For your honeymooners or other loving couples, what could be more romantic than an awesome vista to gaze at in between their gazing at each other? Here are a few samples of Europe suites with sweet views.
Grand Terrace Suite, The Berkeley, London
For couples in the mood for some urban Zen, the Grand Terrace Suite at The Berkeley in London opens out onto a wide garden terrace overlooking St. Paul’s Church on Wilton Street. The suite is part of a new collection of accommodations designed by interior architect John Heah; agents may know his imprint from many of the Aman resorts around the world. The Grand Terrace Suite was designed to make guests feel as though they were staying in a resort within the urban heart of Knightsbridge.
Other new touches at The Berkeley include a revamped Blue Bar, and a new Collins Room, where the hotel’s famous Afternoon Tea is served.
The Tower Suite, Gstaad Palace, Switzerland
The Alps are the main draw at the Gstaad Palace, the “palace” hotel in Switzerland that opened in 1913. Still acclaimed as a jetset hideaway for celebrities, the resort’s Tower Suite, set in one of the building’s terraces, works well for couples seeking a chic hideaway. And whether they’re nesting together in summer or winter, the view is a stunner from the suite’s balcony. If that gets old, you can take in the fairy-tale vista from the bathroom, whose soaking tub has three windows looking out at the mountains.
Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea in Italy overlooks the Bay of Mazzarò.
Tiberio Master Suite, Hotel Caesar Augustus, Capri, Italy
If your clients have ever dreamed of staying in a romantic hotel overlooking both the Capri and Amalfi coasts, the Tiberio Master Suite at Hotel Caesar Augustus has just the ticket. The suite has a corner terrace, amplifying the opportunity for views of the coast and the port below; it’s set on a cliff, and has its own private entrance. Nice Touch: The bathroom has a Jacuzzi designed to provide the most dramatic views of all.
Exclusive Suite, Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea, Taormina, Italy
Built by an aristocratic family in 1830, Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea is meant to evoke the vibe of a private residence. Best part? It’s set on its own beach overlooking the Bay of Mazzarò and accessible by cable car to Taormina’s town center, filled with restaurants and bars. The one-bedroom Exclusive Suite has a large living room, a marble bathroom, a gazebo, and, best of all, the romantic terrace-for-two.
Kandinsky Suite, Belmond Grand, St. Petersburg, Russia
Set on St. Petersburg’s central Nevsky Prospekt, Belmond Grand Hotel Europe is quite close to the city’s top cultural attractions. This grande dame has five iconic restaurants and bars, including Russia’s oldest continually serving restaurant, L’Europe. It also has a vodka sommelier at the ready to walk your couples through a menu of more than 50 types of vodka?
The hotel’s Avant-Garde Suites are designed to evoke the works of their namesake artists. The one-bedroom Kandinsky Suite has bright colors and earthly tones reminiscent of artist Wassily Kandinsky. The suite has a large living room, separate dining area, private entrance hall, a marble bathroom and butler service. There’s also a private gazebo with views of St. Petersburg, including the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood and the Russian State Museum.
Romance on a Budget
For couples planning a second honeymoon, but at a more affordable price than, perhaps, their first, U.S. News and World Report has released its list of the 10 Best Cheap Romantic Getaways. “The costs of lodging, dining and attractions were taken into account. As one might expect, all of these getaways are in North America. Here are the top five, along with some ideas for each location to make the experience a truly romantic one.
Planters Inn is one of many quaint, romantic and affordable bed-and-breakfasts couples can stay at in Savannah, GA.
- Savannah, GA: The “Hostess City of the South” simultaneously embodies and reinvents the preconceived atmosphere of a southern getaway. Couples here can stroll under Spanish moss at Forsyth Park, relax on the beach at Tybee Island, or even explore creepy, ancient graveyards in this historic city — all for free. In Savannah, where “Forrest Gump” was filmed, any couple can find their “box of chocolates” among the Southern-fried restaurants, top museums and burgeoning art scene.
- Portland, ME: This city has all the quintessential ingredients for a Maine vacation experience, including lobster rolls, quaint maritime atmosphere and scenic coasts complete with old-world lighthouses. But this uncrowded (population: 66,000) hipster haven has so much more to offer. Couples can explore Portland’s historic Old Port and museums before sampling the city’s highly underrated culinary scene. James Beard Award-winning restaurants dot the downtown area and there are a number of breweries to tour and taste, such as the acclaimed Allagash Brewing Company.
- Sedona, AZ: The iconic, jagged landscape of Red Rock State Park ought to be enough to draw adventurous duos, who can hike and bike the park’s many trails. There are also a number of affordable all-inclusive resorts providing couples massages and hot tub soaks in the desert locale. Sedona nowadays is also becoming home to a number of artists, filmmakers and spiritualists. Clients might consider booking a fall or winter visit to escape crowds and higher prices.
- Cannon Beach, OR: This nature and beach destination 80 miles west of Portland provides an escape from the more expensive, touristy destinations of the Pacific Northwest. At this quiet spot, couples can stroll through pleasantly isolated beaches at sunset, spot tufted puffins on Haystack Rock or watch gray whales migrate.
- Asheville, NC: Couples save their money choosing a B&B over a luxury resort in this quaint mountain town, outdoorsman’s retreat, bluegrass home and beer city. Outdoorsy duos should take a hike to get a panoramic view of the fall foliage along the Appalachian Trail and Blue Ridge Parkway. Epicureans can sample the city’s eclectic restaurant and brewery scene while culture hounds can wander through the River Arts District.
Rounding out the top 10 are, from six on down, Santa Fe, NM; Sanibel Island, FL; Monterey, CA; Kennebunkport, ME; and Montréal, Quebec, Canada.
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