list 2012 - wa international · anantara kihavah villas, maldives if you want to play very, very...

TOP 25 HOTELS & RESORTS FOR COUPLESnew

We are thrilled to introduce our Holidays for

Couples Romance List - 2012, as judged by

the editors of Holidays for Couples magazine.

We’ve invested huge hours, weighed up the

pros and cons of a dizzying number of new hotels and resorts,

kept our ears close to the travel grapevine, checked into some

incredible hotels and resorts and – for those we could not

personally visit – relied on our little black book of trusted travel

professionals for ‘the word’ on whether a hotel or resort is actually

living up to the PR hype.

All with an eye for ROMANCE, of course! There were many

hotels and resorts that were marvellous in their own right, but if

they didn’t have that special something that turns a luxury escape

into a romantic luxury escape, then we had to let them go.

Narrowing it down to merely 25 was demanding but we hope

that the following pages inspire you to write your own romantic-

travel-list for 2012 and that you get a chance to experience a

few of these amazing destinations that go one step further in

providing the perfect sanctuary for couples of all ages.

HolidaysForCouples.com.au 29

LISTLISTRomanceRomanceRomanceTHE

2012

KIRIDARA - LUANG PRABANG, LAOS

Luang Prabang has a notable position as a UNESCO world heritage site. Here, Buddhist temples and monasteries, French colonial buildings, traditional local teak houses, cobbled lanes, and those much-photographed dawn processions of monks create a unique fi lter to what is a burgeoning cityscape.

Suitably, even the accommodation is on the down low too - boutique hotels are all the go and there’s no big chain hotels to speak of. Kiridara opened in the middle of 2011 and is a delightful 24-room retreat situated in the hills and surrounded by native teak forests, with panoramic views of the sacred Mount Phou Si. And boy does Kiridara take full advantage of this prime position! You can enjoy the mountain panorama from the comfort of your elegantly appointed guest room or, for something a bit more fancy, from your own mountain view courtyard and terrace in the premium rooms.

Heading into town is easy - the hotel offers a convenient free shuttle service travelling by tuk tuk, or you can enjoy a stroll or take one of the hotel’s bicycles for a spin and savour the sites. And when you’ve done the temples and the streets, the shopping and the incredible heritage gems, you can retreat back to your hotel in the hills to kick up your feet and let the afternoon hours roll on by the pool, with a lychee martini in hand. Or head to the spa at the top of Kiridara for a blissful experience in the most time honoured cleansing and rebalancing traditions. Natalie Bannister

Why we love it: Kiridara is a little treasure befi tting this incredible town and country - enjoy stunning jungle vistas just moments from the sights and sounds of the old town.

ANGSANA BALACLAVA, MAURITIUSAngsana Hotels and Resorts do contemporary chic so well. The sister-brand of Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts, it is of little surprise to us that their latest offering is taking tropical luxury to new level of sophistication! Angsana Balaclava is set in the North West coast of Mauritius, in the secluded area of Turtle Bay which is well known for verdant hills, soft sand beaches and a peaceful, alluring bay.

Designed as a hideaway with couples fi rmly in mind, the architecture of Angsana Balaclava is distinctly Mauritian, with a fusion of African, oriental and Occidental infl uences like thatched roofs, rattan walls, tropical gardens and an organic use of stone, all of which combine to make for an enchanting, exotic ambience.

With its own secluded beach, an Angsana spa, traditional hammam (bathing pavilion), impressive pools, watersports and a yoga pavilion, this is the kind of place where the mind and body are pampered and enlivened. The resort has introduced specifi cally-designed Angsana Spa Journeys for guests, which include accommodation and a range of activities according to the choice of ‘Journey’. Guests of the 21 Spa Suites, get to enjoy a daily 90-minute spa session. Natalie Bannister

Why we love it: Angsana Balaclava merges two of life’s greatest pleasures - nature and romance - in an oasis of relaxation and privacy.

137 PILLARS, THAILAND

Back in the day, foreigners in Chiang Mai occupied their own precinct in this prosperous trading centre, and it was here that the Manager of the British East Borneo Company lived in his 19th century Colonial home. Now the centrepiece of 137 Pillars House, a member of Small Luxury Hotels, the original teakwood structure has been carefully and sympathetically restored, along with much of the garden, to create an enclave of luxury and comfort. And in reference to its tropical architecture, each of the generously sized suites opens onto a verandah or patio overlooking the garden, where mature trees shade the paths leading to the inviting pool.

