During this season of love JASSMIN PETER suggests retreats ideal for romance...
THAILAND
Idyllic Krabi offers dramatic sunsets, scenic beaches and private islands waiting to be explored. Spend your days island-hopping, cave climbing and trekking through the rainforest. Cool off under a waterfall and, later, dine by candlelight under a star-filled sky. Check into Rayavadee (www.rayavadee.com), surrounded by sheer limestone cliffs rising from the sea. Private villas are dotted throughout 26 acres of coconut groves and tropical gardens, bordered by three beaches, creating surroundings reminiscent of an idyllic southern Thai village. Nearby attractions include Phi Phi Islands - a perfect day trip for those who love diving and snorkelling.
Andaman Sea, The Pavillions, Phuket (www.thepavilionsresorts.com) is a slice of tropical Thai paradise that provides the perfect backdrop for celebrating love and romance. Promoting a "no tanlines" policy within the privacy of each villa, The Pavillions further encourages romance with in-room spa therapies - including a lesson in massage for two. Ideal for couples longing for precious, uninterrupted time together, The Pavillions offers 49 superbly-appointed villas and suites, and discourages children - in residence, not the making of.
Positioned more than 150 metres above sea level, the ultra-stylish Bulgari Resort Bali (www.bulgarihotels.com) offers unrivalled views of the Indian Ocean. Blending traditional Balinese elements with contemporary Italian design, this resort is contemporary luxe. Interiors feature hand-cut volcanic stone, exotic woods and sumptuous fabrics while all bedrooms offer ocean views and the floor-to-ceiling windows in each bathroom look into an enclosed private courtyard garden. An open-air living pavilion has an informal dining lounge and the sundeck and plunge pool are completely private. Expect Bulgari amenities, private butler service and a pristine private beach.
A seven-hour drive from Singapore, or three-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur, The Lakehouse Cameron Highlands Resort (www.lakehouse-cameron.com) is a charming Tudor-style country house, overlooking rolling hills and verdant woodlands. Backed by state reserve forest, this 18-room hillside retreat offers old world English charm, wide open spaces and cooler climes. Cosy up in front of a fireplace with tea and scones and step back in time.
If heaven is to be found on earth, Angsana Resort & Spa Velavaru Maldives (www.angsana.com) must surely be part of it. Imagine white sandy beaches, clear crystal waters and stunning coral gardens. Situated on the unspoilt isle of Dhaalu Atoll (South Nilandhe Atoll), this unusually spacious 60,000 square-metre island is only accessible by a 40-minute seaplane ride from Malé International Airport.
Choose a beachfront or water villa and wake up to views of the Indian Ocean. The island's clear lagoons are perfect for diving and snorkelling expeditions, night fishing trips and dolphin spotting. Don't leave without trying out the award-winning Angsana Spa.
Deep in the heart of Western Australia's wine region is Merribrook Retreat (www.merribrook.com.au) - an award-winning 62-hectare lakeside retreat. With only 10 villas, magical Merribrook is never crowded and promises true respite. Nature lovers will appreciate Australian bush landscape teeming with birdlife, native animals and virgin forest. Ideal for both summer and winter escapes, the resort has a solar-heated pool, therapeutic spa, three-kilometre running track, wood-fired sauna and an open fireplace in the main lodge.
Posted Feb 2010
