If you’ve ever fancied a romantic retreat away in Australia, New Zealand or the Pacific, then look no further. We’ve scoured the region and identified ten of the best places to stay. Whether you’re looking for somewhere where you can be pampered with spa treatments or a private motu in the middle of nowhere, you’ll find it in here in our special Valentine’s round-up for the region.
Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo Island, Australia
Southern Ocean Lodge is Australia’s first true luxury lodge, offering a unique and exclusive travel experience on Kangaroo Island in South Australia. Floating atop a secluded cliff on a rugged stretch of coast, the lodge commands peerless views of the wild Southern Ocean and pristine Kangaroo Island wilderness. Sensitive, intimate and sophisticated, Southern Ocean Lodge is a sanctuary of refined comfort and luxe, Kangaroo Island style.
The Wakaya Club, Fiji
The Wakaya Club & Spa offers an elegant yet casual backdrop for romance and celebration. Imagine an ecologically sensitive luxury resort offering unparalleled natural beauty in an intimate setting. The Wakaya Club & Spa extends a warm and gracious Fijian welcome on a privately owned 2,200-acre island with exceptional personal service and the finest cuisine in the South Pacific.
They can take you to a secluded cove, reserved just for you – they leave you with a sumptuous Champagne picnic, a two-way radio and the assurance that there isnt another soul in sight just a vast expanse of the South Pacific, edged by a white sand beach under a brilliant sky.
qualia, Hamilton Island, Australia
qualia‘s distinctive style combined with its sun-drenched location and intuitive service makes it a luxurious resort on world-class standards. It’s a truly special place where everything has been meticulously considered to relax the mind and completely spoil the senses. You can take a luxury sunset cruise around the romantic Whitsunday Islands or, if you prefer, enjoy an intimate poolside dinner.
Royal Davui, Fiji
Recognised as one of the top 10 hotels for romance in the world by Trip Advisor, Royal Davui Island Resort is an adults only resort, offering an ideal tropical island escape. With just 16 exquisitely appointed Vales nestled around 10 acres of lush tropical landscape, every guest enjoys the best of both worlds – enough genuine care and warmth that the staff will know you by name, as well as the privacy and freedom to be secluded in your own tropical oasis. In-room Spa treatments, private plunge pools in each and every villa and easy access from Nadi airport are just a few of the extra touches that make Royal Davui Island Resort special and unique.
SKYCITY Grand Hotel, Auckland, New Zealand
Discover an oasis of luxury in the heart of a vibrant city in a five star hotel that offers a range of facilities and services unparalleled in Auckland. Take time out to pamper your body, mind and soul at East Day Spa, a luxury health and beauty spa, and enjoy a choice of restaurants from the elegant ‘dine’ by Peter Gordon to the more contemporary The Grill by Sean Connolly. If you really want to impress, opt for the ultimate in luxury and style by booking one of the Grand Presidential Suites which provide spectacular panoramic views across Aucklands Waitemata Harbour.
Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Lizard Island was recently named Best Resort in Australia at the Australian Gourmet Traveller 2012 Travel Awards and it’s easy to see why. It also frequently makes the top 10 hotels in the world lists. It is the northernmost Great Barrier Reef resort, with 24 powdery-white beaches and 40 luxurious suites. Enjoy secluded picnics on private beaches, five star cuisine and indulging spa treatments. For true heaven, sample one of their delicious gourmet picnics on your own private beach; take a dinghy to a deserted beach and relax… they will think of everything for you. All picnics include gourmet fresh food and produce created for beach dining by Lizard Island’s team of Chefs.
The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort, Bora Bora, French Polynesia
While many claim Bora Bora to be the most beautiful island in the world, it is indisputably one of the most romantic. Take a dip in the St. Regis Bora Bora Resort‘s adults-only Oasis Pool with secluded private cabanas, or take in sunset views from their beachside bar, Aparima. With a lagoon that’s an artist’s palette of blues and greens, and lush tropical slopes and valleys covered with hibiscus and palms Bora Bora is love at first sight for people of all ages.
Kia Ora Sauvage, French Polynesia
This romantic luxury resort lies on a private motu in the middle of nowhere. You won’t find a spa here, nor a swimming pool or even a Jacuzzi. In fact, you won’t even have TV or a newspaper, but all these are features that add to the resort’s charm and make it perfect for a Valentine’s getaway.
With just 5 beach bungalows on an island not much bigger than a football field, Kia Ora Sauvage is an hour’s boat ride from the atoll of Rangiroa, between the passes of Tiputa and Avatoru. Whisk your loved one away and discover the true Polynesian art of living, in perfectly preserved nature.
Rumours Luxury Villa & Spa, Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Enjoy the best that Rarotonga has to offer in luxury villa beachfront accommodation. You and your loved one will be spoilt rotten by the surroundings of Rumours, from the moment you enter your courtyard and see the private setting that is yours to enjoy. Beautiful tropical gardens, huge waterfall cascading off rocks into your own pool, or maybe you would prefer to enjoy your bubbling spa pool in those cooler evenings. Stepping inside is no less of an eye opening vision. Huge superking four poster beds, two bathrooms with Italian fittings and marble throughout the villas with attention to detail that makes them a very special place to stay.
One of their most popular couples dining experiences is their Fully Cheffed Barbeque which is set out for you either on the beachside or courtyard side of your villa for your total relaxation and enjoyment.
Solitaire Lodge, Rotorua, New Zealand
Solitaire Lodge Rotorua, one of the first luxury lodges in New Zealand, offers secluded luxury accommodation and attentive hosting from a spectacular lakeside location. With 10 luxury accommodation suites and a wide range of outdoor activities including world class trout fishing, scenic flights to White Island and natural geothermal bathing, this is a small exclusive retreat set on a private peninsular with commanding vistas over Lake Tarawerathat – perfect for Valentine’s.
