Still haven’t decided on where to travel for the long weekend this Chinese New Year, or where to bring your significant loved one for Valentine’s Day? Whether you’re planning to ring in the Year of the Rat, or to celebrate love, these destinations and resorts offer exceptional experiences in the lap of luxury, whether you’re seeking to reconnect with nature in the wild, or simply sink your feet into powder-white sand.
1. Cheval Blanc Randheli
That turquoise water: we’re never getting tired of it. Renowned as the ultimate in ultra-luxury destinations in the Maldives, Cheval Blanc Randheli sets the bar high, as you would expect from the LVMH group. Set in the pristine Noonu Atoll, Cheval Blanc Randheli is born from a creative collaboration with celebrated architect Jean Michel Gathy and the striking architecture naturally blends with the atoll’s surrounding landscape.
Whichever sanctuary you pick from the 45 exclusively appointed villas, some over water, others lining the beach, each offers infinity pools with breathtaking ocean views and privacy in spades – they start at 240 sq metres. For those looking to push the boat out, experience Cheval Blanc Randheli Private Island – a breathtaking haven home to a four-bedroom villa with over 1,000 sq metres of lush, modern island living accessible from a private berth, an ideal destination for the romantics looking for renewing vows, proposals or just living a life of high luxury in the middle of the sea.
Wellness warriors can set sail aboard a traditional dhoni to the Maison’s dedicated Spa Island, where six thatched treatment villas overlook the crystal-clear waters of the lagoon, offering guests exclusive treatments by Guerlain. There are also yoga sessions, pristine beaches with water sports and diving, and other unforgettable experiences and bespoke surprises for adults and children alike, curated by the Maison’s Alchemists. Food is also an art on the island, with five individual restaurants from fine-dining to relaxed al-fresco options that delight guests day after day.
2. andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
Image credit: andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
Ever wanted to wake up in the morning and be greeted by elephants, zebras, rare black rhinos, and pink flamingos? Whether you’re looking for family-friendly activities, a romantic getaway with your partner or just travelling on a solo adventure, andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge in Tanzania will definitely not disappoint. Nowhere else on earth can you wake up among all the trappings of an elegant baroque chateaux that transports you into one of the most famous African landscapes. Divided into three camps, 30 suites with banana leaf ceilings and grass roofs provide an intimate and exclusive experience, with private butlers who provide warm, personal service. With ever-changing views as mists swirl over the huge wildlife cauldron below, the location is truly breathtaking. Watch and listen to the chant of Maasai warriors overlooking the game-rich Crater as the sun goes down or sink back and enjoy a wine tasting.
The andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is also known as one of the most romantic andBeyond lodges – and for good reason, too. When the lodge is running at full occupancy, they receive an astounding 6,400 long-stemmed beautiful red roses a week. Naturally, in line with the brand’s ethos of caring for the land and not creating unnecessary waste, the flowers are first enjoyed and then recycled into loose petals that can be used for every purpose – from andBeyond’s signature rose petal carpet dinners and bubble baths, to decorating place settings, adorning cakes, creating romantic turndowns and making potpourri, every last petal is put to good use.
Suite rates from USD 1,115 per person sharing.
High-resolution images can be downloaded here.
3. Intercontinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort
Image credit: InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort_Beach Villas
Set in a pocket of paradise, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort is where silky white sand merges into the luminous turquoise lagoon. Located on the southernmost tip of Raa Atoll, the resort is around a 35-minute ride by seaplane from Malé International Airport. This luxe sanctuary offers 81 luxuriously appointed Beach, Lagoon and Overwater Villas and Residences with tasteful Maldivian designs, unobstructed views of breath-taking ocean panoramas and each equipped with their own private terrace and pool. The resort perfectly caters for families, and a kids’ club keeps the little ones occupied while the grown-ups takes a time-out at The Retreat, an exclusive adults-only area with a private bar or drop everything and head to the overwater AVI Spa. Adrenaline seeker? Fret not. Head to the seas – they offer a myriad of sea activities such as such as snorkelling excursions, jet and water skiing, kite and wind surfing, parasailing and stand up paddling. Want to travel with a difference? This ultra-luxurious resort has partnered with The Manta Trust to support the research and protection of the manta ray population around the island. Follow the resort’s Marine Biologist Maria Andersen on a snorkelling trip and learn more about The Maldives natural treasures.
