Romantic interludes with Anantara 

This island nation off the east coast of Africa is a nature-lover’s dream. Dramatic landscapes set the scene for adventure and romance: turquoise seas to cruise, lush mountains to hike and white-sand beaches to stroll, hand in hand. On the south-eastern coastline, find a quiet enclave where corals glimmer just offshore and nature trails lead through the forest. Celebrate romance with a mindful approach to reconnection, with meditation, yoga and restorative couple’s treatments.       

Where to stay: Anantara Iko Mauritius carves out a quiet space for couple’s retreats in lush, tropical nature. Stay in an ocean-facing suite and wake up to ocean panoramas. Enjoy al-fresco dining on your balcony, overlooking the sea. Indulge in romance with a couple’s package complete with rose-petal bubble baths, sparkling wine and a 90-minute spa treatment. 

Bustling streets with clattering trams. Stone bridges with Art Nouveau flair. It’s easy to get swept up in Budapest’s timeless charm. Wander the Castle District, explore the city by vintage VW, then dine by chandelier light in New York Café, the ‘most beautiful café in the world’. For the ultimate romantic weekend in Budapest, cruise the storied Danube River and uncover the city’s hidden treasures by boat.  

Where to stay: For a city stay steeped in old-world romance, ensconce yourself in a terrace room at Anantara New York Palace Budapest Hotel. Indulge in the hotel’s gastronomic offerings, with Hungarian classics at White Salon, afternoon tea in the atrium and cocktails at The Poet Bar. From your opulent Belle Époque base, the city is at your doorstep – catch a show at nearby Madach Theatre or go on a walking tour to the Jewish Quarter. 

  

Blissful beaches, balmy seas, longtail boats zipping between towering limestone karsts – Koh Yao Yai offers the quintessential island escape. Far from any lively tourist towns, it’s a quieter side of Thailand, with a focus on relaxation and romance. Explore local villages by scooter and sidecar. Kayak or paddle-board to neighbouring beaches and bays. Or just relax in the ocean breeze, under the rustle of swaying palms.  

  

Where to stay: Opened just last year, Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas brings authentic Thai hospitality to the shores of Koh Yao Yai. Claim your own slice of paradise with a private-pool villa overlooking the beach. Indulge in international gastronomy on a romantic epicurean retreat. Learn the secrets of Thai cuisine with a couple’s Spice Spoon cooking class.   

Seclusion, serenity and an ocean of discovery – the Maldives’ natural elements create an ambience ripe for romance. Explore pristine coral reefs and drift with sea turtles and rays. Indulge with haute dining on the sand and under the stars. Kayak across a turquoise lagoon for a picnic on a private islet. It’s hard to imagine a more exclusive setting for romance.  

Where to stay: The adults-only Anantara Veli was made with couples in mind. Retreat to a beach pool villa, with a private deck to bask on and direct access to the water. Or stay overwater at the edge of the lagoon, for Indian Ocean panoramas from your bed. Snorkel the house reef, reconnecting with a couple’s wellness journey or set sail across the waters on a sunset cruise for two.  

A short flight from Dubai, the landscapes of Oman offer a desert-meets-ocean retreat. Windswept coastlines, rugged mountains and vast rolling dunes – the discoveries are endless for lovers of nature and adventure. Explore historic wadis or uncover Omani heritage with a cultural expedition. Go on a dolphin-watching tour or take in the majesty of the Arabian Sea on a dhow sunset cruise.  

Where to stay: Unwind in the laidback luxury of Al Baleed Resort Salalah, with a curated package for two. Share a floating gourmet breakfast in your private pool villa and a candle-lit Dining by Design experience on the beach. Catch a movie at Cinema under the Stars or sample some of the world’s finest vintages in a wine master class.