| |
 |
|
|
| Romantic Places |
|
Romance is dead. It was acquired in a hostile takeover by Hallmark and Disney, homogenized, and sold off piece by piece.
Matt Groening, The Simpsons US cartoonist & satirist (1954 - )
Thankfully we are not all this cynical and Romance, with a capital R, is alive and well.
Like paradise, romance is a state of mind, so the key to a place’s romanticism, lies in being with that ‘someone special’.
The brochures may tell you that a deserted island in the Caribbean is the ultimate romantic getaway, but if you are bitten to death the first night by mozzies, you are not going to be happy. Your partner might think that sailing around the Aegean on a luxury yacht is heaven, but if you are prone to seasickness, to you it will be hell on earth!!
The world has opened up - hidden jewels are emerging. Once exclusive destinations have become accessible to the average bank account; part of the romance is in a trip being unique, saved up for, savoured and then repeated only in your memories.
The possibilities are endless – romantic breaks, romantic weekends, honeymoon holidays, there are thousands on offer, but here are my top three.
The Beauty of Burma
|
Burma (also known as Myanmar) is a mysterious and magical land – in the words of Rudyard Kipling “Quite unlike any land you know about”.
With an ancient culture, stunning natural beauty and friendly people, Burma’s emergence into the tourist market has been rapid. Much of its appeal is in its aloofness, and modern developments have somewhat passed it by.
Why not take a cruise along the Irrawaddy River, on board the “Road to Mandalay”.
Bask in five star air-conditioned cabin accommodation, have breakfast in bed and afternoon tea on the Observation deck.
The Irrawaddy River is Myanmar’s lifeline, a vital communication route as well as a livelihood for the villagers who inhabit its banks. Glimpses of ancient ruins and magnificent temples through the riverside jungle, will add to the romance of this once in a lifetime experience.
|
|
The Maldives
Endless ocean breezes, calm tropical waters, white, white, white sandy beaches and no way to get off till the boat comes back for you!! What could be more hopelessly romantic than this?
 |
The Maldive Islands, a chain of nearly 2,000 coral islets in the Indian Ocean, are the closest thing to paradise. They combine exclusivity with affordability and each island resort offers a different level of seclusion. There is nothing to do but float in the crystal clear waters, snorkel, scuba dive, eat, drink, and collect shells with which to weigh down your suitcase. Leave your laptop at home and reconnect with the important things in life. If you are mega rich you can even make the ultimate romantic gesture and book a whole island to yourself.
There are 89 resort islands to
|
choose from - the further away from the capital Male and the airport you are,the more idyllic your surroundings; you may find you are sharing your island with only a handful of other romantics. Small wonder that these glittering islands are one of the top honeymoon destinations.
Out of Africa
Who hasn’t seen that blissfully romantic film? Meryl Streep and Robert Redford, recreating Karen Blixen’s novel. The Kenyan bush, a fire crackling outside their tents, candlelight, a scratchy old record on a wind-up player and a knowledge that this heralds the beginning of one of the all time great romances.
Kenya has so much to offer, but a safari through one of the most famous wildlife reserves, the Masai Mara, is a must. The rolling savannah landscape is home to giraffe, zebra, elephant, gazelle and a host of others. At the end of a dusty day, when your eyes are aching from the sight of so many photo opportunities, relax in a bath at your safari lodge and then watch the hippos drink at the water holes while you sip champagne at sunset. Or if you prefer, stay in a tented camp and soak up the soul of the dark African night.
If you want to combine adventure with romance, you cannot find a more beautiful location on earth. There’s something otherworldly about an African sky, and a safari brings you right back to nature. To share this experience is what makes it unforgettable.
|
|
|
|