From the Caribbean and Mexico to Spain, South Africa and even Utah, there’s a host of luxurious hotels with private pools perfect for the most relaxing, most romantic getaways. Isolate yourselves at Amangiri in the seemingly remote landscape of Utah; there are sunsets and gorgeous horizons all around. Prefer something more tropical? Visit St. Lucia and Jade Mountain for vistas overlooking the island.

If you’re looking for hotel rooms with a private pool, read on for our list of the best 14 locations.

Jade Mountain – Soufriere, St. Lucia

The 24 suites, aptly called sanctuaries at Jade Mountain, are stacked atop each other on a hillside, all with heart-stopping views. As you open the door, get ready to be wowed: Organic architecture blends curved stone walls with exotic hardwood floors, and the open plan means you’re never without a view, from the king-sized bed draped with mosquito netting to the sans-walls bathroom with its sexy whirlpool tub.

But the stars are the pools. Sized from 400 to 900 square feet, each is lined with iridescent glass tiles in shades like sapphire, jade, magenta and bronze. The effect is so mesmerizing you won’t mind that there’s no TV (or air conditioning, as the lofty locale provides cooling breezes). Just pour yourselves some bubbly, and slip into your infinity-edge paradise.

Royal Davui Island Resort – Beqa Lagoon, Fiji

Each romantic “vale” is nestled into hillside foliage with plunge pools facing out toward the lagoon for ultimate privacy at Royal Davui Island Resort. Trading up from the island or deluxe categories to premium earns you the largest and most private oasis with its own refreshing rock waterfall.

Inside, a 20-foot netted canopy hangs from the ceiling to cocoon the king bed, which floats mid-room on a sea of polished Fijian-wood flooring adjacent to a large bathroom with a whirlpool tub and outdoor shower. A separate living room has sliding glass walls and a sunning patio with twin chaise lounges.

Grand Velas Riviera Maya – Playa del Carmen, Mexico

This 539-room all-inclusive is definitely abuzz, but the quiet Grand Class section perfectly combines luxe amenities with honeymoon privacy. All 90 suites in this section have ocean views, spa tubs and oceanfront balconies with private plunge pools. There’s even room for a massage table, should you prefer your spa treatment in suite. Top-floor rooms boast vaulted ceilings and the best views.

Hermitage Bay – Antigua

Yes, Hermitage Bay has cottages set right on the beach. But if it’s privacy and plunge pools you seek, request one of 17 hillside-cottage suites. You have to trek up a steep stone path to get there, but your effort is rewarded with the treehouse-like enclave, boasting sexy extras like a king bed, outdoor shower, wraparound sun deck and infinity-edge plunge pool with views that stretch all the way to neighboring Nevis and Montserrat.

The Resort at Pedregal – Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Each of the 66 rooms and suites features a private terrace with a plunge pool, but, for the most indulgent ambience, book one of the eight Capella rooms at the Resort at Pedregal. These oversized havens have carved, wood-beam ceilings, a separate sitting area and a driftwood-back king bed positioned opposite a fireplace. The terrace door opens to an infinity-edge plunge pool with stellar sea views. More watery revelry is on tap inside in the rainforest shower for two.

Cavo Tagoo – Mykonos, Greece

Cavo Tagoo stays true to the stark-white Cycladic architecture Mykonos is known for, but the whitewashed interiors are refreshingly modern. Classic rooms on the lower level have private terraces and refreshing plunge pools while the upper-level deluxe rooms come with infinity-edge pools overlooking the Aegean Sea. A free shuttle runs between the hotel and Old Town five minutes away.

Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora – Bora Bora, French Polynesia

All of the resort’s plush, overwater bungalows offer dive- or step-in access to the lagoon, but couples who book an overwater bungalow with a plunge pool can also take a freshwater dip on the lanai right outside their room. It’s perfect for a relaxing rinse after a snorkel session or a sunset soak complete with champagne.

Inside, contemporary Polynesian décor is equally seductive, especially the oversized tub with lagoon views. The glass panel in the living room floor lets you spy on multicolored reef fish below.

Banyan Tree Mayakoba – Riviera Maya, Mexico

For a romantic respite, book a bilevel spa-pool villa at Banyan Tree Mayakoba. Here, your rectangular H2O oasis is the perfect relaxation spot after a massage in your private treatment area. The décor is Asian spare meets Mexican spice. Think minimalist architecture that blends into the landscape and a neutral color palette accented by touches of orange and red.

Your outdoor terrace has twin chaise lounges and a dining area. Round-the-clock room service ups your incentive to stay put, too.

Ladera – Soufriere, St. Lucia

St. Lucia oozes romance, and the 32 treehouse-style rooms at Ladera match that vibe perfectly. Situated on a ridge 1,100 feet above sea level, the three-walled suites boast panoramic views of the Caribbean, the Pitons (two mountainous volcanic plugs) and the town of Soufriere. Each terrace has a private plunge pool surrounded by lush landscaping. Many also have waterfalls and teak swing sets hanging from the ceiling.

Spice Island Beach Resort – St. George’s, Grenada

This all-inclusive, 32-room boutique resort on Grenada’s southwest coast is on prime real estate, steps away from expansive Grand Anse Beach. The resort’s 1,200-square-foot Anthurium pool suites are located on the lower level, and each has a private courtyard terrace where gardens and chaise lounges surround a supersized 12-by-16-foot plunge pool.

Uma Ubud – Bali, Indonesia

There are just three Uma pool suites at COCO Uma Ubud. They’re constructed in an open, airy Balinese style with separate lounging, dining and sleeping areas. Each bedroom features a four-poster king bed and gleaming terrazzo floor that leads to a light-filled bathroom with a sunken tub for two. Outside, a pair of chaises flanks a sapphire-blue infinity plunge pool embraced by the solitude of the Balinese jungle.

Belmond La Residencia – Majorca, Spain

The isle of Majorca is classic Mediterranean: olive groves, quaint towns and seaside cliffs. Within the sleepy artists village of Deià is Belmond La Residencia, a pair of stunning stone houses that have been converted into a 67-room Orient Express retreat. Here, guests lounge around the grounds, hike to the nearby swimming cove or hole up in a Tramuntana suite with a tiled garden terrace and private pool.

Amangiri – Lake Powell, Utah

The stunning Utah landscape is best experienced at Amangiri, a 34-room oasis surrounded by stark plateaus near the Arizona border and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Six of the hotel’s suites have spacious plunge pools and private, candlelit sky terraces accessed by staircase and furnished with a daybed. It’s perfect for evening stargazing.

Earth Lodge – Mpumalanga, South Africa

Spend your mornings spotting lions, giraffes and elephants from a Land Rover while on safari around Kruger National Park. Then, return to Earth Lodge for afternoons staring out over the bush from the pool on your private terrace. The lodge’s 13 suites were made from stone and built low to the ground. While they appear minimal on the outside, inside, they’re an interior designer’s dream.

Each suite is filled with rich metallic art and funky, locally sourced furnishings, such as handmade twig chandeliers.

The post 14 Romantic Resorts with Private Plunge Pools appeared first on Islands.

Staying in an overwater bungalow is one of those bucket-list items you must check off. Conjuring thoughts of iconic boardwalks and thatched roofs in the Maldives, Tahiti and Bora Bora, overwater bungalows provide an experience unlike any resort, and despite the expectations of luxury and seclusion, there are affordable overwater bungalows that won’t break the bank, in places you might not expect.

Of the world’s 8,000 rooms over the water, we’ve rounded up the 20 best — all worthy of those long-saved dollars and precious vacation days. From the South Pacific to the Caribbean to the Indian Ocean and even Cambodia, your overwater oasis is waiting.

Conrad Bora Bora Nui – Bora Bora

Formerly known as the Hilton Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa, the recently refurbed Conrad Bora Bora Nui is the proud owner of two impressive superlatives. Not only does the 114-room escape sit on Bora Bora’s longest stretch of white-sand beach, but now it boasts the region’s first two-story overwater bungalows. At the 3,229-square-foot Presidential Overwater Villa, decide between lounging in the pool or on your balcony’s day bed.

