Here are the 15 best overseas romantic properties, as voted by our readers in the 2017 Gold List Awards.
1. Tokoriki Island Resort, Fiji
Adults-only property Tokoriki Island Resort offers couples a secluded Fijian getaway with a variety of romance packages. Those looking to tie the knot in a laidback yet luxurious location can choose from the property’s selection of wedding packages, with the option to be married on the beach, in a stone chapel, or on the deck of their bure. The resort’s dedicated on-site romance coordinator can even help organise elopement packages for those who are feeling spontaneous. Honeymooners booking more than three nights will receive a complimentary bottle of champagne and a Pure Fiji gift from the resort.
2. Royal Davui Island Resort, Fiji
Located on a secluded island off the south coast of Fiji, Royal Davui Island Resort offers several wedding packages that include all the essentials, such as bouquets and champagne, as well as uniquely Fijian touches such as a Fijian warrior guard and escort and a flower girl in traditional dress. For a more private experience, guests can hire out the entire island for their celebration. For honeymooners or couples celebrating other events, the resort offers several romance packages that come with couple’s massages, body scrubs, picnics, and even a romantic picnic on a private island.
3. Likuliku Lagoon Resort, Fiji
The home of Fiji’s first overwater bures, Likuliku Lagoon Resort offer adults-only romance with a selection of honeymoon and indulgence packages. The Celebration Package is tailored for honeymooners or anniversary celebrations and includes a complimentary couples massage and bottle of sparkling wine. Weddings are free at Likuliku between November and March, and they can range from simple ceremonies to elaborate Fijian celebrations.
4. Sri panwa, Phuket, Thailand
Offering panoramic views of the Andaman Sea from hillside ridges, Sri panwa occupies the entire Cape Panwa peninsula. The resort offers an Anniversary Special Rate which includes a 35 per cent off accommodation, daily breakfast and a welcome fruit basket, and a complimentary mini bar with beers and snacks restocked daily.
5. Four Seasons Resort, Bora Bora
The Four Seasons Bora Bora offers an array of packages for honeymooners looking for a tropical escape. One of the most popular activities is the Taurua Romantic Dinner where couples dine either on a secluded beach or on their private ocean-side terrace. Another favourite is the resort’s Romance in a Marine Garden Experience where couples are led on an underwater exploration of a private lagoon, learning how to graft coral which will one day grow large enough for planting and will eventually become part of the ecosystem of the lagoon.
6. The Havannah, Vanuatu
Overlooking the blue waters of Havannah Harbour, The Havannah Resort in the Vanuatu Islands offers a number of packages for couples wanting a complete island escape. The resort’s Romance Package features a one-hour couples massage, three-course meal on the jetty or beach, and a picnic with champagne on a secluded island. Guests can add-on the Romance Package to their stay for A$575.
7. Villa d’Este, Lake Como, Italy
Situated about 50 minutes north of Milan and only steps away from Switzerland’s border, Villa d’Este offers panoramic views of Lake Como. This year, the hotel is offering a six-day Romantic Journey through Italy package that offers guests the chance to stay at Villa d’Este for three nights and then at Villa la Massa, outside of Florence, for three nights. The offer includes accommodation, full breakfast, two three-course meals, free use of the spa and sporting club at both hotels, and a courtesy shuttle to Florence.
8. InterContinental Bali Resort, Indonesia
When couples arrive at the InterContinental Bali, they are welcomed with in-room flowers and champagne. The resort’s Sea of Love Spa package offers couples four hours of spa time including a foot bath, upper body massage, fruit bath, Javanese sandalwood lulur or lavender body scrub and head, scalp and neck massage. The resort also offers several different wedding packages, ranging from an intimate occasion on the beach to a large celebration in the ballroom.
9. Rumours Luxury Villas & Spa, Cook Islands
The Cook Islands are renowned as a private escape for couples. Rumours Luxury Villas & Spa, situated on the island of Rarotonga, offers several six-night honeymoon and wedding packages for couples wanting to get away. The Beachside Villa honeymoon package starts at NZ$5,580 (about A$5,196.95) and includes accommodation in a villa with private pool, a welcome basket with wine, two one-hour massages, an island night dinner and show for two and more.
10. Ashford Castle, Ireland
Overlooking Lough Corrib just an hour north of Galway, Ashford Castle gives guests the chance to stay in a castle dating back to the 18th century. The hotel’s A Sense of Occasion celebration package offers couples a two-night stay in the castle as well as a daily Irish breakfast, a candlelit five-course dinner in the George V Dining Room, rose petal turndown service, and archery. Guests can also explore Ireland’s landscape on a History of Ashford Castle Cruise on Lough Corrib or spend a day at the hotel’s spa.
11. Ayana Resort & Spa, Bali
Ayana Resort & Spa offers a tropical getaway on the coast of Bali’s Jimbaran Bay. The resort features a selection of five-course signature romantic dining experiences for couples to choose from. The Floataway Romance dinner seats guests at a candlelit private table on a pontoon surrounded by water. For a more intimate setting, guests can choose the Love Shack experience, where they dine in one of eight poolside cabanas.
12. The Brando, French Polynesia
Only accessible by a 20-minute plane ride from Tahiti, The Brando offers a private island holiday in the heart of French Polynesia. Guests can choose from a range of outdoor activities, from kayaking and diving to nature tours and Polynesian dance and music lessons. Couples at the resort will be treated to experiences tailored to the type of celebration, whether it be a honeymoon, anniversary, or birthday.
13. Pangkor Laut Resort, Malaysia
Set off Malaysia’s west coast, Pangkor Laut Resort is a private island escape overlooking the Malacca Strait. The resort offers a number of experiences exclusive to couples. The Raja Sehari experience starts off with a tree planting ceremony before taking guests on a tour of the rainforest surrounding the resort. The experience includes a three-hour couple’s spa treatment as well as a flower bath with champagne. Guests can also choose the Romantic Retreat which features a candlelit dinner and a flower bath as well as a sunset cruise aboard a teakwood Oriental junk.
14. One&Only Reethi Rah, Maldives
Located on the largest private island in the North Male Atoll, One&Only Reethi Rah, which means beautiful island, offers one of the most picturesque settings on earth. Couples can stay in a private beach or over water bungalow, and the Grand and Duplex villas come with a golf buggy for island transportation. The concierge can also organise starlit dinners on guests’ private terraces.
15. Yasawa Island Resort & Spa, Fiji
Set on a 22 kilometre-long island, Yasawa Island Resort & Spa offers complete privacy and a stress-free all-inclusive holiday with complimentary standard activities such as kayaking and guided walks. Couples can have a private picnic on the beach or relax at the spa with a couples massage. The resort also offers a number of wedding packages, and guests can rent out the entire resort for their friends and family to attend the celebration.