There’s nothing like stealing away on a romantic getaway to a far-flung hideaway with your beau to
heat things up in your relationship. Not only will you lovebirds be privy to exclusive one-on-one time (think personal infinity pools and private villas), but being on the guest list at one of these luxe havens guarantees 5-star treatment.

1. St. Regis Bora Bora Resort in Bora Bora

Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban handpicked this ultra-private island in the Pacific Ocean for their honeymoon. It’s no surprise it’s a celebrity haunt (local staff patrol the island on jet skis to ward off persisting paparazzi, making it super exclusive). Celebrity or not, privacy is the resort’s M.O., with a hidden pool-for-two overlooking French Polynesia’s famous Otemanu Mountain, and round-the-clock butler service (who only drop by when called upon). Cap off your couples retreat (ahem, yes, the movie–featuring Vince Vaughn and Kristin Davis was filmed here too) at eminent French chef, Jean Georges’ restaurant, known for its aphrodisiac-infused menu.

stregisborabora.com

2. Banyan Tree Samui in Koh Samui, Thailand

Each of the 78 villas cascading down a private cove, on the Southeast coast of Koh Samui, look like tiny lanterns jutting out from surrounding rainforest. With floor-to-ceiling glass windows, lovers can admire the panorama of lush scenery in bed, while feasting on Pho Pia Sod – the resort’s signature spring rolls, perfected with locally grown ingredients. The suites’ private pools, secluded by glassed-in balconies, are the largest on the island (and only steps away from the bedroom). The staff will go out of their way to prepare an exclusive candlelit dinner for two on the beachfront, as you indulge in caviar while watching sunset.

banyantree.com/Koh_Samui

3. Caesar Augustus Hotel in Capri, Italy

The isolated Isle of Capri is known to attract the likes of many famous faces – from Jennifer Lopez (with then-husband Marc Anthony) to supermodel Naomi Campbell and her many famous suitors. Situated on a cliff 1000-feet above the sea, this luxe spot resembles a manse more so than a hotel. Since reveling in Italian cuisine is a given, gratify your palette with Capri’s traditional Ravioli Alla Caprese and delectable wine list on the restaurant’s private terrace, with the Bay of Naples and the volcanic island of Ischia as your backdrop.

caesar-augustus.com

More places to find romance on the next page …

4. Cap Rocat in Mallorca, Spain

In its past life, this historic-fortress was a chaotic battleground between Spain and the United States. But 100 years later, it has been re-imagined as a deluxe hotel – spreading around love, not war. Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas, along with the Spanish royals, were among the first lovebirds to set the romantic tone when it recently opened. Aside from its modern twist, the architecture remains a time capsule of the past with former shooting pads remodeled into chic suites. The private salt-water pool sits on one of the resort’s ancient-stoned walls, deliberately leveled to meet with the Mediterranean Sea.

caprocat.com

5. Pink Sands Resort in Harbour Island, Bahamas

Kate Moss, Gisele Bündchen, Jennifer Aniston and their respective beaus are just a few celebrities who have basked on the famous three-mile stretch of pink sands beach (which gets its name from bits of red shell mixed in the white sand.) Ultra-exclusivity is key, as even celebs will be asked to the leave the private beachfront if not guests of the resort. Sit along the sparkling waters and share a plate of coconut crusted shrimp, or take a seafood-inspired cooking class for two, as Pink Sands’ Executive Chef, James Van Dyke, helps you prepare an exotic sushi dish.

pinksandsresort.com

6. Jade Mountain in St. Lucia

What guarantees intimate couple time more than a technology-free luxury resort? Spacious, open-air rooms (with the fourth wall entirely absent), and private pools resembling miniature waterfalls promise lots of confidential cuddle time. Share a complimentary bottle of French champagne, while you loll on your king-sized bed. It’s no wonder famous figures choose this Caribbean gem as a prime honeymoon destination– like Victoria’s Secret’s model Miranda Kerr and Orlando Bloom. Let passion erupt as you visit the world’s only drive-in volcano, and sink into the tranquil waters of surrounding mineral pools, deemed to be therapeutic for the skin.

jademountain.com

7. Maia Luxury Resort in the Seychelles

Perched atop a hillcrest on a quiet peninsula, this über-chic hotel has a permanent plane-like view of the Indian Ocean. Sip on bubbly (provided by your personal butler, of course) as you dive into the Indian Ocean for a private scuba lesson, grazing untouched coral reef and exotic lionfish. Indulge in a couples massage to ease jet lag, with their unique ‘Dancing Fingers Massage’ – an hour-long body rub, where two practitioners work together to knead muscles. Seal the night on the right foot (literally) with one of the resort’s stress-reducing Hatha yoga classes.

maia.com.sc

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