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Winter has to be one of the most popular times for a romantic getaway, the cold weather and dark nights encouraging you to curl up somewhere special with someone exceptional or run away to somewhere where the sun will warm your skins. And as Valentine’s Day is upon us, there is absolutely no excuse not to whisk away the most important person in your life right now, or at least set that train off down the tracks. So, from the Paris cliche that is never a cliche, from private tropical oases to cosy mountain retreats, and from chic rural boltholes to sexy beach getaways, here are a few of our favourite ideas for a couples vacation or break this winter. But only a brief snapshot of the boltholes our experts can offer that are ideal for an intimate retreat any time of the year, perfect for asking the most important question of your life if that is on your mind; or just showing someone very special how much time spent just with them means to you …

 

THE COTSWOLDS

Tucked into a hillside overlooking a vineyard and the Welsh hills beyond, Little Lodge, near Cheltenham, is a perfect romantic retreat for two. Cosy up around the fire-pit with something cold and bubbly … Perhaps a glass or two of Cotswold champagne … Part of Luxury Cotswold Rental’s collection.

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PARIS

Paris is the City of Love all year round, of course, but if you visit during winter – when there are fewer other tourists and snow sprinkles around – you can have more of the capital just between the two of you. And what better way than to base yourself right in the heart of the city at one of Haven In’s amazing apartments. There’s nothing more romantic than savouring some quality time with your sweetheart in the heart of Paris.

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THE ALPS

Enjoy a romantic ski trip to the Alps while staying at the charming La Petite Ferme chalet, located in a picturesque hamlet of Montriond on the outskirts of Morzine. It’s only a five-minute drive from the bubble at Ardent, so you can easily access the slopes and then retreat to your couple’s chalet at the end of the day for a cosy evening just for two.

Available through UltraVilla ski chalet expert Ultimate Luxury Chalets, La Petite Ferme has been beautifully restored by its owners and is luxuriously decorated in furs, cowhides, dark wood and other mountain elements. The double height ceiling of the lounge area gives a fantastic spaciousness to the chalet, which is amplified by the floor to ceiling windows with views onto the distant ski lifts and local church steeple. Adjacent is an open plan kitchen with a traditional wood burner.

Two of the chalet’s bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms and the third an open plan and a separate shower room. The delectable decor is carried over into the bedrooms, each with individually styled featuring cow or deer themed antiques.

If you’re not snuggled on the cosy living room sofa enjoying its vast selection of DVDs, you’re bound to be relaxing in the chalet’s private outdoor hot-tub.

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HARBOUR ISLAND

New England charm in a Caribbean clime with small narrow streets and perfectly formed old clapperboard houses – but still bristling with the conveniences of modern life. You can curl up with your ‘plus one’ in perfect seclusion but still have fine tête-à-tête dining and some serious clubbing a stone’s throw away. And, of course, the famous pink sands for that romantic morning stroll or late night wander … Allamanda is a perfect example of Pamela Murdock’s great portfolio.

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A honeymoon is your trip of a lifetime, however, with so many exceptional destinations around the world, deciding where to take this epic vacation is far from easy. Your selection can be facilitated by focusing in on a specific part of the world, like the Asia-Pacific. With its immense cultural diversity, fascinating historic sites, mouth-watering cuisine and phenomenally romantic settings, the region has something for all tastes and interests. Here are some of our favorites across the area to help you plan an exotic and heavenly honeymoon.

Koh Samui – Thailand

From north to south, Thailand’s cultural richness and natural beauty make it a marvelous and multifaceted honeymoon destination. No day of your trip will be the same as you wander through colorful temples, treasure hunt at vibrant markets, swim with schools of exotic fish, sample authentic Thai cuisine and lounge under seaside palm trees. All these pleasures can be experienced to their fullest on one of Thailand’s breathtaking islands such as Koh Samui, off the country’s eastern coast in the Gulf of Thailand.

The best couple’s resort on Koh Samui is Samujana, Thailand’s most luxurious boutique villa estate. The expansive property offers guests uncompromised privacy and service while boasting a prestigious hilltop location just a few minutes’ drive from Samui International Airport. Each of the unique, individually designed villas has spectacular panoramic sea views and private beach access. Enjoy over-sized infinity pools, fully equipped kitchens, landscaped garden areas, private in-villa dining options as well as private activities from yoga to Muay Thai boxing.

With exclusive access to Koh Samui’s finest services, couples can indulge in romantic activities like a sunset dinner prepared by the head chef of the island’s most illustrious restaurant, a private champagne catamaran excursion or a luxurious spa afternoon catered to by an expert therapist. If you can manage to tear yourself away from the beautiful estate, you can take in the island’s temples, markets, elephant experiences and a variety of sports from fishing to zip-lining and from hiking to ATV safaris.

Baa Atoll – The Maldives

Over one thousand coral islands, miles of untouched sandy beaches and endless aquamarine waters, The Maldives are a honeymooner’s paradise. It’s hard to find a more romantic setting for couples wanting to escape the crowds often found at coastal destinations. Here you’ll be able to spend your days relaxing on its deserted beaches, boating around nearby islands, snorkeling above the reefs and pampering yourselves with private spa treatments.

