For true romantics on Valentine’s Day keen on moving away from the clichéd, it’s best to think outside the circle. You want to think beyond a box of chocolates or the flowers and a Hallmark card.
Bearing this in mind, the truly romantic adventurers should think of a tropical island getaway and there are few destinations as magical (and as convenient) as the tropical paradises of Bali and the Gili Islands just off Lombok in Indonesia.
We’ve scoured these steamy isles to bring you a few out-of- the-box couples’ escape ideas for Valentine’s Day guaranteed to ratchet up the romance.
Lounge in your own private pool villa
There’s something to be said for privacy when spending time with that special someone, so when booking your accommodation, a private pool villa is an excellent option. Leave the rest of the world toits own devices while you lounge beside your own cool slice of paradise and dial room service for romance (or at least a chilled bottle of champagne).
It’s always better to look at resort-owned private villas, as many Airbnb-style abodes come without the attentive and on-call guest services that will allow you both to truly relax – no cooking, no cleaning and no worries.
Check out Karma Kandara
… Or opt for a barefoot ‘Glamping’ adventure
While Bali might lie at the heart of tropical South-East Asian luxury, the nearby Gili Islands are just a high-speed motorboat hop away. The smallest of these (Gili Meno) offers a very different kind of resort experience. Instead of a private pool, how about an almost deserted beach to frolic on? Resort living on Gili Meno offers a pure barefoot romantic escape.
Jump right off the stern of your private launch into the sparkling aqua-coloured waters, wade knee-deep into shore and up onto the beach to be met by smiling resort staff offering indulgent island cocktails. There are just a few short steps between the sand, the gently lapping waves and the sundeck of your beachside ‘glamping’ tent or lumbung-style villa. By night, enjoy a candlelit beachside dinner in the cool night air with the incoming tide mixed with some laidback beats providing the ultimate soundtrack to your romantic escape.
Check out Karma Reef
Enjoy fresh seafood on the sands of Jimbaran Bay
Back on the Island of the Gods, a similarly relaxed time can be had at Jimbaran Bay by opting for a tasty mix of sunset and seafood. A selection of lively seafood cafés call a small section of Jimbaran’s sprawling sands home – the tables run right onto the beach and (if the tide’s high enough) you may just find the water lapping at your toes. Sit back with a cold beer in hand and taste a selection of fresh caught and cooked-to- order seafood. Watch as sunset fades to twilight … then dusk, as the gentle licks of candle flame illuminate your evening.
Check out Karma Jimbaran
Connect with a sunrise yoga session
Bali’s deeply spiritual Hindu culture embraces aspects of ancient Hinduism, Animism and Buddhism -so it’s no surprise that Bali is the yoga capital of South East Asia. You’ll be spoilt for choice – there’s a wealth of qualified yoga instructors available and it’s highly likely your resort concierge will have a few on fast dial. Combine connectedness, mindfulness and quality time with your significant other by joining in a sunrise yoga session – it’s a relaxing and tranquil way to start the day together.
Relax with a couple’s spa treatment
To top off a relaxing and romantic weekend, opt for a relaxing couples massage overlooking the Indian Ocean, or loll about in the shade of a massage hut beachside and let the deft touch of an experienced masseuse ease away your cares. The traditional Balinese massage would have to be one of the most deeply relaxing massage styles around and whether you’re on Bali or Gili Meno you’ll receive the same care and technique – the islands share common ground in this ancient restorative art.
Karma Spa invites guests to experience a special Valentine’s Day package – SACRED RETREAT TIME FOR TWO – indulge in a signature Intuitive Balinese Massage delivered with warm coconut oil followed by a mind-soothing Yoga Facial in our ‘wow’ cliff spa huts. Served with Ginger Tea and vegan refreshments. For bookings click here.
#ExperienceKarma #ValentinesDay #KarmaKandara #KarmaReef #KarmaJimbaran
Recent Comments