Celebrating your wedding anniversary on an exotic island has to be one of the most romantic holidays you are ever likely to take. Whether you take a trip each year or as a once-in-a-lifetime vacation for a milestone anniversary, this list provided here gives you some choices to consider. With every anniversary having traditional and modern anniversary gifts by year, you may even be able to link your anniversary to your destination… Golden Sands anyone?
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Bora Bora is famous for its silky white sand, cobalt and turquoise water, the sweet smell of the local vivid red Tiare flower and superb hotel accommodation. The island is covered with coconut plans and surrounded by a coral reef. Stay in an overwater suite where each small living room opens out onto a deck with steps down into the water. Room include glass panels on the floor so you can look directly down at the fish below. Order room-service and dine on the deck, under the stars. Go deep-sea fishing, snorkelling with a knowledgable guide, or just dive out of the bedroom into the sea before paddle-boarding to the beach for fresh coconut juice.
Bali, Indonesia
With the nickname Isle of the Gods, Bali attracts romance seekers for its temples, stunning mountain views, engaging culture and high-quality resorts. Luxury private villas offer comforts, an unforgettable sunset from infinity swimming pools and tasty Asian cuisine. Tanah Lot Temple in Tabanan is probably the island’s most iconic temple, perched atop a vast rock and surrounded by the sea at its base. Uluwatu Temple has an open amphitheatre close by, where sunset kecak fire dances can be enjoyed. Besakih Temple is located 1000m up on Mount Agung. Ubud is famous for its scenic expanses of rice paddies, roadside stalls, art shops and small restaurants. Goa Gajah or ‘Elephant Cave’ is a significant archaeological site, well worth a visit.
Harbour Island, Bahamas
Gorgeous beaches in this pink-sand paradise make Harbour Island popular with many well-known names, including, Mick Jagger, Bill Gates and supermodel Elle Macpherson. Pink Sands Resort in the most famous hotel, with 25 cottages in under-stated sophistication. You can spend your time here soaking up the sun at Pink Sands Beach, an unspoiled three-mile stretch of sand. Dunmore Town has several hidden charms to be explored. There are secure marinas and resorts such as Valentines and Romora Bay where you can go diving. There are upscale restaurants and local bars where you can find conch fritters and local lobster. This is a working community and women make and sell some good straw creations.
Santorini, Greece
Santorini is a small volcanic island known for its perfectly whitewashed villas and beautiful sunsets. With romantic accommodation, scenic walking trails and vineyards to sample wine, there’s much to do, if you want. Wander around Oia with its white-washed buildings precariously built into the side of the rock and enjoy the stunning views. Swim at the secluded wide-cove Red Beach, or head to the other side of the island for wine tasting and toast each other over a glass of Retsina. A short boat ride can take you to nearby hot springs or visit the Bronze Age settlement of Akrotiri. For unusual yet romantic accommodation, look at some of the cave hotels on the island.
Santorini is a hotspot for people moving and living there these days, and it’s no wonder why. Be sure to obtain a FIP visa before you can set up shop though. It’s not as complicated as you think.
St. Barths, Caribbean
The combination of stunning natural beaches, lavish hotels, gourmet restaurants great nightlife draws in visitors. Yet there’s another side to St. Barths for couples wanting a romantic getaway. The island has hidden beaches, relaxing spas, and romantic, candlelit restaurants with unforgettable views. Shell Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches and offers fabulous sunsets too. Colombier Beach is worth the effort of getting to as it is so peaceful. You can reach the beach by boat or a walk along a rocky trail that takes about 25 minutes. Alternatively, swim naked at Saline Beach. You can hire a private villa with sea views, plenty of privacy but still have room service and spa treatments.
North Island, Seychelles
If it’s good enough as a honeymoon destination for Great Britain’s Prince William and Kate, then it’s good enough for commoners too. Stay at the multi-award winning Villa North Island for an extraordinary holiday of luxury pampering from a staff of 130 who work to look after a maximum of 44 guests. North Island offers total privacy and exclusivity, a unique place away from the rest of the world. The combination of personalised and discreet service, the generous all-inclusive offering, and the endless sense of space and time creates a relaxed ambience of pure indulgence.
