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Don’t miss a visit to see the flock of flamingos that inhabit a nearby freshwater lake – especially with a “castaway picnic” to accompany you there and beyond to a completely secluded beach.Īddress: andBeyond Benguerra Island, Mozambique You’ll want to spend days lazing on its perfect beaches, with views of the surrounding lagoon – but there’s also horseback riding, sunset cruising on a traditional dhow, and big game fishing to be sampled.
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Once there, you'll find a low-key paradise with plenty to explore – and with around 140 species of birds, from kingfishers to flamingos, and just 10 casinhas, two cabanas, and one three-bedroom casa, you’re almost more likely to encounter the local wildlife than other people. But a bucket list experience like this is worth the extra effort.
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Getting to andBeyond Benguerra Island off the coast of Mozambique, in the spectacularly sun-dappled Bazaruto Archipelago, takes time: the most efficient route is to fly from Johannesburg to Vilankulos, then taking an eight-minute helicopter ride to Benguerra Island. To really up the romantic ante, book a couples’ treatment at the overwater spa suite beds sit above glass panels on the lagoon, while the outdoor tub has views of nearby Mount Otemanu.Īddress: Four Seasons Resort, Bora-Bora 98730, French Polynesia
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But for the full experience, we’d suggest booking one of the specialty overwater bungalow suites these one-bedroom set-ups offer nearly 1,600 square feet of space to move around, plus a deck that runs the length of your bungalow or a private plunge pool. At this luxe Four Seasons outpost, there are several multi-bedroom beachfront villas and overwater bungalow suites (with either lagoon or mountain views) to choose from. Whether you’re a honeymooner or a parent in need of a break, this French Polynesian paradise feels worlds away from the minutiae of the everyday and with little but miles of crystalline waters in sight, you and your partner will have almost nothing to distract you from one another. Here’s a riddle for you: What’s better than doing nothing at all? Doing nothing at all in Bora Bora. Fear not, however, as the party still gets going at the beachfront bar until the wee morning hours for the Dionysian date nights.Īddress: Santa Marina, a Luxury Collection Resort, Ornos Bay, Mikonos 846 00, Greece The two restaurants are both laden with light aphrodisiacs – one with Asian-fusion seafood galore, another serving taverna-style slow-cooked lamb and grilled octopus. There’s the swimming, from an impossibly soft sand beach and into conditions uncharacteristically calm for Mykonos, and a sprawling spa with hammam-inspired treatments. the only spot on the island where you can guarantee some sustained peace and quiet from ceaseless throngs of partygoers – but this is not all that sets the Santa Marina apart from other island hotels. It’s the only sandy stretch of private beach on Mykonos – A.K.A. In fact, she deems it a hotel “to plan your entire trip around”. Condé Nast Traveler US Destinations editor Shannon McMahon journeyed here for her honeymoon, a choice she does not regret in the slightest.
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