Hotels filled with the masses won’t do for couples searching for their piece of paradise this Valentine’s Day. Fret not as we have uncovered six decadent hideaways for the love-struck to lose themselves in

ON THE ROCKS

When you’re in love nothing but the best is enough. In Vietnam, this means the Evason Hideaway at Ana Mandara, the only six-star resort in the country. The adventure begins before reaching the resort, only accessible via a 20-minute boat ride from the laidback beach town of Nha Trang (a one-hour flight from Ho Chi Minh City). But once you arrive, be prepared for bliss as you step into one of 54 pool villas, situated on the beachfront, hilltop or atop a rocky outcrop from which private swimming pools have been crafted. Or get steamy in one of the spa suites featuring a massage champa for in-villa spa treatments and steam shower. Soak up views of Ninh Van Bay’s glorious white sand beach, while mountains nestle behind and a waterfall runs by. With a comprehensive spa, trekking and scuba diving available, no wonder it was voted Hotel of the Year 2006 by Tatler UK Magazine.

MOUNTAIN HIGH

Snuggle up on top of the world at Peppers Spicers Peak Lodge, Queensland’s highest mountain retreat. Nestled within the stunning World Heritage-listed Main Range National Park, 90 minutes south-west of Brisbane, this handsome lodge enjoys breathtaking views of untouched wilderness. It enjoyed a great 2006, snagging Winner - Best Luxury Accommodation at the Queensland Tourism Awards and Best Fine Dining Restaurant at the Restaurant and Catering Queensland Awards for Excellence, for the second time. With its contemporary yet classic design forged from stone, timber, tin and glass, and fireplaces, suede and leather to warm you up, only the massages, infinity pool, bike and walking trails will get you moving after indulging in the fine modern Australian cuisine. Luxuriate in this serenity with their summer special, priced from AU$395 per person twin-share or AU$445 per person in a spa suite and valid until 28 February.

ISLAND ESCAPE

The tropical paradise of Phuket has another haven for hiding away in. Trisara resort brings together 42 suites and villas, every one blessed with their own private swimming pool and mesmerising seaviews. From its position hugging a private bay amid 40 acres of tropical gardens, Trisara offers complete privacy. Ocean breezes flow throughout while oversized king beds with seaviews, moonlit showers, teak pool decks and plasma TVs add the luxe factor. For distraction there are Thai and Australian-inspired menus and spa treatments (both available in villa), the island’s best cocktails and myriad water sports, including cruising on the resort’s luxury motor yacht.

DOWN IN THE WOODS

Moondance Lodge has been luring international travellers down to its neck of the woods with its heady blend of West Australian, Asian and Aboriginal culture. Built using local Jarrah wood for the floors, stone for the fireplaces, ceramics in the bathrooms and recycled telegraph poles as pillars, the striking design of the lake-front lodge is contemporary classic. Inside, Asian silks and artifacts decorate while one of the property’s signature experiences is the Didgeridoo Meditation, led by the area’s indigenous cultural custodian. If the energy vortex of the property doesn’t invigorate you, try a Grape Healing Therapy treatment or indulge in the organic produce, now being served in the restaurant on Friday and Saturday evenings and for Sunday Brunch. For today’s traveller, Moondance is a chance to discover tranquility within one of eight suites, each featuring a spa bath and private deck overlooking bushland, fruit orchards and Margaret River’s vineyards.

NORTH SYDNEY BEACH CHIC

Enjoy some understated glamour at one of Australia’s most famous beachhouses. Jonah’s Whale Beach has been welcoming guests, such as Anthony Hopkins, Vivien Leigh, Mick Jagger and David Bowie, to its perch above the Pacific Ocean since 1929. Fronted by a sweeping arc of pristine Pacific Ocean beach, Jonah’s newly refurbished suites and penthouse feature sumptuous king-size beds, 20cm showerheads and deep Jacuzzi spa baths with seaviews. Consider arriving via seaplane before taking advantage of sailing, snorkelling, a private beach picnic… or just surrender to a massage on your private balcony before enjoying the award-winning cuisine, such as their famed Valentine’s Day menu.

CABIN FEVER

If there’s one US state that evokes hot romance, it’s Hawaii. The private island of Lanai has just welcomed the opening of Four Seasons Resort Lanai, The Lodge at Koele. Fresh from a US$50 million-dollar enhancement, the elegant property exudes upcountry charm with lengthy verandahs, a games room, a pagoda imported from China, and rooms measuring 56m² with private balconies. Wander the sprawling gardens, enjoy a horse ride, golf, bike ride, or just soak up the fiames of the fireplaces in the Great Hall. Local specialties feature on the menu, including lobster, macadamias and of course, pineapples. A Spa and Wellness Centre is set to open in 2008 to further enhance that feel-good factor.