How romantic to sit here together, drink in hand, and watch the shadows lengthen across the tropical gardens till the stars shimmer in the velvet black of the night sky, and the warm scented breezes drift by. You’ll revel in the elegance and charm of a bygone era and adore the inspired cuisine in The Dining Room restaurant and the tropical splendour of the adjacent dining courtyard. Margaret McGuire

Why we love it: It’s recycling at its very, very best … wonderful Colonial architecture meets history in a resort that offers the pinnacle of modern comfort – channel Indochine and the fabulous Catherine Deneuve, and you’re set for romance. 137pillarshouse.com

HOTEL MUSE, BANGKOK

Bangkok is no stranger to stylish or design-hip hotels so a new

one has to do something different to get noticed. And different

is exactly what the designers of Hotel Muse - part of Accor’s

characteristic MGallery brand - did with the glamorous, east

meets west design of Bangkok’s Hotel Muse!

Couples will love the sensual, romantic overtones that permeate

throughout, from the dramatic ironwork and over-the-top

decorating (even the light fi ttings are too beautiful for words!) to

the large rooms and suites deliciously outfi tted in white bedding

embellished with black stitching and black timber fl oors. And

the bathrooms are so elegant - think freestanding rolled-top

bathtubs and black and white fl oral sinks - that you’ll just want to

take them home!

Intimate dining experiences include the fabulous Italian styled

Medici (the chef hails from Tuscany ... of course!) and the

traditional Thai set menu at the glamorous Su Tha Ros. Couples

looking for late night fun can head to The Speakeasy on levels 24

& 25 - a unique spot for lovers who like to groove along with

the world-class artists and DJs who are in attendance on certain

evenings. Rhonda Bannister

Why we love it: Boutique sophistication in one of

the world’s most exciting cities close to great shopping and

entertainment, excellent service from friendly, effi cient staff ...

what’s not to love? Oh and did we mention the fabulous martinis

- shaken not stirred - served in Le Salon? hotelmusebangkok.com

ANANTARA KIHAVAH VILLAS, MALDIVES

If you want to play very, very spoiled castaways, the Maldives is the destination for you. Luxury taken beyond stars and astonishing natural beauty is what it’s all about in this fl oating Indian Ocean paradise and the most irresistible new player on the scene is Anantara Kihavah Villas.

Admired for their ability to both respect and celebrate the local culture and natural environment Anantara means ‘without end’ in Sanskrit and that’s exactly what you’ll wish for your Kihavah holiday. The glamorous arrival via sea plane will send a shiver of excitement down your spines as tendrils of overwater villas fl oat into view. Get super comfy in one of these spacious suites, with sun-drenched sun decks, direct water access and private pools amongst many other accoutrements, then lose yourselves in days of making snow angels in the pristine sand, heading into the balmy waters to swim, snorkel, dive and sail, or feasting in the unique Sea.Fire.Salt.Sky dining complex. Couples will love the over and underwater dining options including an undersea restaurant and rooftop bar. Tough day in paradise? Hit the renowned Anantara Spa with treatment suites (includes two doubles) set over the lagoon. Want to get away from it all? Select your own dream locale and the team of chefs and butlers will create a memorable dining experience in a part of the world where holding hands comes naturally and star gazing is an evening-long pursuit. Nicole Deuble

Why we love it: A stellar standout in an increasingly competitive fi eld, Anantara’s Villas are pure island luxury. And then some. kihavah-maldives.anantara.com

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LISTRomanceTHE

new TOP 25 HOTELS & RESORTSFOR COUPLES

2012

ST. REG IS SAADIYAT I S LAND, ABU DHAB I

Saadiyat Island lies just 500 metres off the coast of Abu Dhabi, and in typical UAE style, it’s an incredible example of the modern Arabian, multi-faceted experience for the discerning traveller. It’s here you will fi nd the latest addition to the iconic St.Regis brand - St.Regis Saadiyat Island. Building on the signature St.Regis blend of American ingenuity and European hospitality, St.Regis Saadiyat Island is lavish in architecture and design, yet intimate in the many spaces offered to couples seeking out privacy and an exclusive holiday experience.

You can choose from the superior rooms and St.Regis suites or go all out and splurge on the incredible Royal Suite overlooking either Saadiyat’s pristine beach or the golf club that has been designed by golfi ng legend, Gary Player. And it’s golf that plays the biggest drawcard to this resort - with an impressive 18-hole ocean front golf course to challenge the novice and thrill the enthusiast, there’s a distinct air of the good life here!