One of the archipelago’s most luxurious resorts is Amilla Fushi. Located in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, it’s only a 30-minute seaplane ride from Malé International Airport. It has spacious, designer private homes featuring private sanctuaries that either hover over crystal waters or are nestled among the treetops which add a unique dimension to your romantic break. You can dine privately at your villa or in one of the resort’s five restaurants. Explore the area on by taking a private excursion to sandbanks or to see dolphins, or spend a day (or more) relaxing at their renowned Javvu Spa, where its range of treatments include several specific designed for couples.

Honeymooners can take advantage of their “Time for Two” package. It includes daily breakfasts, one unforgettable private dinner by the beach, a romantic sunset champagne cruise and a special “romantic turn down” in your room. In addition, if you stay a minimum of three nights in an Ocean Lagoon, Ocean Reef or One Bedroom Beach House you will receive a 20% discount on your room rate.

Irrawaddy River – Myanmar

Since its recent political openness, Myanmar has become the ideal destination for adventurous couples. Even if tourism is gradually picking up, it is still largely uncharted territory where you can admire ancient pagodas without throngs of camera-wielding tourists, boat past typical fishing villages on spectacular Lake Inle, experience authentic interactions with local tribes and end your trip on the deserted beaches of the south coast.

A unique and intimate way to discover Myanmar is by taking a cruise on one of Amara River’s private teak river boats. Normally for up to 10 or 14 passengers, you can charter the boat just for two and have the exclusive attention of their professional and friendly staff. The traditional wooden boats were custom built and outfitted with modern luxury amenities. The front cabin is set up as a “honeymoon suite” and couples can view the riverbank sites from the upper deck which has a canopied dining area, a bar and a sun deck with colonial style deck chairs.

The boat can take several routes, though the best for a honeymoon is a six-day trip starting in the north in Mandalay and traveling south to Bamaw. A honeymoon cruise will likely include some romantic surprises. You might find your dinner table decorated with flowers and candles, be brought breakfast in bed or relax over a couple’s massage on the deck. Off the boat, couples can do special activities like having an exchange of vows ceremony in a temple at sunset or a breathtaking hot air balloon ride over Bagan.

Bali – Indonesia

The magical Indonesian island of Bali is a sublime setting for an enchanting honeymoon. You’ll be seduced by the tranquility of its Hindu temples, the flashing colors of its intricate dancers and the rhythms of the waves crashing against its stunning shorelines. Release your stress over yoga on an outdoor patio, bike through graceful rice fields, hike to the top of lush volcanoes and swim in warm blue waters before closing the day on the beach with a feast of delicious local specialties accompanied by a traditional music performance.

Enjoy the cultural and natural splendors of Bali in the comfort of your private hotel at Luna2. The first true design hotel on the island, this beachfront boutique in sophisticated Seminyak has been deemed one of the “World’s Top 10 Hottest Hotels” by Tatler Magazine Hong Kong. Opened in 2007, and named after the first spacecraft to successfully land on the moon in the late-1950s, its unique design and philosophy unites the past, present and future. You will find this inside with beautiful contemporary furnishings and artwork, and outside with a sleek private pool area and direct beach access.

As a private hotel, you are treated to the impeccable services of an exclusive hotel with the intimate setting of your own “home.” Its dedicated 20-person staff ensures you have the ultimate out-of-this-world stay. Dine on the top international cuisine of its specially designed menu of “Lunafood” and make the most of the range of in and out-of-house activities and spa treatments.

Vatuvara Private Islands – Fiji

If you want to be get away from it all and spend quality time alone with your new bride or groom, there’s no better place than Fiji. Perfectly positioned for total privacy between Tahiti and Australia, this volcanic archipelago features over 300 awe-inspiring islands, around a third of which are uninhabited. Discover lush mountains, peaceful valleys, and unspoiled sandy coves. Its year-round tropical climate, with reliably long sunny days and warm evenings, means you can vacation here any time of year. If offers more than lounging around on the beach – not that there is anything wrong with that especially on honeymoon – active travelers can partake in a variety of sports like snorkeling, diving, surfing, deep-sea fishing and mountain trekking.

Experience your own Robinson Crusoe lost paradise on Vatuvara Private Islands. Hidden in Fiji’s pristine northern Lau waters on Kaibu Island, it is only accessible by the resort’s private airplane. With only three private villas you have the utmost luxurious privacy, you can also opt for an exclusive island buyout to have the whole island to yourselves.

The villas combine Fijian style and contemporary comfort. The one-bedroom villas each feature a large en-suite, fully equipped kitchen, indoor dining and living room area, dedicated villa spa, tropical courtyard and bionized heated pools, as well as indoor and outdoor showers. Each stay is custom-designed to your travel preferences and can include a day of pampering bliss with massages and treatments, exploring abandoned villages, boating the shimmering aquamarine lagoons, or topping your trip off with a champagne evening picnic under the stars.

Contact Vatuvara about this exclusive experience at this link.