This post is part four of a four-part series. In this installment, you will find some of the most amazing places to go in Australia, Africa, and Asia for a romantic getaway over a long weekend. This roundup will take you to quaint seaside villages, nature spots, urban destinations and more.
Since this is a part of a larger more inclusive list of places around the globe to visit for a long-weekend getaway, you may want to peruse island and all-inclusive romantic getaways or European weekend escapes or romantic holidays in the Americas.
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Romantic Escape in Australia
Bellarine Peninsula
The Bellarine Peninsula is a secret hideaway in the state of Victoria in Australia. It’s a beautiful sleepy place that’s perfect for a romantic weekend away. The whole area is sprinkled with delightful seaside towns and tiny fishing villages. Each town has its own heritage and character with some of Australia’s oldest buildings and homes.
Wander down heritage streetscapes past grand old Victorian-era hotels, stately churches, and cute fishermen’s cottages. Stop to explore art galleries, vintage shops, chic boutiques, and community markets along the way. Or stroll hand-in-hand along empty beaches and admire the rugged coastline of southern Australia. Plus, there are endless opportunities for water activities. Take your pick from fishing, surfing, diving or swimming with dolphins and seals.
The Bellarine is famous for its cold climate wines and a highlight of any trip to the peninsula is a visit to a local winery. For a romantic weekend away, we recommend a stop at Jack Rabbit winery. Here you can feast on fine wine and gourmet food while gazing at panoramic views across the bay.
Amp up the romance with a piping hot parcel of fish and chips for a seaside picnic as the sun sets. Or for something fancier you can’t miss 360Q, an iconic dining venue situated on the waterfront at Queenscliff Harbour. Then spend the night in an elegant grand old hotel, quaint B&B, or a heritage listed-inn.
Submitted by Audrey Chalmers of See Geelong
Brisbane
There are a few romantic getaway destinations near Brisbane, and Tamborine Mountain often makes it to the top of the list. While only one hour from the big city, you are in the heart of nature with all the comforts imaginable. It’s a lovely destination to explore with excellent romantic accommodations and activities available.
Enjoying the rainforest is one of the best things to do in Mount Tamborine. Visitors can choose one of the many hiking trails in the National Park, or opt for the easier yet still impressive Mount Tamborine Skywalk. And for wine-lovers, there are a few opportunities for wine tasting at Mount Tamborine wineries and cellar doors.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a perfect romantic weekend without a beautiful spot to watch the sun set. You’ll find a couple of great lookouts along Main Western Road.
For a romantic weekend, you’ll want a relaxing setting. Try the Witches Falls Cottage and Pethers Rainforest Retreat for a romantic stay. They offer comfortable accommodations made for couples, with great privacy and a connection to nature. How about a massage or a private spa with a view? And you can even add a bottle of local wine to the moment.
Submitted by Eloise of My Favourite Escape
Melbourne
Melbourne is one of the most romantic places to travel as a couple. There is no shortage of cool things to do in Melbourne.
Have a romantic picnic on the banks of Yarra River in Batman Park near Crown Plaza. Batman Park is a small park close to the city and perfect for a BBQ. Yarra River is a favorite romantic spot in Melbourne. Strolling along the river is one of the best ways to unleash the love bugs. The place gets magical, especially at sunset when the city lights up and the Crown Plaza fireworks display begins.
The towers at Crown Complex host an impressive fireworks display at intervals. Along the street, there are plenty of eateries serving varieties of cuisines. That’s the best place to relax and enjoy a romantic evening.
Melbourne locals, as well as tourists, can be seen picnicking and hanging out in the Royal Botanical Garden’s luscious greens and gazebos. A fine beginning to a romantic night would be to pack a picnic basket with a nice bottle of wine and take in the crisp air beneath the stars.
If an adventure trip ignites your passion, Melbourne has tons of wonderful spots for road trips. Just look at any picture of the 12 Apostles or Great Ocean Drive. You will realize that it is the best place to go for a romantic road trip with your partner. Soak in the serenity and beauty of nature’s stunning ocean views and cliffs. You can walk along the trails, enjoy the scenery and have a memorable time.
Submitted by Nitha of The Trailing Mom
Holiday Destinations in Asia for Romance
Penang, Malaysia
When looking for a romantic getaway, Penang Island in northeastern Malaysia doesn’t often come recommended. But couples won’t find a better place to experience rich UNESCO multicultural heritage, amazing mouthwatering food, and awesome seaside. Additionally, you will find plenty of atmospheric boutique hotels and resorts which make for a perfect long weekend getaway.
