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 1. The Oberoi Bali, Indonesia: Serenity is the seduction here, whether you find it in a hidden corner of the Balinese gardens or on your room's private terrace, while relaxing in a chaise overlooking Seminyak Beach (oh, those sunsets!).
The Romantic Experience — Full-Moon Celebration: Bathed in bright moonlight and dressed in traditional sarongs and sashes, the two of you will be offered prosperity, happiness, health, and a harmonious life by a Hindu priest in a traditional Balinese blessing ceremony, complete with flower and fruit offerings, ancient Sanskrit recitations, and cymbal and gong musical accompaniment. After the joyous ceremony, you'll indulge in an al fresco dinner on the beach, where you'll delight in each other as well as the Balinese decorations masterfully created from bamboo and palm fronds.
 2. Sea Cloud Cruises, Worldwide: Feel as though you were born during the wrong era? Then embrace your romantic side, and come aboard one of the gloriously authentic sailing ships, or the elegant river yacht, of Sea Cloud Cruises.
The Romantic Experience — Private Blue Lagoon Dinner: Cruises are well known for their culinary pleasures, and perhaps none is as romantic and unforgettable as this private—and complimentary!—dinner for two. As the candlelight flickers in the gentle Mediterranean breezes, you and that special someone will celebrate your honeymoon, wedding anniversary, or other 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.
 3. Guana Island, BVI: It's just you, 29 or so other guests, the attentive staff, and an entire private island nature reserve at this laid-back-yet-sybaritic resort.
The Romantic Experience — Castaway Picnic: As you skip across the turquoise sea in your own private motorboat, perhaps you'll hold hands in shared anticipation. A few moments later, you'll be dropped off on an exquisite deserted beach, supplied with a gourmet picnic lunch and wine, as well as a VHF radio which you'll use (quite regrettably) later in the day when you wish to be retrieved. Hideaways Aficionado Club members Mark and Claudia Stannard of Stillwater, Minnesota, celebrated their 15th anniversary at Guana Island, and explained, "Because we booked through Hideaways, we received a romantic, castaway-style picnic. They dropped us off at a beautiful beach, and we waded in with our basket. Then they came back for us about six hours later. It was great!"
 4. Taj Lake Palace, India: This is the stuff dreams are made of. Arrive at this "floating" hotel by boat, immerse yourself in traditional Rajasthani splendor, and prepare to be treated like royalty.
The Romantic Experience — Gangaur Cruise: Under a canopy of twinkling stars, and with the lights of the Palace casting shimmering reflections on the water, you and your special someone will glide 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 the live instrumental music. As your resplendently costumed oarsmen steer the way, you'll succumb to the magical aura of an experience fit for the most romantic of occasions. Oh, and if the boat looks familiar, perhaps you've seen it in the classic James Bond movie, Octopussy, filmed on location at the hotel in 1983.
 5. The Sarojin, Thailand: Bordering rain forest, idyllic lagoons, and natural mangroves, and sharing a nearly seven-mile-long stretch of white-sand beach on the Andaman Sea, this is an Asian oasis of restoration and harmony that absolutely oozes romance.
The Romantic Experience — An Elephant Ride is Just the Beginning: When you travel to an exotic destination, it's only fitting that you enjoy out-of-the-ordinary experiences. When Hideaways Founder/President Mike Thiel returned from Thailand, he shared details from this unforgettable day: "I went for a morning of elephant trekking, accompanied by my lively and informative personal guide. That was followed by a boat ride through some of the coastal backwaters, past fishing villages, and culminating with a visit to a local market. My guide explained all the exotic fruits and vegetables for sale and bought samples to try. Finally, the boat dropped me off at a shore-side park where, to my surprise, a driver had shown up with table, chairs, and tablecloth, and had laid out a gourmet lunch of soup, seafood salad, and a chilled bottle of white wine. It was most romantic."
 6. The Resort at Paws Up, Montana: A cozy luxury tent in the midst of Big Sky country, breakfast served in bed by your private butler, leisurely evenings spent sipping wine in your Adirondack chairs by a roaring fire . . what could be sweeter?
