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And here's a little insight into why each hideaway and experience made the list.
1.
The Oberoi Bali, Indonesia:
Serenity is the seduction here. The Romantic Experience-Full-Moon Celebration: Bathed in moonlight and
dressed in sarongs and sashes, the two of you will be offered prosperity, happiness, health, and a harmonious life by a
Hindu priest in a traditional Balinese blessing ceremony; after the joyous event, you'll indulge in an al fresco dinner on
the beach.
2.
Sea Cloud Cruises, Worldwide:
Embrace your romantic side on one of this line's gloriously authentic sailing ships or its elegant river yacht. The Romantic Experience-Private Blue Lagoon Dinner: As candlelight flickers in the gentle sea breezes, you
two will celebrate your honeymoon, wedding anniversary, or other special occasion with private-and complimentary!-dinner
for two in a most intimate setting on deck at the fantail, under tall masts and crisp white sails.
3.
Guana Island, BVI:
It's just you, 29 or so other guests, and an 850-acre private island nature reserve at this laid-back-yet-sybaritic resort. The Romantic Experience-Castaway Picnic: You'll be dropped off on an exquisite deserted beach and supplied
with a gourmet picnic lunch and wine, as well as a VHF radio which you'll use (quite regrettably) later in the day when you
call to be retrieved.
4.
Taj Lake Palace, India:
Prepare to be treated like royalty at this "floating" hotel with its traditional Rajasthani splendor. The Romantic Experience-Gangaur Cruise: Under a canopy of twinkling stars, you'll glide across mystical
Lake Pichola in a ceremonial imperial barge, while sipping your favorite libation, indulging in delicacies from the
on-board grill, and enjoying live instrumental music.
5.
The Sarojin, Thailand:
This Asian oasis of restoration and harmony absolutely oozes romance. The Romantic Experience-An Elephant Ride is just the beginning: Start the day with a morning of elephant
trekking, followed by a long-tail boat ride through coastal backwaters and past fishing villages that ends with a visit to
a shore-side park, where an elegant gourmet lunch served with chilled wine on fine china and crystal awaits you.
6.
The Resort at Paws Up, Montana:
Little is sweeter than "glamping" (that's "glamorous camping") in Big Sky Country. The Romantic Experience-Table for Three: It's just you, your significant other, and Mother Nature sharing
a "table for three" during an enchanting riverside candlelit dinner with gourmet fare, world-class wine, and the sweet
serenade of the bubbling Blackfoot River.
7.
Palace Bonvecchiati, Venice:
This is a palace in Venice-need we say more? The Romantic Experience-Ahhh , Venice: Your night of enchantment starts with a starlit gondola ride, then a candlelit dinner followed
by exclusive use of the Jacuzzi®, with champagne and strawberries and, if you have the stamina, an evening
taxi-walk along the Grand canal and a private tour of the island.
8.
Blue Palace Resort & Spa, Crete:
This hedonistic hideaway offers the royal treatment on Crete's rocky northern coast. The Romantic Experience-Ultimate Romantic Day Trip: Blue Palace's traditional caique (Greek
wooden fishing boat) will sail you through crystal-clear waters as you work up an appetite for your chef-prepared gourmet
picnic by swimming, sunbathing, and unlocking hidden treasures (and pleasures!) at whatever remote beaches look most
inviting to you.
9.
Blancaneaux Lodge, Belize:
This secluded, one-of-a-kind retreat with an amazing array of creature comforts is tucked right into the middle of some of
the most remarkable tropical forests north of the Amazon. The Romantic Experience-Hike to Big Rock Falls:
Here, where brightly colored orchids line the trail, even a hike can be an exercise in romance. As you make your way to Big
Rock Falls, follow a trail overlooking spectacular scenery. When the heat gets to you-or you're just feeling frisky-strip
down to your bathing suit (or less) and take a dip in the cool mountain creek.
10.
Le Chateau de Bagnols, France:
It doesn't get much more romantic than a stay at a 13th-century French chateau, complete with authentic
drawbridge and moat and set in the bucolic Beaujalois wine region. The Romantic Experience-Hot-Air Balloon Ride: Ooh la love. The two of you will enjoy a
love-bird's-eye view of the exquisite surroundings with a hot-air balloon ride over the chateau and vineyards, followed by
a traditional sip (or more) of champagne to toast your return to earth.
"We travel for all kinds of reasons, but perhaps the most pleasurable is to share romantic experiences that would make even
Cupid blush," says Thiel.
Read on for the full seductive descriptions of Hideaways International's "Top 10 Romantic
Hideaways
Experiences."
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