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Planning a destination wedding, unforgettable honeymoon or special getaway for two? We’ve searched the globe for the most pristine beaches, private hideaways and the coziest fireplaces to curl up to with your love. Here are 10 of our favorite amorous escapes.

Unique Retreats

Kingston Tree House at Ivory Lodge, Lion Sands Game Reserve, South Africa

The Kingston Tree House at Ivory Lodge is the perfect marriage of secluded safari getaway and modern luxury to inspire hopeless romantics and adventurers alike. Each morning, you head out on an early game drive with your guide and tracker in search of the Big Five before returning for breakfast. After another late afternoon adventure in the wild and champagne sundowners, you can retreat to the private treehouse for tapas or an indulgent dinner for two. It’s the thrill of being in the open air of the African bush, with the luxury of a four- poster bed and full bathroom facilities in a chic wood and glass treehouse.

Cavas Wine Lodge, Argentina

The Cavas Wine Lodge is a sweet hideout—both for passionate wine connoisseurs and the novice looking to develop her palate. Tempranillos, Malbecs and Syrahs flow from the 900 wineries that dot the green foothills of the snow-capped Andes Mountains in the heart of Mendoza’s wine region. Cozy up to your sweetheart and sip on a glass of the lodge’s own deep red Cavas Gran Malbec in front of the wood-burning fireplace, or swirl a glass with the lodge’s sommelier to bring out the aromas of plum, rose or blackcurrant before letting the flavors slowly move through your mouth.

Silolona Sojourns, MSV SI Datu Bua, Indonesia

Romantics looking to celebrate their honeymoon with a truly unique journey will enjoy an intimate cruise on the MSV Si Datu Bua through the clear, blue waters surrounding Indonesia. As the crew navigates the traditional Phinisi sailboat between hundreds of lush, jungle-covered islands, spend the afternoon on the spacious sundeck listening to the water softly lap against the wooden vessel as sprays of water gently splash onto your skin. Achieve a warm, sun-kissed glow after soaking up the sun, then dive into the cool, refreshing waters of the Southeast Asian seas to discover the colorful schools of fish and pink, orange and purple coral reef.

Uncommon Hideaways

Banyan Tree Al Wadi, United Arab Emirates

If a getaway packed with adventure and rejuvenating holistic spa treatments in glamorous high style fits the bill, the Banyan Al Wadi is your oasis in the middle of the arid desert. The majestic Al Hajar Mountains and glistening waters of the Arabian Gulf create a stunning backdrop for exploring the dunes of Al Wadi Nature Reserve with your private guide, sand boarding or taking a dip in your villa’s private pool. After a day of discovery, as the crisp desert sun descends and a golden hue is cast over the desert, wind down by dining on an intimate dinner in the dunes.

Uma By COMO Punakha, Bhutan

There is no better place to nurture your mind, body and spirit than in the Punakha Valley where green-terraced rice fields overlook a bend in the Mo Chu River. Surrounded by untouched mountains and bathed in natural light, the villas of Uma by COMO are pure serenity, with wood-burning fireplaces that cultivate a tranquil atmosphere for unwinding and reconnecting with your inner spirit. Stretch your legs with a hike through the lush mountains, enjoy the thrill of rafting the white waters of Mo Chu River and feel any tension in your body dissolve with a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath.

La Sultana Oualidia, Morocco

With a backdrop of dramatic cliffs overlooking a lagoon of pink flamingos on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, La Sultana Oualidia is perfectly poised to take in the views of white sand beaches and endless blue ocean. It’s a sophisticated atmosphere that encourages relaxation at its finest—from lounging on the pristine beaches and sipping cocktails in the swimming pool to indulging in a Royal Hammam treatment for two. Walk down to the secluded beach to surf and swim. To cap off your perfect day, share a dinner of oysters and lobster on the beach while lounging on plush cushions under a Berber tent.

On the Water

The One&Only Reethi Rah, Maldives

Looking for a quintessential tropical getaway with white sand beaches and unending crystal blue waters? You will fall in love with One&Only Reethi Rah, tucked away in the North Malé Atoll. Arrive by yacht to some of the largest resort villas in the world then quickly change into your swimsuit to hit the beach. The sand between your toes and the salt water that lingers on your lips reminds you that you are in paradise. As the sun dips into the horizon, head out on a private cruise and enjoy the cool ocean breezes, setting a memorable scene.

Hotel Cala di Volpe, Sardinia

Join the jet set at one of the most exclusive resorts in the world. Located along the emer- ald coast of Porto Cervo in northern Sardinia, the Hotel Cala di Volpe is reminiscent of an ancient fishing village. A network of towers, porches and terraces seamlessly blend into the environment and hug the harbor, creating a quiet refuge on the waterfront where the only sounds you’ll hear are the melodious songs of the sea birds. Speed around the Mediterranean coast by Jet Ski then dive below the surface to discover the marine life living in the turquoise waters of this tropical aquarium.

Romantic and Private

Amangalla, Sri Lanka

Days are calm and life is peaceful at Amagalla. Located within the ramparts of a 17th-century Dutch fort, it’s a quaint resort full of charm and ideal for couples seeking respite from busy schedules and bustling cities. Your days are spent relaxing in the spa with Amangalla’s signature Shirodhara oil treatment or releasing tension in the yoga pavilion. Wander through the landscaped garden and narrow streets of the fort town, lined with colonial Dutch architecture, before returning to the hotel to take afternoon tea with warm, homemade scones and fresh jam on the bright and airy verandah.

Hotel Les Ottomans, Turkey

Set on the European shores of the Bosphorus, the opulent Hotel Les Ottomans is a chic former 18th-century Baroque mansion decorated with glittering chandeliers, theatrical colors of deep reds, blues and gold, and velvet walls that are as soft as they are rich. It’s ultra exclusive with only ten suites and a lavish 2,400-square-foot Caudalíe Vinothérapie® Spa, the only one of its kind in Turkey. Sip on herbal-infused tea before pampering yourself and your sweetheart to the spa’s signature massage, which utilizes grapeseed oil to replenish the body of lost minerals from head to toe.

For more information about adding one of these destinations to your itinerary, contact your Travel Professional. To read the current issue of QUEST magazine online, click here, and be sure to stay up to date on all of QUEST’s online content by following the QUEST Facebook page.

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