It’s always a good idea to make an escape à deux especially for a pair who needs a quiet time alone and away from the mundane or quotidian and slip into something more comfortable — at destinations made just for two. Hence the paradoxical title of Gosetti-Ferencei’s book The Ecstatic Quotidian, which means “stepping outside of an everyday familiarity.” A philosophical inquiry in which Gosetti-Ferencei argued that the ordinary can only be got hold of via the phenomenon of the extraordinary, and vice-versa. From moonlit walks through atmospheric Mozambique island to a sun-soaked sparse foot traffic island of the Seychelles — with many areas having barely been visited, to candlelit dinners in Marrakesh and lazy lie-ins in sultry island of Zanzibar, it’s time to cast off the quotidian.
1. Enter a romantic paradise in the Seychelles.
There are romantic vacations, and then there’s the Seychelles. The tropical paradise is an archipelago consisting of 115 of the world’s most pristine islands. For those who can afford it, the Seychelles is located off the coast of East Africa dotted with secluded ultra-high-end resorts complete with butler service and VIP concierges that promise the trip of a lifetime.
Many argued the island might just be the closest place to paradise the planet has to offer. In these sun-soaked Indian Ocean islands, you can slip off your shoes and spend your romantic break in barefoot luxury. Staying here is all about the beach, of course, where the sands are talcum-powder-soft, and the waters clear and warm. The snorkeling and diving are matchless, too — expect to see turtles and clouds of colorful fish. Even better: you’ll also find sumptuous seafood, delicious cocktails, and some truly opulent hotels.
William and Kate reportedly renewed their vows right on the islands. In addition to the royals, a few celebrity couples, including George and Amal Clooney, and more, opted to spend their honeymoons in the Seychelles. It’s proof that there must be something in the water because the place was clearly made for romance. Plus, plenty of resorts are built and designed for couples who want to get away for a quite romantic honeymoon, vacation and even for pairs really thinking of going all out, getting married on one of the islands.
2. Escape to the Enchanting Siwa Oasis “Sekht-am” (palm land)
Siwa Oasis is one of Egypt’s most isolated settlements with a unique desert culture and a distinct language than the rest of Egypt. With a population of 33,000 people, most of which are Berbers, the oasis lies in the Western Desert 348 miles from Cairo and 30 miles East of the Libyan border.
Siwa Oasis was known to ancient Egypt as “Oasis of Amu Ra” for being home to the Temple of Ammon (the Temple of Oracle) which is in its small village of Aghormi. Alexander the Great visited the Oracle Temple to find out more about his origins. While no one knows exactly what the king asked and what the gods replied, it is believed that he was declared son of Ammon in this temple, which opened for him the gates into the hearts of Egyptians and was nationwide accepted as a new ruler over the country.
Central Siwa is dominated by the organic shapes of its ancient fortress of Shali Ghadi, which was built on a natural rock and was made up of mudbrick, salt, and palm rock. Up until 1926, these dwellings were inhabited, but after being damaged by rain, people moved to more conventional structures. It is prominently known for its mosque, shabby streets and memorable nights lit by floodlights. The dozens of rock-cut tombs at the Gebel el Mawta (“Mountain of the Dead”) and Cleopatra’s Bath are all visit-worthy.
The Dakrour Mountain is well-known for its therapeutic sandbathing, believed by locals to cure Arthritis. Siwa also witnessed the fights of both World Wars and was used as a base by the British Army, German Africa Corps, and the Italian Army. Today Siwa Oasis can be visited for its rich historical, natural, architectural, therapeutic, and cultural reasons.
Experience one of the largest dune fields in the world – the Great Sand Sea – a breathtaking landscape of infinite tranquility where you can dune-bash your way to a cozy Bedouin arrangement and enjoy their local cuisine. Siwa undoubtedly has the most beautiful sunset in Egypt. With a breathtaking background of cliffs and dunes and witness the sunset from the enchanting shore of Lake Fatnaas. “Egypt is a great place of contrasts: splendid things gleam in the dust,” Gustave Flaubert.
3. Escape to Benguerra Island, Mozambique a Supercharged eco-luxury site
A magical Indian Ocean destination where time stands still and an exquisite piece of paradise in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Bazaruto Archipelago, the second largest island off the coast of Mozambique, a protected marine conservation area that offers pristine beaches and unspoiled coral reefs teeming with marine life. Looking out onto a sandy beach and set on a deep lagoon unaffected by the tides, this exclusive beach getaway is ideal for swimming and snorkeling and a perfect activity for a pair.
Surrounded by premier diving sites, with lodges that are a gateway to an underwater wonderland for divers, with a rich variety of tropical fish species complemented by Africa’s only population of the rare dugong. The deep Mozambique Channel, which runs alongside the island, is renowned for its game fish and Benguerra Island offers some of the world’s best catch-and-release deep sea fishing and fly-fishing opportunities.
