For couples who want to get away from it all, there are special places that cater to those who want maximum privacy. These resorts offer the rare opportunity to unplug from a busy world and connect with a loved one on a more intimate level. From a private island in the Maldives to Francis Ford Coppola’s jungle retreat, these seven private getaways are the perfect romantic destinations for partners seeking solitude.
Balinese Paradise
Enjoy the royal treatment at The Laguna, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Nusa Dua, Bali, located on the remote white-sand beaches of Nusa Dua in southern Indonesia. The contemporary property, which offers accommodations in the form of guestrooms, private suites and villas, is centered around seven landscaped lagoons and pools and even has a “secret garden.” Indulge in a holistic treatment at Lagoon Spa, then enjoy a private meal in the wine cellar of the on-site Cornerstone restaurant. Perks include private check-in, 24-hour butler service, complimentary roundtrip airport transfer, a dedicated beach area and reservable sun beds.
www.thelagunabali.com
Coppola’s Compound
Blancaneaux Lodge was used as a private retreat for filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola and his family from 1981 until 1993, when he officially opened it to the public. Nestled amidst the 107,000-acre Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve in western Belize, the 20-room luxury resort is surrounded by dense jungle, steep ravines, waterfalls and flowing rivers and is home to several endangered species. Coppola’s former villa is also available to stay in and is decorated with his personal art, photos and antiques. The lodge is about a two-hour drive from Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport, or guests can land on the Blancaneaux airstrip via a charter flight or helicopter.
www.thefamilycoppolaresorts.com
Desert Oasis
Experience the Arabian island life at Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Yamm Villa Resort on Abu Dhabi’s Sir Bani Yas Island. Inspired by the "barasti" huts of the early fisherman who lived on the island, the property’s villas feature rustic details, wood beams and local decorative flair. The private accommodations are located directly on the sand and are steps away from a lush saltwater lagoon famous for its friendly flamingoes. Amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi access, individually controlled air-conditioning and private plunge pools for select villas.
www.anantara.com
Lakeside Luxury
Just seven minutes away from Queenstown, New Zealand, Matakauri Lodge sits peacefully along the edge of Lake Wakatipu. The Main Lodge offers 12 guestrooms and suites, each with its own private porch and open fireplace. Couples vacationing in groups of up to eight people can stay together in the Owner’s Cottage — a freestanding residence with four suites, a grand courtyard, a lounge and a private hot tub. Panoramic views of the forest and lake can be enjoyed from throughout the property, including from the spa and fitness center.
www.matakaurilodge.com
Middle of the Pacific
Journey to Explora Rapa Nui, a 30-room hotel on Easter Island — the most remote inhabited island on the planet. Rooms are not equipped with televisions or Wi-Fi access, allowing guests to take advantage of the privacy and silence of the surrounding environment. Couples can choose from adventurous outdoor activities such as hikes, horseback rides, boat trips and bike rides to archaeological remains, volcanoes and beaches.
www.explora.com
Private Island
Enjoy 180-degree views from one of 50 private villas on a 13-acre island in the Maldives. Every villa at Milaidhoo Island, Maldives comes with a private fresh-water swimming pool, a wine fridge and an island host to tend to guests’ requests.
Accessible by a scenic 35-minute seaplane flight, the private island offers guests access to Hanifaru Bay — a Marine Protected Area with some of the best snorkeling and diving in the world. Milaidhoo Island has three restaurants, two bars and a spa that offers custom treatments and complimentary yoga and meditation classes.
www.milaidhoo.com
Wilderness Escape
Located in the middle of British Columbia’s Great Bear Rainforest, Nimmo Bay Resort offers twosomes the unique opportunity to connect in an adventurous setting. Guests can stay in intertidal cabins that allow them to experience the rise and fall of the tide beneath them, or in streamside cabins located near a waterfall. Daily activities include kayaking, bear watching, fly-fishing lessons and hiking. Lovebirds can choose the Couple’s Getaway package and add on a helicopter day trip that includes lunch for two on top of a 6,000-year-old glacier.
www.nimmobay.com