Seeing as we’ll be spending Valentine’s Day a little differently this year, big gestures (in the form of boutique getaways) might need to wait just a little bit longer. To get you in the mood, browse our swoon-worthy selection of romantic hotels for places to lust over once lockdown lifts and give your own bedroom a break…
Cap Rocat, Mallorca – Spain
‘Most Intimate Bedroom’ Winner, SLH Awards 2020
The dusky pink hues of this wonderfully secluded former military fortress’ walls perfectly set the scene for a romantic escape, from strolls over the drawbridge at dusk to a candle-lit dinner in the palm-filled terrace overlooking the Bay of Palma. Wake up to the sound of the sea in the Sentinels Suite at Cap Rocat, complete with a private infinity pool cut into the cliff. The golden light-flooded rooms are furnished with soft colors and natural fabrics, for a serene start and enchanting end to the day, spent relaxing in the naturally lit underground hammam or enjoying the private rock cliff beach with direct access to the sea, jetty and salt water pool or onboard the hotel’s private yacht.
Carmo’s Boutique Hotel, Ponte de Lima – Portugal
Highly Commended ‘Most Intimate Bedroom’, SLH Awards 2020
This intimate countryside gem feels more like a private residence than a hotel, with a number of the tastefully decorated rooms boasting beautiful views across the Lima River Valley. For a luxurious, back-to-nature glamping experience in a Portuguese Colonial style luxury tent, opt for one of the three Tent Suites at Carmo’s Boutique Hotel complete with a private garden area, outdoor shower and free-standing bath tub overlooking the Minho landscape. Spend an indulgent afternoon at the hotel’s spa where you can enjoy a glass of champagne and soak in a bath of pure goat’s milk, or venture into the nearby medieval centre of Ponte de Lima for a romantic stroll across the Roman bridge that spans the River Lima.
Paradise Cove Boutique Hotel, Anse La Raie – Mauritius
A luxury retreat at this adults-only tranquil hideaway is filled with romantic moments, from wandering the tropical gardens with waterside love nests made for two to enjoying a couples massage beside the lagoon. The serenely styled set of Junior Suites and Prestige Junior Suites at Paradise Cove Boutique Hotel are light and airy, with rattan furniture, exotic wallpaper, and dreamy four-poster beds. Be sure to reserve a table at one of the four sleek restaurants, before seeking out a secluded spot to stargaze the night away.
Panoptis Escape, Mykonos – Greece
This extraordinary ensemble of boutique villas on the southern coast of Mykonos overlooks the Aegean Sea and tranquil expanse of Elia Beach below. Any one of the exclusive, hilltop villas at Panoptis Escape guarantees soothing sea breezes, soul-affirming views, and romantic sunsets from the comfort of minimalist interiors with hints of artisan craftsmanship. The Honeymoon Retreats come with private infinity pools or outdoor jacuzzis, whilst the One, Two, and Three Bedroom Villas are as spacious as they are stylish – everything about this heavenly hotel is the definition of ‘less is more’.
Kenoa – Exclusive Beach Spa & Resort, Alagoas – Brazil
Just nine degrees from the Equator, this Brazilian beachfront beauty heats things up with sweeping sea vistas set against a tropical jungle backdrop. Rooms with a view come as standard at Kenoa – Exclusive Beach Spa & Resort. Huge suites have far-reaching vistas over the green treetops of the neighbouring natural reserve and the coastline – plus Japanese cedar bathtubs on their balconies and rustically beautiful bathrooms. Villas take things up a notch with ocean views and infinity edged private plunge pools made from Balinese stone. Stargaze every night from the outdoor lounge and relax on pillows and couches, serenaded by soft beats as the moon rises.
Keemala, Phuket – Thailand
Although any one of the private villas at this rainforest retreat guarantees absolute privacy and relaxation, for the ultimate indulgence, book one of the eight Bird’s Nest Pool Villas at Keemala – inspired by the Rung-Nok Clan (Nest Clan) who enjoyed an opulent life, these gravity-defying hideaways come with an outdoor sun deck, private pool, an expansive bathroom with monsoon shower and a stand-alone bathtub with sea, rainforest, or resort views. The tropical forest is quite literally on the doorstep, with jungle walkways to stroll and exotic flora and fauna to spot.
La Peschiera, Puglia – Italy
This former fish hatchery turned adults-only luxury hotel is a slice of seaside serenity, with a private stretch of sand at your disposal and breath-taking Adriatic views. Natural stone walls, thatched canopies and crisp, white interiors give La Peschiera a cool, calm look, but the oceanic backdrop takes the starring role. While the days away from the sea front terrace with sun loungers of the Panorama Sea View Room, cooling off with dips in the room’s private pool. When it’s time to eat, the beachfront restaurant Saleblu serves fresh seafood on a lantern-lit terrace right beside the water, and has recently been recognised within the top 100 Italian Eccellenze by Forbes Italy.
Foxhill Manor, Cotswolds – UK
Make yourself at home in this golden-stone, Grade II listed manor set within charming 400-acre Farncombe Estate. The bedrooms are brimming with character at Foxhill Manor, and suites don’t come much more romantic than the spacious Oak Suite – picture twin freestanding bath tubs in prime Cotswold admiring position by the bay window (with a table in between for the Champagne bucket, naturally). Beside them is a contemporary wood framed four poster bed and behind, a cosy lounge area facing the feature fireplace.
Ka’ana Resort, San Ignacio – Belize
An exclusive outpost set in the Maya Mountains, Ka’ana Resort is the perfect base for a couples getaway. Modern, clean design is incorporated into rooms housed in hacienda-style buildings and casitas, all of which have a private outdoor terrace or balcony overlooking the pool or tropical gardens, high ceilings and local works of art on the walls. For an indulgent introduction to Western Belize, opt for one of the Ka’ana Villas for a secluded spot off a tropical garden pathway, your own private plunge pool and outdoor showers.
In the meantime, treat yourself or someone special to an SLH Gift Card, redeemable at more than 520 boutique hotels worldwide.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
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