Likuliku Lagoon Resort – Fiji

Designed specifically for couples, Likuliku Lagoon Resort (Fiji’s first resort with overwater bures) is a romantic haven of unmatched stillness. While you’re here, your mind turns to a permanent state of repose, slowly quieting as it retreats from daily woes. Fall in love all over again as you sip a Fijian Bitter from your private deck, wander up the hilltop to Jona’s Lookout or stroll along Naivaka Beach. Bula!

St. Regis Bora Bora

Here, even the smallest bungalows feel like mansions. Set on 44 acres of fastidiously manicured grounds, the St. Regis Bora Bora is marked by bespoke service, including a private butler as part of the standard. Add to that a restaurant by the James Beard Award-winning chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, and you’re in for a once-in-a-lifetime rendezvous with stardom.

El Dorado Maroma – Riviera Maya, Mexico

You don’t have to travel around the world to feel like you have. At the El Dorado’s palafitos, glass-bottom floors, Jacuzzis, large decks and private infinity pools create an exotic setting for a customized getaway. This Riviera Maya overwater bungalow offers 24-hour room service, hand-delivered reading material, a tailored-to-your-taste beach picnic, an ancient Maya spa treatment — all without the jet lag.

Four Seasons – Bora Bora

The Four Seasons name is synonymous with luxury, and the Four Seasons Bora Bora’s 85 overwater bungalows — with walls made from volcanic stone and speckled with mother-of-pearl accents —are no exception. There’s even a washer and dryer on every boardwalk. Be sure to snorkel the resort’s Ruahatu Lagoon Sanctuary, which is exclusively accessible to Four Seasons guests. Guided by marine biologist Oliver Martin, you will learn to graft bits of coral so they can grow large enough for planting, eventually becoming a permanent part of the lagoon’s ecosystem.

Soneva Jani – Maldives

At Soneva Jani, the sister property to Soneva Fushi, you’ll be asked to remove your shoes on arrival — you won’t need them while you’re here. Spend your days at this Maldives overwater bungalow lounging in the private pool or catamaran net and capturing Instagram-worthy moments on your own personal water slide. Come nightfall, it’s time for dinner atop the resort’s observatory at So Starstruck, where astronomer Mike Dalley regales you with stories about the constellations.

Manava Beach Resort & Spa – Moorea

Built on the bones of one of the first Bali Hai hotels, Manava Beach Resort & Spa is committed to preserving its delicate environment. By installing a coral nursery named To’a Nui, colonies of corals can regenerate in perfect ecological conditions. You’ll feel like you’re leaving a smaller carbon footprint when you take a dip in the island’s largest infinity pool and splurge for that premium overwater bungalow.

Gili Lankanfushi – Maldives

Gili Lankanfushi is barefoot luxury at its best. The 45 overwater suites include the standalone Crusoe Residences and the jaw-dropping Private Reserve, accessible only by boat. From an artisanal cheese room and a chocolate cave to jungle cinema and an overwater spa, you’ll be left imagining what they could possibly think of next.

Sofitel Moorea Ia Ora Beach Resort – Moorea

Sitting at the edge of a turquoise lagoon framed by emerald-green mountains, the Sofitel Moorea Ia Ora Beach Resort exudes French styling and Tahitian hospitality. The 39 bungalows float over the water next to a beach that is consistently rated Moorea’s most beautiful. From snorkeling with manta rays to golf to exploring the pineapple fields via roadster, Moorea is a mecca for active travelers.

Rosewood Mayakoba – Riviera Maya, Mexico

Just 50 miles south of Cancun is Rosewood Mayakoba, a blissful, close-to-home escape rivaling that of the South Pacific or Maldives. Nicknamed the “Venice of Mexico,” Mayakoba is a 600-acre resort community with a labyrinth of canals linking the property’s many mangrove forests and emerald lagoons. On the boat ride to your overwater villa fashioned from Yucatan limestone, you’ll sample fresh fruit served just like the locals eat it with squeezed lime juice mixed with salt and tajin pepper. It’s the perfect precursor to the welcome tray of tequila that awaits you.

Vahine Island – Tahiti

A distinguished Small Luxury Hotel of the World, Vahine Island sits on the tiny private island of Motu Tu Vahine. Sugar-white beaches, an underwater coral garden and stands of coconut groves set the scene at one of the region’s most intimate escapes. The hotel has just three overwater bungalows, each featuring an aquarium table that reveals the sea life that call this place home. Don’t leave Vahine without learning how to weave coconut leaves or exploring the island’s many shades of blue in a traditional Polynesian pirogue.

Song Saa – Cambodia

An escape to Song Saa comes with a deep connection to the people and environment. Don’t be surprised if you find a note outside your villa door wishing you “Souse Day,” or good day, and inviting you to dinner. The food here at the region’s first luxury resort is unparalleled (the chef even makes his own sea salt). Khmer classics meld with Western comfort food — think wok-fried seafood in kampot pepper sauce, lamb burgers and coconut crème brulee — at Vista restaurant, complete with panoramic views of the Koh Rong archipelago.

InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa – Tahiti

The largest luxury resort on the island of Tahiti is also the most accessible. Just five minutes from the airport, the InterContinental exudes Polynesian charm amid a haven of tropical gardens, hosting the island’s most popular traditional Tahitian dance show every Friday night at Tiare Restaurant.

Sandals South Coast – Jamaica

On the heels of Sandals’ huge success with its first-ever overwater villas at Royal Caribbean in Jamaica comes the debut of 12 more — this time at Sandals South Coast. Available to book now for travel in November, the heart-shaped throng of overwater suites invites pure immersion. Don’t miss grabbing a drink (or two, or three …) at the resort brand’s first overwater bar, Latitudes. Grab a hammock (yep, it’s overwater too!), and you’ll never want to leave.

Hilton Moorea Lagoon & Resort – Moorea

At Hilton Moorea Lagoon & Resort, you’ll find crystal-clear lagoons, mountains blanketed in green and the region’s only overwater bar. At Toatea Bar & Creperie, chef Claude Gerard dishes up more than 100 crepes a night as schools of blacktip reef sharks swim below. Try a mango daiquiri and choose from a dizzying selection of crepes before sauntering back to your overwater oasis beneath a starry night unlike you’ve ever seen.

St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort – Maldives

Pop open your welcome bottle of prosecco at the Overwater Regis Suite and look out the floor-to-ceiling glass doors: It’s hard to tell where your private pool ends and the ocean begins. It’s this kind of seamless luxury that defines the St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort that opened in November 2016. See the artistry of the architecture in the 44 overwater villas that resemble manta rays and in the library, which mirrors the shape of a giant conch shell. The shrewd styling continues inside, where carpets depict the ripples of the lagoon and the lighting elements conjure the look of coral reefs.

Le Taha’a – Tahiti

Designed in authentic Polynesian style, the private-island hideaway of Le Taha’a was built seamlessly into its surrounding vegetation of bamboo groves and pandanus trees. Featuring 45 overwater suites, the region’s only Relais & Châteaux resort is just a five-minute boat ride from Taha’a Island, famous for its vanilla plantations and black-pearl farms.

Cocoa Island by COMO – Maldives

Cocoa Island by COMO‘s 33 overwater suites mimic the style of the local dhoni boats, their gentle curves reaching out from the water in distinctive arcs. The villas are spaced 24 feet apart for the ultimate in privacy, each suite boasting its own terrace for slipping right into the lagoon below. After a day of water play, your muscles will beg for a hot river stone massage at the COMO Shambhala Retreat.

Le Méridien Bora Bora

Offering epic views of Mount Otemanu, Le Méridien Bora Bora’s thatch-roof overwater bungalows feature local woven-palm walls, a canopy bed, timber floor and signature Le Méridien beds that hug you right to sleep. The resort is also home to an ecological center that focuses on preserving coral and caring for turtles, including a touch pool, museum and aquarium.

Sandals Grande Lucian – St. Lucia

Nine more overwater bungalows have become part of Sandals Grande Lucian’s giant’s growing inventory, along with the Caribbean’s first overwater wedding chapel. Of course, it’s hard not to be a beach bum here, with a butler-prepared spot on the sand complete with hand-delivered jerk chicken and Piton beers. But it’s worth peeling yourself away for the Helen of the West Indies.

Climb the Pitons; tour the Caribbean’s only “drive-in” volcano, which erupts with sulfurous steam instead of lava; take a mineral bath; explore Diamond Botanical Gardens; and learn how rum is made at St. Lucia Distillers. The bungalows just opened for booking in May, so get one while you still can.

The post 20 Best Overwater Bungalows in the World appeared first on Islands.

Not only is it big on adventure, but as the home of some of Hawaii’s most indulgent resorts it’s also big on luxury. Better still, if your budget’s more limited, you can find sexy seclusion, too. Check out our 10 picks for the most romantic hotels on the Big Island.

Holualoa Inn

The aroma of freshly brewed Kona coffee isn’t the only thing that will set your hearts racing at the Holualoa Inn, a six-room bed & breakfast set on a 30-acre estate on the slopes Mt. Hualalai near Kona. At an elevation of 1,400 feet, the inn is surrounded by 4,100 coffee trees and tropical fruit trees and its mosaic-tiled pool and hot tub offer panoramic views of the rugged Kona coastline.

Its interiors feature original eucalyptus floors and décor that embraces the spirit of Old Hawaii. In the four rooms and two suites, couples are surrounded by local artwork, beautiful Hawaiian textiles and delicate orchids. A highlight each morning is breakfast, which features farm-to-table fruits and vegetables and estate-brewed coffee.

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

A great spot to start married life together—or celebrate a special anniversary—is a property that has stood the test of time: The Big Island’s first resort, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. The 252-room hotel, which dates to 1965 and was developed by conservationist Laurance S. Rockefeller, is located on Kauna’oa Bay and can rightfully boast about having one of the finest crescent beaches on the Kohala Coast. Mauna Kea is now part of the Autograph Collection, and recent renovations to its 252 spacious rooms and suites (many of which have stellar ocean views) have created a sleeker, more contemporary ambience.

The resort also houses Rockefeller’s art collection, comprised of hundreds of museum-caliber pieces, and offers challenging fairways and greens on its Mauna Kea Golf Course (also the island’s first). Other activities include tennis, watersports, snorkeling, yoga and even bocce ball. Couples can indulge in romantic private dining in tiki-torch-lit locales around the resort or get in the Hawaiian spirit during the on-property luau. Additional restaurants include Manta for Pacific Rim cuisine and the Copper Bar for creative tapas, locally sourced entrees and craft cocktails.

The Fairmont Orchid

This is the place to connect with nature and allow stress to float off into the gentle Hawaiian breeze at the Spa Without Walls, where an al fresco (but totally private) couple’s massage with ingredients sourced on island is the romantic antidote for the harried pace of everyday life. Named for the one of Hawaii’s most beautiful botanicals and known for its elegant 32-acre grounds studded with black lava, The Fairmont Orchid also has plenty of appealing places to soak up the Kohala Coast sunshine: a serene stretch of sandy beach, a calm lagoon and a 10,000-square-foot oceanfront swimming pool.

Active couples can golf, play tennis, snorkel, or try outrigger canoeing and stand-up paddle boarding, while native Hawaiian specialties and seafood are specialties in the resort’s nine restaurants, from flavorful Hawaiian Regional Cuisine at award-winning Brown’s Beach House to the new modern Japanese menu at Binchotan Bar and Grill.

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

From the pathways that meander its lushly planted grounds and lead to a half mile of white-sand beach to the expansive spa with its Hawaii-centric apothecary, the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai was designed with romance in mind. Yes, this 243-room Kona Coast resort also appeals to families, but there’s an adults-only pool (one of seven) and the Oceanview Rooms are a generous 635-square feet (those on the lower level have a private outdoor shower).

The salt-water King’s Pond is a relaxing spot to snorkel alongside thousands of tropical fish and honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles) frequent the resort’s warm waters and serene beach. The Jack Nicklaus-designed Hualalai Golf Course offers a scenic one-on-one challenge to golf-loving couples, while the resort’s restaurants range from the barefoot casual vibe of Beach Tree to regional, seasonal, artisanal dining at ‘Ulu Ocean Grill. A favorite spot is the Beach Tree Bar and Lounge at sunset—it’s perfect for a couple’s selfie snapped during the magical twilight hour.

Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection

This luxury property, re-opening in late 2019 after a $100 million refurbishment by its new owners, Auberge Resorts, ticks all the boxes for romance. One of the Big Island’s iconic properties (it opened in 1983), the new Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection — set on 30 acres of the sunny Kohala Coast and featuring three miles of coastline with two stellar white-sand beaches — will offer 333 guestrooms, 38 luxury suites and five villas with 5,000-square-feet of indoor and outdoor space and private pools. Interiors will be neutral and natural, featuring rich hardwoods and gorgeously patterned stone.

The property’s signature CanoeHouse restaurant, with its open-air setting and sublime sunset views, will remain, although with updated décor and menus. Three pools (one adults only), an Auberge Spa, tennis courts, the Mauna Lani Golf Club (with 36 holes on two courses) and historic royal fish ponds will make this one of the island’s most coveted romantic escapes.

Westin Hapuna Beach Resort

If your idea of romance is wading from soft sand into warm surf or sleeping in atop a bed so comfortable it’s called Heavenly, it’s hard to top the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort. Not only is Hapuna Beach itself postcard perfect, but the serene setting of the Kohala Coast is ideal for couples looking to relax, recharge or reconnect. The 249 rooms and 17 suites have been recently renovated and feature contemporary décor and partial or full ocean views.

The property (formerly the Hapuna Prince and celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2019) also features the Arnold Palmer-designed Hapuna Golf Course, two pools (one an adults-only infinity pool and the other a 6,800-square-foot freeform pool designed for families), four restaurants featuring Mediterranean and Hawaii-inspired cuisine, and a Mandara Spa.

Inn at Kulaniapia Falls

The Big Island’s lush side—centered along the windward coast near Hilo—offers a dramatically different perspective of the natural forces that have shaped the island. The power and grace of fresh water is on full display at the Inn at Kulaniapia Falls, which is built on a cliff overlooking Hawaii’s largest privately accessible waterfall. Architecture is the inn’s four buildings is Asian-inspired and the vibe is rustic-sustainable (power is generated hydroelectrically—with one caveat: there’s no air conditioning).

While not luxury-level, a stay here allows adventure-seeking, eco-loving couples to fall asleep to the sound of cascading water (and several rooms in the Harmony House as well as the Pagoda Guest House offer direct waterfall views) while challenging themselves to activities such as waterfall rappelling, lava tube exploration and riding Icelandic horses.

Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay

Sometimes romance needs to stick to a budget. Couples who can’t splurge but want to enjoy the sights of the Big Island will find great value at this 508-room resort perched on the black-lava cliffs of Keauhou Bay. Yes, it does attract families (especially over school breaks and summer) and the most romantic things about it are its charming wedding chapel, lush green lawns and stellar views of clear aqua water where giant manta rays can be spotted gliding and feeding, but the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay makes an affordable base for couples looking to mix romance and adventure.

Enjoy the many watersports (diving, stand-up paddle boarding and more) and bars and dining in lively Kailua-Kona as well as the sights along the coast (including Kealakekua Bay, known for its great snorkeling) on the way to Volcanoes National Park. And sharing small plate specialties from the tasty Asian-fusion menu at Rays on the Bay—where dining is often accompanied by manta ray sightings—will provide lasting only-on-the-Big-Island memories.

Mahana House Country Inn

With just four rooms, each offering a private lanai with an ocean view, the serene Mahana House Country Inn near Hilo offers a low-key escape for couples looking to experience the Big Island beyond the crowds and buffet lines of its large resorts. In fact, the inn is located on a 12-acre fruit farm and guests can enjoy freshly picked bananas, avocados, lychee and passion fruit in season.

The rooms benefit from ample tradewinds (there are ceiling fans but no air conditioning) and feature a king-sized bed, modern bathroom with walk-in shower and a kitchen area (there’s a pantry in the inn’s great room that’s stocked with fresh fruit, eggs and more), but no daily housekeeping. The property also offers easy access to the area’s many waterfalls (including nearby Akaka Falls) and to top sights such as Mauna Kea, Volcanoes National Park and Hilo Town.

Lava Lava Beach Club

For a cottage-on-the-beach experience—with delicious dining and lively ambience right next door—consider a stay at Lava Lava Beach Club. Located on 10 acres on Anaeho’omalu Bay near Waikoloa, the four cottages are 576 square feet and feature vibrant contemporary Hawaiian décor, offering the feeling of residential Big Island living with convenient access to dining and entertainment (note: there is live music nightly until 10pm at the restaurant, which accommodates several hundred people, and the entire property is non-smoking).

