Hot springs, rainforest, spa and wellness at The Banjaran, Malaysia

I've always been a firm believer that you can mix romance and wellness together in to a really special holiday. And as a long time devotee of the holistic escape, it was with great pleasure that I came across The Banjaran Hot Springs Retreat in Malaysia. 

This incredible retreat is in a spectacular setting, surrounded by million-year old rainforest and soaring limestone cliffs just outside the city of Ipoh, about two hours drive from Kuala Lumpur and 1.5 hours drive from Penang. With an amalgamation of natural caves, pristine jungle, waterfalls and geothermal hot springs, The Banjaran ticks all the right boxes for an exquisite experience where you can both indulge in each other in the utmost of peace, privacy and relaxation. 

And it's all about spa and wellness here ... with a good dose of luxe thrown in to up the romance factor for couples! The Banjaran has 26 villas spread out across a sweeping valley floor, with Garden Villas that are set within their own secluded gardens, while the Water Villas rest on the bank of the hot springs, with individual balconies overlooking the water.

And with hot spring dipping pools, thermal steam caves, anti-oxident restoration beds, ice baths, outdoor rainforest shower, meditation cave, crystal cave and a freeform swimming pool to completely lose yourselves in, might we suggest that this place is a slice of heaven on earth for couples seeking out a full body and mind experience! 

The Datai - Langkawi, Malaysia

If you're looking for some tropical splendour in South East Asia, look to the mystical island of Langkawi off the coast of West Malaysia where you'll find The Datai, an award-winning nature-inspired retreat where luxury and romance reign in an atmosphere that is breathtakingly beautiful. Surrounded by jungle-covered mountains and centuries-old rainforest, with its own white sand beach (bliss!), the resort offers the weary urbanite a true escape from the everyday. Built to blend in with its tropical rainforest setting and with Malaysian architecture in mind, The Datai boasts  40 villas, 16 suites and 54 rooms, all with their own private veranda and stunning views of the lush landscape and the Andaman Sea beyond. You can choose from guest rooms, deluxe rooms and the lavish two-bedroom villas, or splurge on the popular Superior Villas and Pool Villas, located in the heart of the tropical rainforest and connected to public facilities by a series of pathways. Pool Suites are also on offer, consisting of two free-standing bedroom villas connected to a spacious living and dining area with large sunning terrace and shared swimming pool. Or for the ultimate in indulgence, check in to the two bedroom Datai Suite and melt in to your own private, expansive living and dining area, plus a fully equipped kitchen and a sandstone balcony with a panoramic view of the environs from every conceivable angle. 

Naturally, wedding at The Datai are very popular for couples wanting a destination event that is truly memorable. Intimate weddings by the sea are a popular choice, yet the hotel also offers bespoke wedding reception planning and theming at any of their dinning venues.

And knowing that they are a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, planning your next island holiday or destination wedding at The Datai can be done with some serious romance in mind!