So Valentine’s Day is almost upon us. Although a significant day in the diary – and one which celebrates love, romance (and school crushes if I rightly recall), I know I’m not alone in saying that once you’re in a long term relationship – or married – the romance of Valentine’s Day remains a distant memory.
HOWEVER, and yes, it’s a big however, it doesn’t have to be like that. Who says you can’t surprise your partner just because you’ve been married for double digit years? In fact, acknowledging your better half on this romantic day would make their day – actually their week, simply because there are no expectations that you will do so. So to offer a helping hand, here are some of the best getaways to celebrate the Legend of St Valentine….
Spend time in a Welsh fairytale hotel
Many a tale of true love can be traced to the lands of Wales, from the legend of Dwynwen Brycheiniog that lead to the Welsh Valentine’s Day of St Dwynwen’s Day, and the story that led to the creation of Chateau Rhianfa – a hotel built entirely in the name of love.
Dating back to 1849, the French-inspired gothic venue with commanding views over the Menai strait on Angelsey, North Wales was built by Baronet of Bodelwyddan as a gift for his wife Lady Sarah Hay Williams. Altogether now….ahhhhh…In keeping with its romantic roots this year Valentine guests will receive a red rose on arrival, along with a bottle of Bottega Prosecco and a chocolate fondue served with strawberries. Mmmh sounds like a treat.
Guests will also enjoy time spent exploring the venues facilities, including a hot tub and sauna and Wine Caves, as well as a four-course meal in the Banqueting Hall and a traditional Welsh. You got this, VIP? Valentine weekend packages start from £125 per person. Check them out at chateaurhianfa.com or call 01248 880090.
Nothing corny on the Cornish coast…
To score brownie points with your partner this year check in and chill out at Cornwall’s Fistral Beach Hotel and Spa. What’s not to love with plenty of opportunities for pampering, seaside romancing and breathtaking seaside views to discover your wild and romantic side.
Set upon the cliff overlooking the sandy shores of Cornwall’s most iconic beach, The Fistral Beach Hotel and Spa offers stunning ocean views. In the evening, enjoy the moonlight glistening over the Atlantic Ocean and take in the dark and atmospheric seaside views found in the Bay Bar.
Add a little cheekiness to your weekend and from your seaside room, order up a cheeky Fistral Beach ‘Love Box’ for some seaside surprises! Other options include luxury chocolates, a bottle of Champers and extra creamy Cornish Cream Teas. To top it all off (and for that VIP treatment), the hotel provides a #RockStarRider service which means you can request something special for your room.
A Valentine’s package – including dinner, B&B accommodation, full use of the facilities, a welcome drink and a three-course evening meal costs from £181 for two people. Luxury ESPA treatments can be booked separately.
Love on the Tyne…
CUPID’S arrow is aimed squarely at Tyneside, with Valentine’s offers at two top Newcastle hotels in February. Grey Street Hotel takes its name from its location on Newcastle’s most famous, city centre, Regency street, while the New Northumbria is at the heart of the upmarket Jesmond area of the city.
Between Friday 12th and Sunday 14th February, loved-up couples can enjoy an overnight stay at The New Northumbria and Grey Street Hotels, from just £60 and £70 per room, respectively.
For an additional £25 per room, Valentine’s weekend guests at each hotel can also upgrade to a Romantic Break package, to include a bottle of Prosecco, rose petals, sweets and bath salts. For details see www.greystreethotel.co.uk and www.thenewnorthumbriahotel.co.uk
Say cheese in Chester
Moving further south – south-west to be precise – consider checking in at The Chester Grosvenor. Situated in the bustling heart of Chester, steeped in historical charm, the hotel offers 68 bedrooms and 12 stylish suites, two award-winning restaurants, most notably ‘Simon Radley at The Chester Grosvenor‘ which has retained its Michelin star for 26 consecutive years, a boutique spa, as well as serving as a stunning wedding venue.
Valentine’s Day options include a romantic weekend getaway, an indulgent afternoon tea, a decadent spa experience and a Michelin starred meal. Prices for a hotel stay in a Classic bedroom with continental breakfast starts from £295 (Friday 12 February), from £395 (Saturday 13 February) and from £295 (Sunday 14 February).
Or you could make a weekend of it and book two consecutive nights from £599 per stay and receive a half bottle of Taittinger Rosé Champagne and a rose.
A Mayfair affair…
And further south still, you can opt for a stay at the five-star Dukes London, located in Mayfair, with three new packages on offer – Traditional, Deluxe and Forever in Love – all offering a different level of luxury and extravagance.
Snuggle up for the evening with your loved one in a DUKES Luxury Room or Junior Suite, celebrating with a complimentary bottle of Champagne, or treat your partner to a romantic three-course dinner at THIRTY-SIX By Nigel Mendham, the hotel’s signature restaurant. Guests can continue the celebrations into the next day, enjoying either a full English breakfast or a Champagne breakfast available in the privacy of their room or in the restaurant.
