Balmy evenings in sea-salted air and colourful cocktails at sunset are cornerstones of a romantic getaway, but who’s to say a week away must be spent entirely supine? A dash of adventure adds flavour to even the most luxurious couple-friendly destinations, be they glittering cities or tropical beaches.
When lounging loses its lustre and your paperback starts to wilt, try hiking, diving or climbing to create your own romantic adventures in these classic couples’ destinations.
Try a little competition to get your hearts racing in Maldives © amriphoto / Getty ImagesCocktails and kayaks in Maldives
When your personal butler ships in a mango after you casually remark that you crave one, you can be certain you’re living in luxury. The high-end resorts of are not merely indulgent, they’re downright Epicurean. With private lap pools, in-room massages and even pillow menus, they cater for desires you never knew you had.
It’s little wonder then that this archipelago of islands in the Indian Ocean is so popular with couples. A week of laze and languor is perfectly acceptable, but there’s plenty here for those seeking more. Explore the atolls by kayak on a mini-adventure. Setting out alone in a small watercraft has a romance of its own and offers the perfect antidote to a sun-baked stupor. Pack snorkels and fins to explore the islands’ world-class coral.
How to do it: Most Maldives hotels offer kayaking and water sports. Baros Maldives is particularly excellent for couples.
Hike to see snow – or stars – in Hawaii © Atlas and BootsSand and snow in tropical Hawaii
Hawaii’s is the tallest mountain in the world when measured from base to peak. Its lower reaches lie beneath sea level so while it’s not higher than Everest, it is taller – one of myriad reasons to venture from ’s endless beaches and glorious sunsets to explore this behemoth instead.
At 4207m (13,802ft) above sea level, this long-dormant volcano on Big Island is often capped with snow – yes, snow in Hawaii. Visitors will also find a number of observatories dotting the slopes of this sacred mountain. The summit of Mauna Kea is so high, dry, dark and clean that it allows scientists to investigate the furthest reaches of the observable universe – a sure inspiration to venture from the beach.
Sunset safaris are romantic, naturally © Tetra Images / Getty ImagesOne step beyond on a South African safari
A safari in is de rigueur for those in search of adventure. The thrilling promise of the big five – lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant and buffalo – draws over a million annual visitors to . With vast swathes of open savannah, a rich array of luxury accommodation and a supporting cast of giraffe, hippo, zebra and cheetah, Kruger is popular with honeymooning couples.
Those seeking an extra dash of adventure can opt for a rhino walking safari in Kruger. Combining game drives and bush walks, this allows guests to experience the natural rhythm of the national park, guided of course by an experienced ranger.
Escape the dynamism of Dubai for a traditional retreat © PamelaJoeMcFarlane / Getty ImagesFrom skyscrapers to stargazing in the deserts of Dubai
It’s clear that is a place to see and be seen. Its promise of sun, sea and shopping is rarely unfulfilled, but there is more to this gleaming metropolis. Couples searching for romantic adventures can choose to camp in the desert after a day of dune bashing.
Bedouin camps with Arabian tents offer comfortable overnight lodgings while entertainment comes in a range of guises: a feast of Emirati cuisine, lively local music, cookery demonstrations and even a spot of falconry. Above it all lies a glorious expanse of stars gleaming in their desert splendour.
Ain't no mountain high enough? © Atlas and BootsMauritian beach to wuthering peak
Another beach paradise, is popular with couples seeking luxury. This island Eden offers a host of romantic adventures. Formed by volcanic activity eight million years ago, Mauritius is encircled by a broken ring of mountains. Ranging from 300 to 800m (1000-2600ft) above sea level, they’re not quite Alpine, but the views are nonetheless dramatic.
Hike Le Pouce for jaw-dropping vistas of the Moka Range. At 812m (2664ft), Le Pouce is the third-highest mountain on the island and can be hiked in a three-hour round trip: gentle at first with some scrambling at the top. Le Morne on the southwest tip of the island is also worth a hike.
How to do it: Drive to Petit Verger near the village of Saint Pierre in the Moka region. Follow the small paved road that leads off the corner of the B47 road to the small car park by the trailhead. From there, follow the Le Pouce hiking route.
We're going sailing, but we have a few hundred steps to tackle before we get there... © amriphoto / Getty ImagesSetting sail from Santorini
is an island made for romantics. Cycladic houses spill across clifftops in a lover’s reach to the sea, their bone-white walls both startling against a vivid blue sky and soothing in conformity. A culture enlivened by artists, wineries and exquisite dining offers a modern complement to Santorini’s intriguing history. One of the largest volcanic eruptions in recorded history happened here. The Minoan or ‘Thera’ eruption occurred some 3600 years ago and is mooted as the source of the legendary Atlantis.
Couples could be forgiven for not leaving the island, but the sailing in the region offers strong temptation. There are numerous day tours in the area or multi-day options further beyond.
Escape the Venice crowds for a truly romantic experience © Westend61 / Getty ImagesVenetian feast to mountain retreat
Few cities compete with in terms of romance and splendour. Its motifs are unmistakable – the elegant curve of a gondola, the stone reliefs of Rialto Bridge – and feel so familiar, one almost gets a sense of déjà vu. Canalside bistros serve prosecco and tapas while ornate basilicas add pomp and grandeur.
Pair Venice with a trip to the a few hours north. This region is home to some of the world’s most dramatic mountains: rugged crags, soaring pillars, breathtaking pinnacles and colossal rock walls. Visit from December to March for world-class skiing and May to September for sublime hiking.
How deep is your love? © Darryl Leniuk / Getty ImagesLagoon life and shark dives in Fiji
From the overwater bures (bungalows) of Malolo Island to the lush greenery of Taveuni, may well be the most beautiful place you ever see. Its landscapes are literally out of a movie scene: Brooke Shields’ infamous Blue Lagoon was filmed in part on Turtle Island while Tom Hanks’ Castaway was shot on Monuriki. Throw in rich, flavoursome food from its Indo-Fijian community and you have all the ingredients for an amazing trip.
Those in search of romantic adventures should pause at Pacific Harbour on Viti Levu. Here, audacious divers can observe reef sharks, lemon sharks, bull sharks and even the occasional tiger shark. Tightly regulated feeds happen several times a week where divers can watch from the periphery.
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