Looking for paradise destinations featuring secluded ambiance, lush landscaping and amazing sea views? Rekindle your relationship, or find a new one, at these 10 sexy getaways that offer couples a chance to enjoy each other in the most romantic of settings.
Marquis Los Cabos — Photo courtesy of Courtesy of Marquis Los Cabos
Marquis Los Cabos
Mexico
The adults-only, all-inclusive resort in Cabo San Lucas has recently reopened following a $10 million redesign and renovation. With three stunning pools on property, Marquis Los Cabos has plenty of sunbathing for everyone. The two infinity-edge pools, named the Sunrise and Sunset pools, offer spectacular views of the sun’s path throughout the day. The pools also overlook the beach and out into the Sea of Cortés. The main pool is at the base of a three-story tiered waterfall, with the newly whitewashed resort as its backdrop. With renowned sculptures by Latin American artists framing the pool, the views of palm trees and manicured gardens complement the relaxing vibe throughout the property.
Caliza Pool at Alys Beach — Photo courtesy of Courtesy of Alys Beach
Alys Beach
Florida
Founded in 2004, Alys Beach is an emerging community located in Northwest Florida on Scenic Highway 30A. Designed by Miami-based Duany Plater-Zyberk and Company, Alys Beach provides a variety of experiences–from urban to rural–in a single 158-acre beachside town. Don’t miss relaxing by the pool at Caliza during the day, and dinner at Caliza Restaurant at night. The restaurant overlooks Alys Beach’s zero-entry pool and is complemented by candles, soft lighting and comfortable coastal breezes–dining at Caliza Restaurant is a truly memorable experience. The al fresco bar boasts a list of craft cocktails, and executive chef Kevin Korman relies on local farmers and fishermen to source sustainable and organic ingredients. Opening in 2016 is Santorini’s, a full-service restaurant and bar inspired by the transcendental language of the Mediterranean.
Mukul Beach, Golf and Spa — Photo courtesy of Mukul Beach, Golf & Spa
Mukul
Nicauraga
Mukul, the first luxury beach resort in Nicaragua, is set in Guacalito de la Isla, a 1,670-acre, $250-million low-density private beach community on Nicaragua’s Emerald Coast. Featuring 37 spacious, beautifully appointed accommodations including 12 one- and two-bedroom beach villas and 23 cliffside bohios, each comes with an ocean view and pool. Additional resort amenities include Spa Mukul, with six private spa-treatment sanctuaries. Activities such as forest bathing, yoga on the beach, challenging 18-hole golf course, ash boarding down the Cerro Negro Volcano, hiking and biking through the rainforest, visiting local villages and more are available here. Mukul will be more accessible than ever before following the opening of Costa Esmeralda Airport in November.
Le Sereno — Photo courtesy of Courtesy of Le Sereno
Le Sereno
St. Barths
Le Sereno stretches along 600 feet of sandy beaches on the coveted Grand Cul de Sac, where virtually all of the suites and villas have a view of the turquoise lagoon; each suite is completely private and you cannot see into a neighboring one. Parisian designer Christian Liaigre has created a contemporary but sexy look at Le Sereno with understated decor. The only spa on the island is here: Be sure you book the only true waterfront treatment suite, perfect for romantic couples treatments. Relax at Le Sereno’s private beach and pool or at the bay at Grand Cul de Sac, which is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, kite surfing, windsurfing and paddleboarding.
One&Only Palmilla — Photo courtesy of Courtesy of One&Only Palmilla
Palmilla
Mexico
As the iconic luxury retreat in the destination of Los Cabos with a brand-new renovation, One&Only Palmilla is unrivaled in its suite of offerings. The only swimmable resort beach in the area is complete with brand-new beach cabanas, a vastly expanded spa, wellness, fitness and beauty program and numerous watersports and active excursions. Try the new steakhouse, SEARED, created in collaboration with Jean-Georges Vongerichten, completely refurbished guest rooms and suites, new adult outdoor lounging areas and a new One&Only Spa and Fitness Centre.
