Sometimes, a box of Cadbury Roses and a posh hotel room just don't cut it in the romance stakes. Ignite your passion by opting for one of Australia's more adventurous, quirky or secluded retreats.
From sleeping under the stars in a luxurious outback tent to teasing your blindfolded lover with a feather tickler in a CBD hotel, there's a cheeky option for every fun-loving couple ...
There's no better place to camp out under the stars than in the wilderness of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Don't be fooled by the word 'camping' — accommodation consists of an enormous king-sized bed with crisp white sheets awaiting you in your luxurious, eco-sensitive tent. As one of only 30 guests, you'll have all the privacy in the world to gaze at the beautiful constellations adorning the sky at night, wake to your own private view of the sun rising over
Ayers Rock, and fill in the time in between.
Ph: 1300 134 044
Website:
www.longitude131.com.au
For couples who need more than crisp white sheets and breathtaking
Sydney views to get them in the mood, The Hilton's Provocateur package is designed by experts — an aphrodisiac-inspired degustation platter from renowned chef
Luke Mangan and wonderfully naughty tips from infamous stripper
Madame Lash. Your room is equipped with champagne, a profusion of rose petals, aromatic essences, 'sexy' music, candles, tickling feathers, blindfolds and artfully hidden 'seduction tips'. If Mangan's freshly shucked oysters don't get you gagging for it, Lash's tips are sure to fuel your imagination…
Ph: (02) 9265 6045
Website:
www.hiltonsydney.com.au
Calling all romantics: Byron Bay Ballooning offers a weekend package including one-night accommodation for two in your choice of a superior suite at The Byron at Byron resort, or a luxury chalet at the Koonyum Range Retreat in Byron Bay's hinterland, transfers, an hour-long sunrise balloon ride for two, a gourmet champagne breakfast, in-flight photos and a commemorative flight certificate. Spend your sky date ooh-ing and ahh-ing over breathtaking views from Byron Bay's majestic headland, to Mt Warning's massive volcanic rim and beyond. Just pretend the 'driver' isn't there.
Ph: 1300 889 660
Website:
www.byronbayballooning.com
Whether it's the sound of cards being shuffled or the smell of money, there's something a bit naughty about staying in a casino — after all, Jupiters' tagline is: what will you get up to? Dinner and a show is your best bet — the Zingara room and show package scores you a night of indulgence in a luxury superior room, two tickets to the new stage spectacular, and a buffet breakfast for two (or treat yourself by upgrading to the Indulgence package, in which you'll nab champers and fresh strawberries upon arrival, late checkout and valet parking). It's the perfect opportunity to dress up, bet big and roll the dice … Who says this isn't the Casino Royale?
Ph: (07) 5592 8100
Website:
www.conrad.com.au
Deep in the
Sunshine Coast hinterland, you'll find 10 individually themed tree houses offering discerning couples ultimate privacy. With its floating log fire, hand-carved beds, spa, barbecue, and, get this — a double swing seat — 'The Nest' is the most luxurious tree house of them all. Book an in-house massage to loosen the joints, order fine chocolates to get you in the mood, or simply swing the afternoon away. Your complimentary champagne breakfast basket provides the perfect refuel before round two …
Ph: (07) 5478 5888
Website:
www.secretsonthelake.com.au
Whisk your white knight or fair lady away to this opulent fantasy retreat, complete with baroque towers, turrets and flamboyant interiors fit for royalty. From the tower room to the king's chamber, each suite is individually themed, providing pure escapism from city life. Think four-poster beds, porcelain baths, log fires, spiral staircases, French tapestries adorning the walls, stained glass windows, quaint terraces, and not a television in sight. What's more, the hotel promises that their service is 'the soul of discretion', so you're guaranteed total privacy to indulge in your medieval fantasies…
Ph: 1800 251 958
Website:
www.slh.com/thorngrove/
Got any of your own suggestions of where to go to rediscover the magic? Share your ideas using the comments form below:
