From perfume-making workshops in Venice and traditional Maldivian Dhoni boat rides to Alpine adventures in France’s best chalet, embarking on that special trip is the ultimate way to build lasting memories with loved ones.
FRANCE
Take Your Love to New Heights at Purple Ski’s Chalet Machapuchare, Val d’Isère
Recently voted France’s Best Chalet in the World Ski Awards, Purple Ski’s Chalet Machapuchare is the perfect pick for ski lovers in search of high-altitude romance. Couples can take their love to new heights at the sprawling property, which is the brainchild of Val d’Isère local, ski instructor and design enthusiast Yoann Marchand.
Nestled in the exclusive and beautifully secluded area of Le Crêt, the chalet enjoys a privileged position with uninterrupted views across the entire valley. From the dramatic cliffs above La Daille to the two main ski areas, the charming village of Val d’Isère, and the distant glaciers and snow-capped peaks, the panorama is truly breathtaking. Accommodating up to 15 guests in seven luxurious bedrooms, the chalet offers the perfect blend of tranquillity and Alpine elegance, all just a three-minute chauffeur ride from the vibrant nightlife, piste, restaurants, and shops.
The ultimate Alpine retreat following a day on the slopes, couples can head straight for Chalet Machapuchare’s wellness centre – featuring a state-of-the-art gym, indoor pool, massage room and hammam – before enjoying a starlit dip in the lavish outdoor jacuzzi and soaking up endless views of Val d’Isère by night, glass of Champagne in hand.
The chalet features a large, open-plan living and dining area, panelled boot room and numerous balconies and terraces on which to take in the splendid panoramic views, while a cosy cinema room provides the perfect spot to hole up and enjoy a romantic film with loved ones.
ITALY
‘Love Atelier’ Perfume-making Workshop at Hilton Molino Stucky Venice
There’s nowhere quite like the City of Canals for a romantic weekend away, and Hilton Molino Stucky Venice offers lovebirds the ultimate bolthole on the water. Couples in search of a memorable excursion during their romantic Venetian escape need look no further than the property’s perfume workshop with The Merchant of Venice, a local brand of artistic perfumery, which takes its inspiration from the ancient Venetian Perfumery Art.
Taking place at the historic Studium bookshop near St. Mark’s Square, the ‘Love Atelier’ workshop provides an introduction to the Venetian art of perfume and the opportunity to craft a personalised fragrance of one’s own.
A journey for all the senses, couples will uncover the fascinating Venetian history of perfume over the centuries, the science of olfaction (the sense of smell) and the most important raw and synthesis materials, finishing by designing the pyramid of a fragrance. Guided step-by-step by experts, participants will compose their very own personalised fragrance, providing them with a lasting memento of their trip and the most romantic – and unique – of gifts.
Formerly a flour mill factory on the peaceful island of Giudecca, Hilton Molino Stucky Venice is a modern Venetian masterpiece steeped in history. This listed building has been beautifully restored with a series of recent refurbishments, including 24 new suites by famed interior designer Biagio Forino unveiled in April 2024. After arriving by water taxi, guests will be spoiled for choice with 379 rooms and suites, one of the largest spas in Venice, and a collection of bars and restaurants. Hilton Molino Stucky Venice is home to one of two eforea Spas in Italy; the other eforea Spa location is available at sister property Hilton Lake Como.
Pampering Couples’ Spa Treatments at Hilton Lake Como
Spa lovers will delight in the opportunity to unwind à deux with a range of romantic treatments at Hilton Lake Como’s eforea spa. The pampering 80-minute Celebration of Love treatment (€460 per couple) consists of a full-body candle massage using a special shea and mango butter massage candle to warm, relax and regenerate the body. This is followed by the application of anti-fatigue eye patches and a restorative head and scalp massage to oxygenate the face and leave couples fresh and ready to enjoy their romantic getaway.
An oasis of well-being by the lake, the eforea spa offers a range of restorative beauty treatments and therapies alongside state-of-the-art wellness facilities. At the neighbouring health club, exercise enthusiasts will find a superbly equipped fitness studio with all the latest TechnoGym equipment for muscle and cardiovascular training.