Within the protected marine reserve of the Bazaruto Archipelago National Park, this island hideaway is set on a protected lagoon. As the second largest island of Mozambique’s Bazaruto Archipelago remains a low-key idyllic drop in the Indian Ocean—the island sits within a national marine reserve. A newly opened resort, the Kisawa Sanctuary, the world’s first 3-D-printed resort built with sand and seawater mortar, is perfect for a pair. The ultra-exclusive 12-bungalow resort is a beautiful base from which to explore Benguerra Island’s flamingo beaches and pristine coral reefs, where dugongs, manta rays and tiger sharks dwell, with minimal human interaction.
While in Mozambique, visiting the Chimanimani National Park, is a one-of-a-kind experience to have and witness conservation at its best. Located in the district of Sussundenga, in the Province of Manica, the Chimanimani National Park spans Mount Binga, the country’s highest peak, close to the border with Zimbabwe. Created in 2000, it hosts a rich ecosystem, especially in the mountain regions, with rocky landscapes and unique plants, bird, reptile and butterfly species. The local community also preserves cave paintings, beliefs and ancient traditions that give the Reserve a cultural interest.
4. Stroll arm in arm through romantic Marrakesh
Rose-pink walls of ancient stone rise around you in the labyrinthine Medina of Marrakesh, your senses alive with the scents of orange blossom and jasmine. You’re sure to get lost in Moroccos most famous city, but that’s half the fun, especially when your hand-in-hand with your partner.
Pause a while over mint tea poured slowly, or buy some fragrant, freshly ground spices, before heading back to your hotel, the best of which feel more like palaces. Where opulent suites lead off a lush courtyard and the rooftop terrace has views of the city’s historic heart. Over in tranquil Menara, you’ll find Le Méredien N’Fis, boasting a vast outdoor pool and illuminated Andalusian gardens ripe for a romantic evening stroll.
This one-of-a-kind experience comes with a hefty price tag, though: nightly rates for bungalows start at almost $6,000 and include a butler, meals crafted by private chefs, a sunset sail, and a massage.
5. Escape to Zanzibar Archipelago’s largest island, beaches galore, spice plantation tours, and exploring Stone Town’s historic streets.
Zanzibar is an archipelago of four islands off the coast of East Africa. Zanzibar is a partner state in the United Republic of Tanzania with the Mainland. In the 1960s, the archipelago joined Tanganyika to form the country of Tanzania (Tanzania lies just south of Kenya, with the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro practically straddling the border.) Pemba is the second largest island of the Archipelago, named Al-khudra “The Green Island” by the Arabic mariners. It is famous for its clove production and its channels offer some of the best diving experiences in East Africa. Zanzibar is also known as the ‘Spice Island’ due to the delicious variety of spices grown on the island’s many plantations.
Zanzibar is famous for white sand beaches and pristine environment which make the country a leader for ecotourism. There’s a myriad of activities you could indulge in and being an island, beach sports feature strongly. Windsurfing (including kite surfing), snorkeling, cruises, kayaking, parasailing, and stand-up paddle boarding can be enjoyed all year round.
Its main island, Unguja, is often referred to as Zanzibar. Because of its strategic location along spice and slave trade routes in the Indian Ocean, Zanzibar was a stronghold for many countries throughout its history. The country of Oman even declared Zanzibar its capital for 30 years in the 17th century. Stone Town, a World Heritage Site, boasts a labyrinth of winding alleys, bustling marketplaces, beautifully carved wooden doors, breathtaking mosques, and grand Arab residences. Another must-see attraction on Zanzibar includes the Jozani Forest Reserve – home to the rare Kirk’s red colobus monkey and Aders’ duiker. Off the north-eastern coast of Zanzibar is Mnemba Island – an idyllic private island featuring luxurious accommodation, breathtaking scenery, and rich marine diversity. Coconut palms and other vegetation cover the land surface. Simply uttering Zanzibar’s name conjures images of swaying palms and dazzling sands.
6. Cruise along the Nile in a Felucca to Witness the Glorious Aswan Sunset – Egypt
Gliding down the world’s longest waterway there is an ancient past still alive in majestic monuments and relics, threaded along the riverbanks of the Nile. This captivating backdrop is mirrored in luxurious river cruise boats, each elegantly designed to ensure a distinct sense of being in storied Egypt.
Although not a specific piece of architecture, watching the sun set over Aswan is a truly magical sight. Travel like an Egyptian by peacefully cruising along the Nile in a felucca – a traditional sailing boat. Lie back and watch Egypt’s iconic scenery, as you anticipate the setting of the sun. When the time is right, gaze ahead to watch the magnificent sunset cast a mesmerizing soft warm glow over the surrounding area. Witnessing this magical sunset across Aswan is heavenly like the sun is waving goodbye in the most sublime manner which makes any form of activity like a boat ride truly majestic or a super safari across the desert on the back of a camel or quad to the Nubian villages or watches the sun kissing the Abu Simbel temple a farewell until the next morning. It is certainly the quintessential Egyptian experience and a travel memory you won’t easily forget.
7. Fez and Chefchaouen, Morocco
Shades of blue, from sapphire and powder blue to cobalt and cerulean, have long drawn travelers to the meandering streets and narrow alleyways of Chefchaouen in northwestern Morocco.
