Rebecca Hollingsworth shares some ideas to help you plan a romantic getaway - just a hop, skip and jump from Singapore!
Malaysia
Two hours from Kuching is Hilton Batang Ai Longhouse Resort - the Hilton group's only jungle resort. Built in the style of a traditional Borneo longhouse, this unique venue is set amid pristine rainforest alongside the Batang Ai Lake. Stay in a native Borneo timber room, or for more space and comfort try a two-storey suite. Enjoy the world's oldest rainforest with your loved one! www.hilton.co.uk/batang
Located north of Kuala Lumpur, Cameron Highlands Resort is situated in the state of Pahang, 1,500 metres above sea level. Relax in a cooler climate surrounded by greenery and visit the nearby tea plantations for a cuppa. Choose from a range of suites, or try the Romantic Interlude package inclusive of a chilled bottle of champagne and strawberries on arrival, couple's spa experience, romantic barbecue dinner and breakfast in bed - subject to availability for a minimum stay of one night. www.cameronhighlandsresort.com
For romance set in a tropical paradise amongst lush foliage and dramatic cliffs, check into the Four Seasons Resort Langkawi - situated on an island north of Penang, enveloped within an archipelago of 99 islands in the Andaman Sea. All guest pavilions and villas offer the soothing sounds of the sea and amazing sunset views. Opt for a villa with a secluded outdoor bathing area, or be pampered at the Spa and enjoy a soak in a tub for two made of celadon. Try a romantic dinner on the beach and gaze at the stars from under a Rajasthan tent embellished with lanterns, hand-woven Indian dhurries and tropical flowers. www.fourseasons.com/langkawi
Singapore
With one or two-night romance packages just minutes away from home, there's no excuse but to make some time and get away to the Sentosa Resort & Spa. Open a bottle of bubbly and enjoy a night in luxurious accommodation after romancing your loved one with seafood-inspired cuisine at The Cliff restaurant, overlooking the South China Sea. Start the day with a buffet breakfast and then work it off playing golf, unwinding at Spa Botanica or swimming in the 33-metre midnight blue swimming pool, situated beneath old Pulai trees. www.thesentosa.com
Just two and-a-half hours from Singapore by ferry is Nikoi Island, where Robinson Crusoe-inspired beach house accommodation overlooks a white, sandy beach. Made from local driftwood and topped with thatched roofs, this eco-friendly venue offers spacious and stylish living. Spend quality time with your partner while exploring the island, snorkelling, or lounging in the sun with a good book. Meals can be enjoyed in the privacy of your own beach house, at the clubhouse restaurant, or as a picnic on a nearby deserted island. A great alternative to Bintan. www.nikoi.com
For five-star luxury, book a night at the Grand Hyatt Singapore and take the time to reconnect with your partner. The Amour Package includes champagne and chocolates, a full breakfast and late checkout, within a romantic setting - prices vary according to availability. www.singapore.grand.hyatt.com
With an array of awards, why not try Singapore's luxury boutique property - The Scarlett Hotel. Choose from a variety of themed rooms and suites and let your passion run wild! Dine at Breeze - a rooftop alfresco seafood bar and grill - and bond with your loved one while enjoying the panoramic views of Chinatown. www.thescarletthotel.com
Indonesia
Although Jimbaran Puri Bali Resort Hotel is a luxury resort, it's boutique in nature and simple, unpretentious and supremely romantic in style. Individual luxury cottages and villas with private gardens promise seclusion and uninterrupted sea views, beside the soft, white sands of Jimbaran Bay. Enjoy breakfast at Tunjung Café and romantic candlelit dinners on the beach at Nelayan Beach restaurant. www.jimbaranpuribali.com
Need help with Bali accommodation?
Exotic Hideaways offers a custom-selected range of luxurious, private villas on the island of Bali. Choose from more than 95 private villas, which are both comfortable and affordable. Each luxurious property comes complete with a household of trained staff and full facilities. With Exotic Hideaways you're sure to find a villa to meet your every need - the hardest decision will be which luxurious option to choose! www.exotic-hideaways.com
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is a 30-minute flight from the capital of Male. Spread across two islands and surrounded by a deep blue lagoon, it's the perfect place for romance. Featuring 50 luxurious Water villas, 79 exotic Beach villas and 21 Spa Water villas - this place is pure indulgence. With a choice of seven restaurants and three bars, wine and dining is made very easy - deciding on a cuisine is your only dilemma. For something different, try Ithaa - an all-glass undersea restaurant providing panoramic underwater views. This stunning, romantic island resort offers sophisticated barefoot luxury! www.conradhotels.com
For a romantic castaway fantasy, fly from Male to Soneva Fushi, one of the largest islands in the Maldives. With a "no news, no shoes" policy, this resort offers casual luxury -where anything goes. Take a dolphin cruise, snorkel and fish, go on a picnic, or just enjoy the solitude. With a variety of private villas, opt for your very own stretch of white sand or take the plunge in your private saltwater pool. Arrange a romantic candlelit dinner in front of your villa, or dine at one of the restaurants. A great hideaway for celebrating Valentine's Day! www.sixsenses.com/soneva-fushi
Cocoa Island, located in the secluded South Male Atoll, is home to Cocoa Island Maldives. Expect the finest in luxury and enjoy a deep and restful slumber in the arms of your loved one. Rooms are inspired by local dhoni boats and are reached by planked walkways stretching out to the lagoon. Relax in privacy, or spend time exploring the local region above and under water. Eat fresh lobster caught locally and cooked Keralan style, or dine feet-in-the-sand at Ufaa, beneath an alang-alang pavilion and the huge Maldivian sky. www.cocoaisland.como.bz
Located in the rolling vine-clad hills of Margaret River's wine region, Moondance Lodge -multi-award winning boutique style accommodation - offers eight uniquely-furnished luxury suites, including a cosy loft-style suite. Take time to explore and enjoy sampling the extensive array of quality wines and food available in this region. If your romantic getaway is time sensitive, you can still sample the local produce at Moondance Lodge's Harvest Moon Restaurant which offers contemporary Australian fine dining. SPECIAL OFFER: For readers of The Finder, Moondance Lodge is offering a 20 percent discount on accommodation rates and packages for guests staying in February and March 2009. www.moondancelodge.com
Posted Feb 2009
