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2 years ago
Idyllic stays for nesting lovebirds
With the most lovey-dovey day of the year just around the corner, the pressure is on to make Valentine’s Day 2024 a night to remember – and what better way than with a romantic escape? From fancy hotel stays in Paris and Barcelona to trips closer to home in Scotland and London, these are the romantic escapes for you and your special someone…
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Cornish hotel The Idle Rocks believes that love should be celebrated throughout February – not just on Valentine’s Day. It’s new package celebrating the season, ‘Amour in St Mawes’, blends decadence and relaxation for a truly lovey-dovey getaway. Think champagne, chocolate covered strawberries, aromatherapy treatments, cocktails and a seven course dinner. How’s that for indulgent?
BOOK: Rooms are £230 per night B&B. idlerocks.com
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For a Valentine’s escape that screams decadent, travel just outside Dublin to the rolling of hills of County Wicklow – home of Powerscourt Hotel. The Palladian-style building harks back to 16th-century Italy, with swooping arches and ornate columns creating a grand setting for relationships to bloom. Lovebirds can spend time relaxing by the pool, exploring the local countryside or enjoying a tasty four course meal in the hotel’s refined Sika restaurant.
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Fancy a trip outside the continent? Luxury lifestyle hotel Thompson Hollywood is one of LA’s newest establishments, offering an oasis of comfort amongst the local landmarks, boutiques, bars and restaurants. Those checking in can look forward to poolside breakfasts on the rooftop, access to a state-of-the art fitness centre, worldwide-inspired dining options and the best of California just outside the door.
Check in to the Mediterranean this V-Day for a weekend of sophisticated romance. Boasting stunning views, Michelin-star dining and over 125 rooms to choose from, Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo is a luxurious little haven in the heart of Monaco. Integrated into the hotel is The Spa Metropole by Givenchy, which is offering a special package this Valentine’s that includes a suite, champagne and spa treatments for two. Let the pampering commence.
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What says ‘romance’ more than a stay in a real castle? Steeped in over 900 years of history, Amberley Castle, a member of Relais & Châteaux in West Sussex, is one for lovers of all things fairy-tale. The Medieval castle boasts four poster beds, hearth fires and barrel-vaulted ceilings dating back to the 12th century, allowing for guests to truly step back in time (without giving up modern conveniences). Make the most of your Valentine’s experience by exploring the gardens, indulging in a spot of afternoon tea or spending a romantic evening wining and dining in the Queen’s Room.
After a slice of winter sun? Book a trip to 19th-century style mansion Le Chateau de Bel Ombre. As part of its Romantic Package, you can expect champagne and macarons upon arrival, couples’ massages (including a floral bath with cocktails), a five-course dinner and access to the Heritage Golf Club and C Beach Club. Couples will even get to take home a framed photo of themselves along with a bouquet of roses, so that they can keep their memories alive long after they’ve left Mauritius.
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Set on the banks of the River Windrush, Minster Mill is a cosy countryside fantasy that doubles as a romantic hideaway for couples. Surrounded by nature on all sides – including 65 acres of gardens, wildflower meadows and woodland – guests to the hotel can truly relax in peace and quiet. Those wanting something a little more indulgent can book in to a Minster Mills Feature Room, where they can retreat into their own little world. The room includes a private outdoor terrace area with river views, a log burner or fire pit and a personal stash of marshmallows for toasting. Ideal if you want to let the world pass you by for a while.
As the city’s first five-star hotel, El Palace Barcelona is sure to deliver the goods for Valentine’s Day. Guests can have their pick of entertainment during their stay – from live music in the Great Hall to film screenings in private cabins – and when it comes to food and drink, the bar is set well and truly high. A visit to alpine-inspired Chalet El Palace promises culinary delights like Ruinart Champagne, cheese fondue, and caramelised pineapple tatin, while cocktails on the rooftop allow for a relaxing evening under the stars.
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Milan, the globally-recognised fashion capital of the world, is an ideal location for weekend getaways whatever the time of year. But this Valentine’s, visitors should look no further than Hotel Principe di Savoia, ‘where timeless glamour meets modern luxury’. The hotel is geared up to give lovebirds an unforgettable stay with special V-Day touches like dinner for two at Acanto restaurant, a welcome bottle of Champagne and strawberries, and complimentary transfers to and from Milan’s historical centre. Those wanting a little more can also opt for the Valentine’s Day Spa and Afternoon Tea package, where they can indulge in a relaxing massage and a selection of pastries, cakes and chocolates at the Il Salotto.
