10 Most Extraordinary Romantic Dinners Slideshow
On a Pier in the Ocean: Ayana Resort and Spa, Bali
On a pier jutting out into the ocean at the Ayana Resort, couples are served a five-course lobster dinner. As the sun sets, lighting the mountains of Ubud aglow, soft music is played on a bamboo xylophone that is audible just over the sound of the waves splashing beneath.
In an Elephant Sanctuary: Anantara Golden Triangle Resort & Spa, Thailand
Although the setting in a wooden cabin in the elephant handler's village at the Anantara Resort and elephant sanctuary is casual, the meal still impresses with elegant dishes like rock lobster in champagne sauce and caviar. Afterwards, the mahouts will guide the couple into the jungle to visit the baby elephants.
At the VIP Table Lumiere, The Dorchester, London
There is something playfully sexy about being in the midst of a crowd yet being hidden from view. The Table Lumière in the Michelin three-starred Alain Ducasse restaurant at the Dorchester becomes a two-person VIP table when the shimmering curtain is drawn. A surprise menu designed by executive chef Jocelyn Herland, with seven rich courses like foie gras ravioli with duck consommé, is served on Hermès china that is only used for the special guests at the Table Lumière.
In an 18-Century Sugar Mill: Caneel Bay, U.S. Virgin Islands
The ruins of the 18th-century Sugar Mill at Caneel Bay give the feel of a being a castaway on a deserted island. The stone walls decorated with shells and sea glass sparkle from the light of torches as the couple is served a menu of local Caribbean dishes from the Equator Restaurant.
In the African Bush: Ulusaba Private Game Reserve, South Africa
A dinner for two in the middle of an African game reserve is very Out of Africa. Add to that the rustic allure of a South African braai, a type of traditional barbecue, under the canopy of stars brighter because of the out-of-the-way setting in the bush, all arranged by the Ulusaba Private Game Reserve.
On a Private Yacht: Anantara Kihavah Villas, Maldives
Being out at sea in the Indian Ocean doesn't mean foregoing a gourmet meal on the Anantara Kihavah Villas' 82-foot private yacht, the Ocean Whisperer. After exploring small atolls and snorkeling in coves, dine on deck, choosing from eight themed five-course menus that include local dishes like spicy reef snapper in a tomato curry or Western ones like a Tasmanian lamb with spinach and nettle cream on an edible flower salad.
In a Wetlands Sanctuary: Saffire-Freycinet, Tasmania
Oysters are a known aphrodisiac, and at the sanctuary-resort Saffire in the Tasmanian wetlands, hardy couples can harvest their own oysters and then shuck them at a bar set up in the pristine waters of the sanctuary. This is offbeat romance, but sparkling wine classes it up served alongside the famous Freycinet Pacific Oysters and special sauces from the Saffire executive chef.
Underneath the Eiffel Tower: Le Meurice, Paris
An emblem of classic romance, Paris and its most salient landmark take the stage during a dinner on the balcony of Le Meurice. Start with champagne (of course) and an amuse bouche from the chef and move onto extravagantly garnished dishes like chaud-froid of sole with caviar.
In the Moroccan Desert: La Mamounia, Marrakech
La Mamounia is a romantic enough setting, but the 1,001 Nights-style dinner in the desert that they offer takes it over the top. After camel rides over the dunes, a roasted lamb dinner is accompanied by traditional storytellers and musicians. It doesn't end there the couple spends the night in a Berber tent decked out with modern amenities.
At a Medieval Castle: Amberley Castle, England
La Mamounia is a romantic enough setting, but the 1,001 Nights-style dinner in the desert that they offer takes it over the top. After camel rides over the dunes, a roasted lamb dinner is accompanied by traditional storytellers and musicians. It doesn't end there the couple spends the night in a Berber tent decked out with modern amenities.