Hale Wa’a cottage is furthest from the restaurant and most private, but also the most requested so book well in advance. Lava Lava Beach Club makes a great base for independent-minded couples looking to learn stand-up paddle boarding, dine and enjoy the spas or golf courses of nearby Waikoloa resorts, or explore the rolling landscape of Waimea.

The post Most Romantic Hotels on Hawaii’s Big Island appeared first on Islands.

Princeville Resort

From your pool or beach chairs, watch the palette of hues change throughout the day as the sun hits Makana Mountain from different angles at Princeville Resort (formerly The St. Regis), near Hanalei Bay on the north shore. Oceanfront King rooms in a contemporary island decor have sitting areas, king beds, marble bathrooms with double vanities and oversized soaking tubs and showers.

At the spa, book the Makana Renewal Ritual, a 170-minute indulgence for two with an organic bio-scrub, warming cocoon of algae, scalp massage, shower, body massage and facial, and snag a coveted table at sunset by the window at Hawaiian steakhouse Kauai Grill.

Ko’a Kea Hotel & Resort at Poipu Beach

You and your SO can’t get closer to the water from an oceanfront room anywhere else on the island than at Ko’a Kea Hotel & Resort on the island’s south shore, and one of the most romantic Kauai resorts for couples. Accommodations also feature balconies or patios and marble showers with dual shower heads.

Indulge in a side-by-side massage, exfoliating hand and foot polish and warm scalp treatment in a couple’s suite at the spa, then take a dip in the freeform pool or sip Mai Tais in the lava rock whirlpool. After pan-seared snapper or lobster gnocchi at award-winning restaurant Red Salt, sink into oversized Adirondack chairs by the firepit and look for the Milky Way.

Waimea Plantation Cottages

If you long to buy a house on Kauai, a stay in one of Waimea Plantation Cottages‘s 61 historic, restored plantation cottages is the next best thing. Oh, and did we mention the 27-acre oceanfront property on Kauai’s sunny western shore stretches along a black-sand beach?

The oceanfront, ocean view or garden view cottages are done up in a contemporary Hawaiian style, each with a king bed, fully-equipped kitchen, living room and lanai. Walk hand-in-hand along the 2-mile beach, cool off in the oceanfront pool or explore the nearby town of Waimea together.

The Lodge at Kukui’ula

Couples can canoodle in a one-bedroom bungalow with plantation architecture and contemporary decor at The Lodge at Kukui’ula, an upscale property on Kauai’s south shore. Golf course or ocean views from the large lanai with outdoor barbecue are joined by a spa-inspired bathroom with freestanding soaking tub, lava rock outdoor showers, master suite with a king bed, hand-scraped hardwood floors, granite countertops and high-end appliances.

Relax in the meditation garden after a couple’s massage at Hi’ilani Spa, settle into the built-in loungers in the infinity-edge serenity pool and then book a cozy table for dinner at hyper-local Umeke Kitchen + Bar.

Whalers Cove

Expansive ocean views are the hallmark of Whalers Cove, a collection of cliffside condos on Poipu Beach, one of the best beaches in Kauai. One-bedroom oceanfront accommodations have an incredible 1,400-square feet of space, with a master bedroom and king-sized bed, living room, dining room and full-sized and fully-equipped kitchen. (Deluxe one-bedroom condos have 2,000-square feet as well as a Jacuzzi tub and double shower.)

The beach is rocky, but that just makes for watching dramatic wave breaks from the private lanai over a glass of wine at sunset that much more romantic. (The freeform pool overlooks the ocean, too.) The resort will even stock your condo with groceries before your arrival so you can prepare an intimate dinner.

Waipula Beach Resort

The first thing you may notice at Waipula Beach Resort on Kauai’s east coast (located between the towns of Kapa’a and Wailua) is the 2-acre pool complex with its black lava rocks, waterfalls, hot tub and scented plumeria and hibiscus blooms. That’s if you can tear yourself out of your one-bedroom suite and its gourmet kitchen, travertine floors and Jacuzzi soaking tub.

Beach Bliss is an aptly-named couples’ treatment consisting of an 80-minute kukui coconut milk massage right on the beach, and every table at the local and sustainably-focused restaurant Oasis on the Beach comes with a view.

Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa

The two of you can easily find a private nook to spend the afternoon in Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa‘s sprawling pools and grottoes, one of the most romantic Kauai resorts for couples. The ocean view suites here have a king bed, separate sitting area, marble bathroom, walk-in shower, spa tub, wet bar and lanai, and Anara Spa is the largest on Kauai, with treatments in rooms that face the gardens.

Among the eight restaurants and bars, super romantic Tidepools is comprised of thatched-roof bungalows floating over a koi-filled lagoon next to a waterfall and features a Hawaiian cuisine-focused menu. Or book a four-course candlelit dinner on the beach under the constellation-filled sky.

Kauai Marriott Resort

Golf is one of the best things to do in Kauai, so if you and your betrothed are into hitting the links, stay at Kauai Marriott Resort in Lihue. Its Jack Nicklaus signature course is the longest in Hawaii, winding past the bay and cliffs. Corner one-bedroom suites with wrap-around lanais, whirlpools tubs, separate living rooms and king beds that face the ocean have a sun- and sand-inspired design.

Couple’s massages can be taken in a beach cabana, and Duke’s Kauai serves up pupus, steaks, seafood and Pacific Rim cuisine with the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean and the mountains.

RELATED: Best Beaches in Kauai

Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu

Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu on the south shore has the largest luxury villas on Kauai; one-bedroom accommodations measure more than 800-square feet and have a separate tub and sink, lanai and fully-equipped gourmet kitchen, which can be pre-stocked with groceries and beverages. A new multi-terraced pool oasis tempts with an infinity pool, three waterfalls, a swim-through grotto, wooden bridges, two water slides and three Jacuzzis.

Couple’s spa treatments rooms have rainfall shower heads, the island’s only Japanese Ofuro soaking tub and are adjacent to a private lanai. Next to the main pool, Holoholo Grill serves elevated Hawaiian comfort food in collaboration with James Beard award-winning chef Sam Choy.

The post Best Kauai Hotels and Resorts for Couples appeared first on Islands.

Hawaii is a tropical destination where couples will have so many things to do, including golf, water sports, tennis, paddle boarding — even manta encounters. If you’re planning a romantic getaway, these are the best resorts in Hawaii for couples.

Ko’a Kea Hotel & Resort at Poipu Beach, Kauai

With just 121 rooms, Ko’a Kea Hotel & Resort on Kauai caters to couples that seek a boutique hotel experience on the Garden Isle. Koa Kea is known for having one of the better beachfront locations on island — granted, photos of the property show the lava rock border between the resort and the ocean, but just to the right is a long stretch of golden sand.

Onsite, a watersports operator offers surf lessons, outrigger paddling and stand-up paddle boarding. We love Ko’a Kea for the sanctuary-feel of the property, as well as the pampering, including offering 24-hour room service, poolside drink service and couples massages in a beachside cabana.

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Big Island

Choose Mauna Kea Beach Hotel for its prime location on one of the best beaches on Hawaii’s Big Island — also for the sprawling manicured gardens and lawns, and spacious, upscale rooms that cost considerably less than the competition.

Couples will appreciate a vast array of activities offered onsite, from tennis and golf, to paddle boarding and sailing — plus a moonlight snorkeling experience with manta rays happening right at the hotel.

The Kahala Hotel and Resort, Oahu

The Kahala Hotel and Resort in Honolulu sits 10 minutes from Waikiki on a quieter stretch of oceanfront, right on the golden sands of Kahala Beach.

This property knows how to pamper honeymooners (including Liz Taylor and Richard Burton back in the day) with a host of romantic offerings, from private dining beachside and in-room, to the 3½-hour romance spa package for couples, with body scrubs and massages.

We love that the hotel includes fun complimentary extras, including a 45-minute photo portrait session, as well as surf lessons and paddle boarding clinics.

Travaasa Hana, Maui

For tranquility and inspired views, there is no more magical setting than Travaasa Hana. Set in the remote town of Hana on the eastern tip of Maui, this expansive property is surrounded by lush mountains and waterfalls.