That’s not to say there’s not ample opportunity to completely unwind – St. Regis Saadiyat Island boasts the superb Iridium Spa for all your indulgent whims, and the beach here is so pristine that it attracts Hawksbill turtles that come here to nest, with Bottlenose dolphins a common sight playing offshore. Natalie Bannister

Why we love it: With downtown Abu Dhabi a mere seven minutes away, you can have the best of both worlds here - world class nightlife and dining and incredible shopping accessible just across the water (not to mention adventure activities that would make the most intrepid thrill seeker squeal!), and an intimate and refi ned lifestyle to immerse yourself in back in the confi nes of the sprawling resort. stregissaadiyatisland.com

ANANTARA MUI NE RESORT & SPA , V I ETNAM

Anantara’s unique brand of laid-back luxury, intuitive service and cultural immersion has produced a large following of devotees who will be happy to hear that a new Asian experience awaits on the stunning southeast coast of Vietnam where the sea meets the golden sands of Mui Ne, a beach resort area known as the country’s sunniest place! Groves of swaying palm trees, immense Saharan-sized sand dunes, winding rivers and tall mountains with pristine waterfalls are just a few of the natural attributes here.

Designed with the usual attention to detail and inspired by the rich tapestry of Vietnamese life, the 89 rooms, suites and villas offer an exotic hideaway that’s luxurious in space and furnishings. The ultimate rooms for romance? We would have to say the pool villas where couples get to indulge with their own lounge area, open-air bathroom and private swimming pool.

Wake up early and spend the morning boating across a fresh water lake before enjoying your specially prepared picnic lunch. Or take a speedboat ride to a small nearby island to climb the 184 steps of historic Ke Ga Lighthouse; try your skill windsurfi ng or sailing or simply unwind by your private pool before indulging in a divine Anantara spa treatment ... every day offers a new and wonderous experience to be savoured. Rhonda Bannister

Why we love it: We know that the Anantara brand offers an immersion into whichever local culture they are in and this new resort will give guests an appreciation of the fascinating Vietnamese culture. anantara.com

ALILA SOTHEA, SIEM REAPWhen a hotel has been built in honour of a man’s love for his wife, you can be assured that every room and space has been imbued with a respect for romance. Built in the heart of Siem Reap by a prominent local businessman as a tribute to his beloved wife ‘Sothea’, the Alila Sothea resort exudes the elegance of a grand Khmer villa, fusing nature’s beauty with contemporary charm and touches of Cambodian heritage. And now, taken under the wing of one of the world’s coolest hotel chains, Sothea benefi ts from the Alila brand’s signature boutique lifestyle concept – that of high style and contemporary chic served up with a respectful nod to culture. With its emphasis on intimate spaces, exquisite design, and experiences among the World Heritage temples of Angkor Wat, Alila Sothea makes a perfect addition to the Alila portfolio.

Hotels like Alila Sothea offer more than just luxury accommodation, they provide a stylish living space to make your home away from home, with eloquently furnished suites, sumptuous spaces and the most refi ned of creature comforts. The lush, landscaped gardens and fl owing waterways soothe the mind, while natural spa therapies and exquisite culinary delights invigorate and stimulate the senses. Alila Sothea provides a refuge of tranquillity in the heart of Siem Reap, where couples can savour the incredible sights and experiences of the city and surrounds, indulge in romantic moments and fall in love all over again in the most ambient of settings. Natalie BannisterWhy we love it: The VIP treatment on offer, like the personalised tuk-tuk service that allows guests to leisurely explore the stunning local town of Siem Reap - from cultural insight into Khmer culture, searching for hidden local markets or the best of the regional cuisine - and you even have your own mobile phone to keep your private driver at your beck and call. Now that’s service! alilahotels.com/southea

THE DARLING, SYDNEY Boutique digs with glittering Sydney views, world-class dining and the fun of a casino next door. Well played darling. Upping the ante in Australia’s most glamorous city, the Darling is part of the Star Casino’s swish $860 million refurbishment and packs a star power punch with careful attention to detail. It’s the ideal landing pad for couples who love big city lights and surprising details – like an outdoor swimming pool delicately scented with white tea and eucalyptus.

Long night around the roulette table? Head straight to the luxe day spa with 16 private rooms, including an intimate couples suite and hammam. Need some posh nosh? Former Nobu chef Chase Kojima presides over a feast of elegant contemporary Japanese dining at Sokyo Japanese restaurant. Shopping addicts? Head next door for retail therapy as well as restaurants, bars, and a nightclub. Nearly ready for bed? Crash out in your Adored Suite and soak up the jaw-dropping Sydney vistas – from the bathtub! Nicole Deuble

Why we love it: If you’re in a party mood, this sleek boutique hotel offers a playful cocktail of glitz and comforts. thedarling.com.au

the 89 rooms, suites and villas offer an exotic hideaway that’s luxurious in space and furnishings. The ultimate rooms for romance? We would have to say the pool villas where couples get to indulge with their own lounge area, open-air bathroom and private swimming pool.