Paris is called the City of Love for a reason. From its scenic landmarks and gourmet food to its art galleries and cute padlock-bedecked bridges, the French capital is an obvious choice if you want to sweep your spouse off their feet this V-Day. The elegantly decorated apartments of Le Meurice are bound to impress, and the hotel has upped the ante for Valentine’s with special events at its culinary institution Restaurant Le Dalí, with a five-course meal curated by chef Amaury Bouhours and pastry chef Cedric Grolet, which will be accompanied by a DJ set.
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For a longer romantic escape, a the boutique Talland Bay Hotel in Cornwall, opportunities for romantic moments come in spades. A seaside break at this hotel promises scenic ocean views, intimate strolls on the beach, cocktails in the lounge and a relaxing evening (or two) in the bath tub. Their ‘Romantic Pilgrimage’ package centres on three nights of luxurious accommodation, featuring dinner on the first and third night in their Double AA Rosette restaurant, plus Valentine’s Afternoon tea on the second day and a delicious full Cornish breakfast each morning. Don’t want to leave your furbaby at home? Dogs are welcome, too – for free!
Whimsical countryside manor Cameron House is the perfect destination for those wanting a slice of quiet luxury this Valentine’s Day. Nestled on the banks of Loch Lomond in Scotland, the manor boasts a championship golf course, an award-winning spa and a fine dining restaurant. To celebrate the season of love, Cameron House has curated an exclusive Valentine’s package to make your stay extra special – think cruises on the loch, champagne tasting, seven-course tasting menus and private cinema screenings.
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The Grand is one of York’s historic gems, offering a prime example of true Edwardian grandeur. This Valentine’s, couples can book the ‘Cherished Moments Getaway’ for all the traditional V-Day touches. Think Champagne, rose petals and chocolate-dipped strawberries in the room, with a special dinner in The Rise. Foodies can take it one step further by booking onto the special couple’s cookery class, or have a taste of fine dining at Legacy, with beautifully paired wines to complement the courses.
The Upper East Side’s most fabulous address, The Lowell Hotel, is excited to welcome Valentine’s Day with a special experience package in collaboration with iconic British jeweller, Graff. The five-star hotel is offering a romantic overnight stay in a room or suite of your choice, embellished with the perfect gift: an elegant, heart-shaped diamond pendant (.50cts) crafted by Graff, ready and waiting in your bedroom for your loved one’s arrival alongside a stunning bouquet of roses, a bottle of champagne, and a custom note from you to your special someone. Enjoy breakfast for two the next day, or elevate the evening with a three course dinner at Majorelle.
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Five-star hotel The Landmark London is ready to set hearts aflame this Valentine’s with its annual ‘Love at the Landmark’ package. Book an overnight stay in one of their luxurious bedrooms, which includes a romantic turndown service, a bottle of red wine, breakfast in the Winter Garden Restaurant plus a surprise gift. Want to go bolder? Up the love-factor with a candlelit massage, afternoon tea or an intimate three course dinner.
Toast to your enduring love in London’s most iconic setting: The Shard. The Shangri-La has curated an array of special romantic experiences, including Valentine’s Day dining experiences, a pop-up florist providing bouquets of roses and a romantic overnight stay package in collaboration with luxury chocolatier Charbonnel Et Walker. The latter includes a personalised room set-up featuring champagne, flowers, rose petals and a decadent heart-shaped box of chocolate truffles from Charbonnel Et Walker. Or opt for Skydiomond’s special package instead, and receive a special piece of jewellery instead, before tucking into a delightful three-course dinner in the comfort of your room. Elsewhere, TĪNG Restaurant will be serving up a delicious V-Day special five-course dinner on level 35, or sip cocktails on London’s romantic table in GŎNG Bar, gazing over the entire city of London.
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Glenapp Castle is a picturesque hotspot year-round, but on Valentine’s it truly shines. Whether you choose to stroll amongst the sprawling gardens, embark on a sea safari or stargaze the night away, this Relais & Châteaux hotel is primed to make your getaway as memorable as possible. This Valentine’s, indulge in Glenapp Castle’s ‘All You Need Is Love’ package, including a bottle of champagne in your Suite on arrival, Cream Tea in the grandeur of the Castle Drawing Room, a special candlelit three-course gourmet dinner, rose petal turndown and a romantic breakfast in bed. Divine.
Take your romance to new heights this Valentine’s Day with one of the world’s most luxurious packages. Your special romantic escape begins in the most elegant way: with a private charter to Saint Lucia from anywhere in the world. Once you’ve arrived on this most romantic of islands, Windjammer Landing will host you in a two-bedroom Ocean Point Residence with a private infinity pool, breathtaking views, and a dedicated 24/7 personal butler. Then, an all-inclusive, personalised itinerary awaits, featuring an island helicopter tour, a candlelit dinner, a private yacht experience, and in-villa spa treatments. Remember the most romantic week of your life with a personalised gift of diamond jewellery, plus photos and videos captured by a dedicated photographer.
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