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.
Nestled at the foot of the Nguruman Escarpment this secluded lodge makes for a top romantic vacation in the Rift Valley. Accommodation is partly in tents, and partly in villas, each with their 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 elephants to cats. Located 90 minutes from Lake Magadi, Lentorre is offered on an exclusive basis and sleeps a maximum of 16 people.
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 in the outdoor shower. Afterward, 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.
Amid the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, this is one of the few places for possible gorilla sightings without leaving the camp. Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge sits at a 7000-ft altitude on a magnificent ridge with stunning views across the rugged landscapes and the entire Virunga Volcanoes chain backdrop. The multi-award winning eco-lodge offers walking safari adventures & and cultural trials around the rural landscape to complement the gorilla trekking excursions or simply take a massage and enjoy a delectable dinner with breathtaking views.
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 through Nomad Retreat Labs
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 barbecue area and even a squash court. Ideal for three or four couples seeking a romantic vacation, but the whole property sleeps up to 12. For travellers with children, there’s an outdoor one-up, one-down tree-house for kids, and a small cottage nearby for overflow. Furthermore, as a writing retreat, the modern office overlooks the incredible ridge.
Praslin – photo Air Seychelles
If you want to push the boat out and 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 Seychelle's 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 is the perfect location for a proposal, wedding, or romantic vacation.