01 Feb WORLD’S MOST ROMANTIC RESORTS

For our fellow romantics out there Amaze Travel is counting down to Valentine’s Day with our 14 Most Romantic Resorts in the world!  Beginning February 1st, we’ll post a new resort each day until we reach our personal favorite and #1 most romantic resort on Valentine’s Day.  Read below for the full up-to-date list – guaranteed to make you and your loved one swoon!

 

As an added FEBRUARY BONUS book any of these resorts with us and SAVE $250*

 

#14 – SHANGRI-LA HOTEL PARIS

The historic Shangri-La Hotel, Paris, once home to Prince Roland Bonaparte, has received Palace status as one of France’s finest hotels. Choose from 101 rooms, including 36 suites, many with a private balcony and breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower and the hotel’s private garden. Three gourmet restaurants offer unique styles: Visit La Bauhinia for casual fare, dine on Cantonese dishes at Michelin-star Shang Palace and enjoy fine French cuisine at Michelin-star L’Abeille. The fitness center and 52-foot naturally lit swimming pool complete your experience.

AMAZE TIP
It doesn’t get more romantic than dinner on the private terrace of your Terrace Eiffel Tower View Suite, gazing at the Tower’s lights reflected on the Seine.

AMAZE TRAVEL CLIENT PERKS
– Complimentary room upgrade, if available
– Daily full breakfast, for up to two in room guests
– $100 USD Equivalent Resort or Hotel credit
– Early check-in/late check-out, if available

 

#13 – FOUR SEASONS BORA BORA

Chilled aromatic towels and bottled water await as you arrive via private luxury boat at Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora. Located on its own island and surrounded by crystalline turquoise waters, it is a vision of South Seas perfection. Follow wooden walkways to your spacious over water bungalow, replete with teak furniture; some also feature a private plunge pool. Or opt for one of the seven magnificent villas on the gleaming white-sand beach. Distinctive touches include the fragrance of vanilla and the texture of black pearls in the spa, alfresco dining overlooking Bora Bora’s famed lagoon and signature Four Seasons service at every turn.

AMAZE TIP
Families or friends traveling together will want to book the Herenui or Poerava villas — two bedrooms, plenty of places for privacy, as well as common areas in which to connect.

AMAZE TRAVEL CLIENT PERKS
– Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
– Daily Buffet breakfast, for up to two in room guests
– $100 USD Equivalent Spa Services credit, to be utilized during stay
– Complimentary standard internet access

 

#12 – AUBERGE DU SOLEIL

In the midst of the famous vineyards of Napa Valley, French restaurateur Claude Rouas and his business partner Robert Harmon have created an elegant hotel hidden away in an olive grove reminiscent of Provence. The secluded, romantic “maisons”, with private terraces, custom furnishings and fireplaces, are perched on a hillside, framing one of California wine country’s most spectacular views above the renowned vineyards below. The Restaurant’s Mediterranean-inspired cuisine showcases the best seasonal ingredients of the region, while the Auberge Spa incorporates local grapes, olives, herbs and flowers into a host of luxurious and authentic treatments. The 15,000-bottle cellar features an award-winning selection of domestic and international wines for guests to enjoy on the terrace as the sun sets on the horizon.

AMAZE TRIP
Napa Valley Cabs are arguably the very best in the world; book during Cabernet Season (now through April 30, 2016) and make the most of your stay with a custom Cabernet tasting experience at some of Napa Valley’s most exclusive wineries.  Plus receive:

– A cozy stay in a luxurious room with a fireplace
– Room upgrade at time of booking (subject to availability)
– Welcome bottle of Auberge du Soleil Cabernet Sauvignon
– $100 resort credit
– Daily breakfast for two in the Michelin Star Restaurant
– 10% off all spa services at the award-winning Auberge Spa
– Complimentary access to the spa soaking pools and hammam steam rooms throughout your stay

