5 of the Most Romantic Getaways Around the World

Tropical island retreats, alpine showstoppers and private beaches: these luxurious (and romantic) stays are sure to impress. 

InterContinental Hayman Island Resort, Australia 

This epic Great Barrier Reef resort is set on a 400-hectare private island at the northernmost point of the Whitsunday archipelago. In 2019, it received a $135-million makeover in which rooms were updated with blond timber and neutrals and sleek cabanas line the lagoon-style pool. Five eateries have been added to the roster, ranging from Amici’s serving wood-fired pizzas to the upscale seafood restaurant Pacific (don’t miss the succulent crayfish doused in kombu butter). 

You’ll likely spend your time swanning around the deluxe day spa – the 75-minute marine mineral facial is our pick – indulging in competition on stand-up paddleboards, hiking to a secret cove in Blue Pearl Bay or chartering a private helicopter tour over picture-perfect Heart Reef.

Capella Singapore

You’ll feel far removed from the bustle of the business district at this Sentosa Island escape, just 20 minutes from Singapore’s city centre. Surrounded by 12 hectares of lush rainforest and partly housed in colonial buildings that date back to the 1880s, the 112 rooms, suites and villas are decorated in soothing earthy tones and offer views of either the glistening South China Sea or the hotel’s immaculate gardens (you’ll likely spot a peacock or two). Meander hand-in-hand down to Palawan Beach (Capella has direct access), take a dip in the two-tiered infinity pool, then revel in a meal at fine-diner Cassia, which serves up modern Cantonese such as steamed charcoal buns filled with truffled pork.  

Jumeirah Bali, Indonesia 

Jumeirah, a sprawling cliffside estate, boasts sweeping views of Uluwatu’s aptly named Dreamland Beach and the turquoise Indian Ocean beyond. Each of the 123 private pool villas has a sun-drenched terrace, vaulted-ceiling living areas and an outdoor shower, and canapés at turndown and 24/7 butler service are included. When you decide to leave your room, head to open-air restaurant Akasa for a sunset cocktail – try the Dreamland Fizz, a mix of gin-infused hibiscus, elderflower syrup, lemon juice and chamomile tea. =

If it’s wellness you want, look no further than Talise Spa where you can realign your spirit with a chakra consultation, find balance with yoga or melt the stress away with a traditional Balinese massage. 

Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa, New Zealand 

Some couples like to retreat from the world, others prefer to immerse themselves in it; both are catered for at the Hilton Queenstown on the banks of Lake Wakatipu. With a heated indoor pool, sauna, well-equipped gym, organic spa and local produce-driven waterside restaurant, Wakatipu Grill, you’ll have everything you need for staying in. But outdoor adventures abound, too: the hotel can organise transport to the nearby Remarkables ski fields or a 10-minute water taxi across the lake to sample Queenstown’s booming culinary scene (book ahead to snag a table at farm-to-table institution Rata). 

All 220 rooms have a stone fireplace, deep tub and cosy, chalet-chic living room; upgrade to the King Hilton Relaxation Room to drink in epic alpine views and a glass or two of New Zealand pinot noir from your own outdoor hot tub. 

COMO Maalifushi, Maldives 

Sapphire-blue views, sand as soft as icing sugar, languid afternoons beneath a thatched-roof daybed: this luxe COMO outpost is galaxies away from the minutiae of the everyday. There are several garden-view rooms and beachfront suites to choose from, but for the full experience book a Water Villa. These overwater one-bedroom set-ups offer 120 square metres of space, plus a sundeck with a crystal-clear pool and furniture for al fresco dining. Spark up the romance and book a sunset dhoni cruise for two – you’ll sip champagne and watch dusk descend over the Indian Ocean aboard a traditional sailing boat while the captain navigates over the atoll.

SEE ALSO: 5 of the Best Tropical Stays Around the World