FOR AN UPSCALE ECO ESCAPE
The Pods at The Lindis
Lovers of luxury will no doubt be familiar with New Zealand lodge, The Lindis.
Located on 6000 acres within the Ahuriri Valley, on the country’s South Island, the secluded lodge offers an upscale country experience with five architecturally-designed suites and five-star service with minimal environmental impact.
In addition to the main lodge, romantics will adore the new luxe mirrored pods for the ultimate bucket list experience.
Boasting an ensuite, king-sized bed and outdoor gas-heated bathtub, the compact, heated and ultra-private glass pods have been designed with double glazed mirrored glass walls on three sides so lovers can star gaze from bed and watch the sun rise over the valley each morning.
Better yet, each of the three pods have been created using the same sustainable design principles as the main lodge so you can relax guilt-free.
https://www.thelindis.com/accommodation
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FOR NATURAL BEAUTY
Orpheus Island Lodge
For a luxe island holiday without leaving the country, this all-inclusive Queensland paradise won’t disappoint.
A 30-minute helicopter from Townsville, Orpheus Island Lodge, located in the Great Barrier Reef, has just 14 rooms, suites and villas accommodating just 28 guests at any one time.
Guests can dive or snorkel the pristine reef, which boasts 1,100 species of fish and some of the region’s largest collections of soft and hard corals or take a dinghy and gourmet picnic hamper and explore the coves which surround the island.
There’s also the Gwandalan Spa and the opportunity to experience the signature Dining with the Tides six-course degustation for two under a starlit canopy on the lodge’s jetty overlooking the Coral Sea.
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FOR UNDERSTATED LUXURY
Four Seasons Koh Samui
Tucked away in Leam Yai Bay on the Coconut Island’s north-western tip, this secluded resort sets the scene for romance.
Typical of Four Seasons properties, we can personally vouch for the fact this island paradise offers understated luxury at its finest.
There are standalone villas with plunge pools or, for a splurge, ultra-private luxurious Residence Villas with panoramic views, an infinity pool, an alfresco dining pavilion and a live-in butler.
For those who manage to drag themselves away from their cliff-top retreat, the resort’s pristine private beach has sun loungers, food and beverage service and one impressive 50-metre infinity pool for lazy days spent by the sea.
The culinary space is just as inspiring with KOH Thai Kitchen serving flavoursome southern Thai dishes and the oceanside grill Pla Pla, the perfect place to dine on seafood and meat dishes and sip on premium wines.
Don’t leave without a visit to the Secret Garden Spa where treatments incorporate locally sourced ingredients.
https://www.fourseasons.com/kohsamui/
FOR OUTBACK MAGIC
Mt Mulligan Lodge
There’s something about being in the outback that helps us relax, slow down and reconnect with the one who matters the most.
Such is the case during a visit to Queensland’s Mt Mulligan Lodge, accessible via a 35-minute helicopter flight from Cairns.
With the majestic 18-kilometre long Mt Mulligan as a backdrop and stepped in history and indigenous significance, this exclusive lodge, located on a 28,000-hectare working cattle station, provides an idyllic break for just 16 guests at a time.
Guests can take part in guided tours of the goldfields, explore the historic Mount Mulligan coal mine and abandoned township, try their hand at barramundi fishing or enjoy guided nature walks.
Of course, couples can opt to simply relax and take in the rugged landscape from their luxury guest retreats, which have ensuite bathrooms and outdoor bath tubs.
https://www.mountmulligan.com/
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FOR A CHIC CITY BREAK
SO/ Sofitel Bangkok
For a city break and romantic retreat in one, it is hard to go past SO/ Bangkok for an upscale mini break for two.
The urban design hotel, located in the heart of Thailand’s vibrant capital, was designed in collaboration with celebrated fashion designer Christian Lacroix and five of Thailand’s top designers to reflect the five elements – water, fire, earth, wood and metal.
Relax and unwind in one of 237 guestrooms and suites which boast floor-to-ceiling windows and awe-inspiring views of the vibrant city and Lumpini Park below.
Dress up and head up to the city’s hottest rooftop bar HI-SO, which offers moonlit cabanas for a date night to remember.
FOR A WALKING HOLIDAY
Spicers Scenic Rim Trail
For couples who like a little adventure and activity during their romantic breaks, this Scenic Rim all-inclusive two-day walk and glamping experience is ideal.
An ecologically rich region just 1.5 hours from Brisbane, Queensland’s Scenic Rim is set in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range and surrounded by World Heritage-listed national parks.
Departing weekly on a Friday between March and November, this package includes two nights in a luxury glamping tent, two days of guided hiking plus delicious food and beverages all with Spicers signature service.
Better, yet your luggage is transported so you’re not forced to carry heavy bags.
https://spicersretreats.com/scenic-rim-trail/