Make this Valentine’s Day the most memorable yet by setting out on a journey to one of the world’s most romantic settings. From breath-taking grandeur in Patagonia to the exhilaration of Botswana’s environment and Paris’s timeless appeal, these are the most romantic luxury escapes for Valentine’s Day 2018.
Romance in Patagonia
The enormity of the pasture, forest, mountains and sky and tranquility of its sparkling lakes give Patagonia its undeniably romantic appeal. Here you can spend each day exploring the exhilarating surroundings before returning to your lodge for Chilean wine and the region’s hearty cuisine. Awasi Patagonia is among the best places to stay in this part of the world, with just 14 villas and the main lodge in an isolated setting overlooking Torres del Paine National Park. Solitude, spectacular views and sophisticated cuisine using local ingredients make this Relais & Chateaux property the perfect choice for a special trip in honor of Valentine’s Day.
A Journey through Botswana
Follow in the footsteps of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle by planning a romantic escape to Botswana. With grasslands stretching all the way to the horizon and floodplains reflecting the sky above, the Okavango Delta is an especially breath-taking part of the country to explore. Aside from the exhilaration of seeing the landscape’s extraordinary wildlife—prides of lions and lone leopards roam the land, with elephants reveling in the abundance of water—the Delta provides a dramatic backdrop for a select few luxury safari camps. The especially romantic Jao Camp by Wilderness Safaris has palatial suites with terraces facing onto the water, two plunge pools, a wine cellar and a boma for dining under the stars, and this is one of the few camps to have its own spa.
For more inspiration, take a look at our guide to Botswana.
The Private Island Resort
With its swathes of powdery white sand, turquoise lagoon and two islands Chill and Play separating its areas of tranquility from the high-energy water sports, Niyama Private Island Maldives has everything you could want for a romantic and decadent escape. And this Valentine’s Day, the luxury resort will be offering an unforgettable Valentine’s Day Proposal package giving you the unique opportunity to propose underwater amid coral and tropical shoals. With celebrations then underway, you can head to the off-shore, over-water restaurant Edge, or to a remote sandbank for a private 3D screening of your favorite movie under the stars with champagne, canapés and popcorn.
A Parisian Valentine
There aren’t many cities as closely associated with romance as Paris. The options for loved-up couples are seemingly endless; take an evening cruise down the River Seine, seek out the best rooftop views of the Eiffel Tower and stroll through the city’s gardens and art galleries. The city also has a wealth of especially romantic luxury hotels, including Mandarin Oriental Paris, which in celebration of Valentine’s Day is offering the Be my Parisian Valentine By Christian Louboutin luxury stay. Offered throughout February, the package incorporates a one-hour in-room Christian Louboutin manicure, lip and eye application at Christian Louboutin Paris Beauté on 8 Galerie Véro-Dodat, a bottle of Louis Roederer champagne and a selection of chocolate treats. A selection of beauty products also come with the stay, including Christian Louboutin’s Rouge Louboutin Lash Amplifying Lacquer, Rouge Louboutin Nail Colour and Loubibelle Lip Beauty Oil.
Luxury in London
The grandeur of its historic landmarks, sprawling greenery of its parks and wealth of exceptional restaurants and bars all make London an excellent choice for the days surroundings Valentine’s. Among the city’s grandest hotels is the palatial Corinthia Hotel London, which is offering a Love in Luxury package for stays throughout February. As the hotel sets out to truly spoil couples during their stay, the package includes chilled Laurent-Perrier champagne and an edible gift from the hotel’s pastry chef on arrival, time to retreat to the Thermal Floor of the award-winning ESPA Life at Corinthia Spa and a rose petal strewn bed on returning to the room at night. To make a stay here even more special, have afternoon tea beneath the Baccarat chandelier of the Crystal Moon Lounge, book a table at one of the hotel’s fine dining restaurants or head out into the city to try out world-renowned dining spots and panoramic bars.
In Love in Lisbon
Portugal’s coastal capital is characterized by its colorful houses positioned on the slopes running down to the sea and for its winding medieval streets. As a city that’s easy to fall for, Lisbon lends itself well to romantic getaways. As well as being home to enthralling monuments and elevated viewpoints, the city is filled with intimate restaurants serving Portuguese petiscos and bars introducing visitors to the country’s own wine. Enviably positioned for far-reaching views over the city, Corinthia Hotel Lisbon is among the best places to stay here. Throughout February, the hotel is offering a Suite Love stay, coinciding with the debut of its brand new Deluxe Junior Suites. This package includes the decoration of rose petals and tea lights in the room, a late check-out and an extravagant dinner, which begins with champagne and fresh oysters.