Wake up early and spend the morning boating across a fresh water lake before enjoying your specially prepared picnic lunch. Or take a speedboat ride to a small nearby island to climb the 184 steps of historic Ke Ga Lighthouse; try your skill windsurfi ng or sailing or simply unwind by your private pool before indulging in a divine Anantara spa treatment ... every day offers a new and wonderous experience to be savoured. Rhonda Bannister

Why we love it:the Anantara brand offers an immersion into whichever local culture they are in and this new resort will give guests an appreciation of the fascinating Vietnamese culture. anantara.com

RAFFLES PRASL IN , SEYCHELLES

Loved-up celebrity couples have helped put the

remote pristine islands of the Seychelles, just off

the coast of Africa, fi rmly on the travel map. The

exclusivity, privacy and natural beauty lured royal

newly-weds William and Kate here for their

honeymoon and power couples Brad Pitt and

Angelina Jolie and David and Victoria Beckham have

also enjoyed romantic getaways. Experience your

own A-lister escape at Raffl es Praslin Seychelles,

located on the stunning private island of Praslin,

just a 15-minute helicopter ride from the main

island of Mahe. Surrounded by gloriously unspoiled

beaches, The Raffl es is situated amongst a veritible

Garden of Eden and each of the 86 spacious villas

take full advantage of their stunning surrounds with

expansive views of the outer lying islands strung on

the horizon of the sea or the island’s lush landscape.

Private pools or plunge pools, outdoor showers,

butler’s pantries (with a butler on call!) are some of

the luxurious inclusions with this all-villa property.

This is a resort that is dedicated entirely to the

pursuit of indulgence - designed for the privileged,

the kind of traveller who believes that life was made

for enjoying an exquisite lifestyle! Every staff member

is a proud Raffl es ‘ambassador’ ushering the residents

to the experience of a lifetime. Natalie Bannister

Why we love it: A destination that

offers you your own Romance Specialist who can

orchestrate everything from aphrodisiac beach

dinners to private excursions. How could it not

appear on the defi nitive list of the top 25 new

romantic hotels or resorts? raffl es.com/praslin/


RESORT & SPA , V I ETNAM

LISTRomanceTHE


2012

RIAD JOYA MOROCCO

Located in the ancient heart of the Marrakech Medina, Riad Joya has channelled Moroccan traditions and borrowed a dash of contemporary style from its Italian owners to create Marrakech’s most romantic new address.

Boutique in the true sense of the word with just seven magical suites overlooking a central courtyard, Riad Joya also features an intimate dining room, rooftop terrace with panoramic views to the Koutoubia Mosque and Atlas Mountains, and butlers and guides on standby to help make your Moroccan escape unforgettable. Expect tailor-made experiences like a private candlelit dinner beneath the stars of Marrakech with the evening call to prayer and the sounds of Djemaa El Fna Square as your soundtrack. Or an authentic Moroccan bath and scrub in Joya’s private hammam. Or a day of following the scent of mint and spices around the vibrant souks, antiquities districts and myriad alleyways of the Medina. After the hustle and fl ow of Marrakech, couples can cocoon in suites which give a nod to Morocco’s captivating past with names like Zanzibar, Ottomane and Dar Arab, and feature handcrafted beds, indulgent stone bathrooms, private fi replaces, and furnishings in a soothing natural palette. Nicole Deuble

Why we love it: The exotic allure of modern Morocco is beautifully encapsulated in this intoxicating yet refi ned retreat. riadjoya.com

AMAN SVETI STEFAN, MONTENEGRO

Aman Resorts is famous for delivering authentic travel experiences in romantic and inspired locations, with a level of intuitive luxury that few can match. So it was not surprising to read that it took them four years to painstakingly restore what was an historic 15th-century fi shing village off the coast of Montenegro, Situated on its own rocky outcrop, the island is a UNESCO site, ensuring that all of the historic charm, such as the tiny cobbled streets, remain, but the humble cottages have been imaginatively converted to rooms and suites which are elegant and refi ned, with an unobtrusive modernity. Crystal-clear water beckons at four beaches, and this is a wonderful jumping off point to explore the fascinating old towns and villages of Montenegro … but you’ll hasten back to the resort, to enjoy the superb comfort. Linger in the piazza where there are a variety of options for dining or a quiet drink and soak up the scenery ... Margaret McGuire

Why we love it: This is the perfect place for ‘time out’ if you have a hectic European schedule - linger and enjoy the silky sands at exquisite little coves and beaches; the cobbled streets where oleanders and olive trees share their shade, and where you may hear the faintest echoes of the bustle of the fi shing village. amanresorts.com

SONG SAA, CAMBODIAA name which means ‘the sweethearts’ in the local Khmer language sets the scene for a new calibre of romantic escape at Cambodia’s Song Saa Resort. Located on twin private islands, both enveloped by jungle and connected by a footbridge, the villas of Song Saa have catapaulted Cambodia’s coastal accommodation scene from laid-back to seriously luxe.