If you’re interested in culture, you should base yourself in George Town, Penang’s main settlement on the northwestern coast. This is the center of the UNESCO heritage-listed old town. It’s a beautiful mix of decadent Chinese shophouses which have been renovated into breathtaking boutique hotels. For a top-notch heritage stay, try Seven Terraces, an amazing property located in the center of George Town.
When you want to tuck your toes in the sand, the obvious choice is Batu Ferringhi. It’s slightly touristy and overdeveloped, but it boasts some of Penang’s best beach resorts. The Hard Rock Hotel is quite good, with a nice back garden equipped with a large swimming pool just meters from the sea. Batu Ferringhi is also a great spot to see Penang’s famous glowing pink sunsets, which are best enjoyed with a sundowner in hand.
For real seclusion and a very different take on Penang island, the best place to stay may be Malihom. This is a collection of Northern Thai villas lifted from Chiang Mai and rebuilt on top of one of Balik Pulau’s highest hills. Malihom is a total luxe immersion into the jungle, with in-floor bathtubs facing pristine viridian slopes that roll all the way to the sea. It’s a can’t-miss for a tropical romantic getaway.
Submitted by Marco Ferrarese of Penang-Insider
Holiday Destinations for Couples in Africa
Chefchaouen, Morocco
Known as the Blue Pearl or the Blue City of Morocco, Chefchaouen is like walking into a dream. And yes, all the buildings are really painted blue. While you may have thought it was just done occasionally for tourists, it has always been this way in order to help keep the mosquitos away (or at least that’s what some locals say).
Chefchaouen makes a perfect romantic weekend getaway in northern Morocco. It’s located in the Rif Mountains between the port city of Tangier and Fes, but also close to Meknes and Rabat.
The entire old city of Chefchaouen is closed to motor vehicles. Its tiny lanes are too tight for a car to pass. Lovers will enjoy strolling the narrow blue alleys and getting lost among the buildings. And that’s really the point. Unlike other cities in Morocco, there’s not a lot to do here. The city itself is the attraction. It lends itself to quiet, romantic strolls and long dinners with the one you adore.
The place to stay in Chefchaouen is the Riad Hicham across from the Kasbah. For a romantic evening, opt for the Royal Suite or Panoramic Suite with views of the Kasbah and old quarter from your private balcony.
If you’re looking for a quiet, romantic dinner, the restaurant at Riad Hicham is exceptional. Also, the Italian restaurant Pizzeria Mandala serves delicious non-Moroccan cuisine. If you’re looking to step outside your starry-eyed bubble and experience the local culture, try Bab Ssour. Sit with locals at a communal table and talk about their lovely city.
Submitted by Lance & Laura of Travel Addicts
South Africa
Both locals and visitors find the Garden Route in South Africa to be one of the country’s best places for a romantic escape, honeymoon destination, or anniversary weekend. The area combines beautiful and uncrowded sandy beaches, lush green forest, cozy coastal towns, and scenic ocean drives.
The best way to travel the Garden Route is by renting a car. The route itself starts in the beautiful town of Mossel Bay and finishes 300 km later in Storms River. Those who have more time can add a couple of days and enjoy the scenic drive along the coast from Cape Town.
The road meanders along the coast of the Indian Ocean, past several National parks and towns with plenty of things to see and do. Mossel Bay, Wilderness, Sedgefield, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Storms River National park, and Bloukrans bridge are a few of the must-see stops along the way.
As for activities on the Route, there are plenty; hiking the Otter Trail or St. Blaze route, snorkeling with seals, whale watching, canyoning, diving with sharks, wine tasting, kayaking, and more! For those who like nature, there are several national parks and game reserves. Here it’s possible to see African animals and exotic birds or enjoy safari drives. Accommodation range from glamping to luxury bungalows overlooking the sea.
Submitted by Campbell & Alya of Stingy Nomads
There’s no right or wrong way to do romance. And. hopefully, no matter how you define it you’ve found someplace here that will ignite your passions. Still looking? Perhaps a romantic getaway in North or South America is more to your liking. If not, maybe a European weekend escape suits you. If none of these options fit the bill then maybe an island or all-inclusive romantic long weekend is what you need.
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