From erotic language lessons and tantric workshops to conscious couple time in otherworldly vistas, meet the new breed of getaway designed to relight your fire 

​​When we polled the nation for the Body+Soul 2024 Sex Census, we discovered something intriguing. In response to what people want more of in a relationship, it wasn’t a little extra nookie that topped the list. Surprisingly, most Aussies cited time together – and better communication – as the elements they were craving. 

Couples also identified slashing stress, greater intimacy and taking a vacation as among the top things they could do immediately to boost their bond.

Well, you don’t have to tell us twice. All in the name of research, we searched the globe for three holidays specifically designed for duos that tick all the right boxes.

So whether it’s a tranquil nature hideaway or a romantic Tuscan spa, these are the retreats to help couples reconnect, reset and reignite the passion in their partnership for a post-holiday glow that hits a little different. 

Sounds like just what the love doctor ordered.

Hotel Posta Marcucci

📍 Tuscany, Italy

With roots in the 19th century, Posta Marcucci (postamarcucci.it) is a picturesque spa hotel located in the medieval Tuscan village of Bagno Vignoni. Set among rolling hills and a sweeping avenue of Cyprus trees, you can check in here for the BeYond Couples Retreat – a five-day stay designed for those wanting to bring a little dolce back into their love life.

While it has all the perks of a luxury wellness retreat – think yoga classes, spa treatments and serene surroundings – the program also aims to help partners improve communication and intimacy through transformational coaching sessions and tantric teachings.

Being in the land of great food and wine, there’s no subsisting on just greens and juices, either. Instead, doses of romance are prescribed in the form of sipping Tuscan reds at sunset, strolling through the town’s ancient cobblestone streets, soaking in the spa’s thermal pools and long lunches on the sun-filled verandah. Bellissima!

Lake Austin Spa Resort

📍 Texas, USA

If your fast-paced lives have left you and your partner feeling more like flatmates, remind yourself why you fell in love with your significant other in the first place at the all-inclusive Lake Austin Spa Resort (lakeaustin.com) in Texas, USA.

The tranquil resort, perched on the edge of the Colorado River, offers bespoke packages designed to help partners revive that lovin’ feelin’, with reconnection workshops and a team happy to organise romance-filled activities like boat rides, picnics and lakeside drinks.

As if the award-winning day spa wasn’t blissful enough, the hotel also boasts swimming pools, steam rooms and a sauna, as well as a host of wellness-boosting activities – from personal training sessions to a Zen-inducing massage.

Feeling head over heels all over again by the end of your trip? The resort also offers vow renewals. We do!

Bambu Indah

📍 Ubud, Bali

If you’re seeking a lush romantic setting, the abundant green jungles of Ubud in Bali are world famous. And it doesn’t get much more decadent than boutique eco haven, Bambuh Indah (bambuindah.com).

With just six private bamboo tree-houses and four clifftop cocoons, this riverside sanctuary is the ultimate escape. The resort is also the location chosen by transpersonal sexologist, Jacqueline Hellyer, for her exclusive five-day Bali Couples Retreat.

During the transformative stay, Hellyer leads workshops – or “Lessons in Love”, as she prefers to call them – for couples exploring intimacy, communication and connection, as well as sessions aimed at strengthening the “couple bubble”.

Add in some holistic breathwork and meditation sessions, help with modern tantric techniques, erotic language lessons and plenty of downtime in the luxurious eco-friendly accommodation, and couples will come away with a toolkit to reignite that romantic spark.

The next retreat hosted by Hellyer is scheduled to run in early December, so add it to the top of your travel wish list.

Can't get enough? For all the spicy details from our nationwide survey, head to bodyandsoul.com.au/sexcensus