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Hideaways Top Romantic Escapes - with a Twist
Top 10 Romantic Escapes—with a Twist
Sure, there are the tried-and-true Valentine's Day remembrances of flowers,
chocolates, and jewelry. But this year, give that special someone a knockout
gift instead--a romantic vacation at an idyllic getaway with an extra little je
ne sais quoi.
We've spent 35 years uncovering the world's most exceptional escapes, and each
of these top romantic retreats encompasses the essence of passion with a lovely
location, seductive amenities, and an away-from-it-all ambiance that's
tailor-made for two. Best yet, there's something exceptional and unique at
each--a twist, if you will--that will add an element of surprise to your
romantic interlude.
Here is Hideaways' list of Top 10 Romantic Escapes with a Twist.
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Guana Island,
British Virgin Islands: This laid-back-yet-sybaritic
resort hosts just 30 or so guests at a time in the surroundings of a private
island nature reserve. The Twist: Celebrate
your love with Guana's Castaway Picnic, where you'll be delivered by motorboat
to one of the island's three deserted white-sand beaches, well supplied with a
gourmet picnic lunch and wine, and left with a VHF radio which you'll use later
in the day to call for your boat ride home.
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The Meridian Club,
Pine Cay, Turks & Caicos : The living is
barefoot casual with a touch of elegance at this private island retreat of just
13 cottage suites within steps of a secluded two-mile stretch of talcum-soft
beach. The Twist: Borrow an electric golf cart for a
ride along sandy trails to "The Aquarium," a secluded inlet and intimate beach
with its own cute thatched cabana for just the two of you. Conveniently
stationed there are two sit-on-top kayaks waiting to take you snorkeling.
Casa de Sierra Nevada
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Casa de Sierra Nevada,
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico : In the heart of
colonial Mexico, this romantic boutique hotel is fashioned from a cluster of
historic mansions in a magical old-world setting. The Twist:
With its roots firmly in Mesoamerican culture, the hotel has its own authentic
Temazcal, a stone sweat lodge where the two of you can share an ancient
detoxifying ritual that delivers the medicinal benefits of local herbs along
with a deep sense of peace.
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Capri Palace,
Anacapri, Italy: The lure of the sea and the utter
romance of this art hotel, perched atop Capri's rocky cliffs, is enough to
reignite the spark between the two of you. The Twist:
No, the resort's uniquely named "Temptation Room" is not filled with adult
"goodies," as you might imagine, but rather with something almost as seductive:
a wall-to-wall selection of rich, decadent desserts.
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The Marmara Bodrum,
Bodrum, Turkey: Old world meets modern comforts at
this boutique hotel set high in the hills above the ancient Aegean port city of
Bodrum. The Twist: Book the Dolce Vita Suite for its
hedonistic pleasures that include a completely (and we mean completely)
secluded terrace with its own two-person Jacuzzi that overlooks that
fascinating and historic cityscape.
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Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur, India: Arrive
at this "floating" hotel by boat, immerse yourself in traditional Rajasthani
splendor, and prepare to be treated like royalty. The Twist:
It doesn't get much more romantic than gliding gently across mystical Lake
Pichola in a ceremonial imperial barge, sipping your favorite libation,
indulging in divine delicacies from the on-board grill, and enjoying live
instrumental music.
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Alila Villas Uluwatu,
Bali: Poised on a plateau above the Indian Ocean,
this luxurious resort combines cutting-edge architecture with discreet service
and spacious private pool villas. The Twist: The
resort's Sunset Cabana is a gravity-defying, overhanging cliff-top platform
where the two of you can relax with a cocktail and drink in those exhilarating
ocean views.
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The Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh, Hurghada, Egypt:
This elegant resort is a classic celebration of whitewashed domes, arches, and
columns, all on the shores of the Red Sea. The Twist:
Don't miss the chance for a private dinner on the beach followed by an equally
private screening of a classic movie shown under a canopy of "date" palms (we
love the double entendre here!).
Eagle Island Camp
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Orient-Express Safari Camps, Botswana, Africa:
These three remote-but-luxurious tented camps--Savute
Elephant Camp, Khwai River
Lodge, and Eagle
Island Camp--promise plenty of exotic experiences and a lifetime of
intimate memories. The Twist: Follow your butler to
the edge of camp for a private, candlelit dinner for two--but be warned, your
amorous evening might be interrupted by an elephant or antelope at the nearby
watering hole.
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Sea Cloud Cruises,
Worldwide: Embrace the pure romance of sailing aboard
a traditionally rigged tall ship, where the hoisting and unfurling of sails is
done completely by hand--a magnificent sight that's sure to capture your
imagination. The Twist: As candlelight flickers in
the gentle breeze, you can celebrate a special occasion in a most intimate
setting on deck at the fantail, under tall masts and crisp white sails, as
course after delectable course is served to just the two of you.
Love is celebrated just once a year on St. Valentine's Day, but we all know any
day is a good day to show just how romantic you really are. And each of these
out-of-the-ordinary escapes is the perfect place to romance the love of your
life, most any time of the year.
For more dreamy details, or to book your Cupid-approved vacation today, get in
touch with your expert travel agent at Hideaways Travel Services
(toll-free: 800-843-4433 or email:
ts@hideaways.com).
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