Floating in the Gulf of Thailand’s crystalline waters, the resort’s commitment to protecting the surrounding marine reserve and extensive use of sustainable materials have also earned it serious green cred. Choose your own adventure in one of 27 overwater, jungle or beach villas, all of which are decadently spacious and beautifully appointed. In fact everything here feels wonderfully expansive, open and organically realised, ensuring your stay will put you in touch with nature and set you free to relax and dream. While away your days at the world-class restaurant and lounge and infi nity edge pool (which spans both islands) or unwind at the yoga centre and Sanctuary spa. With more than 20 deserted beaches on your doorstep you and your sweetheart will always fi nd your own secluded sweep of sand. songsaa.com Nicole Deuble

Why we love it: Escaping to a private island is a dream many of us share and Song Saa delivers a pinch-yourself-perfect reality. songsaa.com

SHANGRI-LA HOTEL PARIS

I could sum this hotel up in three words - Paris. Shangri-La. Location! Really what more do we need to say ... well perhaps that if you’re celebrating something special in Paris you should stay somewhere magnifi cent, a place that offers the utmost in luxury, enjoys breathtaking views, and is sited in what is considered to be the top area of Paris. The Shangri-La Paris is all this and more. Housed in a nearly 120 year old mansion, one that was built for Prince Roland Bonaparte, no less, this is a hotel which offers the epitome of Parisian chic both through its decor and furnishings and the famous Shangri-La elegance.

Rooms and suites are divinely dressed in a classical French style and all offer wonderful views across the city or the Seine - the Eiffel premier room has unparalleled views of the Eiffel Tower but our pick would be the Eiffel Duplex suite with terrace - imagine the romance of a candle-lit dinner on your private terrace with the lights of the Eiffel Tower so close you can almost reach out and touch them!

Dining under a giant glass dome and an oversized Murano chandelier in the gourmet restaurant, La Bauhinia or socialising in the opulent surroundings of Le Grand Salon with its gleam of gilt and crystal is a Parisian experience every couple should aspire to - even if you can only afford to stay for one night - because it’s a romantic memory that will last a lifetime. Rhonda Bannister

Why we love it: This is what staying in Paris, the most romantic city in the world, should be like for everyone - so stylish, so luxurious, so indulgent, so Parisian! shangri-la.com

AN LAM N INH VAN B AY V I LLAS , V I ETNAM

What makes a perfect honeymoon hideaway? We all have different ideas but to me this property has it all ... quality accommodation; private beaches; spa pampering; confi dent staff offering exceptional service who plan daily surprises for guests and epicurean delights every single day of your stay.

An Lam Ninh Van Bay Villas is an hour by car from Nha Trang in Vietnam and then a 15 minute speed boat ride across the bay to arrive at a remote, pristine location of tropical forest where the 35 villas are spread out by the lagoon and up into the hills beyond.

It may be a long way from civilisation but guests are not deprived of any of life’s comforts. The cuisine is diverse, with an emphasis on discovering the best of Vietnamese dishes and the wine cellar, with its great range of wines from the old and new worlds, would satisfy the most discerning wine connoisseur. Couples love special romantic moments and here, private dining is a speciality. Dinner by a waterfall, on a hidden pool deck or perhaps on a private beach - or choose a different spot every night!

And for honeymooners wanting a Robinson Crusoe experience with an ultra-luxe twist, there’s the two newly opened air-conditioned villas at Ca Lam just a four minute boat trip away where you will have your own butler, personal chef and a private masseuse ... did we say the perfect honeymoon hideaway? You bet we did!.. Rhonda Bannister

Why we love it: Remote but accessible eco-tourism that is luxuriously indulgent is hard to fi nd but this one has it all. We also love the fact that guests are constantly wowed with little surprises planned by the attentive staff.epikurean.ws/index.php/an-lam-ninh-van-bay

boat ride across the bay to arrive at a remote, pristine location of tropical forest where the 35 villas are spread out by the lagoon and up into the hills beyond.

It may be a long way from civilisation but guests are not deprived of any of life’s comforts. The cuisine is diverse, with an emphasis on discovering the best of Vietnamese dishes and the wine cellar, with its great range of wines from the old and new worlds, would satisfy the most discerning wine connoisseur. Couples love special romantic moments and here, private dining is a speciality. Dinner by a waterfall, on a hidden pool deck or perhaps on a private beach - or choose a different spot every night!

And for honeymooners wanting a Robinson Crusoe experience with an ultra-luxe twist, there’s the two newly opened air-conditioned villas at Ca Lam just a four minute boat trip away where you will have your own butler, personal chef and a private masseuse ... did we say the perfect honeymoon hideaway? You bet we did!..

