For us travel is one of the most romantic things you can do with your partner. It’s also a great test of your relationship. We’ve found having that time away together has really helped us get to know one another better.
We were very excited to be asked to judge the romance category of Stayz annual awards. Here’s what we decided.
When Stayz approached us to be the judges of their most romantic venue, it seemed like the perfect fit. We love using Stayz. When we’re planning our trips round Australia, they have an amazing resource of homes and guesthouses around the country.
As much as we love staying in hotels, there’s something really special about going for weekends away where you can pretend you live somewhere else.
What’s your definition of romance?
For us romance is a mix of quiet luxury and privacy. We don’t go for anything too over the top; we want to feel relaxed and we also like to have our own space. Having said that, we don’t like to be bouncing around in a property that’s too big for a couple.
Of course location is a big factor too. We’re softies for a magnificent view or staying somewhere that’s on the beach or in the mountains.
Finally we like to see how the place is decorated and designed. Muted colours and comfy yet elegant furniture is always going to win us over. Unique buildings also catch our eye.
Even though we’ve got a good idea of what makes a romantic place to stay, we had some real trouble working out who the winners should be for the Romance category of this year’s Stayz awards.
We want to congratulate all the finalists who are running some amazing properties.
And the winner is…
The one place that ticked all our boxes and really stood out for us is Thalia Haven in Tasmania for its uniqueness, its privacy, for the fact that it’s completely off the grid and you can really get away and just enjoy time together.
And just look at that bath!
Thalia is also beautifully located on the east coast of Tazzie far enough from anyone yet close enough to Hobart to be isolated but not creepy!
As well as the Thalia Haven taking the national prize, there were state winners too. Check them out here:
NSW: Glasshouse Rainforest Retreat, Woolgoolga.
QLD: Dell Stone, Currumbin.
SA: Castle Keep, Stirling.
VIC: The Estate, Trentham.
WA: Ionise, Yallingup.
How do you define romance? What’s the most romantic place you’ve stayed? Do you think we picked the most romantic of the lot? Tell us in the comments!
Sonia from Sonia Styling
Holy shitballs – look at that bath INDEED! A very worthy winner from two people perfect to be the judges of the romance category. Well done team! x
Mr Romance
Ah! Thank you, Sonia! How good does that bath look though?! My god – Mrs Romance doesn’t even like baths that much but we were both smitten when we saw this place!
Jxx
Kate
Wow that location and bath are amazing!! Funnily enough Tasmania is on our list of places to visit so may need to check this place out.
Mr Romance
It’s crazy, isn’t it, Kate? Just stunning. We haven’t explored Tas nearly as much as I’d like either. Definitely check this place out. Reckon it’d make your stay.
Jxx
Andrew Darwitan
Whaaaa… Thalia Haven is really quite a place! I completely agree with you – quietness and privacy goes a long way to make a couple retreat special!
Mr Romance
What an amazing place, hey, Andrew?! Makes me want to almost pack up my city apartment and just move there!
Jim