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Go on a lovers’ getaway in Indonesia

Indonesia is turning into a paradise for those seeking a destination wedding, dream honeymoon or a romantic escapade a couple of hours away

RIAU ISLANDS

Bawah Reserve now offers unrivalled experiences for couples looking to celebrate newlywed bliss in style.

No arrival to a private island is as thrilling or breathtaking as via an amphibious seaplane, offering stellar aerial views from any seat.

Upon arrival, retreat into luxurious overwater bungalows with endless ocean views, thanks to an idyllic location in the middle of the Anambas. Each bungalow is perched over blue waters and is exclusively accessible by ironwood walkways for the ultimate eco-lux experience.

You can also enjoy a personalised gourmet experience curated by Bawah's expert culinary team while lounging on plush outdoor cushions on Bawah's private beaches.

When it comes to water activities, Bawah ups the ante with glass-bottom kayaks that allow adventurers to discover nature's best-kept secrets.

With 15 dive sites surrounding the islands, more than 120 fish species unique to Bawah waters and at least 40 types of hard coral species, including the Acropora table corals, Branch corals and Boulder corals, divers will get to enjoy an exceptional encounter with Mother Nature.

Bawah Reserve is also a star sanctuary with vast expanses of open skies that offer opportunities for stargazing.

Couples can cap off an adventure-filled day by relaxing beneath the glow of the moon or catch a romantic movie at Bawah's outdoor cinema by the pool. The Bawah Reserve honeymoon experience can be booked from US$2,400 (S$3,300) for two people a night.


LABUAN BAJO

Ayana Komodo Resort, Waecicu Beach, which opened last month and is a short sail from Komodo National Park, has unveiled four wedding venues.

As Labuan Bajo's first and only five-star luxury resort, it is suitable for couples wishing to add extra finesse to their dream wedding, with Kukusan Island and volcanic peaks presenting an iconic backdrop.

Wedding locations include Naga Pier, featuring a dedicated aisle weaving above crystal clear waters and offering unparalleled views of the island and its surrounding marine sanctuary.

Brides and grooms who long to say "I do" with pristine white sand under their soles can select an intimate outdoor ceremony on the 205-bedroom resort's private Waecicu Beach.

If air-conditioning coupled with an outdoor option is more fitting, Kukusan Terrace - on the rooftop of the resort - offers the best views of Labuan Bajo's skies and the Indian Ocean.

It also has a modern air-conditioned wedding chapel for couples who wish to hold a garden wedding on a manicured lawn.

Lastly, a truly unique wedding venue out on the water awaits on board Ayana Lako di'a, Ayana's new nine-bedroom phinisi.

The ship's interiors are styled with exuberance in mind, while the main deck has been handcrafted to hold up to 150 guests.

Ayana's destination wedding packages are available from $5,072 for up to 70 of the couple's closest family and friends.


BALI

For something that won't break the bank, vacation rental company HomeAway's villa properties boast picturesque scenery and infinity pools that make up the best backdrop to create cherished memories, not to mention personal chefs available for hire to whip up delicious local cuisine.

Nestled between rice paddies and the sandy beaches of the Bali Sea, Villa Asmara ($446 a night) is an exclusive beachfront villa with five spacious bedrooms, each with their own private bathrooms, and can accommodate up to 10 guests.

There is also the uniquely designed beachfront property The Cove ($865 a night). It offers couples an opportunity to have their own beach-themed celebration, with postcard-perfect sunsets, a beachfront deck and a natural grotto.

Constructed from reclaimed ironwood, teak and other locally sourced materials, this villa can accommodate up to 13 people, and comes with a sunset cabana, infinity pool and bar.

Arrangements can be made to have food catered, and guests will be taken care of by the experienced staff at The Cove.

TOURISM & TRAVEL