LENTORRE LODGE, LAKE MAGADI
Nestled at the foot of the Nguruman Escarpment is this secluded lodge where accommodation is in rooms (part tent, part villa) all with their own plunge pool, as well as an Italian-style pool for communal use. For romantics, consider the room with two baths adjacent to each other overlooking the Shompole plains. There is even an animal blind next to the watering hole, where you and your partner can lie in wait for arriving game which ranges from elephant to cats. Located 90 minutes from Lake Magadi, Lentorre is offered on an exclusive basis and sleeps a maximum of 16 people.
FOUR SEASONS SAFARI LODGE, SERENGETI
Perched on a series of elevated platforms and walkways, this lodge sits next to an animal watering hole where you can watch wildlife stop by for their morning drink as you sip your own out on your room’s private balcony. Surprise your loved one with a bush safari or scenic hot-air balloon ride above the Serengeti. Take a dip in your private, infinity pool overlooking the savannah then rinse off on the outdoor shower before tucking into a private romantic meal, which can be set up on request. For yoga lovers, walk uphill to the top of a sunset kopje and settle in for a guided meditation session overlooking the most scenic of views.
SANCTUARY GORILLA FOREST CAMP, UGANDA
Amid the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, this is one of the few places where you might actually get a gorilla sighting without even having to leave the camp. Part of the hugely successful Sanctuary Retreats group, this intimate eight-tented camp is an ideal base for gorilla tracking, a perfect stop for adventurous wildlife-loving couples. And what better way to wind down after a trek than to take a spa treatment. The spa here offers a range of rejuvenating treatments from hot stone massages and mud wraps to foot rituals, all deliciously invigorating.
ESSQUE ZALU, ZANZIBAR
Essque Zalu represents urban chic on an island paradise. This resort boasts 40 suites and eight private villas catering to a clientele that like their modern creature comforts. In front of the property is a huge lagoon-style pool. The Healing Earth Spa offers a long list of treatments including rituals like “Jozani Rain Forest”, African potato body wrap or the Maasai Ritual- a unique two-hour journey of renewal in specially-erected tents, involving facials and full body scrubs. Special honeymoon and wedding packages are available on request.
RAHA MSTAREHE, CHAMPAGNE RIDGE
This quirky property is magnificently located on a cliff top, with the master bedroom perfectly positioned to catch those views. There are four main bedrooms, one a twin, with overflow for kids in the more cramped loft above. Guests can enjoy the built-in barbeque area and even a squash court. Four couples with children, there’s an outdoor one-up, one-down treehouse for kids and a small cottage nearby for overflow. Ideal for three or four couples, but the whole property sleeps up to 12. For those looking for a writing retreat, a modern office overlooks the ridge. Try working though, with those views. Contact the owners via Airbnb.
DHEVATARA BEACH HOTEL, SEYCHELLES
If you really want to push the boat out, spoil your partner with a trip to this island idyll. Located on the pristine island of Praslin, this beautiful boutique beachfront hotel offers 10 individually styled and designed suites providing all the amenities a modern traveller would expect. It pays tribute to the Seychelles cultural and historical background and you can expect touches of African, Indian and Victorian in the decor. The sun sets on this side of the island and coupled with the most breathtaking of views, makes this the perfect location for a proposal, wedding or romantic retreat.
