Travel

5romantic

No kids allowed! Relax and take in the picturesque views from adults-only The Rocks on Vomo Island.

Travel Lifestyle Director Penny Lewis

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ISSUE

It’s always great to escape for some quality couple time. Here are some blissful places to connect –or reconnect –with your significant other.

1Fiji With a flight time of three hours, Kiwis have always loved heading to Fiji, whether it’s for family fun or romance. The demand for hotels and flights increased 55% between 2018 and 2019, according to Expedia. If you’re looking to have a really special experience, fly on a Fiji Airways’ new A350 to Nadi and catch an Island Hoppers’ chopper to amazing Vomo Island. Kiwi pilot Steve is originally from near Waitomo and his previous job was cattle mustering in Western Australia. Vomo is not an adults-only island (it has a great kids’ club), but it has a fantastic adults-only bar, restaurant and pool area called The Rocks. Its executive chef Michael Fosbender is from Christchurch, and his food is some of the best you’re ever likely to taste, especially in a resort. It’s a special treat and you’ll need to save up or win Lotto to stay here, but you won’t regret it for a moment –especially as you relax with a couple’s massage at Vomo’s Kui Spa. 2 Aitutaki Love the Cook Islands but never travelled beyond Rarotonga? The island of Aitutaki is a 50-minute flight from Raro and is so beautiful –and relaxed –that romance is a natural by-product of spending time there. Pacific Resort Aitutaki is five-star accommodation with gorgeous, private beachside bures. The staff will even set up a romantic private dinner for you on the beach, complete with candles, scattered flowers and a billowing white canopy. Another option is the picturesque adults-only Aitutaki La goon Private Island Resort, which has direct access to the lagoon. 3 Rome Known as the Eternal City, Rome is a spectacular place to wander around on romantic walks, provided you don’t get too caught up in the tourist hordes near the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps. Besides its breathtaking ancient buildings and ruins, Rome is a vibrant city full of modern-day Romans who are proud of their home and its heritage. For a fab dinner away from touristy restaurants, head to the formerly blue-collar now edgy neighbourhood Testaccio, and for a place to stay, try the cool bohemian area of Trastevere. It’s an easy walk to the major tourist hubs, but without the crowds. 4 Paris No list of romantic places is complete without the City of Light. Its boulevards, famous sites and just, well, Frenchness, make it a heady place to spend time. Like many popular tourist hotspots, the crowds can feel overwhelming, but there are lots of quiet and chic little spots to escape to –check out the Le Marais district. Just don’t wear date-night heels as you try to enjoy a romantic stroll along the uneven surfaces of the cobbled streets! 5 Raglan This West Coast surfie hub is just two hours’ drive south of Auckland. Raglan Rural Retreat Luxury Camping is a 10-minute drive from town and can be booked via Airbnb. You’re in the countryside, complete with neighbouring llamas and ducks, but there’s great coffee a short walk down the road at Te Uku Roast Office, housed, as you might guess, in a former post office. The retreat has two glamping tents to choose from –each with its own spa pool and fire pit. It’s a charming spot and you’ll enjoy the friendly but unobtrusive Kiwi hospitality of hosts Brenda and Bruce. In Raglan itself there’s a multitude of great places to eat –sit outside on bean bags under a shade tent and savour the delicious fare at Aroha Sushi, followed by an ice cream or drink at George’s Beach Club. My husband and I share a private romantic meal on the beach in Aitutaki.

Get a taste of Italy with a dinner date in Rome’s hip Trastevere district.

An eyeful of Eiffel! Toast the City of Love and enjoy a picnic in front of the iconic tower.