Whether you’re looking for a pash and a spot of pampering with your partner or a group getaway with your gals – or pals – to celebrate your single status, Oaks Hotels, Resorts & Suites has a city stay, beach escape or rural retreat for anyone keen to show a little love to their other half, their posse, or themselves.
With most accommodation offering separate bedrooms, living areas, fully-equipped kitchens and more, there’s plenty of room to snuggle up – and spread out – during your stay.
Dr Happy’s top tips for a successful – not a stressful – romantic escape
The resident Happiness Expert at Oaks Hotels – and founder of the Happiness Institute, Dr Tim Sharp, aka Dr Happy, says that when it comes to having a happy holiday with your partner or travel buddy, ‘remember that you don’t have to do ALL the same things ALL the time”.
If your interests are tugging you in different directions, Dr Happy says: “Make time to do the things you each love – then meet and catch up on your different experiences later in the day. This helps build your connection and avoids resentment or conflict. Dragging someone on a beautiful hike when all they want to do is sit by the pool with a book for the day isn’t going to bring anyone joy”.
“Another tip is to be mindful, stay in the moment, enjoy your time, forget about what other couples are doing, or what you could or should be doing, and just soak up the happy feels. Emails, admin, housework – everything back home can wait!”
Ramp up the in-room romance
If booking a sexy stay isn’t enough, why not impress your partner by arriving early to deck out your room with fresh blooms, flickering candles, plush robes, and your favourite massage oil, then settle in to check out a romcom or soppy film from the in-room Foxtel menu? With plenty of space in Oaks’ apartment-style suites, you can even order a romantic meal from a nearby fancy restaurant and enjoy it in the living space of your accommodation – and stack the fridge with champagne.
For those choosing to spend time with their Gal-entines instead, swap the candlelit romance for karaoke, robes for cute matching PJs, massage oil for a mobile manicure, romantic movie for a cult comedy, and share delivery pizza, tacos or Thai followed by choccies, candy – and keep the bubbly.
Not sure where to start? Check out these hot picks from the Oaks Hotels collection…
For lovers of indulgent spa treatments…
Whether you’re after a sensual couples massage or want to book an all-day session with the girls, Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort offers guests access to the award-winning facilities of the on-site Elysia Wellness Retreat – as well as a championship golf course to keep non-spa fans happy.
Oaks Hervey Bay Resort and Spa boasts a prime position along the Esplanade and a Mineral Earth Wellness Spa offering couples treatments, facials, peels, a Spa Jet and sauna, while the Balinese-inspired Oaks Casuarina Santai Resort in popular Kingscliff – idyllically located between Byron Bay and the Gold Coast – has been given the thumbs up by travellers in the know, including MamaMia writer and producer Leigh Campbell and radio host and podcaster Brittany Hockley.
For sun seekers and blissful beach days…
If your ultimate date – or day – involves plenty of white sand, clear water, watersports or curling up on the beach with a book, then Oaks Glenelg Plaza Pier Suites, an absolute beachfront property at the centre of all the action in Adelaide’s liveliest coastal location is the perfect pick. Have a crack at Stand-Up Paddleboarding, swim with dolphins, take a sunset catamaran cruise or kick back with a cocktail at the country’s only toes-in-the-sand European-style beach club.
There are also plenty of properties in Queensland perfect for making beach vacay memories with your favourite person – or people. From its prime position steps from surf beaches and bustling Cavill Avenue, Oaks Gold Coast Hotel is a must for couples who don’t like to be cooped up, as well as being the ultimate spot for an epic girls’ getaway. Easily transition from beach days to brilliant nights thanks to the endless choice of clubs, the casino, foreshore night markets, bars and restaurants that line the sunshine strip.
For fans of Sex in the City…
If your idea of a sexy stay involves getting your glam on, rooftop cocktails, serious shopping, galleries galore and snagging a table at the latest restaurant, then a city romp should be on your Valentine’s Day radar. Why not check into Oaks Sydney Goldsbrough Suites and cruise the waters of nearby Sydney Harbour? Or book a room at the elegant Oaks Melbourne on Market Hotel to discover the hidden laneways and fabulous foodie scene in Melbourne? Keen to party with all the crew? Try a four-bedroom apartment at Oaks Brisbane on Margaret Suites to explore Brisbane’s vibrant riverside precinct.
For lovers of action and adventure…
Does your loved one crave adventure? Always want to do something different? Love the outdoors? Then an Oaks property up north will be sure to heat up the action. Choose Oaks Port Douglas Resort or Oaks Cairns Hotel to explore the majestic reef, take a crocodile cruise or hike the spectacular Daintree Rainforest. Take up residence at Oaks Darwin Elan Hotel to discover fantastic fusion cuisine, a cool craft beer and cocktail scene and incredible indigenous art and culture. Or take a walk on the wild side with a sunset camel ride on Broome’s famous Cable Beach, easily accessible from Oaks Broome Hotel.