 

#11 – BELMOND HOTEL CIPRIANI

Belmond Hotel Cipriani is set amid lush gardens and vineyards on peaceful Giudecca Island, just five minutes from St Mark’s Square via the courtesy private launch. The sumptuous accommodations capture the essence of Venice with Murano glass, antique mirrors and fabrics by Fortuny and Rubelli. Dine on the spectacular wooden terrace of the Cip’s Club Restaurant, facing the Doge’s Palace, or in the stunning Oro Restaurant, renovated under the direction of Adam Tihany. Swim in the Olympic-size pool or enjoy a massage in the Wellness Centre; children love the Kids’ Club, with its special activities and a dedicated mini pool.

AMAZE TIP
Explore one of the hidden sides of Venice with an exclusive tour of the secret wineries of the lagoon. Onboard a private boat, you will sail through the lagoon to lesser-known islands and taste delicious local wines.

AMAZE TRAVEL CLIENT PERKS
– Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
– American Breakfast for up to two in-room guests daily (buffet) served in restaurant or via room service
– $100 USD Equivalent Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay
– Complimentary Wi-Fi
– Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

 

#10 – EDEN ROCK

Set beside the beautiful turquoise bay of Saint-Jean, Eden Rock – St Barths exudes French art de vivre in the heart of the Caribbean. The resort offers individually styled luxury beach houses and superb suites and guestrooms, all clinging to the rocks or bordering the sand. This legendary hotel is the “beyond perfect” place to soak up the sun, take advantage of the hotel’s full range of free activities or enjoy world-class dining at The Sand Bar and On the Rocks restaurants, both managed by the world-famous Master Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten.

AMAZE TIP
Be sure to stop in and view John Lennon’s iconic music-mixing console in the fully equipped studio of Villa Rockstar.

AMAZE TRAVEL CLIENT PERKS
– Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
– American Breakfast for up to two in-room guests daily
– Welcome canape tray and bottle of Champagne
– Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

 

#9 – CANAVES OIA SUITES

Canaves Oia Suites are regarded among the best accommodations in Santorini. Choose one of the 24 expansive suites or the incredible villa and take in dramatic caldera views from your private veranda. All suites also feature exterior plunge pools or pools and accommodate three to five guests, making them ideal for a getaway with friends — or a destination wedding. The hotel offers excursions aboard its private yacht and you can even spend an unforgettable night in the middle of the sparkling Aegean Sea. It’s hard to imagine a more romantic setting.

AMAZE TIP
Be sure to book a five-nights’ stay to enjoy a complimentary catamaran excursion to three islands — Nea Kammeni, Palea Kammeni and Thirassia.

AMAZE TRAVEL CLIENT PERKS
– Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
– Daily Buffet breakfast, for up to two in room guests (American champagne buffet breakfast or room service)
– Welcome Amenity bottle of local Santorinian wine & fresh fruit
– A complimentary 3-course lunch for up to two people per room, once during stay, excluding alcohol, taxes and gratuities
– Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
– For stays of 5 or more nights:  In lieu of the 3 course meal, guest may opt for a complimentary semi private catamaran sunset tour for 2 any day during the stay

 

#8 – FOUR SEASONS LANAI

On the secluded island of Lana’i, Four Seasons Resort Lana’i offers a transcendent experience that focuses on the beauty, history and vibrancy of Hawaiian culture. Upon arrival, you’ll find a newly transformed resort featuring recently redesigned guestrooms; new restaurants, including Nobu Lana’i; enhanced lobby and spa; and access to high-end retail stores. New pool experiences include an adults-only oasis with private sanctuaries. Guests can enjoy numerous activities, including championship golf, snorkeling in the nearby marine reserve, yoga at sunrise by the beach, riding horseback through the rugged countryside and more.

AMAZE TIP
Lana’i can be reached via a short 25-minute flight from Honolulu or a 45-minute ferry ride from Maui’s Lahaina Harbor to Manele Bay.

