Tips for a truly romantic getaway

As wedding fever grips the nation with the much anticipated Royal Wedding approaching, rumours speculate about where the newlyweds will be spending the start of their married life on honeymoon. Will it be a romantic retreat to a tropical hideaway? Or maybe a relaxing break closer to home? Whichever destination William and Kate chose we are sure it will be a truly romantic and unforgettable experience for the couple, creating memories they will treasure forever. So what is the key to enjoying the ultimate romantic escape? Suffolk based Travel Counsellor Sally de Jong gives us her tips and advice on how you and your loved one can rekindle the magic on your next holiday….

My definition of romance is togetherness and beautiful surroundings with little luxuries thrown in, regardless of the couple's ages. A small intimate hotel is often the perfect way to spend a cosy and idyllic holiday with your loved one. My first tip would be to make sure the hotel has great views - this could be of the sunset or even cliff top hotels with sweeping views across a bay. Add to that a balcony where you can share drinks in private and maybe have breakfast together in the mornings whilst still in robe and slippers (a minibar and room service are also a good idea!).

For a little extra luxury and privacy a private plunge pool or Jacuzzi provides the ultimate retreat for couples to unwind. A hotel with a spa is also a great option as you can both enjoy his and hers massages and other relaxing treatments. It is also worth checking what extra facilities and services your hotel offers. Some may be able to provide a private candelit dinner for two on the beach or a private sunset boat cruise, both truly romantic and unforgettable experiences. If the budget doesn't stretch that far ensure your hotel is near a nice large beach for you to indulge in moonlit walks together.

Treat yourself to private transfers to and from your chosen retreat and why not upgrade your room to a suite or junior suite to make the trip really special. Extra touches such as champagne in your room on arrival and a luxuriously large kingsize bed make all the difference. Plus opt for the a la carte dining rather than buffets for a more intimate dining experience.

I love making my clients' trips truly unforgettable for them and when I know a couple is celebrating something special I always take the opportunity to play my part in making it the holiday of their dreams. Once when a client was celebrating their first wedding anniversary I sent the hotel a photo of the bride in her wedding dress. The dress had a particular flowered pattern on it and the hotel (Heritage in Mauritius) recreated the exact pattern in flowers on the couple's bed on arrival - a lovely touch that was certainly warmly welcomed by the couple.

So what is my favourite romantic retreat? One of them has to be the Al Maha hotel in Dubai - you can sit on the terrace at night listening to the silence of the desert and enjoying each others' company, with few other guests around. Your room is a very large detached tented-roof building with a private pool. When you go off to dinner and the room maids do the turn down service, they light a candle in the bathroom for your return. Idyllic!