Have that postcard-perfect holiday of your dreams at Asia’s most romantic beaches.

Private Paradise

Geger Beach | Indonesia, Bali
Bali is one of the most romantic spots in the world, and Bali’s Geger Beach is the hidden paradise recommended by those in-the-know about the Indonesian island. Located on the Bukrit peninsula facing the Indian Ocean, Geger has the white sand and turquoise water you’re after, but with far fewer vendors and punters. It’s quiet and relaxed, perfect for fish-watching, swimming and sunbathing in relative privacy.
Stay: The Balé Resort is the most romantic place to stay on Bali. Along with private pavilions and their private pools, the resort also lays claim to an exclusive section of Geger Beach, reserved only for guests, just walking distance from your room. The Balé also has a no children policy, giving couples the most tranquil experience possible. The resort also offers a full range of spa treatments, yoga, taiqi and qigong, and, just in case you’re sick of salt water, all Balé pavilions feature a private swimming pool.


http://www.slh.com/indonesia/bali/balbal.html

Hawaii East

Cheju Island | South Korea
This so-called “Hawaii of the Orient” is Korea’s top honeymoon destination. All told, an unbelievable 60 percent of all South Korean newlyweds head to Cheju, and it’s not hard to see why. In the spring, the island blossoms with flowers and tropical fruits. Apart from white sand beaches, the island is also home to extinct volcanoes with incredible views and postcard waterfalls. While the most famous scenic spots are sure to be overrun with Koreans taking wedding photos, the island is just now becoming well known among foreigners. Apart from sunbathing, snorkeling, boating and windsurfing, head to Chonjeyon waterfall, the “Niagara of Korea,” and the Chongbang waterfall nearby, which cascades right into the sea. Also, get up to the top of Mt. Halla, an extinct volcano which is also South Korea’s tallest mountain, for the perfect picnic spot, then hit Mt. Song and catch a stunning sunrise.
Stay: There are plenty of small hotels and hostels dotting the island.

Your Own Tree House

Pamalican | Palawan, the Philippines
Palawan, made up of over 7,000 islands, is the last frontier of the Philippines Made up of gorgeous, untouched beaches, coral reefs, mountains and tropical rainforests, Palawan is home to a diverse array of birds and teeming underwater life. Pamalican, the private coral island home to the luxurious Amanpulo Resort, has been carefully developed so that guests have ultimate privacy, making it an ideal honeymoon getaway. The island’s biodiversity makes it perfect for hiking, mountain biking, fishing, kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving and swimming. Or just take advantage of the resort’s spa, watch baby sharks swim by the beach at low tide or immerse yourself in the stunning views from the balcony of your private casita.
Stay: the Amanpulo Resort is an unreal paradise. Guests stay in luxurious private casitas and drive mini-golf carts to get around the island.


http://www.amanresorts.com

Sunset Splendor

Dona Paula Beach | Goa, India
This famous beach, the setting for several Indian films, may be the most romantic in the western Indian state of Goa thanks to a ghost story. It goes told that Dona Paula de Menezes, the daughter of a viceroy during Goa’s time as a Portuguese colony, was in love with a local fisherman and threw herself from a cliff by the beach when refused permission to marry him. Locals claim she still haunts the beach, appearing at night wearing only a pearl necklace. Sexy, that. Dona Paula is a great beach for sunning, swimming and, most of all, water sports, with equipment rental easily available. Learn about the area’s aquatic life at the Marine Biology Museum, located right by the beach, or travel five miles to the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary to see its most amazing winged residents. For a romantic evening, don’t miss the sunset river cruises and full-moon cruises organized by the Goa Tourism Department. Stay: Have your own cottage and private garden at the Prainha beachside cottages for US$150 per night.


http://www.nivalink.com/prainha/index.html

Nature Lovers

Bay of Fires | Tasmania, Australia
White beaches, blue water and fiery red rocks make this one of Australia’s most breath-taking beaches. The Bay of Fires stretches for 35 kilometers, much of it within the Mt. William National Park, home to kangaroos, wombats, wallabies and Tasmanian devils, as well as over 100 species of birds. Couples who love nature or want to see why Bay of Fires was named the second most beautiful beach in the world by Conde Nast Traveler shouldn’t miss this Tasmanian gem. You can literally spend days walking the beach here, or venture further into Mt. William National Park, which stretches northwest past the bay. For information about guided walking tours, check out www.bayoffires.com.au/index.htm. For a fun romantic excursion, check out Tasmania’s many vineyards for wine tasting amidst bucolic scenery. For more information on wine tasting tours and vineyards go to http://www.showyoutasmania.com.au. Stay: There are many private cabins and small villas for rent.

• Sienna Parulis-Cook