Islands’ Romantic Getaways to Island Resorts

From Islands

For your honeymoon, anniversary, couple’s trip or any romantic getaway, these are the island resorts that offer the ultimate in romance, from special dinners to beautiful views to romantic suites.

Ratua Private Island
Ratua Private Island, Vanuatu
After his stay in Vanuatu, Islands contributing editor David Lansing wrote, “This is the conundrum on Ratua: rib-eye or lobster? Paddle an outrigger to a sheltered lagoon or snooze in a thatched-roof daybed pavilion? Everything is about me, me, me. Yet the resort’s lavish nature is rooted in philanthropy.”
Only here: The Nagol ceremony, once a week from April to June, entails mostly naked men jumping from wood platforms with vines tied around their ankles. When to go: The months of May through October offer the driest weather, and no chance of cyclones.

Eden Rock Hotel
Eden Rock Hotel, St. Barts
Yes, this hotel is on the always romantic island of St. Barts, with a dynamic vibe, beautiful artwork and something always going on. Our editors especially love dining at the On the Rocks restaurant, perched romantically on the cliff overlooking St. Jean Bay. That’s a romantic dinner worth every penny.
Only here: Each room at Eden Rock is unique. So unique, the Rockstar Villa comes with a recording studio. When to go: St. Barts’ resorts tiptoe into affordable realms during May and June.

Cayo Espanto
Cayo Espanto, Belize
The South Pacific’s overwater bungalows have a luxurious Caribbean rival. Belize’s Cayo Espanto offers a private overwater bungalow off a private dock on a private island. All of it is a short flight from your not-so-private daily life.
Only here: The resort’s overwater villa (not pictured) features a glass floor to view sea life. We know of no other villa like this in the Caribbean. When to go: March and April offer the clearest water and weather.

Jade Mountain
Jade Mountain, St. Lucia
Romance is having no fourth wall, no doors, no windows — and no distractions — separating you from one of the world’s most iconic views.
Only here: Sleep, eat, lounge and bathe inside a screensaver scene. When to go: May is best for savings, and for securing the Galaxy Sanctuary, which offers a 270-degree wall-less view of the Pitons and Jade Mountain’s private beach.

North Island / Simon Upton
North Island
North Island, Seychelles
Of his stay here at this private island resort in the Seychelles, Islands contributing editor Bob Morris writes, “My wife and I were out for two hours, hiking with a naturalist from North Island. This was the honeymoon outpost for Great Britain’s Prince William and Kate. At this resort, the staff of 130 looks after a maximum of just 44 guests.”
Only here: Giant seeds (coco de mers) grow to resemble the human buttocks. When to go: May to November, when cooling trade winds kick in.

Aman Sveti Stefan, Montenegro
Shutterstock
Aman Sveti Stefan, Montenegro
Islands contributing editor Robin Cherry writes of her stay here on this tiny island off mainland Montenegro in Europe: “Inside my cottage at the highest part of the island, I rub the rustic walls, its stones hewn from the same ancient rock that makes up the island’s towers, walls and alleys. I look up. Nowhere have I seen a grotto-esque ceiling like this. I feel that I’m not just on the island but within it.”
Only here: Lord Byron, Princess Margaret, Sophia Lauren, Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor have all enjoyed this 3-acre island. When to go: June and September, when crowds (and clouds) are rare.

Mandarin Oriental Sanya
Mandarin Oriental Sanya, Hainan, China
Hainan Island is known as the Hawaii of China. From the skyline of Sanya to the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Hainan taps a Chinese migration to hit the beach and grab a board as more and more people come here to surf. That is, if you can pull yourself away from this ultra-romantic infinity pool.
Only here: In a nation where “we” always trumps “me,” locals are embracing the solo, rather self-indulgent sport of surfing. When to go: November through April offer dry air and mild temps. Avoid September, the rainy season’s peak.

