I love my kids. I really do. But - I've been pretty much stuck in my house with them since March. It has me dreaming about getting away for a week (or two). So - I present you with the first in my romantic getaway series. This one is for those of you who are
adventure-ish.
Cappadocia, Turkey
You've probably seen the iconic photos - hundreds of hot air balloons floating above the historic cave dwellings of Goreme Town. The area has become a popular tourist destination, and it really is otherworldly. If you're going to go all the way to Turkey you're going to want to go up in a hot air balloon - but be aware that strong winds can occur, and if they do - you're going to be grounded. To ward off disappointment, plan on traveling during optimum weather - from the end of April through October. Book a stay of at least 4 nights, and book your hot air balloon tickets for your first day. That way if you're grounded you'll be pushed to the next day - and so on. This will increase your odds!
Other area activities include exploring the national park's desert on horseback - you'll be able to check out the fairy chimneys and natural rock formations - and cycling through the vineyards and valleys.
Where to stay
There are a good number of beautiful options, but if you're looking for something a little different then I recommend the Seraphim Cave Hotel. Originally a historic mansion constructed in 1853 the hotel now offers 21 guest rooms each with their own individual decor, an indoor pool, and the largest garden in the Cappadocia area. Booking a King Suite will get you your own private garden. Remember though - you are in a cave. (We can discuss when you're ready to start thinking about the trip.) 😜
Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is one of those places that has it all. Sweeping views of majestic cliffs that rise out of the ocean, culturally significant sites, great shopping, gourmet restaurants, white sand beaches to walk, and the pièce de résistance - penguins! (And who DOESN'T want to go somewhere with penguins?!). Cape Town also has the distinction of having truly fabulous weather most of the year. It's fairly warm and dry from October to April (although arguably the best time of year weather-wise is mid-January to mid-April when the weather hovers around 68 degrees).
Where to Stay
The Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel, located in the heart of Cape Town, has over a hundred years of history. The first hotel in South Africa to offer hot and cold running water when it opened in 1899, its iconic pink walls (painted pink for peace) enclose 198 rooms. The grounds holds two pools, two tennis courts, a spa, children's center, and a nine acre garden. The hotel has a storied history. Fun fact: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle supposedly held seances in his room when he stayed there in 1928 - reportedly outraging guests. Accommodations range from single rooms to individual cottages - throughout which the likes of Winston Churchill, John Lennon and Nelson Mandela have stayed.
Whitsunday Islands, Australia
If you're looking for water adventure, a romantic atmosphere, and you're willing to travel - Whitsunday Islands has what you're looking for. There are 74 islands in total, but only four offer accommodations - and they range from camping to high end exclusive private resorts. So - there's really something in every price bracket here. The rest of the islands offer rainforests, hiking trails, and gorgeous beaches. The easiest way to get to the island is by plane, and you can take a direct fight from Brisbane, Cairns, Sydney, or Melbourne. This means that you can add on some time in one of these great cities either before or after your time on the islands. Once you've arrived on the islands, you're right smack in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef - the only living structure visible from space. From here you can go sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and fishing. You can also go on helicopter, seaplane, ferry, and luxury yacht adventures, and from the air you can see the famous Heart Reef - a naturally formed area of coral.
Where to Stay
Qualia Resort offers 60 private pavillions, and is located on the Northernmost tip of Hamilton Island - the largest of the Whitsundays, and the only one with a commercial airport. You can stay here and access shops and gourmet dining on the waterfront Marina Village, as well as excursions that range from from jet skiing to getting up close and personal with koalas. 70% of the island's bushland is protected so you can explore plenty of trails leading to incredible views of the rest of the islands and Coral Sea.
Serengeti, Tanzania
A safari honeymoon (or romantic vacation) will be one you'll remember forever. Tanzania is home to seven UNESCO World Heritage sites, and is an incredible vacation that can't be replicated. The Serengeti supports an abundance of animals from what is known as the Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and black rhino (although these are rarely spotted) – to giraffe, gazelle, impala, zebra, topi, and eland. You can also see the Great Migration here if you time your journey in June or July. One thing to note - despite what Toto would have you believe, you will NOT see Kilimanjaro rising like an empress above the Serengeti. Kilimanjaro is over 200 miles away and can't be seen from the ground of the Serengeti - although I've heard that if you take a hot air balloon ride and some binoculars you might be able to spot it.
Even though you might not see Kilimanjaro you can expect romance - private dinners, couples massages, champagne, and private butlers can be found at these resorts.
Where to Stay
Klein's Camp, located on the edge of the Kuka Hills in a remote corner of Serengeti National Park, is a 24,700 acre wildlife concession leased from the Maasai. It was originally built as a hunting camp, but was turned into a small luxury lodge. You can experience both day and night game drives, cultural experiences, and what Klein's Camp describes as "old fashioned safari luxury." The vantage point of the ten cottages that make up the camp allows you to sit on your personal verandah and view the valley below.
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