Flowers . . . chocolates . . . yet another bangle . . . yawn. Maybe it’s time to spice up your love life with a Valentine’s Day gift that’s truly special. Any one of these romantic escapes from around the world could be the perfect place to reignite your passion. Plus, each has a unique “twist” that should add an extra element of surprise to your vacation-for-two.
(TRAVPR.COM) UNITED STATES - February 6th, 2014 - Hideaways International’s Top 10 Romantic Escapes with a Twist
Hideaways.com names its top amorous retreats with out-of-the-ordinary surprises
Portsmouth, NH—(February 2014)—Sure, there are the usual Valentine’s Day remembrances of flowers, chocolates, and jewelry. But why not give that special someone a truly different gift this year--a romantic vacation at one of these idyllic getaways with an extra little je ne sais quoi.
"We’ve spent 35 years searching out 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 an escape for two,” says Mike Thiel, Founder and President of Hideaways International™ Inc. "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.
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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 believe, but rather with something almost as seductive: a wall-to-wall selection of rich, decadent desserts.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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!).
9. 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: Start with a relaxing bath in your outdoor tub-for-two, then later in the evening, follow your butler to the edge of camp for a private, candlelit dinner--but be warned, your amorous evening might be interrupted by an elephant or antelope at the nearby watering hole.
10. 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,” says Thiel. “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.”
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About Mike Thiel
Mike Thiel founded Hideaways International TM in 1979. Over the last three decades, he has traveled the world sampling its best lodgings and travel experiences, and has become a sought-after guest on radio and television news and talk shows across the country.
To arrange an interview with Mike Thiel, contact Gail Richard at 603-430-4433, ext. 112, or pr@hideaways.com.
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