The Romantic Experience — Table for Three: It's just you, your significant other, and Mother Nature sharing a "table for three" during an enchanting riverside candlelit dinner, with gourmet fare prepared by your camp chef, world-class wine, and the sweet serenade of the rushing Blackfoot River. And yes, camping can be romantic, especially when you're talking about the likes of this resort's honeymoon tent within Pinnacle Camp, complete with a private location, incredible views, a copper soaking tub for two, and something they provocatively call "the last best bed."
 7. Palace Bonvecchiati, Venice: Every window here looks out over history: the crowded panorama of Venice's rooftops and narrow streets; gondolas passing or drawing up to the hotel's water door on the Orseolo Canal; even, from some rooms, a glimpse of the nearby Piazza San Marco, mere minutes away on foot.
The Romantic Experience — Ahhh, Venice: Hopefully, you two will be able to pry yourselves away from your lovely room for a night of enchantment, which starts with an unforgettable starlit gondola ride, then a candlelit dinner on the Palace's terrace—overlooking the Canal Orseolo—followed by exclusive use of the Jacuzzi®, where you'll toast each other with Champagne as you nibble on strawberries. You also might enjoy an evening taxi-walk along the Grand canal and a private tour of the island.
 8. Blue Palace Resort & Spa, Crete: If you and your loved one are seeking hedonistic pleasures, you'll certainly find the royal treatment at this stunning resort on Crete's rocky northern coast.
The Romantic Experience — Ultimate Romantic Day Trip: A special treat is in store for the two of you here. Blue Palace's traditional caique (Greek wooden fishing boat) will usher you along the crystal-clear waters of the Mirabello coastline, where you can work up an appetite for your chef-prepared gourmet picnic by swimming, sunbathing, and unlocking hidden treasures (and pleasures!) at whatever remote beaches look most inviting to you.
 9. Blancaneaux Lodge, Belize: This secluded, one-of-a-kind retreat with an amazing array of creature comforts is tucked right into the middle of some of the most remarkable tropical forests north of the Amazon.
The Romantic Experience — Hike to Big Rock Falls: Here, where brightly colored orchids line the trail, even a hike can be an exercise in romance. As you make your way to Big Rock Falls, you'll follow a trail that overlooks spectacular scenery, with inviting streams and gorgeous granite rock outcroppings. When the heat gets to you—or you're just feeling frisky—strip down to your bathing suit (or less) and take a dip in the cool mountain creek. Once you reach the massive waterfall, succumb to a stress-melting massage by Mother Nature herself.
 10. Le Chateau de Bagnols, France: It doesn't get much more romantic than a stay at a 13th-century French chateau, complete with authentic drawbridge and moat and set in the bucolic Beaujalois wine region.
The Romantic Experience — Hot-Air Balloon Ride: Ooh la love. The two of you will enjoy a love-bird's-eye view of your exquisite surroundings with a lofty hot-air balloon ride over the chateau and vineyards, followed by a traditional sip (or more) of champagne to toast your return to earth. Afterward, take a peaceful walk in the estate's own cherry orchard.
BONUS: A "Date" at The Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh, Egypt: Dress up for dinner, but keep your feet bare so you can wiggle your toes in the sand as you savor your private dinner on the beach followed by an equally private screening of a classic movie shown under "date" palms (we love the double entendre here!). When you two return to your suite, you'll be greeted by a freshly drawn soaking tub, decorated with fragrant flower petals. The rest of your romantic evening is up to you.
Get Matched!
Cupid has wings, but he hasn't been everywhere yet! And so, in honor of St. Valentine's Day, we're giving Cupid a hand by revealing just a few of our favorite romantic retreats. Each encompasses the essence of passion with a lovely location, seductive amenities, and the kind of away-from-it-all ambiance that seems tailor-made for travel for two!
Kupu Kupu Barong and Kupu Kupu Jimbaran, Bali, Indonesia
Laluna, Grenada
Turtle Inn, Placencia, Belize
Covecastles, Anguilla
Capri Palace, Capri, Italy
Little Palm Island, Florida
Get matched with a hideaway that's perfect for the two of you when you call an expert travel agent at Hideaways Travel Services (toll-free: 800-843-4433). We'll help you plan a last-minute Valentine's Day vacation (if you're the spontaneous type) or a trip you'll give for Valentine's Day that can be enjoyed later—after all, romance shouldn't be limited to just one day a year!
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