Thailand - perfect for a romantic getaway

Thailand for couples

With some of Asia's most heavenly stretches of coconut palm-fringed beaches, Thailand's landscape lends itself to romantic holidays strolling along glittering sands and gazing on stunning sunsets with your loved one. A colourful and enchanting culture and countless restaurants serving up delectable local dishes add to Thailand's allure, making it an ideal destination for a couples' getaway.

Luxury resorts and spa hotels can be found across the country's heart-stirringly beautiful archipelagos, both in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, so you can kick back and relax in complete comfort and style. Most resorts on the islands are low-rise and set behind tree-tufted shorelines ensuring that nothing spoils the wonderful view. Couples who like to explore on holiday will not be disappointed either, with a wealth of natural attractions, man-made marvels and adventurous activities to choose from.

Relaxation and romance

It's difficult to think of an environment more conducive to romance than deserted tropical beaches lapped by sparkling crystal waters and backed by lush rainforest, and Thailand has them in spades. Its elongated elephant's-trunk shaped peninsula is flanked by two coastlines curving around the Gulf of Thailand and skimming the edge of the Andaman Sea. The laid-back resort town of Hua Hin is one of the closest beach havens to the capital Bangkok and such is its beauty that it was once a favoured holiday retreat for the Thai royal family. Here the top-class international hotels back onto powdery white sands.

In the southern gulf, Ko Samui is rightly regarded as one of the world's top beach holiday destinations with glorious stretches of sand and luxurious spa hotels, not-to-mention fantastic restaurants and chic beach bars. The island is the ultimate escape for honeymooners and loved-up couples. On the other side of the Peninsula, Phuket has some great couples' retreats too. The chic enclaves of Surin and Kamala, with serene sweeping bays, plenty of restaurants and a laid-back atmosphere are ideal for a sun-soaked holiday with your partner.

To really get away from it all and find a private enclave, head to a little-known paradise such as Ko Lanta or Ko Kood. The best place to stay in Ko Lanta is Pimalai Resort and Spa, where you will find tranquil crescents of sand with bamboo bars on the beach for romantic evening cocktails. Though Ko Kood is the fourth largest island in Thailand, it has managed to fly under the tourism radar, making it a peaceful escape with an unspoilt landscape. As well as gorgeous beaches, the island is blanketed in rainforest and dotted with rushing waterfalls.