We love that the 70 rooms are spread out on property, allowing guests to bask in their own, private experience. Plus, all have ocean views. What’s missing — but not missed — are radios, clocks and televisions, helping guests get in sync with a more natural experience.

Plus, the resort offers an all-inclusive option, letting you wander and enjoy without worrying about wallets and tabs. The only downside is that the resort sits on rocky — but stunning — coastline, but shuttles run all day to a sandy, swimmable beach 15 minutes away.

Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa, Kauai

Kauai’s biggest resort, and one of the best Hawaii resorts for couples, the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa offers a huge range of amenities, starting with nine bars and restaurants, plus one of the island’s best beachfront locations on the golden sands of Poipu.

Couples can choose to indulge in private cabanas available for rent on the beach, retreat to the adults-only pool, and partake in private beachside dining. At the hotel’s Tide Pools restaurant, guests relax in overwater huts perched atop a koi pond while savoring Asian-inspired seafood dishes.

RELATED: Best Beach Hotels and Resorts in Hawaii

Halekulani, Oahu

Classic Hawaii at its finest, the Halekulani holds the distinction of more than 100 years at the same prime location on Waikiki Beach.

The pool, overlooking the beach, has an old-Hollywood appeal in its simple elegant design. All rooms have a lanai, and the Oceanfront and Diamondhead Oceanfront room categories allow couples to enjoy ocean views from the soaking tub.

Also, Halekulani is one of the best Hawaii resorts for couples because the property places an emphasis on service, offering the highest staff-to-guest ratio of any property in Hawaii.

Hotel Wailea, Maui

Hotel Wailea sets the bar high: This private mid-island enclave with just 72 one-bedrooms suites set on 15 acres excels at crafting a private, luxurious experience.

Each villa offers guests 720 square feet of space, plus one wall that opens to your private lanai. Several include private plunge pools.

Hotel Wailea is one of the best Hawaii hotels for couples thanks to its dining options. The Restaurant easily wins as the island’s most romantic dinner option, with tables nested in private nooks surrounded by hedges and other greenery. We also love that a waterfall flows throughout the property, and that no guests under 16 are allowed.

Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection, Big Island

As of November 2019, a $100-million investment into the Mauna Lani breathes new life into this high-end property set on grounds that were formerly a holiday retreat for Hawaiian royalty.

Find this sanctuary, 25 minutes from the Kona airport, on 3 miles of beach on the Kohala Coast, which, thanks to Hawaii’s many microclimates, sees just 9 inches of rain per year — great news for destination brides, and those who simply prefer sun when on holiday.

Choose from the 333 rooms, or book one of the five villas, each of which features a private swimming pool.

The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, Maui

The outpost posh escape that is The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua is an hour’s drive from Maui’s airport — but remote does not mean sacrifice. Hardly.

This 54-acre property delivers championship golf and six restaurants, plus a sweeping list of watersports including outrigger paddling.

We love their Waihua Spa, rated one of the top three on Maui, for its traditional Hawaiian-inspired treatments, plenty of cabanas for couples massages, and for the hot tub inside a lava-rock grotto.

Four Seasons Resort Lanai

The secluded oceanfront, clifftop Four Seasons Resort Lanai takes full advantage of this natural island, limited to 3,000 residents and reachable via flight or ferry from Maui.

Most of the resort’s 217 rooms overlook the ocean, and onsite restaurants, including One Forty American Steak, are open-air, allowing couples to fully soak in the views. The entire site was rebuilt in 2016, and now features a more modern, natural look, with French doors, wood floors and Polynesian art, all for a more luxurious experience.

Lanai, the least populated of the Hawaiian Islands that offer hotels, isn’t known for a wealth of bars and nightlife, but it isn’t without options. Larry Ellison, co-founder of Oracle software, owns the resort as well as most of the island, and helped usher in the famous sushi restaurant Nobu. Moreover, the resort arranges a diversity of experiences, including horseback riding, onsite Jeep rentals, private dining and couples massages.

The post Most Romantic Hotels in Hawaii appeared first on Islands.

With a plethora of wedding venues throughout Mexico, it’s hard to choose the one that’s best for your destination wedding, but The Luxury Collection stands out among the rest. With five Haciendas, three located in Yucatan and two in Campeche, you’ll find unique settings and experiences that fit your special day.

1. Hacienda Uayamon
Built in 1700, Hacienda Uayamon reflects the sophistication of a luxury resort while still highlighting the natural beauty of Campeche. For those looking for a mystic, energizing and peaceful wedding, this is the ideal location. Get married in the vestigial chapel, celebrate under the Ceiba tree or host a rehearsal dinner in a terrace overlooking the jungle. Uayamon is an experience no one will ever forget.

2. Hacienda Santa Rosa
A 19th-century building is the perfect place to host your special day. Hacienda Santa Rosa is a former nobleman´s private estate featuring hand-carved finishes and custom-made settings. Whether you are looking for a small and private wedding or a grand event, Hacienda Santa Rosa offers a memorable gathering to be treasured forever.

3. Hacienda Temozon
A hacienda built of coral walls and white moldings awaits you in the tropical rainforest of the Yucatan peninsula. Host your special day with the beauty of ancient Mayan architecture with venues like breathtaking terraces, horse stables and gardens. Hacienda Temozon provides a perfect scene that your wedding guests will never forget.

4. Hacienda San Jose
Magical walkways of gracefully cut flowers and dirt pathways welcome you to Hacienda San Jose. Exquisite colors pop at every corner of the hacienda, making days brighter and nights more mysterious against the flickering of candles. Host your wedding in the gardens, palapa, bar or restaurant. Venues provide the opportunity to watch the starry nights and listen to the sounds of wild life.

5. Hacienda Puerta Campeche
Create everlasting memories in the Hacienda Puerta Campeche, an architectural collection of colonial houses dating back to the 17th century. Hacienda Puerta Campeche is a magical and historical place to host your special day. Between colorful labyrinthine walls and a roof-top lounge surrounded by stunning views, this beautiful Hacienda has everything you need to create a memorable wedding celebration.

Learn more about The Haciendas Luxury Collection here.

The post 5 Unique Wedding Locations in Mexico appeared first on Islands.

Mexico’s Riviera Maya is a popular romantic getaway spot for a reason. With amenities like swim-up suites, spa treatments à deux and even pole-dancing classes for a little bit of sizzle, the region’s hotels are perfect for lovebirds. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone anniversary or the beauty of new love, here are the most romantic hotels to hang with your sweetie.

Banyan Tree Mayakoba

Each of the 122 villas at Banyan Tree Mayakoba, a resort in Playa del Carmen,has a private plunge pool so you don’t have to worry about splashing kids or any other interference while you swim. Ideal for foodie couples, there are a whopping 13 dining and drinking options, but the most intimate choices are a private dinner in the wine cellar and a boat cruise up the lagoon.

Viceroy Riviera Maya

With just 41 villas and a strict no-kids-under-14 rule, Viceroy Riviera Maya in Playa del Carmen is perfect for a grown-up romantic getaway, with private plunge pools, romantic turndown service and canopied beds. For the couple that likes to spa and namaste together, treatments can be done in tandem, with Mayan-inspired accents, such as the scent of burning copal or usage of medicinal herbs harvested from the onsite garden. Private yoga classes are held on the beach (there are group classes, too).

El Dorado Casitas Royale

El Dorado Casitas Royale is a hotel-within-a-hotel, adults-only all-inclusive resort in Puerto Morelos. The hotel features the best of both worlds: 10 restaurants so you don’t have to leave the property — from La Isla’s Mediterranean dishes served in an open-air palapa to Kampai’s Pacific Rim theme — and romantic suites with infinity pools, large hot tubs and swim-up access. Book a couple’s treatment at Náay Spa, which begins with a 45-minute Water Journey to calm the mind.

Hotel Esencia

On the 50-acre grounds of a former private estate, 40-room Hotel Esencia in Tulum is posh to no end. You’ll forget you’re at a hotel and instead think you’re at a rich cousin’s vacation pad. The health-minded hotel, which added new Beach Suites in 2017, features a spa with organic ingredients plus a cold-press juice bar and complimentary afternoon tea. Ask to arrange a private dinner for two on the sand.

Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun

For couples that want to never leave the resort, this Secrets adults-only all-inclusive resort in Cancun delivers the goods, with ground-floor suites offering swim-out access, plus the staff will set up dinners for two on the beach. Dining is ultra-romantic: try Bordeaux, which dabbles in French cuisine.

UNICO 20˚87˚ Hotel Riviera Maya

Acoustic guitarists serenade couples at UNICO 20˚87˚ Hotel Riviera Maya, one of Riviera Maya’s newest properties in Puerto Morelos. The adults-only hotel has a chill vibe, with an elevated cocktail list and a rotating-chef program at one of its five eateries that attracts only the best, like a former Top Chef contestant from Mexico.

Mahekal Beach Resort

Private casitas with plunge pools, hammocks and butler service, right on the resort’s 920-foot beach? Yes, please! Mahekal Beach Resort in Playa del Carmen completed a $16-million transformation in 2016 and offers Ocean Front Beach Houses, plus adults-only penthouse suites with butler service. Four pools and five restaurants round out the offerings.

Azulik

Azulik in Tulum is for the couple that truly wants to escape from it all. Accommodations are in 48 wood-crafted villas — with no TVs to help you unplug — that are so stunning you’ll want to whip out your phone for a photo. (But not post to social media, in the interest of detoxing, of course.) Bathtubs with a view are filled with sacred cenote water, and an ideal size for couples bathing together.

Temptation Cancun Resort

Rooms designed by Karim Rashid in pops of bright colors made Temptation‘s debut last year a huge hit. This sexy adults-only, all-inclusive hotel offers Thirty-minute pole-dancing classes (extra charge applies) to help couples retain their sizzle, while SHE is a restaurant entirely focused on aphrodisiac cuisine. A topless-optional beach and a nightclub called Bash are two other amenities for guests.

The post Most Romantic Hotels in Riviera Maya, Mexico appeared first on Islands.

If you’re planning a honeymoon or romantic getaway you might be dreaming about spending it suspended above the warm blue Caribbean in a hammock for two on the deck of a sexy overwater bungalow in Jamaica.

In case you haven’t heard, Sandals Resorts offers Tahitian-style over-the-water accommodations at two properties in Jamaica — so your fantasy suite just got a whole lot closer to home if you live in the United States. And when the company decided to import some thatched-roof romance to the Caribbean, it did so with its signature all-inclusive ease. Sandals’ overwater bungalows in Jamaica all boast exclusive amenities that include private transfers, butler service and special dining menus with 24/7 room service.

But beyond the pampering that these love nests offer, it’s important to consider the resorts and locations themselves. So if you’re ready to splurge, here’s our guide to choosing the resort that’s right for you.

Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort & Private Island in Montego Bay, Jamaica

Bungalows: Five spacious Over-the-Water Villas opened in December 2016 and 12 Over-the-Water Bungalows debuted in March 2017. Enhancing the seclusion: All 17 butler-serviced units are built in a heart-shaped along a wooden walkway, and attached to Sandals Cay, the resort’s private island. Here, guests can enjoy a newly redesigned pool and pool bar, along with The Jerk Shack and Royal Thai restaurants, while the rest of the resort is a quick boat ride away.” But the amenities — especially in the villas, which have infinity-edge pools and floating water hammocks — and 24/7 room service mean you really don’t have to “go ashore.”

Resort: Centered around a Georgian-style Great House and set on 15 acres, the resort has 227 rooms, eight restaurants, five bars and seven pools, but retains an intimate ambiance. One caveat: its proximity to the airport means there’s jet noise throughout the day.

Location: Once off the plane, you’ll be here in minutes — and have easy access to sights and activities both nearby and in Ocho Rios. In addition, the “Stay at 1, Play at 3” option means you can enjoy the beaches, pools and amenities, as well as 12 additional restaurants, at Sandals Montego Bay and Sandals Inn.

Vibe: A British pub has fish ‘n chips on the menu and traditional afternoon tea is served daily at 4pm — but The Jerk Shack and several swim-up bars create a blend of old colonial charm and lively Jamaican fun.

Sandals South Coast in Whitehouse, Jamaica

Bungalows: The 12 Over-the-Water Honeymoon Butler Bungalows, opened in December 2017 and identical to those at Sandals Royal Caribbean, are located at the most secluded end of the beach (past the French Village). With their vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors (with glass viewing panels), contemporary decor and sun deck with private Tranquility Soaking Tub and hammock for two they’re a modern take on South Seas seduction.

Resort: For room to roam (2 miles of beach and 500 acres of land) and romantic bells and whistles (an overwater wedding chapel and an over-the-water bar) it’s hard to beat this property with its three villages (Italian, French and Dutch) set along the beach and most restaurants and bars located near the central Piazza. Tennis courts attract active (and at times slightly older) couples, while nine restaurants and seven bars, a Red Lane Spa and complimentary water sports (including diving) mean there’s plenty to do beyond lounging 24/7.

Location: Sandals South Coast isn’t in the center of the action — in fact, it’s far from it. At the airport in Montego Bay, you’ll hop a complimentary shuttle for a 1½-hour drive on mountain roads to Jamaica’s southern coast. You’ll see some of the island’s lush interior landscape, but almost all off-resort activities will need to be done via group excursions.

Vibe: For a 372-room all-inclusive resort, it’s surprisingly laid-back. The tranquil setting lends itself to relaxed romance with just the right amount of poolside fun.

The post Overwater Bungalows in Jamaica appeared first on Islands.

Grand Hotel Tremezzo – Lake Como, Italy

Since the early 1900s, lovebirds have been flocking to luxurious lakeside property Grand Hotel Tremezzo — so grand, in fact, it was featured in the 1932 Greta Garbo film, Grand Hotel. This “happy, sunny place,” as Garbo called it, also oozes romance. You don’t even have to leave the family-owned hotel to experience the magic of Lake Como — it’s in the swoosh of a passing motorboat, the clink of Campari spritzes and bright pops of the hotel’s signature orange. Wander through the landscaped gardens, take a swim in one of three pools (including a floating pool right on the lake), book a couples massage at T Spa overlooking the water, listen to the tinkling piano at the swanky T Bar, and toast over gold- and saffron-speckled risotto at restaurant La Terrazza. It’s tempting to cuddle in a four-poster bed and stare at the glittering water, but when the coastline of historic mansions and villas beckon, hop aboard Tremezzo’s private Venetian motorboat and see if you can spot a Clooney. The resort also has access to the nearby 16th-century private residence Villa Sola Cabiati, where they’ll set up a glamorous romantic picnic al fresco — amongst the frescos, of course.

Le Sirenuse – Positano, Italy

The words Amalfi Coast already have discerning travelers packing their bags. Family-run since it opened in 1951, Le Sirenuse (named for the mythological sirens who lurk in a nearby archipelago) is set in an aristocratic former summer home. The property highlights the million-dollar view, with balconies, terraces and pools overlooking Positano’s bay, with sunlit cliffside terraces by day and twinkling lights by night. With the town center, local boutiques and beach reachable via a 50-step staircase, it’s easy to fall into a routine: eat, drink, shop, sleep, repeat — with a few pauses to inhale the scent of surrounding lemon trees. Rooms contain, in addition to antiques and original art, copies of John Steinbeck’s writings on Positano, sure to inspire even the most cynical; to venture out, book an excursion to the beaches of Nerano or Capri. But come back before twilight for dinner at Michelin-starred Le Sponda — for the food, the view and the live music.

Grace Santorini – Santorini, Greece

So often the allure of romantic views is overrated — but not in Santorini. Unlike islands where visitors make a beeline to the beach, here you’ll want to maximize your time gazing into the dramatic caldera (an ancient volcanic depression — it’s prettier than it sounds) from a prime spot. The contemporary boutique Grace Santorini offers such a panoramic perch, with tiers of white rooms tucked into the cliffs high above the Mediterranean Sea — just as you’d imagine an idyllic Cycladic-style hideaway to be. Reserve a suite with a private plunge pool, and you’ll be in one of the most enviable spots on the coastline to take in the whitewashed villages in the distance. No need to join the masses in Oia for the famous Santorini sunset — the hotel’s open-air 363 Champagne Lounge, with a signature Grace cocktail in hand, is the more indulgent option.

Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc – Cap d’Antibes, France

Built in 1870 by a French newspaper founder as a writer’s sanctuary, Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc is filled with history. It’s certain that many sonnets have been penned and clandestine affairs begun in its acres of gardens enveloped by roses — it’s the setting of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Tender Is the Night, and Liz Taylor and Richard Burton once honeymooned here. But the chicest spot is arguably the hotel’s cliffside infinity saltwater pool suspended above the sea, a Slim Aarons photo come to life. The vibe is very elegant and very traditional French Riviera, but modern amenities have crept in — credit cards are finally accepted, so order another round of Champagne and duck foie gras at the restaurant that opens out to the water. And if the natural light was good enough for Chagall to paint, it will beautifully suit your couples selfies.

Hotel Maria Cristina, a Luxury Collection Hotel – San Sebastián, Spain

Spain’s Basque hotspot may boast more Michelin stars per square meter than anywhere in the world, but it’s also been a coveted seaside destination since Queen Regent Maria Cristina anointed the white sands of the city’s shell-shaped La Concha beach in the 19th century. Hotel Maria Cristina, a Luxury Collection Hotel, her eponymous Belle Époque-era property which opened in 1912, still recalls that royal heyday in its gilded corridors and chic gray and white rooms. Comparisons to the Ritz Paris notwithstanding — it was designed by the same architect — the Maria Cristina received a $25-million renovation in 2012, making it all the better to take in views of the Urumea river and Bay of Biscay. Nearby, sample pintxos, lounge on a choice of beaches, and take a sunset stroll along the bayfront promenade that ranks among the most romantic walks in the world. But inside is pulsing with Basque culture — order a gin tonic (no “and” in Spain) at the hotel’s Dry Bar and watch local society float by.

The post 5 Super Romantic Hotels in Europe appeared first on Islands.

Combine all that with spending time with the only person you’d want to spend a few hundred or even a few thousand dollars with, and life doesn’t look like it can get any better. Here, we’ve curated a list of the world’s best romantic all-inclusive resorts based on romantic must-haves, from party-all-night entertainment to sexy plunge pools and outdoor showers. All you have to do: Pick one.

The Brando – French Polynesia

In 1999, director and Oscar-winning actor Marlon Brando started developing this sustainable luxury resort and environmental-research center he dubbed the Brando. Here, 35 thatched-roof villas seamlessly merge indoor space and natural surroundings, including the ombre-turquoise water. Deck tubs, private plunge pools and big windows look out to the lagoon where you’ll snorkel, kayak, paddleboard or canoe in an authentic Polynesian outrigger.

When you’re not on the water, you’ll be hiking with a naturalist, watching baby turtles hatch, taking dance lessons or indulging in your daily included spa treatment in the couples room, which sits high in the treetops like a veritable love nest, making this an ideal location for anniversary getaways.

Hermitage Bay – Antigua

The remarkable, above-and-beyond service at Hermitage Bay starts right when you land, thanks to a personal airport attendant who whisks you and your loved one past long immigration lines. Upon arrival at your hillside cottage, trade speedy efficiency for the art of slow living. Start in your private infinity pool – complete with a sweeping Caribbean view – then rinse of together in the outdoor shower before dinner.

The resort’s capacity is only 60 guests, which means unmatched attention (when you want it, that is) and plenty of secluded spots to snuggle. Think champagne breakfasts in bed (made with fruits and veggies from the onsite organic garden) and tailor-made cocktails delivered mere moments after you place a flag in the sand.

Hyatt Ziva Cancún – Mexico

Thanks to the Hyatt Ziva Cancún’s setting on Punta Cancún, mainland Mexico’s most easterly point, you’ll greet sunrises before anyone else. The location sets this Caribbean all-inclusive apart: Uncrowded sand on three sides gives you more beach for your buck. Or hit one of the three infinity pools, cleverly designed to form separate leisure zones.

Dining is a highlight, from chaya and cactus scrambled eggs at Tradewinds to ceviche and Baya-style fish tacos at sand-between-the-toes beach bar Habaneros. There are even roving food carts serving street food-inspired snacks, like churros with thick chocolate sauce.

Agave aficionados flock to Juana Margarita to sample 25-plus tequilas and mezcals (don’t miss the addictive cream tequila), while beer fans gather at Tres Cervesas sports bar, which boasts a legitimate microbrewery. Splurge on a Ziva Sky Swim-up Master Room: Each has its own elevated horizon pool and hot tub, making this one of the best all-inclusive couples vacations.

Moon Palace Jamaica – Jamaica

Forged forced fun: Palace Resort’s 700-room Ocho Rios outpost (the first outside of Mexico), Moon Palace Jamaica, has seen reggae legend Shaggy and Cheerleader artist OMI at the resort’s Grand Ballroom Loud Bar (Shakira, Usher and REO Speedwagon (to name a few) rocked the stage at one of the sister resorts in Cancún, so major music cred flows through the brand’s veins).

Plus, the $1,500 resort credit – when you stay five nights or more – covers two comped tickets to events. The amped-up property also offers a killer watersports program that includes stationary-surfing experiences and dolphin-habitat adventures.

Hard Rock Punta Cana – Dominican Republic

Consider hatching an advance plan to make the most of the 23 bars and clubs at the Hard Rock Punta Cana, like ORO, the high-energy nightclub where DJs spin house and electronic music, packing the dance floor at 11 p.m. every night. The space also hosts entertainers like Joss Stone and Enrique Iglesias, but, when even bigger names perform – think Rihanna, Calvin Harris and David Guetta – the show often moves to the golf course.

Tamarijn Aruba – Aruba

Entertainment at Tamarijn Aruba includes a steel-drum band and live performances by Aruba’s premier musicians, like jazz guitarist Ivan Jansen and soca band 2 Sweet. The Pirates Treasure Quest Show flaunts eye-popping acrobatics and dance, while the Grand Carnival party is such a crowd-pleaser that it’s been on the roster for 20 years. Ready to press your luck? Hit up the roulette and blackjack tables at adjacent Alhambra Casino.

Grand Velas Riviera Maya – Mexico

Talk about a foodie paradise: At Grand Velas Riviera Maya, you and your honey will discover new flavors and shared tastes. Of the eight onsite restaurants, there are a couple must-gos.

Try Cocina de Autor and its whimsical traditional French menu, as the chef leads you down a multicourse path. And colorful Frida offers gourmet Mexican cuisine for every palate, from conventional (crispy lemon-chili fish with chicharrones) to fearless (filet mignon covered in black pepper and ant eggs or tamales stuffed with mussels, black beans and huitlacoche).

Grand Oasis Sens – Mexico

Among the dozen restaurants at Grand Oasis Sens, an adults-only paradise in Cancún, is the Black Hole, where a 27-course dinner is served in an intentionally dark restaurant. White-gloved wait staff serve you and your sweetie a seafood-driven experience (much of it locally caught) in a sexy, sensory-oriented space: Since you can’t see, your other senses – including taste and touch – are heightened.

Barceló Bávaro Beach – Dominican Republic

Long buffet lines are a thing of the past at Barceló Bávaro Beach, an east-coast enclave in the D.R. where even check-in comes with a spread of bite-sized dishes like fresh ceviche. Eleven onsite restaurants, ranging from French (complete with a wine cellar) to Mexican (hand-pressed tortillas are on deck), front four miles of pristine white sand. An array of Dominican classics are laid out for lunch so you can nosh on local favorites without even leaving the resort.

Sandals Royal Plantation – Jamaica

An exclusive partnership with the Guild of Professional English Butlers ensures that every butler at Sandals’ only all-butler resort, Sandals Royal Plantation, which offers 74 ocean-view suites scattered across 10 cliffside acres, are trained to exacting standards. They not only attend to every need during your stay – whether they’re drawing a candlelit bath or arranging a romantic beach picnic – they also provide you with a cellphone to reach them at literally any hour.

Known for anticipatory, above-and-beyond service, one butler actually waded through water, fully clothed, to deliver a frosty mojito to a guest bobbing on an ocean float, making this one of the best spots for anniversary vacations.

Paradisus Palma Real Punta Cana – Dominican Republic

Bodycon dress steamed? Check. Side-by-side pedi appointments at YHI Spa? Handled. Bath drawn, rose petals strewn on the bed and pink champagne on ice? Done.

Guests in the adults-only Royal Service rooms at Paradisus Palma Real Punta Cana are paired with a personal butler reachable via a handy cellphone you’ll receive at check-in. The butlers here have an uncanny knack for knowing exactly where their guests are and what they might need at any time, whether it’s another piña colada or two tucked-away pool chairs.

