Contrary to popular belief, not everyone celebrates Valentine's Day with Hallmark. In Wales, star-crossed lovers cement their love with wooden spoons while Japanese colleagues exchange 'obligation chocolate'. South Korea covers all bases with a day dedicated to men, women and singletons while in Estonia the day is literally friend-zoned - instead called 'Happy Friendship Day'. No matter how you look at it, there's no better way to profess your love than with a trip to more exotic climes. And it's no coincidence that some of the world's best diving is located in some of the world's most beautiful (and romantic) destinations. So, if you want to know the best romantic escapes, then keep reading...
SAIL AWAY WITH ME: INDONESIA
Sail into the sunset aboard the most luxurious liveaboard and ultimate romantic escape in Indonesia, the Alexa. Designed for two and with seven members of staff on hand for guests' every whim, this lavish liveaboard navigates eastern Indonesia's waters like clockwork, spending blissful summers exploring Komodo before sailing to the off-the-beaten track waters of Alor and spending glorious winters in Raja Ampat. No matter when you choose to go, privacy is all but guaranteed.
THE CLASSIC: THE MALDIVES
An archipelago of pearl-like islands hung like a necklace 500 miles across the Indian Ocean, the Maldives has been luring couples that seek romantic escapes for decades. And while each private island is a tropical paradise of pristine beaches, turquoise lagoons and fantastic diving, Milaidhoo Island in the northern Baa Atoll goes the extra mile for couples; whether sleeping under the stars on a private sandbank or planning the perfect proposal with their specialist Romance Islander (no pressure). They can even officially name a star after you. It's also wonderfully close to Hanifaru Bay, the world's largest manta feeding station (best from June to November).
AWAKEN WITH THE AQUATICS: TANZANIA
Possibly the most unique room in the world, you can literally sleep on the sea bed in the Manta Resort's Underwater Room. Floating 250 metres off the shores of Pemba Island in the middle of a conservation area, the room extends across three floors; the landing deck, roof deck (ideal for sun worshippers and star gazers) and the crème de la crème of bedrooms below the waves, which offers 360 degree views of the surrounding reef (insider tip: look out for Spanish dancer nudibranchs attracted to the underwater spotlights at night).
A FLAVOUR OF EVERYTHING: INDONESIA (AGAIN)
Fact: Indonesia is one of the most romantic escapes in the world. Why? Quite simply, because there is something for everyone - whether cycling across Ubud's verdant rice terraces, hiking East Bali's towering Mount Agung at sunrise, diving the famous 'Liberty' wreck and 'Tulamben Drop Off' sites in East Bali or exploring the pristine reefs off the Gili islands while gloriously castaway on the shores of Lombok. Oh, and you can do it all in one trip.
THE ADVENTURE: OMAN
If your idea of a romantic escape is venturing beyond the more obvious fly-and-flop getaways, there is no better backdrop than Oman. Take in all the best parts; hiking in the towering Hajar Mountains for magnificent views over the plunging cliffs, wadis and canyons; spending blissful evenings stargazing from a luxurious desert camp in the rolling sand dunes of the Wahiba Sands; fuelling the senses while exploring the colourful, aromatic markets of Muscat; and decamping to the coast to dive the very fishy Daymaniyat Islands, home to Oman's best diving.
ISLAND-HOPPING HEAVEN: FIJI
While Fiji's islands, with their powder-white beaches and volcanic jungle-clad peaks, are regularly hailed as the quintessential romantic escape, dive (literally) a little deeper and discover why this South Pacific paradise is head and shoulders above the rest. Home to some of the world's most coveted dive sites, island-hop across the archipelago diving some of the world's best soft coral reefs in the Somosomo Strait off Taveuni, and experiencing the thrill of diving with sharks in Beqa Lagoon.
Want to plan your romantic escape? Get in touch with our team today to start planning your next dive adventure.
