If you have been dreaming of a romantic retreat that feels a little more special than the usual, Mozambique is where you need to go. Of course, to help you plan the ultimate getaway with that special someone, here’s what you need to keep in mind for just pure, uninterrupted time together.

Stay on a Private Island in Bazaruto
For ultimate seclusion, set your sights on the breathtaking Bazaruto Archipelago, where you can stay at a luxury property like Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort on a pristine private island. You can even get there by helicopter for a grand entrance! Stay in a beach villa with a plunge pool and direct access to the shore, perfect for slow mornings and sunset strolls. Pro tip: Check a resort’s official website for specially curated packages for couples.

Experience Intimate Private Dining
When it comes to romantic dining, Bazaruto features enchanting backdrops, and the ideal resort will offer everything from a picnic on a sandbank to a candlelit beach dinner under a sky full of stars. You can customise your menu with a personal chef, while some properties even offer sunset dhow cruises with champagne and canapés. Take note, these are the kind of settings that add more “magic” to a surprise proposal!

Indulge in Soothing Spa Rituals
A stay on an island hideaway is the perfect time to experience a wellness journey for two. Some resort spas in Bazaruto have special rituals just for couples; as you lie side by side, you will enjoy indulgent treatments from an exfoliating scrub to a warm oil massage that melts every bit of stress away. Remember that the more relaxed you feel, the more in the mood for romance you both will be, so don’t miss the spa time!

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Experience Fun Activities & Adventures
Sharing little adventures together makes the trip even more unforgettable. Visit Pansy Island for a picnic on secluded shores and a swim, before heading to nearby Two Mile Reef for some snorkelling. You can also go horse riding on a beach, spot humpback whales (from June to September) or try some kayaking. Even look to take an immersive cooking class together, because it’s a great activity you can enjoy once back home too!

If you and your partner are looking for a place for a magical getaway together, you can’t beat Thailand, especially Chiang Rai, in the northern part of the country. Be it for a honeymoon, anniversary or just because you need some time together, this destination will not disappoint. Here are some insights to help you plan such a holiday.

Luxury Accommodation in the Golden Triangle
Look to be based in the Golden Triangle, an area where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos converge. Splurge on a stay at a property amidst the mountains and sublime three-country views. Ideal properties like Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort even have unique options; opt for a glamping experience in a luxury tent perched high on a hillside or choose an air-conditioned and transparent “jungle bubble” where you can sleep under the stars and even see elephants!

Pro tip: Check for a special package for couples with curated experiences, spa rituals, dining and activities like a lantern release at night.

Romantic Dining
For a truly unforgettable getaway in Chiang Rai, hotels like the one mentioned above also offer enchanting backdrops to share a private meal together. This can include sunset vistas from a sala, Ruak river views on a boat pier, the sight of a terraced rice paddy field or panoramas of the jungle amidst the treetops. Collaborate with a resort chef to curate your own menu and enjoy other extras like a butler service or even a greeting from elephants!

Image by Steve Buissinne from Pixabay

Special Experiences for Couples
One of the quintessential things to do for couples in Chiang Rai is to enjoy some pampering at a resort spa, including a side-by-side massage and a milk bath for two. Stay at the right property, and you can also join a hands-on cooking class, go on a longtail boat trip along the Ruak and Mekong rivers and even walk beside elephants. Other unique experiences include going on a Royal Enfield sidecar tour, or, for some thrills, trying a tandem “Sky Bike” ride, 40 metres above a vast bamboo forest!

Deciding When to Go
Don’t worry if your holiday schedule can’t be changed because there’s no real “bad time” to visit. That said, the best weather can be experienced from November to February, though it’s best to book accommodation in advance. It will, of course, get hotter from March to May, while there’s more rain during the monsoon season from June to October; however, at the right resort, you can enjoy blissful air-conditioned comfort and spa treatments for couples, be it rain or shine!