DEEPER LUXURY
Enchanting Escapes, Dreamy
Romance takes center stage when travel is crafted with intention—the hush of an adults-only retreat, the alluring edge of an infinity pool merging with the horizon, or the soft clink of champagne glasses on a candlelit terrace beneath the stars. These moments, rich with emotion, are not just experiences—they are the essence of shared intimacy, the foundation of a deeper connection. At HoteliersGuild, we celebrate this spirit by curating a collection of exceptional romantic retreats where love stories flourish.
Whether you’re drawn to the rustic charm of countryside estates in Provence, the dreamy allure of overwater bungalows in the Maldives, or the elegant seclusion of cliffside havens in Santorini, our carefully selected destinations promise to elevate your journey together. Among them, you’ll find not only member hotels from the HoteliersGuild but also a handpicked selection of the world’s most romantic sanctuaries. From grand gestures to quiet moments of intimacy, these spaces are designed to create memories that linger long after the journey ends.
Imagine strolling through Portofino’s picturesque harbor, sharing a private plunge pool overlooking the Aegean, or snorkeling hand in hand in crystalline waters. These destinations are more than a backdrop; they
Hideaways,
A HoteliersGuild and DEEPERLUXURY Guide
Words by Frank
Hideaways, Passionate Paradises
are the stage for your most meaningful escapes, perfect for celebrating an anniversary, a honeymoon, or simply the joy of being together.
At the heart of each of these retreats lies the promise of true romance: an invitation to explore, to take risks, and to create memories that weave seamlessly into your shared love story. Let HoteliersGuild’s curated collection guide you to those rare places where every moment feels like it was made just for you—and where your journey becomes a celebration of love in its most luxurious form.
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Guide of some of the Most Romantic Retreats
Frank M. Pfaller
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ROSEWOOD LE GUANAHANI
ST. BARTH
"Where turquoise waters meet timeless elegance, Rosewood Le Guanahani, with HoteliersGuild member Martein van Wagenberg at its helm, embodies the essence of romance and refined luxury. Nestled on a private peninsula in the heart of St. Barth’s, this exclusive retreat offers couples an intimate escape surrounded by lush tropical gardens, pristine beaches, and the sparkling Caribbean Sea. Each moment here is thoughtfully curated, from indulging in world-class dining under the stars to savoring a couples’ spa experience in the tranquil haven of Sense, A Rosewood Spa.
Rosewood Le Guanahani seamlessly aligns with our DEEPER LUXURY Romantic Collection, offering a sanctuary where love takes center stage. Private plunge pools, bespoke service, and elegantly designed suites invite couples to embrace serenity and intimacy. The resort’s breathtaking natural surroundings create a perfect backdrop for romance—whether strolling hand in hand along its secluded beaches, enjoying a sunset sail along the coastline, or simply reveling in the art of doing nothing together in a place where time slows down.
What truly sets this property apart is its dedication to personalized experiences, allowing guests to craft their own love story. From surprise beachfront dinners to curated island explorations, Rosewood Le Guanahani transforms simple moments into lifelong memories. Whether celebrating an anniversary, honeymoon, or simply the joy of being together, this exceptional retreat offers the ultimate destination for couples seeking to immerse themselves in love and luxury. It’s a place where every detail whispers romance, making it a natural fit for our DEEPER LUXURY ethos."
THE NAUTILUS | MALDIVES
The very essence of The Nautilus Maldives is romance rede exclusive private bungalows—some nestled along the pristine beachfront, others elegantly suspended over the crystal-clear lagoon—this exceptional retreat is the epitome of intimacy and seclusion. Each villa is thoughtfully designed with a private pool, a spacious living area, and a personal butler dedicated to curating your dream getaway, ensuring every detail is as unforgettable as your time together.
At The Nautilus, romance takes center stage in every experience. Imagine champagne served in bed as the sun rises, setting the tone for a day of bespoke indulgence. Set sail on a luxurious breakfast cruise aboard a private yacht, where turquoise waters stretch endlessly around you. Dive into the magic of the Maldives with an afternoon swim alongside graceful manta rays, or simply unwind together in your private sanctuary, where the world feels a million miles away.
Seamlessly aligning with our DEEPER LUXURY Romantic Collection
Nautilus offers a haven where the ordinary fades, leaving only space for connection, relaxation, and the creation of cherished memories. This one-of-akind destination is designed for couples seeking to escape into a world of unparalleled beauty and bespoke luxury, where every moment is infused with romance and intimacy. Whether it’s a honeymoon, an anniversary, or a spontaneous romantic escape, The Nautilus is your perfect setting to immerse yourselves in love, tranquility, and timeless indulgence.
