Love is in the air: Five of the most romantic summer escapes

Summer is on the horizon, and there’s no better time to romance your loved one on an indulgent escape. It’s the season to let go of daily stress and unwind together, whether on a tropical island, coastal retreat, or amid the vines.

Here are five top getaways sure to ramp up the romance levels.

InterContinental Hayman Island

If you want to pack in all the tropical summer clichés, then Queensland’s Whitsunday Islands deliver. Think peacock-blue waters, white-sand beaches, rustling palm trees, and vibrant fish flitting over coral reefs, and you have the ideal romantic getaway.

You won’t have to share the tranquillity and glamour: InterContinental Hayman Island is the only resort on Hayman Island, jewel of the Whitsundays. Enjoy a private dining experience under the stars. Indulge yourself in a couples massage at the spa.

Where better to unwind than InterContinental Hayman Island?

The rhythm of sea and sun sets your timetable. Snorkel, treat yourself to a scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef, or do nothing but flop by the spectacular free-form swimming pool. The perfect summer has no pressure and no pace, and gets you in the mood for love. See haymanisland.intercontinental.com

InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula

Sorrento, Melbourne’s go-to summer getaway for generations, remains as agreeable in the twenty-first century. The elegant seaside town offers ample opportunities for quality time together, and InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula is the sweet spot for your escape.

Romance is second nature at InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula.

The contemporary seaside sanctuary has sophisticated guestrooms and fine restaurants that live up to the region’s gourmet reputation. Soothe yourselves in Aurora Spa & Bathhouse before tucking into seafood at sophisticated Audrey’s by Scott Pickett.

Enjoy art galleries and restaurants, promenades on which to hold hands and spot dolphins frolicking, natural hot springs, and cellar doors where you can taste test Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay. Life could hardly be better. See sorrento.intercontinental.com

InterContinental Bali Resort

What’s not to love about Bali? A long-standing favourite for couples, this island of volcanoes, iridescent green rice terraces, colourful temples and unrivalled hospitality has long been a place to celebrate love.

Jimbaran Bay in the island’s south has understated charm. Swap the concrete and nightclubs of other destinations for local temples, residential alleys and a beach where fishing boats supply barefoot restaurants with fresh seafood.

Experience Bali luxury in all its glory at InterContinental Bali Resort.Credit: InterContinental Bali Resort

This is romance without fuss, and InterContinental Bali Resort a dreamy retreat that sits amid tropical gardens right on the beach. Taste Balinese cuisine at Jimbaran Gardens, a restaurant lapped by blue water. Destress in the spa. Add brilliant sunsets and your day will close as it began, with a sense of utter relaxation. See bali.intercontinental.com

InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort

Draped like a jewelled pendant across the Indian Ocean, the Maldives are the ultimate in island romance, offering year-round sunshine, stunning natural beauty and luxury indulgence.

InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort sits on its own private island, backed by palm trees and fronted by white sand and shimmering ocean. Pamper yourself into aromatic bliss at the spa, indulge in any of seven restaurants, and let your days drift away to the sound of waves gently lapping against your overwater bungalow.

Fall in love again and again, at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort.

Who says romance always has to be tranquil? Make great memories together with activities such as jet skiing, wakeboarding and kayaking. The lagoon is fabulous thanks to gin-clear water, abundant coral and colourful fish. Majestic manta rays gracefully glide through the big blue, providing an enthralling wildlife encounter. See maldives.intercontinental.com

Voco Kirkton Park Hunter Valley

Two hours out of Sydney and you’re in another place entirely at voco Kirkton Park.

Two hours out of Sydney and it’s goodbye urban stress, hello rolling countryside, a rim of blue hills, and neatly pegged vineyards that produce quality wines you can try at cellar doors or in local restaurants.

The Hunter Valley has many more ways to seduce than that, though. Take a sunrise hot-air ballon ride and enjoy a champagne breakfast afterwards. Stroll through beautiful gardens. Taste olives, chocolate and cheese at farm gates.

Romance is in the air, and you can turn it up more at voco Kirkton Park Hunter Vally, nestled in a secluded 70-acre estate. It’s the quintessential romantic retreat thanks to its country heritage yet contemporary elegance and peaceful atmosphere. Have high tea as you admire views of the Brokenback Ranges. Enjoy estate-to-plate cuisine at Locavore Restaurant. Gaze over rustling vineyards, and feel pleasure take over. See huntervalley.vocohotels.com

For more information on IHG Hotels & Resorts and to book your romantic summer escape, visit ihg.com