Beach pool villas at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort start from USD $1,250 per night.
High-resolution images can be downloaded here.
4. Sri Panwa Phuket
Image credit: Sri Panwa Phuket
Nothing says romantic like uninterrupted 360 sunsets from your own private villa, perched on one of the globe’s most beautiful coastlines. Nestled within 40 secluded acres of Phuket’s tropical paradise and visited by A-listers like DiCaprio, luxury hotel private pool villa & spa resort Sri panwa offers accommodation of the highest quality, maximum privacy and superior service. Commanding breathtaking views of the South-eastern tip of Phuket island, spend your days lounging the 25-meter infinity pool, throw a few punches at the in-house boxing ring, yacht off to a string of stunning nearby islands and more.
Just for the special occasion, Sri panwa is running its ‘Romantic Escape’ package which includes 3-nights’ accommodation in exclusive private pool suite or pool villa with complimentary breakfast, a 60-minute couple’s Aromatic Thai Oli Massage at the award-winning Cool Spa and one 5-course candlelit set dinner at Baba Soul Food restaurant.
The package is priced from S$755 per night and applicable only on stays from 1 February to 10 April 2020.
For more information visit: https://www.sripanwa.com/packages-special-offers/
High-resolution images are available here.
5. The Pavilions Himalayas
Image credit:The Pavilions Himalayas
For a romantic getaway off the beaten track, enjoy a city escape to the Himalayas. Nestled in the natural paradise of a lushly forested valley and set against the backdrop of the majestic Himalayan mountain range, The Pavilions Himalayas is a truly eco-sensitive luxury resort that gives back to the local community.
Breathe, hike, explore the beauty of Nepal beyond your expectations. Set on the resort’s organic farm, guests enjoy the natural beauty of Pokhara, the gateway to the Annapurna Himalayas.
Room rates start from USD174 per night High-resolution images are available here.
6. Luxe Romance in the Principality of Monaco
Image credit: Thermes Marins Jacuzzi terrace view
Whether it’s luxurious shopping, sipping on designer cocktails, gambling at one of the world’s most
famous casinos, or eating a fancy dinner, Monaco’s got it all. If you’re looking to escape the traditional Chinese New Year festivities, or to be swept up and away for a whirlwind romance, you can’t miss out on a trip to the Principality of Monaco.
Start your getaway at Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse’s latest restaurant Ômer, situated on the
garden floor of the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo’s Rotonde wing, offering stunning views over the
Mediterranean, with the hotel’s majestic gardens nestled in the foreground. In the afternoon, choose between taking a dip in one of the heated seawater pools at the Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo thermal baths, or indulging in a wellbeing session for two in one of the double beauty and body treatment cabins.
For a breath of fresh air, take a stroll outside through one of the parks – the delicate Japanese garden blooming in the shade of the Grimaldi Forum is an ideal setting for a romantic stroll. Before dinner hits, have yourself some pre-dinner drinks at the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo’s Bar Américain. Its elegant, subtly glamorous atmosphere, smooth live jazz sessions and signature cocktails are sure to set the pace for you to reflect on the day and get the party off to the best of starts.
As you wrap up the evening, be spoilt for choice. There are so many stars in this town… Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer’s best restaurants will pull out all the stops to provide you with an utterly delicious dinner. Make sure you explore their sophisticated gourmet menus designed especially for you.
The only tricky part will be deciding which starred restaurant to go for. We suggest the Blue Bay at the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort, where chef Marcel Ravin has imagined an audacious fusion of Caribbean and Mediterranean cuisines, or the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, where Benoît Witz’s Le Vistamar serves exceptional romantic meals in a Belle Époque dining room.
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