After a day spent exploring the bustling city souk — market day is on Mondays and Thursdays — escape the crowds for Talassemtane National Park. Despite being just 25 miles outside the city center, you’ll feel a world away as you hike through several impressive landscapes that include fir forests, cascading waterfalls, and wadis.
For a step back in time (and a step into the filming location of 2023’s “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny”), head south to Fez, the oldest of Morocco’s imperial cities. A cultural hub for millennia, the city is rife with inspiring experiences. Get a glimpse of the country’s thriving leather industry with a visit to its oldest tannery, Chouara Tannery, located in the oldest part of the medina. Then head outside the medina walls to Ain Nokbi to observe how the country’s signature Moroccan tiles, known as zellige, are crafted by hand.
8. Experience Mauritius the home of many beautiful beaches and diverse fauna and flora, and the oldest racecourse in the Southern Hemisphere
If you want to experience unparalleled luxury, beauty and a level of refinement that is head and shoulders above that is not offered in other tropical holiday destinations, Mauritius is your ideal island break. The contrast of colors, cultures and tastes makes the island so charming that the scene is set for an unforgettable holiday.
Start your tour with a delightful breakfast then board Port Louis, the modern capital of this 38-mile by 29-mile Island, experience bustling port with a revitalized waterfront and a busy market. Buzzing with activity during the day, the city is full of cultural and historical treasures that should not be missed. The central market is a focal point for those who want to feel close to the soul of Mauritius and her many historic sites including the Champ de Mars or Port Louis Racetrack — the oldest racecourse in the southern hemisphere. Champ de Mars, which is in the capital, Port Louis, has been in existence for over 200 years.
The racing season kicks off in April and lasts till around the last week of November with most races being held on weekends. The most popular horse races include the Duchess of York Cup, Barbé Cup, Maiden Cup, Duke of York Cup. The infrastructure of the racing track is sure to impress fans of horse racing internationally. Managed and maintained by the Mauritius Turf Club, it is up to this prestigious club to decide everything related to the horse races ranging from dates, timings, and the dress code for the events.
While in Mauritius you can also head to Mont Choisy as to most visitors gravitate to this resort, a quiet Trou-aux-Biches and the more bustling Flic en Flac, popular with scuba divers. Rivière Noire is ideal for those looking for great deep-sea fishing. Mauritius is arguably a tropical paradise with tons of exciting activities.
9. Take a hot air balloon ride over Lake Nakuru – Kenya
On the floor of the Great Rift Valley, surrounded by wooded and bushy grassland, lies the beautiful Lake Nakuru National Park. Visitors can enjoy the wide ecological diversity and varied habitats that range from Lake Nakuru itself to the surrounding escarpment and picturesque ridges. Lake Nakuru National Park is ideal for bird watching, a sanctuary to over four hundred different species of bird, and great for hiking, picnics, and game drives. While you should have a go at classic birdwatching from the ground, you can rise up in the air by taking a hot air balloon ride over the savannah. Stay at The Cliff, a brand-new luxury camp in the park, and take flight in their signature green and yellow balloon for the ultimate bird’s eye view of Lake Nakuru.
10. Experience the Magic of the Salt Pan Etosha National Park – Namibia
Etosha National Park is unique in Africa. The park’s main characteristic is a salt pan so large it can be seen from space. Yet there is abundant wildlife that congregates around the waterholes, giving you almost guaranteed game sightings. At the same time, Etosha National Park is one of the most accessible game reserves in Namibia and Southern Africa.
In Etosha National Park, a wide range of wildlife can be enjoyed. In particular, the floodlit waterhole at Okaukuejo Restcamp is very productive in the evenings, with many rhinos visiting to drink in the dry season. Lion will also use the waterhole as an ‘ambush point’ during the height of the dry season when the game has little choice but to drink there. The elephant is particularly large, and Etosha is also home to the rare, black-faced Impala. At first glance, Etosha in Namibia looks like an odd choice for a safari, especially during the bone-dry winter months when most travelers visit. Its primary feature is a vast salt pan shimmering in the bright sun, fringed by grasslands, camel thorn trees, and waterholes. But these waterholes draw a breathtaking variety of wildlife, including some of Africa’s biggest elephants, endangered black rhinos, zebra, wildebeest, and antelope among many other species. Lions roam the surrounding grasslands and there’s also a good chance of seeing cheetahs and leopards.
In the short summer rainy season, Etosha becomes a verdant oasis and a haven for birdlife, with flocks of flamingos drawn to the glimmering pools of algae. In Etosha, there is a vagrant blue crane population. The different regions offer very specific and individual birding opportunities. Self-drive safaris are possible during the drier winter months (although inadvisable in the summer, when the ground is wet with rain), and several luxury lodges and camps ring the park offering inclusive guided safaris. The park is malaria free, accessible in a regular sedan car and the rest camps provide a range of accommodations as well as restaurants, viewing decks, shops, and petrol stations. Luxurious camps in Etosha’s remote areas have now added top-end accommodation to the park’s offerings.