AMAZE TRAVEL CLIENT PERKS
– Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
– Daily continental breakfast, for up to two in room guests served in the restaurant
– $100 USD Equivalent Spa Services credit

 

#7 – CHATEAU EZA

Pretty as a postcard, Château Eza clings to the side of Eze’s ancient rock walls more than 1,300 feet above the Mediterranean Sea. Such a dramatic setting promises a remarkable experience, and this is one hideaway that definitely won’t disappoint. With just 12 guestrooms — most with fireplaces and private balconies, and all with modern amenities such as DVD players — there’s an enchanting, intimate atmosphere. The surrounding cobblestone streets don’t allow for automobile traffic, so quiet prevails. Dining is a regal experience; spend an evening in the elegant glassed-in dining room.

AMAZE TIP
Take a seat on one of the terraces overlooking the Côte d’Azur and linger over the degustation menu in the Michelin-star restaurant.

AMAZE TRAVEL CLIENT PERKS
– Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
– Continental breakfast daily, for up to two in room guests
– A complimentary menu du Chateau for up to two people per room, once during stay, alcohol, taxes and gratuities are excluded
– Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

 

#6 – IMANTA

Half a mile of private sugary-white-sand beach is reason enough to stay at Imanta Resort Punta de Mita, tucked within a lush 250-acre tropical jungle reserve north of Puerto Vallarta. This environmentally conscious resort features ten amazing one-bedroom Casas (suites), ranging from 1,900 to 2,500 square feet, and two stunning three-bedroom Casonas (villas). All include the most modern amenities, from cable television and iPod docks to indoor/outdoor showers, and most feature individual infinity swimming pools. Also available: a gym, unique yoga locations, a new jungle spa, two restaurants and adventure guides.

AMAZE TIP
Planning a milestone event? Book the entire resort for up to 28 people and enjoy full use of all amenities, including the restaurants, with staff and guides on hand.

AMAZE TRAVEL CLIENT PERKS
– Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
– Daily full breakfast, for up to two in room guests, served in restaurant
– A complimentary dinner for up to two people per room once during stay, excluding alcohol, taxes and gratuities
– For 5 or more nights:  two complimentary 60 minute massages per room, once during the stay will be provided
– Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

 

#5 – LA RESIDENCE

 

Set in South Africa’s wine country, amid tranquil vineyards and against a majestic mountain backdrop, La Residence is an extraordinary retreat designed in the style of a French country manor. Fine antiques, sumptuous Persian carpets and gleaming black-and-white marble flooring all bespeak luxury, and the staff goes to great lengths to ensure it. Swing open the terrace doors of your suite (one of only 11, each unique) and admire mountain views. Dine alfresco on the rose terrace or in the opulent dining room — there are no set times for breakfast, lunch or dinner; food of the highest order is prepared on demand.

AMAZE TIP
La Residence’s gracious (and superbly connected!) manager can arrange a private winery tour or a horse trek into the surrounding countryside.

AMAZE TRAVEL CLIENT PERKS
– Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
– Daily full breakfast, for up to two in room guests
– Private wine tasting of La Residence wines from our own vineyards
– 15% off Spa treatments and products
– Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

 

#4 – LAUCALA

One’s first impression of Laucala Island is that it must be a dream. This 3,000-acre private isle offers refuge to the privileged few in just 25 one-, two- and three-bedroom residences. Sprinkled across the property and decorated in the most fashionable Fijian style, these thatched-roof accommodations welcome with private pools and indoor/outdoor lounge areas. Amenities are extravagant — from five restaurants, a golf course and a hilltop spa to an equestrian center and glass-cube pool — while the staff is friendly and discreet. Let them create a private picnic for you on one of the isolated beaches.

AMAZE TIP
Visit the village of Laucala in northern Fiji to experience local culture. Stop by a school, where the exuberant kids love to hear stories of the world beyond their islands.

