“The essence of a romantic getaway is that everyone must enjoy it. It must be a locally authentic experience that ensures guests walk away saying ‘wow, that was really something – can’t wait to come back again’.” So says David Church, MD of Malawi’s Umodzi Park, a five-star hotel and international convention centre.

This is a common sentiment among tourism players. “The right atmosphere is essential,” says Church, “and service providers should remember that one size does not fit all.” As more and more tour operators and destinations look toward creating customised packages, tailored specifically for the requirements and requests of each group of guests, the opportunities to build memorable romantic packages broaden significantly.

“Exclusivity and personalised service are also very important,” says Tony Sawe, GM of Palacina Residence and Suites, a property within The Zanzibar Collection. The group includes small, unexpected touches such as surprise sundowners at no added cost, leaving guests feeling like VIPs, having received special, individual service.

Ross Kennedy, CEO of Africa Albida Tourism, says the group’s Safari Club in Victoria Falls, which has recently received a major upgrade, has a professional team of butlers who are trained in reading body language and understanding the needs of their guests.  They can gauge whether guests prefer complete privacy, with their butler being available on demand only, or prefer having someone available in their vicinity at all times. Small touches and mindful service are very important when creating a romantic getaway.

Martijn Mellaart, founder of Mozambique Voyages, says Mozambique is in itself a romantic getaway, with a number of small exclusive islands, with white beaches as well as inland cultural experiences.” All the tourist needs to do is decide where to take their romantic getaway – on a white, sandy beach, or being immersed in the local culture.

Ultimately, what makes a romantic getaway successful comes down to mindful service, activities tailored specifically to each guest’s needs, small personalised touches, and exceptional facilities – all  leaving guests with warm, romantic memories, and the desire to return time and again.