Top romantic retreats for couples

If you’re planning a romantic getaway, these gorgeous hotels and lodges are just the ticket. From bucolic retreats to beach resorts and bijou city boltholes, we’ve scoured the globe to find some of our favourite hideaways for two.

Best for laidback luxury

Nowhere symbolises romance more than a tropical island cast adrift in the Indian Ocean, and Kandolhu Maldives is one of our tiniest treasures. Wow-factors here include a spectacular house reef, swish villas and five à la carte restaurants, plus an in-villa wine chiller with over 30 types of wine.

For an Indian Ocean escape with African flair, make your way to Zanzibar. At Matemwe Attitude, an adults-only haven set on a pristine beach, time slows to the tide’s pace: powdery sands underfoot, sea-breeze villas (some with swim-up or private pools) and flavourful island fare from beach barbecues to wood-fired pizzas delivered to your lounger. After the thrill of safari, there’s no better place to relax and unwind.

A little closer to home, Italy’s Lake Garda is every bit as romantic, with mirror-still waters, citrus-scented hillsides and mountain views that melt into the horizon. Lefay Resort & SPA Lago di Garda takes full advantage of its setting, pairing panoramic lake views with an award-winning spa and a signature wellbeing philosophy that feels wonderfully indulgent. Drift between saunas, saltwater pools and relaxation grottos, before dining on olive oil – rich Mediterranean dishes made with produce from the resort’s own farm.

Best for sheer opulence

Bali is a destination that always ranks high on special occasion wish lists, and those who visit have an enviable photo reel of petal-strewn baths, infinity pools that ‘drop’ into emerald rainforests and ultra-luxurious pool villas. The Viceroy Bali is one of the best; the views, villas and service are nothing short of spectacular.

As home to one of the world’s most romantic buildings, The Taj Mahal, it’s no surprise that India is a destination that is alluring to couples. Our experts can create your own Indian love story on a private car and driver adventure, and we can tailor in a few nights at the Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur. This iconic, ‘floating’ hotel, set on pretty Lake Pichola, has round-the-clock butler service and fairy-tale dining experiences. Don’t miss dinner on board the royal barge, complete with grandly dressed rowers, dance performers and a private chef.

If you’d rather jet off on an exotic beach escape, the Eden-esque islands of the Seychelles are a top choice for castaway luxury. On Silhouette Island, within a protected national marine park, Niva Labriz Seychelles sits between rainforest and reef, with villas that open straight onto the sand. Days here are spent snorkelling over coral gardens, hiking to hidden beaches and sampling delicious Creole cuisine. It’s the only resort on the island, which makes it feel like your very own slice of paradise.

Best for wildlife encounters

If you have your heart set on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, a safari in Kenya doesn’t disappoint. You can live out the African dream with exhilarating game drives to spot the Big Five, float over the golden savannah in a hot air balloon and clink G&Ts around a crackling fire as scarlet-clad Maasai warriors regale you with tales of life in the bush. You can’t get much closer to the action than at Governors' Camp, an intimate safari camp in the Maasai Mara, where elephants often wander through camp and you’ll likely hear hippos shuffling by your tent at night.

Tanzania is another great choice for a wild holiday. We highly recommend staying a few nights at Lemala Mpingo Ridge, a luxury lodge elevated above the spectacular scenery of Tarangire National Park. The guest tents here are more like super-chic cabins and a shining highlight is the outdoor bathtub with a view. We also love the sunken lounge that converts to an afternoon siesta bed – the perfect spot for a post-safari snooze. 

Best for wellness

Couples that spa together, stay together. At Hurawalhi Island Resort in the Maldives, you can indulge in award-winning spa experiences such as the Full Moon Magic ritual and the ‘His and Hers’ massage. Alongside the incredible spa, the island oozes romance, from trips to Dream Island to being wined and dined in the world’s largest all-glass undersea restaurant.

The scenery of St Lucia alone will whisk your other half off their feet, and at Ladera Resort, you can take in the dizzying Piton views from the exquisite open-air suites. Start your day with sunrise yoga sessions, enjoy farm-to-table dining and soak up the natural beauty of the rainforest on a thrilling nature hike.

You don’t have to travel far to celebrate a big occasion; Europe is brimming with world-class hotels and La Residencia, A Belmond Hotel, Mallorca is one of the finest hotels in Mallorca. This art-adorned oasis, nestled in the foothills of the Tramuntana Mountains, has dreamy spa terraces and a range of unique experiences. We love the donkey trail through their olive groves, where you’ll enjoy a gourmet picnic in a shepherd’s hut high in the hills.

Best for epicurean delights

Truffles, melt-in-your-mouth gelato and wine fresh from a Chianti vineyard – Tuscany is foodie heaven. Surrounded by olive groves and rolling countryside, Villasanpaolo Resort & Spa is an enchanting spot for couples. The spa is the heart of the hotel, with soothing rituals for two, while Lacantina sets the scene for intimate, candlelit dinners that linger long into the evening. When you’re ready to explore, hop on a Vespa to discover the medieval magic of nearby San Gimignano.

Greece is another European destination that’s big on the culinary scene, and Ikos Aria on Kos takes all-inclusive dining to a new level of indulgence. Expect Michelin-starred menus, curated wine pairings and the chance to venture beyond the resort with the Dine Out concept, where local tavernas open their doors to Ikos guests.

If you’d like a taste of the Far East, head to The Sarojin in Thailand for private dining with a difference. You can book a table for two in a range of extraordinary locations, including shipwrecked-style on a remote sand isle and a magical setting by a candle-lit waterfall.

Another stellar choice in Thailand is Paresa Phuket, a peaceful pool-villa sanctuary perched high above Kamala Beach. Its name means ‘heaven of all heavens’ – and the views live up to it. Sleek villas tumble down the forested hillside, each with an infinity pool and panoramic sea view. For the full romantic effect, book a candlelit dinner at Talung Thai, where tables seem to float above the Andaman Sea.

Best for intimate moments

At Paradise Cove Boutique Hotel in Mauritius, an adults-only enclave hidden away on a secluded peninsula, the concept is on uninterrupted alone time. Soak up the rays on the ‘love nest’ twin sunbeds, sail out on a sunset cruise and enjoy an enchanting evening stargazing on the lantern-lit pier.

Over in the Caribbean, one of our favourite couples’ hideouts is Keyonna Beach Resort in Antigua. Tucked away on a 305-metre long beach, this rustic-chic hotel has just 37 rooms and a laid-back vibe. For the most seclusion, splash out on a Beachfront Pool Cottage, which has a plunge pool, outdoor rain showers and endless sea views.

Santorini is utterly seductive. From wandering hand-in-hand down pink flower-filled alleyways to dining under twinkling lights on the edge of a volcanic caldera, this iconic island is made for romance. Stay at Grand Ambassador Santorini, a sugar-white coastal stunner carved into volcanic rock, where every room has a private pool. Monochrome design and sweeping sea views set the scene, while Cabo Rosso – one of the island’s hottest tables – serves standout Mediterranean dishes. 

For a short and sweet escape, it has to be Rome, the Eternal City. Check in at Anantara Palazzo Naiadi, a five-star gem set in a Neoclassical palace overlooking one of the city’s grandest piazzas. With the hum of the city just beyond its doors and a spa that draws on ancient Roman rituals, this is la dolce vita at its most refined.

This feature was updated on 22nd December 2025. The information within this feature is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of print. Feature by Heather Flanagan.