Hilton Lake Como is a modern design hotel with spectacular scenery, traditional charm, and jaw-dropping 360-degree views of the lake from its rooftop pool. Formerly a silk factory, the building is steeped in history and is now home to 170 spacious guest rooms, with a variety of stunning suites to choose from, a pampering spa and a popular rooftop cocktail bar and restaurant. The hotel is ideally located in an area full of unique experiences on and off the lake, which has made Lake Como an international must-visit destination for families, business travellers and couples alike.
KENYA
Enjoy Privacy in the Maasai Mara at Great Plains’ Spacious Sambuk Suite at Mara Nyika Camp, Kenya
For the adventurous romantic looking to embark on a Kenyan adventure, the Sambuk Suite at Great Plains’ Mara Nyika Camp offers the most decadent of safari accommodations.
The incredibly private and exclusive tented Mara Nyika Camp has recently unveiled the state-of-the-art two-bedroomed Sambuk Suite, which includes the services of a butler, private safari guide and vehicle, all with a separate entrance – ideal for couples in search of total privacy and seclusion. Featuring a large outdoor pool and deck looking on to the rolling plains, a giant copper bathtub and the option to enjoy all meals within the privacy of the suite, the Sambuk Suite provides a truly romantic bucket-list-in-the-bush experience.
The Relais and Châteaux Réserve Collection camp is tucked beside a small stream on the western side of the private 50,000-acre Naboisho Conservancy in Kenya. Activities available include morning and night safari drives, destination dining options as well as a chance to learn about the Maasai culture with a visit to the Great Plains Foundation’s female-empowerment initiatives. Here guests will take part in creating traditional beaded products and soaps and meet the women behind the heart-warming project for a truly authentic experience.
MALDIVES
Traditional Dhoni Rides and Supper Under the Stars at Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives
Gili Lankanfushi Maldives, the pioneer of sustainable, barefoot luxury, is delighted to share its most romantic roster of island experiences available year-round. From supper under the stars to traditional Dhoni boat rides, whether guests are newlyweds, lifelong companions or celebrating their first holiday together, the island paradise will have couples falling in love all over again.
Traditional Dhoni à Deux
The perfect pick for those who like their romance served with a side of local culture, the Dhoni à Deux experience sees couples set sail on a traditional Maldivian Dhoni boat at sunset. Guided by a private skipper, guests will float around the island’s turquoise lagoon enjoying champagne and canapés before returning to the jetty for supper. The most indulgent aperitif on island and an incredible proposal opportunity!
Supper Under the Stars
Gili Lankanfushi’s supper under the stars experience is a wonderfully romantic and completely private dining offering. Here, guests will enjoy a fine dining meal with champagne and wine pairings as they soak up the magical sunset and crystal-clear Maldivian constellations. Whether couples prefer a champagne toast on a lantern-lit private beach or an exotic feast served amid lush palms and birdsong, the experience is completely tailored to guests’ tastes and preferences. For the ultimate surprise, the team can even whisk lovers away to a mystery location where they will enjoy the chef’s culinary creations in a dreamy setting.
Gili Lankanfushi enjoys an unspoilt island location in the Maldives’ North Malé Atoll, just 20 minutes by speedboat from Malé Airport with direct flights from London now available. Perfectly suited for couples, families, solo travellers and groups alike, the resort combines rustic eco-design, unparalleled service and stunning natural scenery.
SRI LANKA
Dining in the Sand at Uga Bay, Pasikuda, Sri Lanka
Uga Bay, a stunning beach hotel situated on one of eastern Sri Lanka’s most celebrated stretches of sand, Pasikuda, takes romantic beach dining to new levels with a dine-in-the-sand experience. Here, couples will dine barefoot in an exquisite dining space nestled within the palm trees and constructed entirely from sand, as a beachside fire flickers nearby. Set against a backdrop of one of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful beaches, guests will enjoy a seafood feast for all the senses as they spot the constellations above.
Brimming with coastal charm, Uga Bay comprises 46 spacious studios, a two-bedroom Bay Suite and a sprawling Beach Villa. A stunning semi-circular architectural design incorporates Mediterranean elegance and tropical simplicity, with the large resort infinity pool appearing to blend into the Indian Ocean. The white sand beach provides the ultimate setting in which to kick back, cocktail in hand, and soak up the Sri Lankan sunshine.
