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The avid and discerning travelers at Hideaways International, Inc., have spent three decades (and counting!) searching out the world's most idyllic escapes. When we're lucky, we find a place that's the very 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 . . . just like each of the retreats honored as this year's "Most Romantic."
Here's more insight into why each one made the 2012 list.
 1. Kupu Kupu Barong and Kupu Kupu Jimbaran, Bali, Indonesia—Can't choose between a rendezvous in the mountains or romance near the sea? Choose both! Kupu Kupu Barong is a heavenly mountaintop hideaway that will breathe new life into your body and your relationship. The two of you will savor your villa's open-air terrace, lounging pavilion, and plunge pool. You'll take pleasure in the staff's thoughtful touches, like scattering fragrant flower petals along pathways. And should you request it, your handy-but-not-intrusive butler will serve a private sunset dinner of French-influenced, Southeast Asian cuisine on your terrace for a romantic indulgence you won't soon forget. Sister resort Kupu Kupu Jimbaran has a rather amorous setting on the Indian Ocean—here, romance is distilled to its very essence with an endless horizon emanating from powder-white beaches, sun-kissed aquamarine waters, and the sensual fragrances of night-blooming flowers. Your only distractions from each other are to decide whether to have your massage in your thatched-roof cottage or in a candlelit couple's treatment room, or whether to venture out for dinner directly on the beach or stay put in your oh-so-satisfying Balinese bed.
 2. Laluna, Grenada—Seduce all your senses at this refined-yet-relaxed sanctuary with a sublime location on a sparkling beach and within wafting distance of the aromatic spice markets—Grenada is the "Isle of Spice," after all. The two of you will swoon over the resort's easy-going Caribbean lilt, its restaurant's tempting Italian-influenced offerings and eclectic wine list, and your simple yet upscale guest cottage, complete with four-poster bed, perfect-for-skinny-dipping plunge pool, and partly open bathroom that will make you feel as if you're bathing au natural, but with complete privacy.
 3. Blue Palace Resort & Spa, Crete, Greece—Indulge in hedonistic pleasures and savor the very good life accentuated with healthy doses of the royal treatment at this breathtaking hideout on Crete's rocky northern coast. While here, the two of you will foster a little romance as you share a sensual steam bath, relax in your own (swimsuit-optional) infinity pool, and savor an open-air gourmet meal by candlelight while overlooking Mirabello Bay and the Mediterranean just beyond . . . we'll let you decide how best to use your bed's satin sheets.
 4. The Dylan, Amsterdam, The Netherlands—Set on the picturesque Keizergracht in a quiet neighborhood, just a short hand-in-hand stroll from many attractions, this intimate hotel's residential ambiance puts the "home" in home base. You'll love its well-designed rooms, beautiful interior courtyard, and one-Michelin-star restaurant. Best yet, after spending your days ogling at Amsterdam's many attractions, from its famous museums to its infamous Red Light District, you'll return here each evening to find you only have eyes for each other.
 5. Relais Christine, Paris, France—Tucked away in the "City of Love," this vast mansion—originally founded as the Abbey of the Grands-Augustins in 1231—retains the intimacy of its former private residence with a quiet atmosphere, welcoming rooms, and a private flower garden. But make no mistake, this is a discreetly luxe boutique hotel specializing in pampering and indulgence and offering impressive service, a decadent spa, and even a fitness center more aptly called a "sanctuary" hidden under breathtaking vaults of old stone. The two of you can explore the City of Lights during the day, and return each starlit night to your prime Parisian address.
 6. Turtle Inn, Placencia, Belize—Given Placencia's magical location, with miles of beaches along the turquoise Caribbean, it's no wonder film director Francis Ford Coppola chose this spot for his archetypical beach hideaway. Intimate and inviting, Turtle Inn has a rustic elegance—if this were a Coppola movie, it would be an Academy Award winner! After pleasurable hours spent swimming, fly-fishing, and feasting on the freshest seafood imaginable, you can get lost together (figuratively speaking) in your thatched-roof cottage, with its sexy Bali-meets-Belize decor and your own private garden featuring an outdoor shower that's perhaps best enjoyed by moonlight.