SPLENDIDO - BELMOND
PORTOFINO
Perched high above Portofino’s shimmering bay, Splendido, A Belmond Hotel, transforms romance into an exquisite art form. Originally a Benedictine monastery, this iconic retreat has long been a magnet for legends like Elizabeth Taylor and Ava Gardner, who were drawn to its postcard-perfect vistas and effortless sophistication. Fresh from a meticulous multi-year renovation, Splendido now shines brighter than ever, with interiors bathed in soft pastels that echo the hues of the Ligurian coastline, and a stunning saltwater pool that mirrors the endless blue of the sea.
Every moment at Splendido is steeped in romance. Couples can sip spritzes at the renowned La Terrazza, where breathtaking views stretch across the bay, or meander down the winding paths to Portofino’s charming piazzetta, hand in hand. Begin your mornings with the gentle birdsong and the golden glow of sunrise over the cliffs, setting the tone for a day filled with love and discovery. Whether relaxing in the lush gardens, indulging in world-class Italian cuisine, or soaking up the glamour of this historic retreat, every experience is as timeless as the hotel itself.
Seamlessly aligned with our DEEPER LUXURY Romantic Collection, Splendido offers couples the perfect blend of history, elegance, and intimacy. It’s a sanctuary where love thrives amidst the beauty of the Italian Riviera, making it an unparalleled destination for honeymoons, anniversaries, or simply a romantic escape. Splendido isn’t just a hotel; it’s a dream brought to life, where every detail whispers of love and luxury.
Angama Mara | Kenya
Suspended high above the vast plains of the Maasai Mara, Angama Mara is a love letter to romance in the wild. This breathtaking retreat, inspired by the legendary landscapes of Out of Africa, offers couples an intimate escape where nature and luxury blend seamlessly. With its glass-fronted suites floating above the savannah, each moment here is framed by endless horizons, golden sunsets, and the gentle spectacle of wildlife roaming below.
Angama Mara redefines the safari experience with an unmistakable touch of romance. Imagine waking to a pink-hued dawn, sipping coffee on your private deck as hot air balloons drift silently overhead. Embark on an unforgettable game drive, where lions, elephants, and cheetahs move through the golden grass, or let the day slip away with a private picnic atop Out of Africa’s famed escarpment— one of the most cinematic settings in the world. As night falls, candlelit dinners under the vast African sky set the scene for love, with nothing but the sounds of the wilderness as your soundtrack.
A natural fit for our DEEPER LUXURY Romantic Collection, Angama Mara offers couples an extraordinary mix of adventure and seclusion, where romance thrives in the embrace of Africa’s untamed beauty. Whether celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary, or simply seeking a soulful escape, this iconic retreat invites you to write your own love story—one where luxury, nature, and intimacy come together in the most unforgettable way.
Perivolas Lifestyle Houses Greece
Perched on the dramatic cliffs of Santorini, Perivolas Lifestyle Houses is the very essence of romance—an intimate, whitewashed sanctuary where time slows, and love takes center stage. Carved into the volcanic rock, this secluded retreat blends traditional Cycladic charm with effortless luxury, offering couples a dreamlike escape where the blue-domed skyline melts seamlessly into the endless Aegean. With its signature infinity pool spilling into the horizon and minimalist cave suites bathed in soft, natural light, Perivolas is a place where romance is not just experienced—it is felt in every breathtaking moment.
At Perivolas, couples can indulge in the ultimate Grecian love story. Wake to panoramic sea views from your private terrace, enjoy a leisurely breakfast of fresh fi gs and honey under the warm Mediterranean sun, and explore Santorini’s winding alleys hand in hand. By day, sail across the caldera on a private catamaran, discovering hidden beaches and ancient ruins. As the golden hour bathes the island in its legendary glow, unwind in a candlelit plunge pool or savor an intimate dinner with nothing but the stars and the sea as your witnesses.
A seamless addition to our DEEPER LUXURY Romantic Collection, Perivolas is designed for lovers who seek both serenity and passion, wrapped in the timeless beauty of Greece. Whether celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary, or a spontaneous getaway, this cliffside haven is a place where love lingers long after the journey ends, etched into the heart like a Santorini sunset.