Why we love it:eco-tourism that is luxuriously indulgent is hard to fi nd but this one has it all. We also love the fact that guests are constantly wowed with little surprises planned by the attentive staff.epikurean.ws/index.php/an-lam-ninh-van-bay

W SEM INYAK , B AL I

W Hotels are renowned for their vibrant design

statements and in this new Bali property, they’ve

outdone even themselves. This resort more than

lives up to its uber-cool reputation! Strikingly

modern, totally unique and refreshingly non-

traditional in its design and amenities, this is Bali’s

hot, hot, hot new destination for the in-crowd to

see and be seen.

The avant garde design is beautiful and elegant –

it’s also cheeky and playful too with an emphasis

on rich, bright colour. Rooms and suites are a

blend of style and sophistication but our favourite

couple’s retreat would have to be a pool villa - an

oasis in paradise!

Staff are known as ‘Talent’ and whether they’re

mixing you a decadent cocktail at WooBar, serving

you a delicious meal from the kitchen of celebrated

chef Jack Yoss at Starfi sh Bloo or a frozen sunset

daiquiri at ICE, one thing is for sure - they’ll be

doing it with great W style!. Rhonda Bannister

Why we love it: For the young and

young at heart - you can’t help but feel happy and

relaxed in these playful surroundings. Also LOVE

the 24 hour spa facilities – straight from the dance

fl oor to the massage table – bliss!

starwoodhotels.com/whotels/index.html


LISTRomanceTHE


2012

MANDARIN ORIENTAL, PARIS

So Frenchy, so utterly chic. And we didn’t expect anything less when one of the world’s most ultra-stylish brands set its sights on the city of love. Things were bound to get gorgeous! Located in the fashionable Rue St Honore in the heart of Paris, just a twirl away from the Louvre and a bevy of haute couture houses, the Mandarin Oriental Paris offers an enchanting urban escape. Think elegant yet contemporary rooms and suites (many with city views), an enchanting spa, a magical garden courtyard, fi ve-star dining – and to top it off, an on-site patisserie. It’s just a short trot to the Opera, Champs-Élysées and Tuileries Gardens and the switched-on concierge will also help you fi nd the coolest spots to shop, dine and party in Paris. Nicole Deuble

Why we love it: Blame it on the city’s shamelessly romantic vibe, but we fell big time for this dreamy escape. We squealed over the location, swooned over the suites and surrendered willingly to the spa. Sweet seduction in Paris? Mais oui! mandarinoriental.com/paris/

TADRA I I S LAND RESORT, F I J I

A peaceful island paradise designed especially for two. Your own thatched villa with private plunge pool and a deck fl ooded with panoramic vistas. Exclusive access to four beaches and azure waters perfect for swimming and snorkelling. What more could you ask on an ultra-relaxed, uber luxurious honeymoon escape?

The welcoming smiles and swaying palms of Fiji have always enticed honeymooners but the villas of Selena Cove (part of the Tadrai Island Resort) have taken all-inclusive luxury to a new level in the region. Located on the north side of Mana Island in the pristine Mamanuca Group, just fi ve deluxe villas feature fi ve-star facilities plus special touches like in-room iPads, stone outdoor showers, soaking tubs with water views and your own private butler. They share access to the main freshwater pool and restaurant serving delicious Pacifi c Rim cuisine – which is all part of your stay along with all alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Indulge with a reef massage at mid tide or steal away for a private Champagne picnic on the neighbouring nuku-i-mana sand quay where you can whisper sweet nothings under a sweeping South Pacifi c sky. Nicole Deuble

Why we love it: All-inclusive luxury in a magical location coupled with the warm hospitality of the Fijian people equals paradise found. tadrai.com

THE COSMOPOL ITAN , LAS VEGAS

Las Vegas is a brash, vibrant adults’ Disneyland – the sort of place you can do what you want, when you want to do it ... which is what makes it such a fabulous couples’ destination!

It’s not short on hotels - they’re as omnipresent as the bright fl ashing neon signs that line the Strip, but still they keep opening new ones such as the glitzy 2,995-room Cosmopolitan, 52 stories high with almost every room enjoying a bird’s eye view of the streets of Las Vegas far below.

The most interesting thing about this new hotel besides the mirrored and LCD wrapped columns showing videos in the lobby, the curtain of two million crystals in The Chandelier Bar and the adults only poolside Marquee Dayclub is the collection of restaurants - 13 in total - more than enough cuisine styles to suit any and every taste.

