ISLANDS

When it comes to dreamy places that kindle (or re-kindle!) passion, there’s no one-size-fits-all. For some, it’s about sunset walks on a golden beach and candlelit dinners underneath swaying palms. For others, it’s about sharing a heart-racing adventure or swoon-worthy cuisine. We’ve picked a few of our favourite islands that bring the sizzle.

BY VAWN HIMMELSBACH

SUN & SAND: ANGUILLA

Maybe it’s because you can’t fly here directly, but Anguilla has an air of exclusivity and seclusion that’s perfect for a romantic getaway. There aren’t any mass resorts, nor are there casinos, sprawling malls or Starbucks outlets. There aren’t even jet skis (they’re banned here). In fact, to get to Anguilla, you’ll need to fly into neighbouring St. Maarten and take the ferry. What it does have is 33 pristine beaches, most of them uncrowded (and without the constant drone of those pesky jet skis). Anguilla is also known for its ‘barefoot luxury’ with properties like the Four Seasons Resort and Residences, Belmond Cap Juluca and Zemi Beach House. The glamorous Malliouhana Resort (right) is fresh off its pandemic makeover, with Art Deco-inspired rooms and world-class spa. Anguilla is also known for its collection of ultra-luxe private villas. And Alkera is the latest to join this collection – a contemporary architectural gem with expansive glass panels, soaring ceilings and an open concept that blends indoor and outdoor living, with privacy, serenity and sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea.

FULL-ON NATURE: THE BLUE ZONE, COSTA RICA

A Blue Zone refers to a geographical region where people are healthier and live longer than anywhere else, often more than 100 years. There are only five Blue Zones in the world, one of them being the Nicoya Peninsula on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast. So when it comes to wellness travel, the Blue Zone beckons. Here, the diet is primarily plant-based, and locals are committed to the pura vida lifestyle, which encourages us to slow down and connect with friends, family and nature. It’s easy to do that while surrounded by lush rainforest, secluded beaches and friendly locals. And there’s no better way to experience pura vida than with your loved one at a luxe wellness retreat. The new beachfront villas of Hotel Nantipa (left), set on a 5.7-acre property, are part of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, with a new wellness centre and open-air treatment rooms. Hacienda AltaGracia, part of the Auberge Resorts Collection, is a holistic wellness resort with an expansive hydrotherapy facility, Casa de Agua, and treatments that use local muds and oils.

WELLNESS: BALI

With its misty mountains, terraced hillsides and neon-green rice paddies, it’s almost impossible to feel any stress after spending a few days in Bali. The locals here also have a long tradition of wellness practices, and many spa treatments are based on Balinese and Hindu healing traditions. For a wellness getaway that oozes romance and adventure, Capella Ubud Bali – on a lush hillside terrace in the rainforest – offers 23 tented suites, each with a private plunge pool, inspired by Marco Polo’s expedition from China to Indonesia in the early 19th century. Its Auriga Spa (also in tents) offers signature treatments that reflect the varying energies of the lunar cycle; there’s also a 30-metre-long outdoor pool cocooned in the rainforest. Or escape to Como Shambhala Estate (above), another luxury wellness resort in the rainforest, which specializes in Ayurvedic treatments and holistic wellness. Another option is the Sacred River Spa at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan, where you can get your chakras aligned before an evening candlelight mala meditation session for two.

SERENITY: THE ISLANDS OF TAHITI

Nothing says romance like an overwater bungalow, and arguably no one does it better than the Islands of Tahiti – indeed, the concept was invented here about 50 years ago. That’s because these volcanic islands in the Pacific Ocean are surrounded by barrier reefs that create tranquil lagoons, dotted with tiny islands called motus. These lagoons are ideal for overwater bungalows, where you can plunge directly into the calm waters – in remarkable shades of blue – from your private deck. It’s also where you’ll find some of the most extravagant resorts in the world, with the highest levels of Polynesian hospitality –like the Intercontinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa (left), where you can amp up the romance with a sunset cruise around Bora Bora and a candlelit dinner beneath swaying palms. The intimate, idyllic Le Taha’a Island Resort & Spa, part of the Relais & Châteaux collection, is designed in authentic Polynesian architectural style, just a five-minute-boat ride from Taha’a island, famous for its vanilla plantations and black pearl farms.

Weekend Urban Getaways

Not ready to commit?

Try one of these city breaks

MONTRÉAL: There’s always something to experience in North America’s romance capital, no matter the season. In winter, ice skate in Parc La Fontaine; in summer, sunbathe at the river ferryturned-floating spa, Bota Bota Bring your favourite bottle of wine to Le Millen, which offers a sevenor nine-course tasting menu (think, foie gras and pink peppercorn beef carpaccio). At Le Renoir, start the night with a glass of Champagne at the lounge bar in winter or terrasse in summer, before an evening of French gastronomy. Or head to Maison Boulud in the Ritz-Carlton Montréal for French tradition inspired by New York City; in winter, a 46-seat glass greenhouse provides a unique setting for dinner. Montréal’s nightlife is second to none, whether you’re looking for a sophisticated wine bar, trendy rooftop terrasse or secret cocktail lounge behind a hidden door. To stay, W Montreal has modern, edgy rooms; book the Extreme WOW suite for the hotel’s signature VIP service. At Hotel William Grey, two buildings dating back to the 18th century blend modern design and historic architecture, with stunning rooftop views of the city.

DETROIT: While Motor City may not initially come to mind as a romantic destination, Detroit’s Art Deco architecture, world-class entertainment and elevated culinary scene makes for a great weekend getaway – especially for couples interested in history, culture and music. The Siren Hotel, in Detroit’s Wurlitzer building – an Art Deco landmark built in 1926 – features carefully restored travertine floors and plaster detailing, with antiques from Italy, France and Belgium. Be sure to snag a spot at the eight-seat chef’s counter restaurant Albena by Chef Garrett Lipar, and grab some adult candy (aka creative cocktails) at The Candy Bar

Detroit is the home of Motown, so a trip here wouldn’t be complete without visiting one (or more) of its iconic music venues. Like Cliff Bell’s, established in 1935, with its mahogany leather banquettes and cabaret club vibe. Baker’s Keyboard Lounge is Detroit’s oldest jazz club, operating since 1934; jazz greats like Miles Davis, Billie Holiday and John Coltrane graced the stage here. Don’t forget to check out the Motown Museum, located in the former recording studio of Motown Records.