PASSALAQUA - LAGO DI COMO
ITLAY
Hidden on the serene shores of Lake Como, Passalacqua is a masterpiece of romance, elegance, and timeless Italian hospitality. Owned by our esteemed Academy of Hospitality Arts member Valentina De Santis, this enchanting villa —once home to Napoleon and Bellini—offers an intimate escape where history, beauty, and love intertwine. A celebration of la dolce vita, every detail here whispers romance, from the frescoed ceilings and antique chandeliers to the lush terraced gardens cascading down to the shimmering lake.
At Passalacqua, romance unfolds effortlessly. Start your morning with an alfresco breakfast overlooking the water, where the gentle lapping of the lake sets a soothing rhythm. Spend sun-kissed afternoons lounging by the grand in pool, stealing moments of bliss in the rose-scented gardens, or gliding across the lake on a private Riva boat. As dusk falls, dine under the stars on the terrace, where the glow of candlelight and the melody of Italian music create an ambiance straight from a love story.
A perfect jewel in our DEEPER LUXURY Romantic Collection, Passalacqua is not just a hotel—it is an invitation to experience the very essence of romance, re through centuries of impeccable Italian craftsmanship. Whether celebrating an anniversary, a honeymoon, or a spontaneous escape, this lakeside sanctuary offers couples an unparalleled retreat, where time slows, love deepens, and every moment feels destined to be cherished forever.
THE TWELVE APOSTLES HOTEL AND SPA | CAPE TOWN
Dramatically poised between the rugged Twelve Apostles Mountain Range and the endless expanse of the Atlantic Ocean, The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa is a love letter to romance, adventure, and timeless elegance. Owned by our esteemed HoteliersGuild Ambassadors, the Tollman family, this iconic Cape Town retreat offers couples an intimate escape where dramatic landscapes, worldclass hospitality, and breathtaking sunsets create the perfect setting for love to flourish.
At The Twelve Apostles, every experience is designed to inspire romance. Start your morning with a champagne breakfast on your private balcony, where the ocean stretches endlessly before you. Spend the day exploring nearby Table Mountain or taking a scenic drive along Chapman’s Peak, before retreating to the award-winning Azure Restaurant, where candlelit dinners unfold against a backdrop of fiery African sunsets. For the ultimate indulgence, escape to the Sanctuary Spa, where couples’ massages and saltwater hydrotherapy pools invite you to unwind in total serenity. And as night falls, sink into plush luxury in your suite, lulled to sleep by the gentle crash of waves below.
A jewel in our DEEPER LUXURY Romantic Collection, The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa is more than just a destination—it’s a celebration of love, set against one of the most spectacular natural landscapes in the world. Whether you’re toasting to a honeymoon, an anniversary, or simply the joy of being together, this breathtaking retreat offers an unforgettable blend of adventure, seclusion, and pure indulgence, where every moment is crafted with romance in mind.
COMO Shambhala Estate | Bali
Tucked deep within the lush jungles of Ubud, COMO Shambhala Estate is a sanctuary where romance and wellbeing intertwine, offering couples an intimate escape into Bali’s most serene and transformative retreat. Hidden among sacred springs and dense tropical greenery, this wellness haven elevates romance to a soulful experience, where love is nurtured alongside mind, body, and spirit. From its tranquil villas with infinity pools overlooking the Ayung River to immersive spa rituals inspired by ancient Balinese healing, every moment here is designed for deep connection and rejuvenation.
At COMO Shambhala Estate, couples can embark on a journey of love and selfdiscovery. Wake to the sound of birdsong and mist rising over the jungle canopy, followed by sunrise yoga on an open-air pavilion. Spend your days indulging in couples’ massages, soaking in natural spring pools, or trekking through rice paddies hand in hand. Nourish your body with plant-based gourmet dining, and as dusk settles, retreat to your private villa, where candlelit baths and the rhythmic whispers of the forest set the perfect mood for intimacy.
A harmonious addition to our DEEPER LUXURY Romantic Collection, COMO Shambhala Estate is more than a romantic getaway—it is an invitation to reconnect, to slow down, and to experience love in its purest, most holistic form. Whether celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary, or simply seeking a restorative escape together, this Balinese paradise offers an unparalleled journey into romance, wellness, and ultimate tranquility.