Viceroy Riviera Maya — Photo courtesy of Courtesy of Viceroy Riviera Maya
Viceroy
Riviera Maya
Viceroy Riviera Maya is an all-villa, adults-only resort that is a chic, ultra-luxurious getaway for a romantic interlude or honeymoon. The spacious, exquisitely appointed villas, each with private patio and plunge pool, are ideal for an intimate and private couple’s escape. The resort recently introduced the Aphrodisiac Shower Experience that is the ultimate in sensuality, amorously enjoyed outdoors in the private garden of your villa. Included in this you will find a ring of candles encircling the outdoor shower, rose petals strewn in the shower, aromatherapy diffusers, massage oils, truffles and more.
The Pearl — Photo courtesy of Tommy Crow Photography
The Pearl
Florida
Named on numerous "best new hotels" lists, The Pearl Hotel is an intimate, 55-room boutique hotel that opened in August 2013. The signature cabana-and-pool area, plus a rooftop lounge with Gulf views, affords guests multiple ways to soak up Florida’s sunshine. Featuring elegant furnishings, guest services-integrated iPads and a poolside Spa Pearl, the hotel maintains an upscale, modern personality. Each room features a private balcony with views of the Gulf of Mexico or the quaint beachside town in which it resides. Perfect for romantic getaways, this indulgent hotel leaves guests revived, inspired and dreaming of their next visit. Dine at Havana Beach Bar & Grill for a taste of Gulf Coast American cuisine with Old World Spanish, Portuguese and French influences, incorporating meats, fish and produce sourced locally from small, family-owned producers. The bar is fun and romantic (don’t miss the bloody Mary bar during Sunday’s brunch).
Carlisle Bay — Photo courtesy of Courtesy of Carlisle Bay
Carlisle Bay
Antigua
Romance is in the air at Carlisle Bay in Antigua. Dine under the stars for an intimate dinner for two at the end of Carlisle Bay’s overwater jetty, complete with candlelit path. Savor the last bits of twilight under swaying palms and balmy breezes, with your toes in the sand and waves lapping at your feet near a romantic beach bonfire for two. Set sail on a romantic cruise to Jolly Harbour or St. John’s Harbour with chilled Champagne and homemade canapés from the resort’s executive chef. Forget downward dog, and enjoy dinner in Carlisle Bay’s yoga pavilion instead. Lastly, enjoy a couples massage at Carlisle Bay’s Blue Spa (complete with Champagne, strawberries and light refreshments). The resort has just completed renovations this year and offers new inclusive amenities with every stay: a private cardio tennis lesson, sailing clinic, windsurfing clinic, rainforest hike, reef snorkeling trip, and yoga and Pilates.
Four Seasons Resort Lana'i at Manele Bay — Photo courtesy of Courtesy of Four Seasons Resorts
Four Seasons Resort Lana’i at Manele Bay
Hawaii
Set on the private island of Lana’i atop Hulopo’e Bay, this is the perfect sexy and romantic destination to pop the question. For an unforgettable proposal, the on-staff Love Specialists can arrange any number of settings perfect for getting to “yes.” Try the Love, Lanai Style, featuring an epicurean experience starting off in Alberta’s Farm. Herbs and vegetables for the day’s lunch won’t be the only thing harvested. Follow the garden tour with a private sushi rolling class, sake tasting and lunch at NOBU along with cookbooks and aprons to take home. Capture the proposal and weekend together in a professional engagement photography session all across Lanai. Another option is to sail off Lanai’s coast on a yacht for an evening’s adventure, and propose against a backdrop of shimmering light and stunning fireworks in a display designed to truly dazzle. Sound amazing? We think so.
Jade Mountain — Photo courtesy of Courtesy of Jade Mountain Resort
Jade Mountain
St. Lucia
Expect grand sweeping spaces where bedroom, living area and an extravagant private infinity pool glide into one another form extraordinary platforms floating out into nature. With the fourth wall entirely absent, Jade Mountain’s sanctuaries are stage-like settings from which to embrace the full glory of St. Lucia’s Pitons World Heritage Site and, of course, the eternal Caribbean Sea. Romance is abundant at every turn at this resort.
Seeking the ultimate private dinner? If a private tent on Anse Chastanet beach is not private enough, Jade Mountain will arrange your very own private beach dinner on their second beach, Anse Mamim. Try the new spa treatment Alchemy of Two–a romantic spa ritual for couples eager to celebrate the joy of being together in such an out-of-this-world setting. Special events coming this fall include the Chocolate Festival on October 2-6, Spices of the Caribbean December 11-15 and the Mango Madness Festival in 2016.