Kisspiration: 7 romantic getaways you need in your (love) life

Whether you’re new lovebirds or old flames, every couple needs (and deserves!) some special ‘us’ time. Make it happen with one of these romantic getaway ideas.

THE ISLAND ESCAPE

Shimmering white sand, sparkling turquoise water, sneaky midday cocktails – yeah, we’re feeling the love already. Tropical islands feel like they’re made for lurve, so why not share one with your special someone? Head to Bali for a quickie (trip, that is), Ko Phi Phi for laidback island hopping, or Bora Bora if you’re feeling seriously indulgent. We love Le Meridien Bora Bora for its private beach (fancy!) and overwater bungalows with glass floors (because there’s no getting tired of that gorgeous water).

THE NATURAL LOVE NEST

Sometimes you and bae (yep, I’m saying it. No, I will not apologise) need some quality time together, away from the distractions of overflowing inboxes and beeping phone notifications. And if that “sometimes” is now, you need an unplugged couple’s getaway, stat! Check out Byron Bay, the Blue Mountains, or the Gold Coast Hinterland for gorgeous scenery, charming B&Bs, and heaps of outdoor activities. Pro tip: If you really need help unplugging, opt for a deal that doesn’t include free Wi-Fi… but only if you think you can handle it.

THE GOURMET GETAWAY

If you and your partner’s three great loves are food, wine, and each other (possibly in that order), a foodie couple’s getaway is a no-brainer. So it’s a good thing we’ve got a degustation’s worth of delicious destinations right here in Oz. Head to the Hunter Valley for a gourmet escape just two hours from the beach (two holidays for the price of one), the Yarra Valley for sunrise hot air balloon rides, complete with champagne breakfast, or the Barossa for hardcore wine appreciation and some of the world’s best Shiraz.

THE LUXURY LOVE FEST

Champagne room service. In-room massages. Accommodation so glam you’ll never want to leave. Oz is home to some seriously decadent stays, so take your pick from any of your fave destinations. Check out the QT Sydney for funky ‘30s Hollywood vibes and an awesome on-site spa, The Langham in Melbourne for old-world charm and a lobby that’ll make you feel like royalty, or Avalon Coastal Retreat on the East Coast of Tassie for magic views and your own private beach.

THE MOVIE MOMENT

Everyone’s got a favourite smoochy movie moment (even if we don’t admit it). But you know what that scene is missing? You and your sweetie! So it’s up to you to recreate it, possibly with a better ending. Head to Morocco to rewrite Casablanca, Seattle for Sleepless in Seattle, or Paris for Midnight in Paris… or Amelie… or An American in Paris… or Moulin Rouge… or Last Tango in Paris… or The Phantom of the Opera… or The Devil Wears Prada… or pretty much any other ‘romantic’ movie you can think of. What can we say? Paris knows love!

Pro tip: The views from the Eiffel Tower are gorgeous and definitely worth the effort, but the ticket and admission queues can be crazy (sometimes two hours or more in July and August). Book tickets online to skip the first line, or join a tour to skip both.

THE RELAXED ROMANCE

It’s hard to feel the love when you’ve got a knot in your back that’s the size of your to-do list. But a spa weekend with your sweetie will help you ditch the stress and remind you why you’re the world’s best couple (hint: It’s ‘cause you’re both awesome). Check out Daylesford for natural mineral springs or Queenstown if you like your spa breaks with a side of bungee jumping (who doesn’t?). For a really dirty weekend, head to Rotorua and Hells Gate’s steaming, bubbling mud pools. The mineral-rich mud will open your pores and smooth your skin, leaving you feeling clean and refreshed (after you’ve had a quick shower). But mostly it’s just a great excuse to rub slime on your partner 😛

THE ADVENTUROUS AMORE

Hey, romance isn’t all chocolates and flowers. Add a little excitement (and a lot of memories) to your relationship with an adventure holiday. Head to Alaska to ride on a dog sled (heads up – they’re fast), Siem Reap to explore the Temples of Angkor, or Uluru to see Australia’s most incredible sunrises and sunsets. Compare your bucket lists to pick a destination, or, if you’re really brave, take turns planning trips and keep the destination a secret until you get to the airport (‘though you should probably give your partner some hints on what to pack, unless you want to see them snorkel in ski gear).