Valentine’s Day shouldn’t be a chore, so DUKES’ dedicated concierge service takes care of all the work, providing food, drinks, the all-important chocolates, and a totally loved up atmosphere for guests to enjoy with their better halves. A traditional package starts from £390 (including a free room upgrade, glass of Champers, handmade chocolates and breakfast for two for one night), up to a Forever in Love package which sets you back £990 and includes Junior Suite accommodation, a private butler, 18 red roses, Martini in DUKES Bar, a three-course dinner for two, a night cap in the Cigar and Cognac garden, handmade chocolates, a Champagne breakfast, rose petals on the bed and a Floris Candle as a lovely present. If that doesn’t sweep your loved one off their feet, I’m not sure what will.
A London love story
For an alternative experience in London, check out Conrad London St. James, where you can enjoy ‘London Love Story Afternoon Tea’ for £55 per person including Champagne or £35 excluding Champagne.
The menu includes white chocolate, Champagne truffles, red berry shortcake, dark chocolate velvet cake, rose macaroons, strawberry panna cotta with strawberry foam and a selection of finger sandwiches and freshly baked plain and fruit scones (including vanilla, lemon and winter berry curd). An exotic range of teas is available to complement the afternoon tea including traditional favourites to flowering teas.
Whatever floats your boat…
And while you’re in the city, why not grab the opportunity to enjoy a cruise down the Thames? On Valentine’s Day itself, Bateaux London vessels Harmony and Symphony will take to the Thames for two romantic, dinner cruises, combining fine food with live entertainment against the backdrop of London’s most iconic and historic sights.
Diners will be welcomed on board with a glass of Champagne before being shown to their table for the evening. A four-course meal is then in order, with a selection of wine, beers and soft drinks as well as a single red rose. Entertainment is provided by a live band throughout the evening while couples take in the views of sites such as the Globe Theatre, St Paul’s Cathedral, The Shard and the Houses of Parliament.
Boarding begins at 18.45 for Harmony and 19.30 for Symphony, with each vessel departing half an hour later from Embankment Pier on Victoria Embankment. The river cruises last approximately three hours and prices start at £145 per person. For details call 020-7695 1800 or email reservations@bateauxlondon.com
A lesson in luxury
The alternative option is a luxury trip abroad – and where better than a stay in Dubai – a destination popular with trend setters and celebs.
Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort offers what can only be described as an enchanting Valentine’s experience. The journey starts with a private helicopter ride over Dubai’s landmarks, before being chauffeur-driven to the resort. Upon arrival, you’ll check-in to your exclusive luxury beach villa, where you will be greeted with vintage bubbly.
In addition to a specially created floral display in your villa, the mini-bar will be filled with gourmet food and the grapes fridge will be stocked with premium bubbly. During the afternoon, an exotic journey of indulgence awaits, as you are treated to a romantic couple’s Turkish Hammam treatment at the spa.
Preparing for a night of romance, guests will find (in the villa’s wardrobe) a pre-ordered couture dress for the lady and a bespoke suit for the gentleman. Mmmhh, do they have it in my size I wonder…? A team of professional make-up artists and hair stylists will also be on hand to create the perfect look.
To start the evening, a personal butler will serve pre-dinner canapés and champagne cocktails, followed by a five-course dinner, either in the privacy of your villa or in any of the resort’s restaurants. Finally, to round off a perfect evening, you’ll be taken for a romantic cruise around Palm Jumeirah on a private yacht.
But the fun doesn’t end there; the next morning will begin with a lazy bubbly breakfast in bed. Then, as you relax before your late check-out, your personal butler will take care of packing your suitcases. You will then be chauffeured to the airport to fly Business Class with Emirates to the Maldives, where you will enjoy a two-night stay in an over water villa at the Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas, where more treats await.
The Valentine’s Day Extravaganza costs £74,632 while nightly rates at Anantara start from £262 in a Premier Lagoon View Room on a bed & breakfast basis. Now, where did I put that lotto ticket…?
Free and single?
Finally, if you don’t have anyone special in your life right, consider a trip to Italy, which has been named the top destination for solo travelers according to travel dating website and app tourbar.com.
The company says that 11% of its UK members are planning to visit Italy alone over the Valentine’s Day period with the aim of meeting a like-minded partner to join them on the trip. The charms of Italy’s delicious cuisine were the top draw for why members chose the romantic hot spot, followed by its shopping credentials.
TourBar’s members sign up to the website and app for free and register their plans for upcoming solo trips. By recording their travel plans and interests, they are able to meet fellow solo travellers with similar hobbies to join them on a trip.