HOTEL MOTTO - VIENNA AUSTRIA
Nestled in the heart of Vienna, Hotel Motto is more than just a place to stay—it is a feeling, a mood, a love letter to the golden age of travel, where Art Deco elegance meets contemporary intimacy. Inspired by the vibrant spirit of 1920s Paris and infused with the timeless sophistication of Vienna, this boutique retreat redefines romance with an effortlessly stylish charm. From the moment couples step through its doors, they are enveloped in an ambiance that is both nostalgic and avant-garde, where every corner tells a story and every experience ignites emotion.
At Hotel Motto, love is celebrated in its most refined and carefree form. Picture waking up to a rosé champagne breakfast in bed, the soft morning light filtering through your elegant suite. Spend the day wandering hand in hand through Vienna’s enchanting streets, discovering historic cafés, grand palaces, and secret corners of the city’s creative soul. As the sun sets, retreat to the hotel’s rooftop sanctuary, Chez Bernard, where a candlelit dinner under the starssets the scene for an unforgettable evening of whispered conversations and indulgent flavors.
As part of our February DEEPERLUXURY Romantic Collection, Hotel Motto offers couples not just a getaway, but an immersion into a world where time slows, passion is rekindled, and love is celebrated with an effortless sophistication. Because at the heart of luxury is emotion—and in Vienna’s most effortlessly chic retreat, love is always in the air.
FORESTIS | ITALY
FORESTIS is a sanctuary of silence, seclusion, and soul-stirring romance, set high in the Dolomites, where crisp alpine air and panoramic mountain views create an ethereal escape for two. This exclusive retreat is a place where love is nurtured through nature’s purity—where time slows, and each moment is infused with tranquility, elegance, and the healing power of the surrounding forests. Built upon the principles of water, air, sun, and wood, FORESTIS offers a rare kind of intimacy, blending minimalist design with deep-rooted wellness traditions to create an atmosphere of absolute serenity.
At FORESTIS, romance is found in the simplest yet most profound experiences. Wake to sunrise breaking over the peaks, as golden light fills your sleek, woodclad suite. Indulge in holistic treatments inspired by ancient Celtic rituals at the FORESTIS Spa, where couples’ massages and hot stone therapy reconnect body and soul. Explore the breathtaking landscape on a snowshoeing adventure in winter, or hike hand in hand through whispering pine forests in the summer. As dusk settles, sink into a candlelit bath with views of the mountains before savoring a forest-to-table dining experience that celebrates the flavors of South Tyrol.
A perfect addition to our DEEPER LUXURY Romantic Collection, FORESTIS is more than a retreat—it is a journey into intimacy, stillness, and the profound beauty of the natural world. Whether celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary, or seeking a restorative escape together, this hidden gem in the Dolomites offers a sanctuary where love is free to breathe, flourish, and deepen in the most exquisite way.
"
EMOTION IS TODAY'S TRUE LUXURY "
In my many years as an independent luxury hotelier, I have come to understand that true luxury is not defined by opulence alone—it is measured by the depth of feeling a place evokes. The world’s most extraordinary romantic hotels do not simply offer five-star service; they create moments that linger in the heart, crafting experiences that touch the soul and leave an imprint long after departure.
From the secluded, overwater serenity of The Nautilus Maldives to the cinematic grandeur of Splendido, A Belmond Hotel in Portofino, from the untamed magic of Angama Mara to the stillness of the Dolomites at FORESTIS, each of these destinations is a stage for emotion. They are places where love deepens over candlelit dinners by the sea, where whispered conversations take place under
ancient olive trees, and where the simple act of watching the sunset together becomes a treasured memory.
As part of our DEEPERLUXURY RomanticCollection, these hotels go beyond aesthetics and impeccable service—they cultivate emotion, the ultimate luxury of our time. They invite couples to slow down, to rediscover one another, to savor the joy of being present. Whether celebrating a special event, or a spontaneous escape, these sanctuaries are designed for those who seek not just a destination, but a feeling. Because in the end, the most exquisite luxury is not what you own, but what you feel—and these romantic retreats are where the most beautiful emotions unfold.
Frank M . Pfaller
IMPRESSUM
Title: DEEPERLUXURY
Collated by: CHCCoutureHospitalityConcept In Collaboration with: HoteliersGuild
Publisher: CHC Publishing Editorial Coordination: Frank M. Pfaller
Year of Publication: Feb. 2025
Contact: info@HoteliersGuild.com
Websites: www.HoteliersGuild.com
www.SelectedHotels.biz
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from the publisher. The content reflects the editorial perspective of the authors and contributors.
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