The luxurious rooms are spacious and of course all amenities are top class, including the Italian linens gracing the oh-so-comfortable beds and the art books scattered across the coffee table. The rooms in the West Tower possibly have the best views as they look over the dancing fountains of Bellagio - the perfect accompaniment to sunset drinks on the terrace! Rhonda Bannister

Why we love it: First of all you have to love Vegas which we do, then everything else falls into place. Why stay in an old hotel when you can experience the glitzy new kid on the block? cosmopolitanlasvegas.com

showing videos in the lobby, the curtain of two million crystals in The Chandelier Bar and the adults only poolside Marquee Dayclub is the collection of restaurants - 13 in total - more than enough cuisine styles to suit any and every taste.

The luxurious rooms are spacious and of course all amenities are top class, including the Italian linens gracing the oh-so-comfortable beds and the art books scattered across the coffee table. The rooms in the West Tower possibly have the best views as they look over the dancing fountains of Bellagio - the perfect accompaniment to sunset drinks on the terrace!

Why we love it:to love Vegas which we do, then everything else falls into place. Why stay in an old hotel when you can experience the glitzy new kid on the block? cosmopolitanlasvegas.com

B ALLYF IN HOUSE , I RELAND

In one word this place is spectacular. It’s the most

lavish Regency style mansion in Ireland and if I

were heading to Ireland for a holiday, I would most

certainly put staying at Ballyfi n at the top of my

wish list. Sited in County Laois, a 90 minute drive

from Dublin, Ballyfi n House was built in 1820 and

after serving as a boarding school for decades, has

undergone an eight year restoration to open as a

fi ve-star luxury country house hotel in May 2011.

There’s a sense of romance everywhere - in the

sensual touch of the luscious silk upholstery used on

the antique settees and armchairs in the very grand

Gold Drawing Room to the whimsical and elaborate

wrought-iron outdoor conservatory, its entrance

hidden away behind a bookcase in the Library; from

the graceful elegance of four-poster or canopied

beds that invite cosy cuddles to pre-dinner cocktails

served in one of the glamorous reception rooms.

Our pick for romance? We see ourselves in the

Lady Caroline Coote Room with its oversized white

canopy bed, fi replace and huge soaking bathtub!

Rhonda Bannister

Why we love it: It has a real sense of

place, a step back to a more graceful era where

guests are cosseted and made to feel like they are

staying in a rich relative’s mansion for a romantic

weekend house party. ballyfi n.com

HILTON SURFERS PARADISE

Surfers Paradise has a brand new look with the opening of Australia’s newest Hilton. Big city style with service to match. If you’re after some serious downtime with quality at every turn then this is for you. The fantastic white sand beaches of the Gold Coast are at your doorstep but if that’s just too much effort, take the lift down to the pool level, order lunch from The Deck and while away the afternoon on your private daybed with cocktail in hand. With the option of the luxurious Hilton Residences - complete with lounge, dining and fully equipped kitchen or a stylish hotel room there’s something for every kind of escape. Towering over Surfers Paradise, the views from every room are breathtaking. 24 hour room service means midnight Champagne is only ever a phone call away while the Fix Bar, under the stewardship of renowned mixologist Grant Collins offers up a world of cocktails served in vintage glassware accompanied by upbeat, attentive staff. Melissa Reynolds

Why we love it: An oasis in the heart of Surfers Paradise, the new Hilton offers a new level of sophistication for the good old GC. From the sleek white rooms to the huge pool area complete with cocktail bar, you can tell they have thought long and hard about what an adult getaway means. Tip: Book a treatment at eforea spa on your fi rst day and you’ll be miles ahead in the relaxation stakes. hiltonsurfersparadise.com.au

ENTRE CIELOS, ARGENTINAA new chic, boutique resort located at the foot of Argentina’s Andes, in an area known for its vineyards and wines, Entre Cielos offers a surprisingly different honeymoon or romantic escape. Located in Vistalba, just 25 kilometres from Mendoza El Plumerillo International airport, the resort offers everything either on site or close by - wine tours, white-water rafting, horse riding, mountain trekking, skiing and polo plus more. But if, like me you like your holiday pleasures a little more relaxed there’s a wonderful spa with traditional Turkish hammam and fi ne dining at two on-site restaurants. And, you’re in one of the premier wine areas of a country that is known as the fi fth largest wine producer in the world so naturally there are excellent local wines to savour –there’s also a vineyard attached to the resort.

