Unwind in a tropical Thai paradise

It’s not every holiday you get to dine inside a fairy-tale ‘grotto’ on the beach and swim in a lagoon pool beneath towering limestone karsts. Secluded between dramatic cliffs, coconut groves and the emerald-green Andaman Sea on a peninsula that can only be reached by boat, Rayavadee in Krabi is a one-of-a-kind resort.

Sensitively designed to fit in with its spectacular setting, the pavilion-like accommodation is dotted throughout the lush grounds in the style of a Thai village. Romance comes easy thanks to enchanting restaurant setups, couple’s spa treatments and spellbinding sunsets, while activities focus on the otherworldly outdoors with rock climbing, snorkelling, island-hopping and the must-do Railay Viewpoint Hike.

A spa sanctuary on the Andaman Sea

Backed by the lush jungle of Dragon Crest National Park and with views out across the Andaman Sea to the limestone karst islands that rise out of Phang Nga Bay, there’s no such thing as a bad angle at Banyan Tree Krabi

Banyan Tree’s spas are legendary and this resort’s tranquil and ultra-modern wellness retreat, The Rainforest, is up there with the best. It’s like its own resort, with a hydrotherapy circuit including hot and cold outdoor plunge pools, a rain walk, sauna and ice fountain. Honeymoon dinners don’t come more romantic than at the resort’s Bird’s Nest restaurant, where private pods are perched on platforms in the treetops peeping out to the glittering sea.

Get VIP treatment(s) in Cyprus

Grab your tiara because Anassa – the Greek word for Queen – is a honeymoon-worthy hotel where you’ll get the royal treatment. This Leading Hotel of the World has whispers of Grecian glamour in every corner, from the residences named after Greek Gods and Goddesses to the award-winning Romanesque spa with its thalassotherapy pools.

In the chic dining venues, flavours are as fresh and local as they come. Highlights include Helios, the upscale restaurant with al fresco dining under olive trees, and the candlelit cavern Basiliko where executive chef David Goodridge dishes up seafood dishes like Alaskan king crab and kombu-cured seabass. Head to the sea-facing Armonia Bar at sunset for Cypriot tipples and watch the sky light up in fiery hues over the Akamas mountains.

Water Villa goals

Dining by candlelight to the soundtrack of waves, diving into rainbow reefs and retreating to a dreamy villa over the water: the Maldives is the ultimate start to married life. Many islands feature those sought-after villas on stilts above the ocean, but the Water Pool Villas at swish Milaidhoo Maldives are something else. These huge hideaways feature a curved infinity pool, a plush daybed and a huge deck with steps leading to the sparkling lagoon.

This is the perfect peaceful island for a grown-up getaway, where your days can be spent tucking into incredible food (the creamy lobster curry is a must-try), enjoying total privacy and appreciating authentic barefoot luxury.

TOP TIP: If you can bear to leave your villa, add on the ‘Sleeping Under the Stars’ experience. Your butler will serve up a four-course meal on a secluded sandbank before you cosy up on a canopied bed to doze off under a blanket of stars.

Hang with the Hollywood set

Search ‘celebs in Barbados’ and you’ll scroll through photos of A-listers papped in front of Sandy Lane ’s iconic pink sun loungers. This world-famous hotel on the island’s ‘Platinum Coast’ is the most exclusive address in the Caribbean. It’s good enough for The Beckhams, Vera Wang and Hugh Grant… and rumour has it that Jay-Z even popped the question to Beyoncé on the beach.

You’re in for the VIP treatment, too – Sandy Lane’s service is next level, although in true Bajan style, it’s refreshingly unstuffy. Sip cognacs with the high rollers in the Monkey Bar, work your way through a menu of delicious desserts at the indulgent Sunday brunch and unwind in the spa’s hydrotherapy pools.

TOP TIP: Book the romance package and you’ll get a load of goodies included, such as a bottle of Champagne and chocolate-dipped gold-leaf strawberries, a couple’s massage and a turtle trip for two.

The best in barefoot luxury

Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa is barefoot luxury at its best. From the moment you arrive at this sustainably savvy island, you’ll kick off your shoes and feel a wave of zen wash over you. Surrounded by a beautiful 100-hectare lagoon, you can happily spend your time here snorkelling with tropical fish, dining by the water’s edge and gazing out to the Indian Ocean from your villa’s private deck.

Although it just opened in 2022, Emerald Faarufushi is already scoring high on TripAdvisor; guests rave about the sleek villas, above-and-beyond service and deluxe all-inclusive package. The resort champions excellent international food, demonstrated in the diversity and quality of its restaurants such as the churrasco-style barbecue at Carnivorous, where you can tuck into sizzling steaks, and the Beach Club Grill for boat-fresh seafood.

TOP TIP: Combine Emerald Faarufushi with its cool sister resort Emerald Maldives for an idyllic twin-centre escape.

Up the romance in seductive Santorini

Backdrops don’t come much more romantic than Santorini’s tumbling white-washed towns, dramatic caldera and glittering Aegean Sea. Mystique, A Luxury Collection Hotel is the cream of the Cycladic crop and its whole vibe depicts the enchanting feel of the island. Expect cave-like suites, infinite seascapes and superb dining – the secret wine cave that’s over 150 years old will become your new favourite spot.

Wake up to a money-shot sunrise from your private terrace, take a dip in the infinity-edged pool and head out for adventures wandering in the shadows of Oia’s blue domes, climbing a volcano or cantering across black-sand beaches on horseback.

Next-level luxury at Dubai’s slick new showstopper

Atlantis The Royal’s star-studded grand opening party was the event of 2023, with over 1000 celebs celebrating in serious style as Queen Bey brought the house down. This shiny new ultra-luxe resort is the sister of world-famous Atlantis

The Palm and it’s set to become every bit as iconic.

Let’s start with the architecture: bold Tetris-style blocks that seem to defy gravity and add a new dimension to Dubai’s dazzling skyline. Then there’s the entertainment. With highenergy nightlife venues plus a guests-only rooftop infinity pool lounge ft. DJ sets, VIP cabanas and knock-out views, this is a place where the good times roll.

You’ll also get to eat at some of the finest restaurants in the world, like Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, where historical British cuisine is plated with playful twists, and Nobu by the Beach for innovative Japanese-Peruvian dishes. Sleep it all off in a spacious suite – bag a Sky Pool Villa Suite to swim in your own soaring glass infinity pool.