As hopeless romantics, we believe your most treasured moments should be celebrated in style. We’re here to make sure it’s both the trip of a lifetime, and the trip of your dreams. Let us take you to a paradise island, where you’ll sink into your private suite, enjoying lazy breakfasts in bed, soaking up glorious sunshine before indulging in an intimate dinner for two on a desert island beach - have we set the scene? For a taste of the heavenly hideaways we have in store, here’s a selection of our favourite romantic gems.
DESTINATION RECOMMENDATION / THE SEYCHELLES
Tantalising white sand beaches are dappled with the silhouettes of swaying palms, the sapphire Indian Ocean laps gently at the shore, and amid banyan trees and fairy terns you lay swaying in your hammock, wondering where else in the world there could possibly be a place as idyllic as this. Just a few degrees south of the equator, the 115 granite islands of the Seychelles are a luxurious sanctuary where hopeless romantics come to idle away a couple of weeks in bliss.
Ever-popular as a honeymoon destination, this cluster of idyllic islands in the Indian Ocean are bequeathed with nature’s gifts and adorned with a bedazzlement of resorts that cater perfectly for couples seeking romance and seclusion. The 115 granite and coralline islands that make up the country are scattered like diamonds in the night sky across the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Mahé is the largest and most developed; it offers activities in abundance, and the tiny capital, Victoria, is enthralling to explore on foot, with its medley of different cultures, architecture and heritage. The staggering beauty the Seychelles are famed for can be uncovered wherever you go, but we’d recommend a visit to the island of La Digue, where you’ll lay eyes on Anse Source d’Argent, one of the world’s most photographed beaches, where granite boulders rise dramatically from powdery white sands.
Tourism still treads lightly here, and these magical islands remain a sanctuary for both discerning luxury travellers and the Seychelles’ spectacular wildlife. In between exploring the islands you’ll need somewhere to relax; luckily for you, the Seychelles is home to some of the world’s most desirable resorts. From plush pool villas overlooking tranquil bays to beachfront cottages dotted around private islands, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to selecting your perfect home away from home.
JUST BECAUSE / Eden Roc Cap Cana, Dominican Republic
Designed to evoke the elegance and sophistication of the French Riviera, with a colour Caribbean twist, this sublime resort is the hottest hotel on the exclusive Cap Cana Estate.
For the ultimate romantic getaway, the luxurious Luxury Pool Junior Suites provide couples with a private courtyard and pool. Meals can be brought to your suite to enjoy the seclusion and, as you would expect from a member of Relais & Châteaux, they take their food seriously - Chef Adriano Venturini and his team serve up some stunning dishes at the wonderful Mediterraneo restaurant.
We recommend taking advantage of their Romance Package which includes an array of added amenities such as a 3-course romantic dinner, luxurious couples massage, couples’ yoga and special turn-down service with Champagne.
THE BIG DAY / Couples Swept Away, Jamaica
Set on one of the most beautiful beaches in Jamaica, this wonderful adults-only resort is an ideal place to sit back and relaxed with a loved one and take advantage of the extensive all-inclusive and facilities on offer.
From garden gazebos to an oceanfront ceremony to a private island reception, Couples Swept Away is a dreamy location for a destination wedding with a variety of wedding packages available from elopements to big celebrations. Dedicated professionals on-site take care of all arrangements and promise special extras for the happy couple - including a candlelit dinner for two and wedding cake.
HONEYMOON / Anse Chastanet, Saint Lucia
With its lush tropical setting, spectacular views and two unspoilt beaches, you’ll feel at one with nature at this stunningly-beautiful 600-acre resort. Whether you seek to enjoy a tranquil and secluded honeymoon or a honeymoon filled with activities and adventure, from birdwatching, hiking, jungle biking to snorkelling and scuba diving, all of this is and more is offered at Anse Chastanet.
Honeymooners can take advantage of the ‘Total Romance Package’ which includes an all-inclusive meal plan, airport transfers and special extras in the room including champagne. There’s also an array of activities to get involved with from a guided boat snorkel trip, tour of the local Volcano, massage treatents and half-day yacht sailing and what’s better is that you will receive a credit to return to the resort on your anniversary in the future.
PROPOSAL / Jade Mountain, Saint Lucia
Perched high on Morne Chastanet with magnificent panoramic views of the Pitons and the Caribbean Sea, this fabulous resort is one of Saint Lucia’s most exclusive retreats and a favourite for a romantic getaway
The dedicated team on resort can create the romantic private dinner of your teams from the privacy of your Sanctuary, castaway dinner at Anse Mamin Beach or Celestial terrace under the stars. Following the proposal, celebrations can begin with a sunset celebration in your sanctuary with champagne and canapes.
ANNIVERSARY / Mandarin Oriental, Canouan
Escape from the rest of the world at the ultra-exclusive Mandarin Oriental Canouan, which has quickly put the little-known island of Canouan firmly on the map. You would struggle to find a more perfect location anywhere in the Caribbean, with a jaw-dropping white-sand beach alongside a brilliant turquoise lagoon.
The One Bedroom Oceanview Suites are ideal for romantic retreats with uninterrupted ocean views, marble bathrooms and beautifully appointed pink colour accents. Each day, couples have a choice of experiences to make a special stay from a castaway private beach dinner, sunset cocktails to a spa treatment in the Overwater Spa Bungalow. For more active couples, there’s sea turtle snorkelling, sunrise hikes, golf and fitness classes.
During the month of February, couples can enjoy a special ‘Just For Us’ spa package which includes a sea salt scrub, mud body wrap, salt stone massage, ESPA facial and campaign and cocktails.