June 2, 2009
Top 5: the most romantic travel destinations
Our travel experts have created a list of our Top 5 favorite romantic destinations–these locations are perfect for honeymooners or anyone seeking a special romantic getaway.
1.) Morocco
Our favorite way to experience the most luxurious and romantic side of Morocco is to stay in Marrakesh for several days at luxury resort such as the Amanjena or a beautifully designed ryad, combined with several nights at a luxurious kasbah hotel or tented camp in the mountains. An expert guide and driver are absolute musts when in Morocco. Romantic dinners, Moroccan music, hot air ballooning, cooking classes, insider tours of the Berber markets, and tours of the bustling medinas make this one of the world’s most exotic and romantic destinations.
Many honeymooners combine Morocco with several days in Southern Spain to see the Moorish sites in Andalusia and stay at a luxury beach resort in Marbella.
2.) Italy
All of Italy is romantic. We particularly love the Amalfi Coast and Capri to start a romantic getaway and unwind, followed by some time in Rome to enjoy the food and history, then a few days in Tuscany, concluding at the amazing Four Seasons Florence. Romance-seekers will appreciate the special touring we arrange, including private wine, olive oil, or cheese tastings, private yacht charters to Capri, reservations at Italy’s most renowned restaurants, and visits to beautiful gardens and charming remote villages. Of course, we also arrange rooms with incredibly romantic views (with balconies!) at our favorite luxury hotels throughout Italy.
3.) Thailand
Thailand is home to some of the best resorts in the world. Our favorite romantic Thailand tours combine cultural touring in the north (for example, shopping for upscale Asian art and design, elephant rides at remote elephant camps, Thai cooking classes, and active pursuits such as biking, hiking and golfing) with time at Bangkok’s incredible spas, markets, and temples, followed by a few days at a luxury beach resort and spa in the south.
4.) Australia
For travelers who want romance and a once-in-a-lifetime trip, Australia is perfect. It’s hard to beat a beach resort such as Lizard Island—you step out of your villa and you are right in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef. A few nights at a luxury safari resort in the Outback is a great way to experience ancient Aboriginal rock art. We then like to include some time in South Australia to visit Australia’s most noted vineyards and see the best wildlife viewing in the country and a stay at one of Australia’s most exclusive resorts, the Southern Ocean Lodge. We also suggest time in Sydney, one of the world’s most creative and beautiful cities, where we arrange top guides and book the best hotel rooms in the city—overlooking the iconic Sydney Opera House.
5.) Bali & Indonesia
Perfect for those who want exclusive luxury resorts, time at the beach, great food, a sense of adventure, and plenty of cultural touring options. Our favorite combination is beach time in Bali or Lombok, followed by some time in the interior of Bali (think villages surrounded by terraced rice fields and jungle, colorful morning markets, sophisticated restaurants, galleries and shops, and the chance to see one of the daily festival ceremonies taking place on the island). For those with more time, the Amanjiwo resort on the nearby island of Java is the ultimate grand finale–one of the world’s best resorts overlooking one of the most spectacular Buddhist sites in the world–Borobudor–and touring options such as biking, elephant rides, and great folk and contemporary art shopping.
All of these destinations and activities are featured in our recommended Exclusive Honeymoons and Romantic Tours.
Destinations: Asia, Australia, Bali, Europe, Indonesia, Italy, Morocco, Southeast Asia, Spain, Thailand
Tags: active, adventure, Artisans of Leisure, culture, food, getaways, honeymoon ideas, honeymoons, hotels, Indonesia, international, luxury, luxury beach resorts, luxury hotels, luxury resorts, luxury tours, once-in-a-lifetime, private, private guides, romance, romantic, spas, tours, travel, trips