Fowl Cay Resort
Fowl Cay Resort, Exumas, Bahamas
Several of our editors have flown in a small seaplane over the magical Exumas and landed near this private island escape. Yes, Johnny Depp’s own island is nearby. Yes, there are also swimming pigs nearby. But here in the Exumas, one of the most romantic getaways anywhere, Fowl Cay Resort makes you feel like the two of you are the only ones in the world.
Only here: Villas come with a boat, but no boat captain. That’s your job. Private picnics, castaway fantasies — anything is possible amid 365 cays and islands. When to go: Winter offers the best weather; June the best deals, though there’s a greater chance of rain.

Hermitage Bay
Hermitage Bay, Antigua
About his stay here, Islands contributing editor David Swanson wrote, “At the resort, I shared the secluded beach with just a handful of the 25-room resort’s guests. Rustic-chic ruled in my oversize room, inside a hillside cottage primped with Italian linens and built from sustainably harvested woods. My plunge pool spilled into the blue, and an enthusiastic growth of dense vines provided both shade and privacy.”
Only here: The 30-minute ride from the airport is largely on a private, rather unmaintained road. It’s what gives Hermitage Bay guests unrivaled privacy. When to go: As with most Caribbean destinations, May is a spectacular shoulder-season month to save and dodge the masses.

Courtesy Likuliku Lagoon Resort
Likuliku Lagoon Resort
Likuliku Lagoon Resort, Fiji
Arriving to Fiji’s only resort with overwater bungalows, Islands editor Eddy Patricelli writes, “Nobody is taking pictures. Our boat has steadied. Husbands and wives who once stood for a better view, leaned for a better photo, now sit beside one another, hands interlaced, cameras forgotten. A group of Fijians is singing to us on a tiny island nestled in a lagoon. They sing with reminders of a church choir, exuding warmth that carries an unspoken edict: This welcome is best shared with two eyes, two ears and someone you love.”
Only here: Music dominates daily life. So much so that an easy-to-pack box of guitar picks given to the Likuliku staff creates lifelong friends. When to go: May, June and October blend low rates and favorable weather. Fiji’s peak season is July through September (winter break for Aussies and Kiwis).

Courtesy Sandals LaSource Grenada
Sandals LaSource
Sandals LaSource, Grenada
Islands digital editor Steve Spears said this of Grenada’s newest resort: “Of the property’s 225 suites, 69 of them are butler suites, all of which involve a plunge pool of sorts. Here, meandering rivers, waterfalls and infinity pools mix with living space. And with nine restaurants on tap, the small set of portable wooden steps leading to your bed are necessary.”
Only here: Notions of an all-inclusive resort expand. Live shows, sailing lessons, and snorkeling and diving tours are included in the nightly rate (from $339 per person). When to go: Early December sees deals and sunny skies.

Courtesy Amangalla
Amangalla
Amangalla, Sri Lanka
Of his recent stay here, Islands contributing editor Nathan Myers wrote, “I wake up in the 17th century. Antique bed. Claw-foot bathtub. My room at the Amangalla Hotel in Galle may be only 100 years old, but the Dutch colonial fort just outside dates back much farther. One step out the door and I’m part of a living museum. Uncaptioned and inescapable.”
Only here: Elephants walk Sri Lanka’s sidewalks; stilt fishermen balance over the surf. When to go: November through April is the dry season for southwest Sri Lanka, where Amangalla resort is located.

Courtesy Cotton Tree
Cotton Tree
Cotton Tree, Grand Cayman
After her stay here, Islands editor Adrienne Egolf wrote, “Instead of a tiny cruise-ship cabin, we’re staying in a cozy cottage at a resort called Cotton Tree. A cottage on the beach! And instead of docking at bustling George Town, we’re situated on a secluded corner of the island’s northwest coast. Nobody’s looking at a watch.”
Only here: Cayman locals relate to certain fishes like dogs. That is, overfed dogs. Each day, tourists feed giant southern stingrays by hand at Stingray City. When to go: May offers the best deals and snorkeling conditions.

For many more romantic Islands in this article go to: http://www.islands.com/31-most-romantic-island-getaways