Cayo Espanto – Belize

It’ll feel like your devoted butler reads your mind, bringing you an icy Cuba Libre at sunset, teaching a sailing lesson on a moment’s notice and, then, as your Hobie Cat returns, greeting you on the beach with towels and just-cut coconuts.

Request that your butler make up a private beach cabana with sheer white curtains for a sunset that’ll feel orchestrated just for you two. Or take it in on the Casa Estrella’s private overwater deck. The style of service you’ll receive at Cayo Espanto is the result of the private island’s three-page survey that you’ll complete at check-in, asking if you prefer privacy with attention on request or all-out, full-time pampering.

Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya – Mexico

This music-themed mega-resort wants you to get turnt. The Sound of Your Stay service at the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya delivers Fender guitars and DJ equipment to your room for impromptu jam sessions. Keep the party going in the separate, adults-only resort-within-a-resort called Heaven, which sports four pools, six bars and five restaurants. Keep the beat alive in the Music Lab, where couples can join a band, remix songs, film a video or walk the red carpet.

Want a true rock-royalty experience? Book the jewel-toned, 9,225-square-foot Bret Michaels-designed rock-star suite, complete with a fitness center, a photo booth, a screening room, a DJ booth, a dance floor and a billiards table made out of a Camaro.

Moon Palace Cancún – Mexico

“All-inclusive” doesn’t equal total gluttony. In the 19 swim-up wellness suites at Moon Palace Cancún, order gluten-free meals from 24/7 room service, and rise peacefully with dawn-simulating alarm clocks, aromatherapy diffusers and hydrotherapy salts for the in-room whirlpool baths.

You don’t need to schlep to the gym when there’s the Awe Sports Kit (mat, dumbbells and jump rope) right in your room. But, if you feel like donning your Lululemons, two gyms offer classes, like spinning and CrossFit.

Casa Velas Puerto Vallarta – Mexico

Don’t cram your carry-on with designer duds. At Casa Velas Puerto Vallarta, an adults-only boutique hotel, you’ll find 13 designer handbags for complimentary rental. Choose from designers like Carolina Herrera and Michael Kors, and add extra sparkle to your romantic getaway with the resort’s diamond jewelry (yours to wear for a fraction of the retail price).

Gents, you’re not left out of the fun: Guys with style can rent a Montblanc “murse” from the handbag bar.

Jumby Bay Island – Antigua

Picture nothing between you and the sky while you soap up under an open-air garden shower, standard in every one of the 40 rooms and suites at Jumby Bay, a 300-acre private island two miles from Antigua.

Lush palms, ferns and tropical cordyline surround each stone-tiled shower, situated within a walled courtyard for ultimate privacy. For lengthy lathering sessions using top-of-the-line products by James Heeley, hop in the outdoor pedestal tub for two, a bonus in many suites.

Yasawa Island Resort & Spa – Fiji

After an afternoon spent lazing by the infinity pool or in the twin hammocks under your private beach hut at Yasawa Island Resort & Spa, head back to your thatched-roof, oceanfront “bure” (cottage), and strip down for a shower under the sky, surrounded by vibrant bougainvillea and fragrant frangipani, before heading to dinner by the infinity pool.

Suds each other up with sustainably made Pure Fiji amenities, which soothe sunburns with coconut oil and local flora like gardenia, passion flower and lemongrass.

Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana – Dominican Republic

The completely private, outdoor patio showers in four room categories at Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana are replete with tropical flora, and they’re constructed of eco-friendly, locally sourced, natural stone, hardwoods and cane-thatched cathedral ceilings. Enhance the sensory experience with Bvlgari amenities and a selection of scented lines and aromatherapy-oil burners.

Marquis Los Cabos – Mexico

What more could you ask from an all-inclusive resort with five award-winning restaurants, a 15,000-square-foot holistic spa and guaranteed ocean views? How about master suites with plunge pools overlooking the Sea of Cortez? Upgrade to a casita at the Marquis Los Cabos for a private garden pool that’s perfect for skinny-dipping or a rooftop pool with a terrace for sunbathing in the buff.

Sanctuary Cap Cana – Dominican Republic

At this adults-only spot in Punta Cana (just 15 minutes from the bustling airport), take your pick from either a royalty villa or a honeymoon suite that flaunts a super-private, coral-stone, freshwater plunge pool. All of the 2,600-square-foot honeymoon suites at Sanctuary Cap Cana come standard with a dark-wood deck and plush chaise lounges positioned around an oversized, jetted plunge pool with water that flows into an unobstructed sea vista.

Or book a spacious, two-bedroom castle island suite, where there’s no need to even step outside to take a dip: Each boasts three (yes, three) large, indoor plunge pools, all set alongside floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook manicured private lawns and the sparkling Caribbean Sea, making this one of the best all-inclusive honeymoon resorts.

Excellence Playa Mujeres – Mexico

The spacious double-level suites at this adults-only resort feature private rooftop terraces with waterfall plunge pools, which are heated during the winter months so you can splash around any time of year while ogling the beach below. The airy terraces at Excellence Playa Mujeres are also outfitted with lounge beds for cozying up and open-air showers that’ll spur more romantic moments, making this one of the best adults-only all-inclusive resorts.

BodyHoliday – St. Lucia

Of course there’s the standard included watersports – windsurfing, kayaking, snorkeling – but, at this 155-room property, set on a private bay and ensconced in tropical gardens, it’s the anything-but-standard activities that wow. Enjoy archery, fencing, pilates and tai chi, plus a 50-minute spa treatment each and every single day, if you’d like. A sailing program at BodyHoliday offers half-day courses for mastering the basics of handling high-speed yachts.

Travaasa Hana – Hawaii

This eco-chic resort goes beyond lei-making and ukulele lessons to provide a true Mauian experience. Fill your itineraries with classes on throw-net fishing, fire-starting and spear-throwing. Wind down at Travaasa Hana with coconut-husking or a cacao-plantation tour and tasting; then, bring back some chocolate to feed each other in your bungalow later.

Enjoy the island’s natural surroundings with stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing or a glider ride, and use your daily spa credit to try a native healing massage or an organic facial. Or do nothing but take in views of the rugged, unspoiled coastline from your private lanai.

Grand Palladium Bávaro Suites Resort & Spa – Dominican Republic

Bringing your brood on a romantic getaway doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice five-star luxury, especially not at Grand Palladium Bávaro Suites Resort & Spa. At this 673-room Punta Cana flagship, the kiddos can go nuts at the kids club (the largest in the Caribbean), featuring a mini water park, a pirate ship-shaped trampoline, cooking classes with local ingredients, zip-lining, crafting and sports to suit ages 1 to 17.

For some grown-up time, escape to the spa, where Turkish baths and Vichy shower treatments ooze, “Ah…”

Crystal Cove – Barbados

Only 35 minutes from the airport, this 88-room boutique hotel features an undiscovered treasure: the Cave Bar – a hole-in-the-[rock]-wall hidden at the end of a series of lagoons, terraces and a waterfall. Belly up to the bar on submerged stools with unobstructed ocean views, or retreat farther in the cave to stay dry and shaded from the intense sun.

What to order: the Crystalgia, the resort’s signature drink, made from Mount Gay White Rum, pineapple juice, blue curaçao and falernum. Take Crystal Cove’s rum-shop initiation class to learn to lime (island slang for liquor-fueled casual hangouts) like a local.

Sandos Finisterra Los Cabos – Mexico

Sip a Humpback Whale at Sandos Finisterra Los Cabos – pineapple juice, orange juice, vodka and blue curaçao – while watching them breach in the Sea of Cortez January through March. It’s the signature cocktail at the Whale Watchers Bar, a glass-enclosed space perched on a cliff overlooking the Baja Peninsula.

El Dorado Royale – Mexico

The gourmet-inclusive experience at the adults-only El Dorado Royale makes it the top choice for oenophiles, especially those who love lavish multicourse meals. The resort has partnered with Santa Rosa’s (California) award-winning Jackson Family Wines to host a monthly series of pairings and tastings that showcase chefs and wine masters the world over, making for one of the best romantic vacations.

The post Best All-Inclusive Resorts for Romantic Getaways appeared first on Islands.