AMAZE TRAVEL CLIENT PERKS
– Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
– Daily full breakfast, for up to two in room guests
– One Spa Journey (90 minutes) per person per stay
– Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

 

#3 – LE SIRENUSE

You’ll have to pinch yourself to believe you’re basking in the beauty that is Le Sirenuse. As John Steinbeck once put it, “It is a dream place that isn’t quite real when you’re there and becomes beckoningly real after you have gone.” Many travelers have fallen in love with this family-run villa with its romantic arches, vaulted ceilings and handmade floor tiles. Spend afternoons on the sunny terrace, taking in views of Positano, Capri and Li Galli. Enjoy an evening cocktail in the romantic Champagne Bar, followed by dinner in the gorgeous sea-view restaurant, La Sponda. An Aveda beauty center and spa facilities provide tempting diversion.

AMAZE TIP
Enjoy a ride on the hotel’s boat and experience the breathtaking Amalfi coastline from the water.

AMAZE TRAVEL CLIENT PERKS
– Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
– Daily Buffet breakfast, for up to two in room guests
– Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
– $100 USD Equivalent Spa Services credit, to be utilized during stay

 

#2 – GILI LANKANFUSHI

As if in a dream, the tiny coral island of Gili Lankanfushi appears along one of the loveliest lagoons in the Maldives. The 45 stilted villas float surreally above the luminous waters; for total seclusion, seven Crusoe Residences are accessible only by boat or pontoon. There’s a full PADI diving school and plentiful watersports; at the oversea Meera Spa, the lapping waves are as healing as its ages-old therapies. Among the many dining options is an underground wine cellar, accessible by glass staircase, and their signature restaurant By the Sea has a new teppanyaki grill.

AMAZE TIP
Perfect for couples, the seven Robinson Crusoe Residences provide the ultimate in privacy and understated luxury. Your downstairs bathtub is actually in the ocean!

AMAZE TRAVEL CLIENT PERKS
– Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
– Daily Buffet breakfast, for up to two in room guests, served in restaurant
– Main Bar Maldivian Tapas served with one glass of Champagne per person
– 30 Minute Spa treatment for two
– With a minimum 3 nights stay guests receive $100 USD equivalent Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay
– With minimum of 5-nights stay, guests also receive complimentary combined round-trip airport transfers
– Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

 

#1 – JADE MOUNTAIN

Choose to arrive at the spectacular Jade Mountain by helicopter — it’s the only property in St. Lucia with its own private helipad — first zooming between the spectacular Pitons. (This is the only resort on St. Lucia offering views of both peaks.) Every aspect of Jade Mountain’s organic design is equally dramatic, from the suspended sky bridge to your decadently sumptuous sanctuary (one of just 29 accommodations), where your infinity swimming pool seems to float in space. Guests enjoy the exclusive pleasure of dining on fresh, flavorful cuisine from award-winning Chef Allen Susser, and stargazing from the otherworldly Celestial Terrace.

AMAZE TIP
The resort offers an amazing array of weekly excursions and activities, from whale-watching and rainforest walks to rum tours and market visits.

AMAZE TRAVEL CLIENT PERKS
– Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
– Continental breakfast daily, for up to two in room guests
– $100 USD Equivalent Spa Services credit, to be utilized during stay
– Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

*Valid for bookings made in February 2016, for travel through February 2017. $250 savings based on 7-night stay; $100 savings for stays of 4, 5, and 6 nights. Client perks apply to stays of any length.

Photos courtesy of Shangri-La, Four Seasons, Relais & Chateaux, Belmond, Eden Rock, Canaves Oia Suites, Chateau Eza, Imanta, La Residence, Laucala Island, Le Sirenuse, Gili Lankanfushi, Jade Mountain; Excerpts provided by Virtuoso Best of the Best directory, 2016 issue and Relais & Chateaux