 7. Cap Maison Resort & Spa, St. Lucia—Located on a stunning stretch of beachfront, this villa resort offers a refreshing blend of low-key luxury, well-honed yet unpretentious service, and a secluded yet close-to-it-all location. By day, charter the resort's private motor launch, stroll the private beach, or have a bottle of bubbly delivered to you at the resort's private seaside terrace from the elevated bar by "Champagne Zipline®." At sunset, enjoy a quietly romantic dinner of French Caribbean cuisine from your cliff-side table at the elegant restaurant. And at night, return to your spacious Oceanview Villa Suite, where you'll enjoy extravagant touches like a private Jacuzzi®. Perhaps, sometime during your stay, you'll take advantage of their Proposal Concierge?
 8. Villa Sant'Andrea, Sicily, Italy—In a land renowned for romance, this exquisite, seaside villa hotel—originally a private estate built in 1830—plays its part to put you, and keep you, in an amorous mood. Like arms embracing Mazzaro Bay, the rocky outcroppings at either end of this estate seem to lovingly enfold the aquamarine sea and sweep of crescent beach between them. Gazing down on this seductive scene from your elegant suite's private terrace, you'll surely feel embraced by your relaxing retreat as well . . . the two of you might also feel inspired to share a kiss or two (go on, no one's looking!). Your romantic flames will be stoked around every corner of the hotel, from its beachfront restaurant's sandy-toed setting to its complimentary two-hour boat cruise along Sicily's dramatic coastline.
 9. Hotelito Desconocido, Jalisco, Mexico—Step back in time, arm in arm, at this eco-luxury beachfront boutique hotel, where no electricity means the two of you will enjoy simple pleasures like tropical breezes stirring your bed linens, solar-heated outdoor showers, primitive-luxury spa treatments, and delicious (and very fresh) dinners illuminated by torchlight, candles, and a ceiling of stars. Here, the seclusion means you two might go for hours seeing only each other, even on the beach, where there's something wonderful about leaving the first set of footprints in the sand. And might we recommend you reserve one of the guest bungalows, set on stilts over the lagoon, for a most enchanting experience?
 10. Guana Island, British Virgin Islands—This pristine private island resort, home to 30 or so guests at a time, is perfect for you "castaway couple" types. Its cottages are positively dreamy, especially its oh-so-private North Beach Cottage, which sets the stage for romance with unforgettable attributes like its very own stretch of white coral beach, two pools, and sublime views. Explore the nature reserve in the morning, then request a picnic lunch in the afternoon and have a boat drop you off at a deserted beach and return for you hours later (just what will you do to pass the time?). At night, linger with other guests on the main house veranda for sunset cocktails, followed by a feast of delicious seafood and island-grown produce under a sky of twinkling constellations.
 Bonus: The Oberoi Zahra, Luxury Nile Cruiser, Egypt—You've traveled long (and far!) to get here, and now the two of you are ready to succumb to the leisurely pace and careful planning of this luxurious Nile cruise. Oberoi Zahra is an ultra-modern and very sophisticated ship, offering 7-day sailings from Luxor to Aswan or vice versa, and continuing the Oberoi Hotels & Resorts' tradition of exceptional hospitality. On board, you'll be thrilled with your very spacious cabin and its wall of glass in the bath to view the passing Nile, the modern and understated elegance of its public areas, its full-service spa (the only one on the Nile!), and the terrific service and food offered in its open-seating dining room. The philosophy aboard is that you are here to relax, learn, and enjoy, making it the choicest and most romantic way to immerse yourself in 5,000 years of Egyptian culture.
About Mike Thiel
Mike Thiel founded Hideaways International in 1979. Over the last three decades, "Mr. One Night Stand" (so named for having spent a night in hundreds and hundreds of lodgings in his search for the best) 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.
About Hideaways International™
Hideaways International, Inc., which operates the Hideaways Aficionado® Club, has been seeking the best-of-kind and the out-of-the-ordinary for its savvy, discerning, and well-traveled members for more than three decades. Members, who hail from around the world, range from notable celebrities, musicians, publishers, authors, captains of industry, and politicians to ordinary folks with extraordinary taste. All are part of this lively community with a passion for travel away from the madding crowds.
For more information, contact Gail Richard at 603-430-4433, ext. 112, or pr@hideaways.com.
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