Kiwi Curated
7 Romantic Retreats
by Darren DunneWith Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it’s the perfect time for couples to stoke the fires away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. As big believers in the power of love (and not just the Frankie Goes to Hollywood jam), we’ve traversed the globe to find nine swoon-worthy sanctuaries located in seriously sexy locales.
7 Romantic Retreats
Villa Spalletti Trivelli, Italy
While the lustful credentials of the Eternal City are above reproach, less people are aware of how the city came to enjoy such a reputation for love. Valentine himself lived among the winding alleyways of the city, healing a Roman General’s daughter before facing execution. His last words to her were “from your Valentine” sparking a tradition that endures to this day. Villa Spalletti Trivelli is a romantic home base for a sojourn in Rome, exuding a timeless charm that’s perfectly in-step with its historic location. We recommend plumping for the Romantic Double Room, an antiques-filled nest for lovers.
7 Romantic Retreats
Opus Hotel Vancouver, Canada
Some cities are just better endowed than others, and Vancouver’s snow-capped peaks and waterfront location provide one of nature’s great blockbusters. For couples of an outdoor persuasion, there are few more suitable venues for a romantic getaway. The hip Opus Hotel Vancouver sits in the city’s famed Yaletown neighborhood, ensuring easy access to the trendiest restaurants and nightspots. Welcoming service staff, clad in J.Crew uniforms, greet guests upon arrival, providing an escort to distinctive guestrooms filled with sexy furnishings and artworks.
7 Romantic Retreats
It might be the sea of rural vineyards, or perhaps the stillness in the air, but there’s something undeniably relaxing about the charming Italian countryside town of Santo Stefano Belbo. Relais San Maurizio is poised within a building that dates back to 1619, when Franciscan monks founded a monastery atop a hill overlooking the town. Romance can be found throughout the hotel, with couples invited to share a spa treatment, indulge in truffle hunting or sit down to Michelin Star dining at Guido da Costigliole restaurant.
7 Romantic Retreats
Sublime Comporta, Portugal
Allow the relaxing pace of the Portuguese countryside to ignite passion with a stay at Sublime Comporta, an undeniably smoldering countryside retreat located a short drive from some of Portugal’s best beaches. The hotel is poised within a terracotta-clad building, illuminated by 14 minimalist all-white accommodations with private terraces. Portuguese countryside living is rich in food and wine, great culture and welcoming locals, something apparent at the weekly Friday night wine tasting and gourmet dinner pairing by Chef David João at Sublime Restaurant.
7 Romantic Retreats
Place D’Armes, Canada
As one of North America’s oldest cities, the charming period architecture of Old Montreal is alive with romance. Place d’Armes Hotel & Suites is a fine example of this, perched inside three 19th-century neoclassical buildings opposite the breathtaking Notre-Dame Basilica. A touch of playful decadence is apparent throughout the hotel, with chandeliers and lavish interiors. The chic brasserie Suite 701 sports a convivial urban vibe, while the hotel’s Rainspa offers couple’s treatments and a one-of-a-kind hammam vaporium.
7 Romantic Retreats
Oberoi Rajvilas, India
If a slightly more extravagant romantic break is desired, The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur provides lodgings fit for royalty thanks to its decadent fixtures and ultra-luxe philosophy. The resort resembles an opulent fort that extends over 32 acres of manicured grounds. In the 18th century, a Shiva temple was housed on the site, and the tradition of relaxation continues with regular yoga classes and range of holistic spa treatments. Relax by the resort’s swimming pool and take in the lavish elephant water fountains and sandstone columns.
Villa Spalletti Trivelli, Italy
While the lustful credentials of the Eternal City are above reproach, less people are aware of how the city came to enjoy such a reputation for love. Valentine himself lived among the winding alleyways of the city, healing a Roman General’s daughter before facing execution. His last words to her were “from your Valentine” sparking a tradition that endures to this day. Villa Spalletti Trivelli is a romantic home base for a sojourn in Rome, exuding a timeless charm that’s perfectly in-step with its historic location. We recommend plumping for the Romantic Double Room, an antiques-filled nest for lovers.
Opus Hotel Vancouver, Canada
Some cities are just better endowed than others, and Vancouver’s snow-capped peaks and waterfront location provide one of nature’s great blockbusters. For couples of an outdoor persuasion, there are few more suitable venues for a romantic getaway. The hip Opus Hotel Vancouver sits in the city’s famed Yaletown neighborhood, ensuring easy access to the trendiest restaurants and nightspots. Welcoming service staff, clad in J.Crew uniforms, greet guests upon arrival, providing an escort to distinctive guestrooms filled with sexy furnishings and artworks.
It might be the sea of rural vineyards, or perhaps the stillness in the air, but there’s something undeniably relaxing about the charming Italian countryside town of Santo Stefano Belbo. Relais San Maurizio is poised within a building that dates back to 1619, when Franciscan monks founded a monastery atop a hill overlooking the town. Romance can be found throughout the hotel, with couples invited to share a spa treatment, indulge in truffle hunting or sit down to Michelin Star dining at Guido da Costigliole restaurant.
Sublime Comporta, Portugal
Allow the relaxing pace of the Portuguese countryside to ignite passion with a stay at Sublime Comporta, an undeniably smoldering countryside retreat located a short drive from some of Portugal’s best beaches. The hotel is poised within a terracotta-clad building, illuminated by 14 minimalist all-white accommodations with private terraces. Portuguese countryside living is rich in food and wine, great culture and welcoming locals, something apparent at the weekly Friday night wine tasting and gourmet dinner pairing by Chef David João at Sublime Restaurant.
Place D’Armes, Canada
As one of North America’s oldest cities, the charming period architecture of Old Montreal is alive with romance. Place d’Armes Hotel & Suites is a fine example of this, perched inside three 19th-century neoclassical buildings opposite the breathtaking Notre-Dame Basilica. A touch of playful decadence is apparent throughout the hotel, with chandeliers and lavish interiors. The chic brasserie Suite 701 sports a convivial urban vibe, while the hotel’s Rainspa offers couple’s treatments and a one-of-a-kind hammam vaporium.
Oberoi Rajvilas, India
If a slightly more extravagant romantic break is desired, The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur provides lodgings fit for royalty thanks to its decadent fixtures and ultra-luxe philosophy. The resort resembles an opulent fort that extends over 32 acres of manicured grounds. In the 18th century, a Shiva temple was housed on the site, and the tradition of relaxation continues with regular yoga classes and range of holistic spa treatments. Relax by the resort’s swimming pool and take in the lavish elephant water fountains and sandstone columns.