The world is for lovers, and to this end we traversed the globe to discover the most sumptuous stays, luxurious lodgings and romantic Relaix, guaranteed to entice couples to while away their days and nights in blissful, romantic happiness.

___________________________
UNITED STATES

Massachusetts
Wheatleigh
www.wheatleigh.com

Built in 1893 in the grand European tradition, Wheatleigh is an especially refined country house hotel. Here, on 22 acres of parklands originally designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, this award-winning property occupies a bucolic knoll overlooking the Massachusetts Berkshires and a lovely lake. Its nineteen rooms and suites feature antiques and architectural furnishings with original, museum quality contemporary art. For an ultimate sense of romance, tuck yourselves away in the Aviary tree house suite where a glass enclosed circular staircase nestles in the branches of a century-old Norway spruce.

___________________________
BRAZIL

Manaus
Ariau Amazon Towers Hotel
www.ariauamazontowers.com

At the confluence of Ariau Creek and the roiling Rio Negro, Ariau Amazon Towers Hotel is built entirely at the level of the rainforest canopy. This singular property, featuring aerial towers linked by miles of wooden catwalks, affords guests unique communion with the rainforest's abundant flora and fauna while it leaves the fragile eco-system completely undisturbed. The two of you can get cozy inside Tarzan's suite, set atop a castanheira tree approximately 80 feet above ground. Your totally private aerie beckons with the sensation of intimacy and adventure.

___________________________
CARIBBEAN

Anguilla
CuisinArt Resort on Anguilla
www.cuisinartresort.com

Inspired by the iconic architecture of the Greek island of Mykonos, the CuisinArt Resort exudes an ambiance of relaxation, which is furthered by the island tunes reverberating throughout the property. With its beautiful whitewashed villas and lush foliage, the resort offers the type of setting that even the most discriminating couples are searching for. Designed as a showcase for the natural marriage of cuisine and art, the property does indeed live up to its name—offering some of the finest dining in the Caribbean as well as an impressive collection of fine art throughout the grounds.

___________________________
FRANCE

Paris
Ritz Paris
www.ritzparis.com

The world’s most famous hotel entered the 21st century with the latest in technology yet with the same character that won the Ritz its reputation. Even if nowadays you can make a telephone call without leaving your marble bath (Charles Ritz was the first to provide private facilities for his clients), nothing has altered the pleasure of being enveloped by an atmosphere so luxurious that a word (“ritzy”) for it had to be coined. The Cambon Bar, a Champagne bar with a private entrance, is the newest addition to the hotel—which already boasts the Ritz Club, the Hemingway Bar and the Vendôme Bar.

___________________________
INDIA

Shimla
Wildflower Hall in the Himalayas
www.oberoiwildflowerhall.com

Wildflower Hall characterizes itself as a fairytale luxury resort, and indeed this former residence of a British Lord is an enchanting place—high in the Himalayas on 23 acres of virgin woods. Settle into a Deluxe Suite, with a separate living room and fireplace, featuring teak floors, hand-knotted rugs and rich furnishings that reflect the property’s colonial heritage. The views of the mountains and valleys are stunning, and The Oberoi Spa by Banyan Tree invites holistic healing. You’ll definitely be reinvigorated in this tranquil woodland setting, which should fan the flames of ardor.

___________________________
IRELAND

County Wicklow
The Ritz-Carlton, Powerscourt
www.ritz-carlton.com

Opened in October 2007, The Ritz-Carlton Powerscourt is now a major romantic draw for those wishing to discover the charms of the Emerald Isle. The hotel is located in the middle of Powerscourt Gardens, a premier attraction. Close to the hustle and bustle of nearby Dublin, yet situated in the heart of the scenic Wicklow Countryside, this is the perfect romantic escape for those who love both city living and country chic. The seven-story hotel is Georgian-influenced, with an ornate lobby with panoramic views of the gardens and Sugarloaf Mountain. Suites feature relaxing, muted cream and green schemes with floor-to-ceiling windows. And to top off your romantic stay, be sure to play a round of golf on one of the two championship golf courses, have a pint at McGill’s authentic Irish pub in the heart of the hotel and a meal at celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay’s first-ever Irish restaurant in Ireland, also situated in the hotel.

___________________________
ITALY

Venice
Hotel Cipriani
www.hotelcipriani.com

Romance seekers flock to this luxurious hotel situated on 3.5 acres at the tip of the Island of Giudecca. Here, you’ll be waited on hand and foot at either the main hotel or the Palazzo aka the Palace Vendramin. With personalized service, access to the Olympic-sized swimming pool (the only one in the whole of Venice), and the private Italian garden complete with a Jacuzzi set within a fountain, you’ll have no trouble adapting to the royal treatment you’re bound to receive in the city that welcomes lovers. Luxurious accommodations, sumptuous dining options and a trip to the hotel’s Casanova Beauty & Wellness Center—named after the world’s greatest lover of all time who according to local legend held his clandestine trysts in the blooming gardens of the hotel—are all you’ll need to set the scene for a memorable romantic vacation.

___________________________
MEXICO

Riviera Maya
Rosewood Mayakoba
www.rosewoodmayakoba.com

What could be more romantic than traversing your resort on boats through lush waterways?  Well, that’s exactly what you’ll find at the Rosewood Mayakoba, Riviera Maya, just 30 minutes south of Cancun, but in a secluded jungle. The entire resort is built on a network of lagoons and the Caribbean Sea, where you’ll become one with the native herons, cormorants and manatees. Stroll or cycle through the surrounding trails to the national parks or ancient Mayan ruins. Swim or snorkel in the Cenotes of the Yucatan or play a round of golf on the 18-hole Greg Norman-designed course. Whether you indulge in water sports, horseback riding or take a trip to Mayan ruins, this 1,600 acre luxury resort with its 128 suites and private-island spa, is bound to bring out the romantic in you.

___________________________
NEW ZEALAND

North Island
Wharekauhau
www.wharekauhau.co.nz

Set in secluded beauty on the southern tip of New Zealand’s North Island, this 5000-acre working sheep station overlooks the spectacular Palliser Bay. Wharekauhau (pronounced “for-e-ko-ho”) invites romantic renewal in one of its self-contained cottages—complete with a four-poster bed and full bar—that are scattered throughout the estate. During the day, hop a helicopter for a tasting at a local winery or for 18 holes at the nearby championship Paraparaumu Golf Course. Come evening, indulge with four-course gourmet dining on a rich seasonal menu.

___________________________
SOUTH AFRICA

Hermanus
The Marine Hermanus
www.marine-hermanus.co.za

Atop the cliffs of Hermanus, about an hour east of Cape Town, The Marine Hermanus boasts one of the most spectacular seascapes in the southern hemisphere. Treat yourselves to one of its 43 sophisticated, traditionally styled guest rooms or suites with eye-popping ocean views, and then set the mood with a private candlelit dinner complemented by a fine South African wine. In the hotel’s tidal pool, enjoy a bracing swim that puts you up close to the gentle giants of this renowned whale watching locale. Here, you’ll truly feel like the only two people on Earth.