.
Our Suggested Journey? A&K’s ‘Breathtaking Bolivia’ 12-day Private Journey, priced from $7,465 per person. Supplement applies for Air Stream camper.
Egypt
Follow in the footsteps of the ancients and the 19th century Grand Tourist on a journey through timeless Egypt where the welcome is warm and the attractions epic. Kick things off in the marvellous capital, Cairo, where Four Seasons at the First Residence provides the perfect base for exploration of the Pyramids and Sphinx, the Egyptian Museum and the colourful souks. Heading south to Luxor, the luxurious Sanctuary Sun Boat IV awaits for a dreamy Nile cruise guaranteed to excite.
Our Suggested Journey? A&K’s “Nile in Style’ 9-day Private Journey, priced from $6,575 per person
Iceland
Northern Europe’s most talked about destination is a magnet for romance and adventure, and in any season. In the summer months, the Midnight Sun means long, dreamy days while winter brings mulled wine, open fires and the extraordinary Northern Lights. Raw landscapes are what Iceland does best with dramatic fjords, thermal fields, mountains, volcanoes, geysers and waterfalls at every turn and if adventure is sought, there’s everything from ice walks and glacier hikes to riding Icelandic horses, quad biking, snow-mobiling and whale watching.
Our Suggested Journey? A&K’s ‘Land of Ice & Fire’ Private Journey, priced from $14,435 per person.
Morocco
The languid pace of Morocco’s Atlantic Coast and the ancient port town of Essaouira is treasured by romantics young and old. Checking in to luxury riad l’Heure Bleue Palais at the entrance to the medina means being perfectly positioned to wander the narrow alleyways, shop the souks and meander through the port watching the fresh catch being unloaded. The hotel’s rooftop pool is a winner and travellers seeking more active pursuits can surf, hike, horse ride, kite surf or enjoy a round of golf.
Our Suggested Journey? A&K’s ‘Enchanting Essaouira’ 3-day Private Journey, priced from $1,125 per person.
Italy
Arguably the world’s most romantic destination and blessed with natural and designed beauty, Italy is a perennial honeymoon favourite. With so many extraordinary places to visit, it’s hard to select just one but Sicily is a good place to start. Uniquely positioned between Europe and Africa, it’s full of seductive landscapes, sandy beaches and ancient Greek temples plus the bustling cities of Palermo and stylish Syracuse. Bed down in glamorous digs like Grand Hotel Villa Igiea in Palermo and the timeless Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo in Taormina and settle in for romance aplenty.
Our Suggested Journey? A&K’s ‘Splendours of Sicily’ 10-day Private Journey, priced from $11,485 per person
Mexico
Sip a margarita in Mexico City, spice up your palate with a good dose of tamales and enchiladas or luxuriate with a Mayan-inspired spa treatment. These are just some of the reasons to cultivate close ties in Mexico. There are also, of course, incredible monuments, ancient ruins, colonial towns and villages aplenty plus a vibrant handicraft tradition and glorious beaches. Learn to cook the traditional Mexican way, savour the perfect mezcal, and discover why cacao is the food of the gods.
Our Suggested Journey? A&K’s ‘Flavours of Mexico’ 10-day Private Journey, priced from $9,895 per person
Slow boat in Kerala
Life moves at a slower pace in southern India so take it down a notch on a romantic interlude in Kerala. In contrast to Rajasthan, and the north, where the cities are chaotic and the landscapes are dusty and parched, the lush greenery of the south is instantly soothing and the gentle tempo of Kochi sheer bliss. Float down the backwaters on a converted rice barge and discover romance afresh with your own private chef on hand to dish up authentic Kerala cuisine and a friendly crew on hand.
Our Suggested Journey? A&K’s ‘Essential Kerala’ 9-day Private Journey, priced from $3,615 per person
Outback meets Reef
A little closer to home, Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef is a luxury beach-side safari camp on a remote stretch of Western Australia’s Indian Ocean coast. Loved up couples are assured a memorable adventure where the outback meets the reef snorkelling and swimming with whale sharks or humpback whales, manta rays and dolphins. Or exploring the surrounding landscapes in search of unique flora and fauna. The Honeymoon Tent provides privacy and private views of the beach and reef and a double hammock to laze the day away in.
Our Suggested Journey? A&K’s ‘Pristine Waters of Ningaloo Reef’ 6-day Private Journey, priced from $4,785 per person.
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