Honeymoon season is in full swing, and nothing’s better for a romantic couples getaway than an adult-only hotel.
Dawn Morwood, Co-Director of Cheap Deals Away UK, and her team of experts have conducted a study using travel websites, blogs, and official tourism websites to investigate the number of adult-only hotels, bars and restaurants, and activities in several top destinations around the globe.
Using this data, they’ve scored and ranked the top ten adult-only destinations, and now they’re bringing you the low down on why these holiday spots are the best for a kid-free vacation.
The Top Ten Best Adult-Only Holiday Destinations
The Maldives
The Maldives is the epitome of romantic luxury, with its collection of small, private island resorts catering primarily to adults. The famous overwater villas provide a secluded environment where couples can enjoy uninterrupted time together, surrounded by the Indian Ocean’s crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs. Complemented by world-class service, the serene environment ensures a deeply personal and relaxing holiday.
Adults-Only Activities:
Sailing: Couples can charter private yachts for a day or even try an overnight trip, enjoying the sunset and some stargazing.
Diving with Sharks: For thrill-seeking couples looking for an adrenaline rush, diving with sharks in the Maldives is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The Maldives’ clear waters provide excellent visibility for safely observing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
Cancún
Cancun blends the natural beauty of its beaches with pulsating nightlife, making it ideal for couples who seek both relaxation by the sea and entertainment after sunset. Its adults-only resorts specialise in creating an atmosphere where couples can enjoy privacy and luxury without distractions.
Adults-Only Activities:
Topless Bathing: Selected beaches and pools offer adults-only sections where couples can try topless sunbathing in a mature and respectful environment.
Adult Shows: Nights in Cancun can be spent watching spectacular adult-only shows like those at the famous club Coco Bongo. The atmosphere is electrifying, with live music, dance performances, and celebrity impersonations creating an immersive entertainment experience.
Ibiza
Ibiza’s unique appeal lies in its dual personality—days filled with tranquil beauty on sun-soaked beaches and exploring quaint villages, and nights alive with some of the world’s best parties and music. It’s a versatile destination for couples who appreciate both cultural richness and festive nightlife.
Adults-Only Activities:
Water Skiing: The clear waters around Ibiza are perfect for water skiing, offering an exhilarating rush that’s both fun and challenging, set against the stunning backdrops of the island.
Jeep Driving: Exploring the hidden trails and secret spots of Ibiza in a jeep allows couples to discover secluded coves and panoramic views, providing privacy and adventure.
Bars: Of course, the thing Ibiza is most famous for is the bars! Renowned for their vibrant scenes and eclectic mixes of music, Ibiza’s nightlife is ideal for couples who want to dance the night away.
Bali
Bali is a spiritual and romantic haven that offers a deep connection with nature and traditional culture. From its temples and waterfalls to dance performances and art, Bali envelops couples in a soothing yet enriching atmosphere perfect for rejuvenation and romance.
Adults-Only Activities:
Romantic Dinner In The Jungle: Dining amidst Bali’s lush jungle or near its tranquil rivers provides an enchanting setting where couples can enjoy gourmet meals in complete privacy.
Private Romantic Tours: Many guides offer tailored tours that can include private visits to Bali’s sacred sites, sunrise treks to Mount Batur, or even a helicopter ride over the island. These experiences foster unforgettable memories for just two.
Quad Biking: For those looking for a little more excitement, riding a quad bike through Bali’s rugged landscapes and alongside its rice paddies offers an adventurous way to explore the island’s natural beauty, far from the usual tourist trails.
Phuket
Phuket combines adventure with indulgence, offering stunning landscapes, inviting beaches, and a lively local culture. It’s a fantastic destination for couples who want to soak up the sun, enjoy fine dining, or dive into the local nightlife.
Adults-Only Activities:
Spa Treatments: Luxurious spa resorts in Phuket offer treatments like Thai massage, aromatherapy, and couples’ packages that promote relaxation and well-being in a serene setting.
Cabaret Shows: Phuket’s cabaret scenes are known for their flamboyant and colourful performances, providing an entertaining and often glamorous night out!
Dawn Morwood, Co-Director of Cheap Deals Away UK, comments:
“Across all these locations, there are some recurring activities that couples might want to try out,” says Dawn, Co-Director of Cheap Deals Away UK. “Adult-themed pool parties are often held at adult-only resorts, while all of these coastal locations have a wealth of adult-exclusive cruises on offer. What sets these activities apart from kid-friendly activities is that they usually have an open bar and, in some cases, are clothing-optional. And, of course, all of these locations have an amazing nightlife scene to explore!”
About Cheap Deals Away
Cheap Deals Away UK has one simple aim, to ensure people are not overpaying for their holidays. Choosing a holiday is one of the biggest decisions of the year and booking one can be frustrating with so many websites and conflicting advice. The company selects holidays based on great value for money, allowing the customer to make significant savings on the cost of their holidays. With holidays from all major UK airports, Cheap Deals Away UK makes it easier to find your next holidays for a fantastic price.
Methodology
1. Data Gathering
We collected data on the number of adult-only hotels, bars/restaurants, and activities for a provisional seed list of 20 global holiday destinations.
Sources:
Travel and Booking Websites (Expedia, Booking.com, TripAdvisor)
Official tourism websites
Travel Blogs and Articles (Conde Nast Traveler, SmarterTravel, Lonely Planet)
Data Points Collected:
Number of Adult-Only Hotels
Number of Adult-Only Bars/Restaurants
Number of Adult-Only Activities (e.g., spas, yoga, exclusive excursions)
2. Data Normalization
We normalized the collected data to ensure that all destinations were fairly compared.
3. Weighting
Different weights were applied to each category to reflect its importance in the overall ranking.
Weighting Scheme:
Adult-Only Hotels (40%): Given the importance of accommodation in defining an adult-only experience.
Adult-Only Bars/Restaurants (30%): Dining and nightlife contribute significantly to the appeal of adult-only destinations.
Adult-Only Activities (30%): Activities tailored for adults, such as spas and exclusive excursions, enhance the overall experience.
4. Ranking Calculation
We calculated each destination’s total weighted score and ranked them from highest to lowest.