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February 2012

BE MY VALENTINE

Who could resist this Valentine's Day offer when it comes wrapped in an escape to an idyllic island?

WORDS SHERIDEN RHODES

Red roses and boxes of chocolates are so passé. Instead, surprise that special someone with an unforgettable experience in one of the most romantic places on earth. Here are Cupid's top picks.

BALI

Asia doesn't come much more exotic than this beauty, where the smiles and culture are as enchanting as the sunsets.

It would be hard to imagine a more romantic experience than taking a sunset sail aboard a traditional jukung. Located on Bali's north-east coast with its stunning black sand coastline, the luxurious Spa Village Resort Tembok Bali offers this and other equally amorous experiences for in-house guests. Schools of dolphins can also often be seen to add to the occasion.

Given its remote location, Bali's northeast coast is also an ideal place to experience the brilliance of the night sky. Starlight Gazing, complimentary to in-house guests, is a unique experience where guests lie on a floating platform taking in the enormity of the universe while listening to a specially selected soundtrack.

Alternatively, book in for the resort's amazing "Massage Under the Stars" (approximately AU$182 per couple), whereby two massage beds are laid out on the black sand with fresh flowers spelling out the couple's names or chosen message, lit by candlelight. The two of you will enjoy a 50-minute massage to the sound of the waves crashing under the stars.

On the west side of Bali, renowned chef Jusman So is staging a Champagne Dinner at Ayana Resort and Spa's striking Dava restaurant, with a six-course degustation menu featuring modern French cuisine.

Complete with a bottle of Veuve Clicquot, this experience (approximately AU$325 per couple) is sure to impress.

Ayana's Rock Bar will meanwhile offer "Undivided Love" — a Valentine's Day offering of his-and-hers cocktails. An exotic snack will also be on the Valentine's menu (approximately AU$9.75), while a live acoustic performance of love songs will serenade starry-eyed couples.

FIJI

Fiji is the quintessential romantic spot. Love seats by the infinity pool, spectacular Pacific sunsets and private cabana dinners under the stars are all par for the course at the fabulous five-star InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa fronting Natadola, the Coral Coast's best stretch of white sand beach. A clever "Romantic Options" card, discreetly slipped into the hands of male guests on check-in, ensures their Valentine checks out one happy customer.

"There are few destinations in the South Pacific that can match Natadola for natural beauty," says general manager, Scott Williams.

Couples will love the spacious louvered beachfront bures at laid-back Plantation Island Resort, built on a former coconut estate in the Mamanuca Islands. Step out the door and flop in one of the hammocks or take a couple more steps into cerulean waters.

By day, book a snorkelling trip to Honeymoon Island, a tiny offshore atoll with a heavenly beach tucked away in a small cove. By night, dine barefoot on the sand on the Fijian speciality kokoda (spicy fish) while being serenaded by a string trio.

PHUKET

With private pool villas, petal baths, candlelit dinners and tropical nights, Phuket's stunning Trisara Resort oozes romance. A boutique property on the island's largely undeveloped north-western coastline, Trisara offers a couple's massage in a new seafront spa pavilion. Positioned at Sunset Point, the beachfront pavilion is set right over the water's edge under swaying palms.

The resort can organise a romantic surprise for your partner. While they're offenjoying a spa treatment, the housekeeping fairies will transform your villa with beautiful flowers strewn across your private pool, a chilled bottle of French champagne, scented candles and petals scattered throughout the room.

Phuket's newest hot spot, RE KÁ TA Beach Club, is a fabulous place for couples to kick back with a tropical cocktail, swim in the beachfront infinity-edge pool, and chill out to tunes.

Australian Jon Butt has the enviable job as manager of this hip new beachfront destination. "RE KÁ TA is ideal for Valentine's Day. The beachfront aspect is romantic in itself, not to mention the added luxury of the pool deck, private cabanas and day spa facilities," he says.

HAMILTON ISLAND

There's good reason why Queensland's Hamilton Island is the busiest, most inhabited island in the Whitsunday group, but it's also easy to lose the crowds.

Head for the aptly named Escape Beach for an intimate champagne picnic or submit to the expert therapists at Spa wumurdaylin for a couple's massage. "Especially for Him and Her" is a two-hour treatment including full body aromatherapy massage, head and scalp massage, foot exfoliation, Moroccan rose and guava hand hydration treatment, and Petite Spa Facial.

For those lucky enough to stay at Qualia, Spa Qualia offers a "Wine Lovers" treatment designed for two. A chardonnay massage gives way to a vinothérapie body scrub that is followed by a detoxifying pinot noir body mask and burgundy bath — all enjoyed while sipping champagne.

A moisturising treatment completes this 150-minute escape.

When the sun's shining, join a private Turtle and Sea Eagle Paddle Tour for a tropical picnic on a remote beach, as well as kayaking and snorkelling through crystal clear waters. Or join a sunset champagne cruise aboard the Banjo Patterson.

If you're planning to propose, or just want to experience one of nature's most romantic attractions, book a scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef and stunning Heart Reef before landing on Whitehaven Beach.

CITY SIZZLE

Sydney has glamorous big city romance down pat. Stay harbourside at Four Seasons Sydney. Warm up the evening with a fabulous couple's massage that sees The Sodashi Jet Lag mist strengthen mental clarity and awareness while refreshing and cooling the skin with essential oils.

The wow factor doesn't get much higher than Teage Ezard's new offering, Black by Ezard, at Star. With expansive views, an opulent interior and wrap-around wine wall by Paul Kelly Design, this Sydney restaurant aims to seriously impress.

Afterward, retreat to your love nest: Four Seasons Hotel's harbour suite.

TAKE ME THERE

AYANA RESORT AND SPA
Jl. Karang Mas Sejahtera, Jimbaran, Bali, tel: +62 (361) 702 222

BLACK BY EZARD
Level G, Harbourside, The Star,80 Pyrmont St, Pyrmont, tel: 1800 700 700

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL SYDNEY
199 George St, Sydney, tel: +61 (2) 9250 3100

HAMILTON ISLAND Tel: 137 333 INTERCONTINENTAL FIJI GOLF RESORT AND SPA
Tel: +679 673 3300

PLANTATION ISLAND RESORT
Tel: +679 666 9333

QUALIA
Tel: 1300 780 959

RE KÁ TA CLUB
182 Koktanode Rd, Kata Beach, Phuket, tel: +66 (76) 330 015

SPA VILLAGE RESORT TEMBOK, BALI
Jln Singaraja-Amlapura, 100 Desa Tembok, Tejakula Buleleng, Bali

TRISARA
60/1 Moo 6, Srisoonthorn Rd, Cherngtalay, Thalang, Phuket, tel: +66 (76) 310 100

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