10 ideas for a couple’s luxury holiday

10 ideas for a luxury couple’s holiday

If you’re still looking for inspiration, our travel experts have pulled together some top tips and ideas to spark your next romantic getaway:

Go all-inclusive for a hassle-free escape

Take all the stress out of worrying about sneaky hidden costs with an all-inclusive holiday. When food, drinks, activities and spa treatments are all included in one up-front price, you can focus on dialling up the romance rather than watching the pennies. Try Paradisus la Perla in Mexico, a foodie haven with 14 international restaurants, tequila tasting sessions, sushi making classes, dance lessons and sporting activities all included.

Book an adults-only resort for child-free tranquillity

When you’re on a romantic escape, the last thing you want is a pool full of cannon-balling kids. Keyonna Beach Resort in Antigua is a couples-only resort with a rustic vibe – think cocktails under thatched roofs propped up by seagrape trees, lush tropical plants surrounding pool loungers and the crystalline waters of the Caribbean just steps away. Stroll along a flower-lined pathway to your room or cottage where a four-poster bed with billowing curtains takes centre stage – and some even have a private plunge pool.

Discover hidden gems with a boutique stay

Boutique hotels have a quirky charm that you just can’t replicate at a bigger resort, with intimate settings, personalised service and plenty of character. Try Veranda Paul et Virginie Hotel & Spa in Mauritius, where you’ll capture plenty of ‘us moments’. Bask in the infinity pool with its panoramic views across the northern islets, sunbathe on the sheltered cove-style beach, take a pirogue fishing trip or learn to play a traditional Mauritian musical instrument together.

Combine adventure and relaxation with a multi-centre break

Can’t decide on just one spot? Book a multi-centre break, with private transfers zipping you from place to place. Don’t miss a thing with an island-hopping trip around Indonesia or a tour of Thailand – start with elephant watching in Chiang Rai, dive into Thailand’s buzzy street culture in Bangkok and finish by kicking back by the pool in your private beachside villa in Phuket.

Reconnect and rejuvenate with a spa and wellness retreat

Sometimes you just want to press pause and reset. The serene surroundings and world-class treatments at a top spa hotel are the ideal place to do just that. The award-winning Lefay Resort & Spa Lago Di Garda in Lake Garda comes with spellbinding lake views and a tranquil atmosphere for recharging your batteries. Try a couple’s olive tree sauna before feasting on fresh Mediterranean dishes made using extra virgin olive oil produced on the resort’s own farm.

Combine luxury and culture with a city break

A fun city break on a luxury couple’s holiday in Europe is a great way to rekindle romance. Bask in luxurious resort surroundings by night and explore a vibrant new city by day. At Hotel Cipriani on the island of Giudecca in Venice, experience old world glamour with grand spaces filled with one-of-a-kind antiques and take a few laps in one of the city’s only Olympic-sized pools. In the evening, indulge in Michelin-star dining from head chef Vania Ghedini – think lobster mechoui with mussel sauce, guinea fowl with arugula and potato purée and classic Italian tiramisu.

Celebrate special occasions in style

For a honeymoon or milestone anniversary, push the boat out with a retreat that has serious wow-factor. Try Gili Lankanfushi in the Maldives for your next big special occasion, where you’ll get your own personal butler, starlit movie screenings on the beach and secluded dinners on a private sandbank.

Take a romantic road trip along the California coast

The wind whipping through your hair, the vast horizon stretching out before you and the sky soaring above – an epic road trip has all the makings of a romantic film brought to life. Hire a classic convertible and take a tour of the California coast and wine country, where you’ll find the lush greenery of rolling vineyards, the surfer’s paradise of the Pacific Ocean and farm-to-fork restaurants serving unbeatable local cuisine.

See the world with a luxury cruise

If you still can’t make up your mind about where to go, a luxury cruise could be just the ticket. That way, you’ll get to visit many of the world’s top beaches and coastal retreats all in one seamless trip. The award-winning Azamara Cruises ships bring you boutique-style luxury on board, with smaller ships that take you closer to hidden gems and off-the-beaten-track experiences.

Take a front row seat at the world’s greatest wildlife show

A safari trip to Kenya has it all: exotic wildlife, desert adventures and plenty of beach time. Spot cheetahs and lions in their natural habitat and explore rugged landscapes dotted with acacia trees and wide-open skies in Laikipia. Then head to Lamu to kick back and relax with cocktails on an unspoilt beach, before enjoying a candlelit dinner with views over the ocean.

This feature was created on 19th December 2024. The information within this feature is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of print. Feature by Heather Flanagan.