The design of the hotel is starkly minimalist with fl oor to ceiling glass providing enchanting views of the snow capped Andes and the surrounding countryside. The rooms and suites are spacious and comfortably furnished but if you’re looking for something special, book the master suite which has a private outdoor Jacuzzi, rainforest shower and a terrace overlooking the vineyard. Want to go all out and spoil yourselves? Then book the ultimate room - a vineyard loft standing above the vineyard on stilts it boasts a bathtub on the terrace and window in the roof that offers expansive starry sky views ... simply heavenly and so different to anything else we’ve seen! Rhonda Bannister

Why we love it: It’s not cheap but simply everything about this resort screams fi rst class luxury which is important to know if you have travelled half way around the world to experience a cultural/adventure holiday in style. entrecielos.com


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2012

AMANRUYA , BODRUM PEN INSULA TURKEY

Steeped in history, surrounded by ancient pine forests and overlooking the insanely deep blue waters of Turkey’s stunning southwestern Aegean coast, Amanruya is sheer honeymoon heaven. Located on a fabled coastline littered with Greek and Roman temple ruins, the resort embodies Aman Resorts’ signature refi nement and sensitivity to the surrounding landscape in an elegant take on rustic luxe. The 36 spacious Pool Cottages honour their surrounds through Mediterranean and Ottoman architectural elements and local materials including white Turkish marble and handmade rugs from Istanbul, each with their own private garden, marble swimming pool and plush day beds.

If you can coax your partner from the charming pebble beach or expansive marble swimming pool, day trips to local sites like the ancient city of Ephesus will sate history-hungry couples. Or you can explore the vibrant marina city of Bodrum (formerly called Halicarnassus) including the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, an early monument to love and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Our tip? Enjoy a romantic on-water adventure sailing the nearby Bodrum Peninsula on a local gulet (wooden sailboat). Unforgettable! Nicole Deuble

Why we love it: Even with the Mediterranean beckoning and thousands of years worth of history on your doorstep, it’s hard to leave the romantic confi nes of amanruya. It really is that lovely. amanresorts.com/amanruya

ONE&ONLY THE PALM, DUBAILocated within one of the world’s most spectacular man-made landscapes, and boasting incredible views of the Dubai skyline, this Moorish - Arabesque styled, boutique resort stands out like an exquisite gem on a beautiful woman. With its amazing swimming pool and gracious palm gardens rimmed with lemon and tangerine trees, One&Only The Palm sits on the furthest point of the Palm’s throng, ensuring a touch of seclusion and romance along with the excitement of being in one of the world’s most dynamic cities. For the ultimate in glamorous entrances, arrive to the resort’s private marina by boat.

We love the glamorous, contemporary public spaces that gleam with the purity of white light, the open kitchen and interactive dining concept in the resort’s main restaurant - ZEST and the monochromatic palette of black and silver furnishings and the black vaulted ceilings festooned with opulent crystal chandeliers that scream divine decadence in the specialty restaurant, STAY. The designer should be given a gold star!

Couples will also love the over-sized and sumptuously decorated rooms and suites - our favourites have a private plunge pool for extra privacy - and will adore spending an evening perched above the marina at 101 Dining Lounge and Bar, gazing at the striking high-rise skyline of the city while enjoying a cocktail and listening to the resident DJ spin the latest tunes in the sultry evening air. And the ultimate couples treat has to be a spa treatment in the dedicated Couple Spa Suite at the ESPA Spa ... talk about romantic! Rhonda Bannister

Why we love it: The fastidious service, gastronomic excellence, glamorous surroundings and secluded location make this a true luxury resort where every visit is a celebration to be savoured. oneandonlyresorts.com

THE NAKA ISLAND - A LUXURY COLLECTION RESORT & SPA, PHUKET

Forget loud bars and crowded beaches. At this resort you’ll have to settle for being guests in one of only 67 magnifi cently appointed villas where you can indulge in your own private pool, spacious outdoor area, sala and open-air bathroom, all while enjoying stunning views over Phang Nga Bay. Located just off the coast of Phuket, on Naka Yai Island, yet only 25 minutes from Phuket International Airport, you won’t fi nd much beyond the white sandy beaches, shady coconut groves, natural mangroves and landscaped gardens – this is a secluded, luxurious haven designed to reintroduce you to nature, re-energise you, allow you to get in touch with yourselves and with each other again. You won’t fi nd noisy bars and market stalls, although there is a small fi shing village on the island.

This resort won’t suit couples looking for more than a tranquil oasis where spending precious time with each other is the name of the game, nor will it suit couples who have an abhorrence of all things that live in nature - it is after all a resort on an island, a place that appeals to those seeking romance and seclusion in pristine natural surrounds, with more than a dash of luxury thrown in! There is a great range of water sports to enjoy, Epicurean delights to keep even the fussiest eater happy and indulgent spa treatments to relax those muscles and get your skin glowing again. Rhonda Bannister

Why we love it: Cocooned on an island that is rich in cultural history and natural beauty, and easily accessible from Phuket, this is understated luxury at its best - we particularly think the sea-front villas, with their amazing views, would be a great honeymoon base. nakaislandphuket.com

HolidaysForCouples.com.au38

list 2012 - wa international · anantara kihavah villas, maldives if you want to play very, very...

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