From cozy lodges with postcard-ready views to pristine secluded beach homes, these top spots will shore up the love factor for your next romantic vacation.
Lentorre Lodge, Lake Magadi
Lentorre Lodge – photo Nomad
Africa

Nestled at the foot of the Nguruman Escarpment is this secluded lodge makes for a top romantic vacation in the Rift Valley. Accommodation is partly in tents, partly villas, each with their own plunge pool, coupled with an Italian-style pool for communal use. For romantics, consider the room with two baths adjacent to each other overlooking the Shompole plains. At an animal blind next to the watering hole, you and your partner can lie in wait for arriving game which ranges from elephant to cats. Located 90 minutes from Lake Magadi, Lentorre is offered on an exclusive basis and sleeps a maximum of 16 people.
www.lentorre.com
Four Seasons Safari Lodge, Serengeti
Serengeti Safari Lodge – photo Four
Seasons

Perched on a series of elevated platforms and walkways, this romantic vacation lodge sits by a waterhole. Watch wildlife stop for their morning drink as you relax on your room’s private balcony. Surprise your loved one with a bush safari or scenic hot-air balloon ride above the Serengeti. Take a dip in your private, infinity pool overlooking the savannah then rinse off on the outdoor shower. Afterwards, tuck into a private romantic meal, which can be set up on request. For yoga lovers, walk uphill to the top of a sunset kopje and settle in for a guided meditation session overlooking the most scenic of views.
www.fourseasons.com
Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Uganda
Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp –
photo Sanctuary Retreats

Amid the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, this is one of the few places for possible gorilla sightings without leaving the camp. Part of Sanctuary Retreats group, this intimate eight-tented camp is an ideal base for gorilla tracking, a top spot for adventure and wildlife-loving couples. And what better way to wind down after a trek than a spa treatment. This romantic vacation retreat has a range of rejuvenating treatments from hot stone massages and mud wraps to foot rituals.
www.sanctuaryretreats.com
Essque Zalu, Zanzibar

Essque Zalu represents urban chic on an island paradise renowned as a top romantic vacation place. The resort boasts 40 suites and eight private villas catering to a clientele that like their modern creature comforts. In front of the property is a huge lagoon-style pool. Additionally, the Healing Earth Spa offers a long list of treatments including rituals like “Jozani Rain Forest”, African potato body wrap or the Maasai Ritual. This is a unique two-hour journey of renewal in specially-erected tents, involving facials and full body scrubs. Special honeymoon and wedding packages are available on request.
www.essquehotels.com
Raha Mstarehe, Champagne Ridge
Raha Mstarehe

This quirky property is magnificently located on a cliff top in Champagne Ridge, with the master bedroom perfectly positioned to catch those views. There are four main bedrooms, one a twin, with overflow for kids in the more cramped loft above. Guests can enjoy the built-in barbeque area and even a squash court. Ideal for three or four couples seeking a romantic vacations, but the whole property sleeps up to 12. For travellers with children, there’s an outdoor one-up, one-down treehouse for kids and a small cottage nearby for overflow. Furthermore, as a writing retreat the modern office overlooks the incredible ridge. Try working though, with those views. Contact the owners via Airbnb.
Dhevatara Beach Hotel, Seychelles
Praslin – photo Air Seychelles

If you really want to push the boat out, spoil your partner at a top spot retreat, try this island idyll. Located on the pristine island of Praslin, this beautiful boutique beachfront hotel offers just 10 suites. Each is individually styled with all the amenities a modern traveller would expect.
Dhevatara pays tribute to the Seychelles cultural and historical background, with touches of African, Indian and Victorian in the decor. In addition to the most breathtaking of views, the sun sets on this side of the island. This the perfect location for a proposal, wedding or romantic vacation.
www2.hermesretreats.com