Sky-High Romance
Western Australia has been in the spotlight more than ever lately for its flourishing landscape, pristine coast and exceptional marine life. Perhaps the most memorable way to see this landscape is by taking a scenic flight over it. While staying at the luxurious COMO The Treasury in Perth, guests have the chance to embark on an extraordinary Margaret River Seaplane Adventure, which follows a 60-minute flight in a private seaplane with time to explore what is one of the country’s top wine growing regions and taste vintage wines straight from the barrel. After a wine-paired lunch here, guests then fly back over the award-winning estates on their return to COMO The Treasury. The rest of the stay can be spent being pampered in the hotel’s COMO Shambhala Urban Escape and dining in the chic restaurants, Post and Wildflower.
Amsterdam Extravagance
One of the latest additions to this Dutch city’s luxury hotel scene is the Pulitzer Amsterdam where they’re pulling out all the stops for Valentine’s Day. Available from the 12th to 18th February, the hotel’s Valentine’s package will bring together a series of extravagant experiences around the city, including a scenic helicopter flight, a Valentine’s champagne cocktail from the Pulitzer Bar and a two-night stay in the sumptuous Pulitzer suite with in-room champagne and macarons. The stay also includes a De Bijenkorf personal shopping experience for her and a Gassan Diamonds VIP tour by a Rolex watchmaker for him. A private canal tour is then followed by a three-course candlelit dinner at the hotel’s restaurant Jansz where modern plates reflect their Dutch roots.
Napa Valley Valentine’s
For devout wine lovers, Napa Valley provides the perfect setting for a Valentine’s escape. Meadowood combines close proximity to the Silverado Trail with the bucolic appeal of its woodland and 250-acre private estate. With wine tastings, winery tours and a three-Michelin starred restaurant on site, much of the focus falls on the food and wine, but with its secluded standalone villas such as the Estate Suite, this is also a hotel that’s made for romance. Here you can sit by your wood-burning fireplace and take in the views of the forested hillside from a private terrace. In February, guests are invited to curate their own Valentine’s experience, making two selections from a menu of special touches such as chocolate dipped strawberries, a rose petal bath and a picnic for two.
A Spanish Proposal
Ahead of Valentine’s Day, Hotel Arts Barcelona has curated an exclusive experience for the ultimate proposal. During this three-night stay, the couple will be treated to a rose petal decorated suite with cava and chocolate-covered strawberries in-room, along with a tailor-made flower arrangement by the celebrity florist Donna Stain. The couple will then be treated to a massage at 43 The Spa and enjoy a private multi-course wine-pairing dinner in the dining room of their premium suite. As well as having personal instrumentalists for this dining experience, the couple has a personal photographer on hand to capture the moment. Following the proposal, couples are provided with a driver to whisk them around the city accompanied by the photographer.
The Alpine Retreat
The drama of the mountains and exhilarating days on the slopes make the ideal Valentine’s escape for adventure-loving couples. At the ski-in ski-out Les Grandes Alpes Private Hotel in Courchevel 1850, couples who visit throughout February can book a four-night Valentine’s stay that comes complete with personal valet to ensure your every need is catered for. Here amid Courchevel’s snowy peaks, you can stay in a chalet-inspired suite while enjoying access to the hotel’s five-star amenities, including the Spa by Valmont, and the thoughtful addition of romantic touches such as champagne on ice, hand-crafted chocolates on arrival, fresh flowers, a horse-drawn carriage ride and a personal shopping experience at Courchevel’s luxury boutiques. At the hotel’s contemporary Japanese restaurant Le Bizan, couples are then treated to a five-course tasting menu along with an aperitif at Bellini’s Bar.
Ireland Indulgence
Dublin is full of historic charm, contemporary culture and warmth, giving it a unique character that can’t be found elsewhere. Conrad Dublin is among the city’s most coveted places to stay. And following its recent multi-million-dollar renovation, the hotel has launched its Over-the-Top Valentine’s Experience, which begins with airport transfers in a BMW 7 series with champagne and canapés, then encompasses three nights’ accommodation in the sprawling panoramic suite, an evening’s pre-dinner drinks with a complimentary bottle of Dom Perignon and a romantic dinner in-suite hosted by executive chef Marcin Kolnierzak and pastry chef Brizaida Hernandez. Highlights of the stay include a helicopter ride over the city and the inclusion of a professional photographer who’s on-hand to capture each moment. Instilling even more romance, the experience includes a luxury picnic for two in Iveagh Garden or at St. Stephen’s Green, and the creation of a unique poem by Conrad Dublin’s house poet.
Palm Beach Retreat
This Valentine’s Day, Florida’s oceanfront Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa is offering a specially curated Valentine’s Escape along with a culinary experience that’s designed for romance. From February 11th to 15th guests will have the chance to stay in one of the hotel’s Jonathan Adler-designed suites with the inclusion of a gift from the spa, a bottle of Veuve Clicquot and a couple’s massage at the Forbes Five-Star rated Eau Spa. This can then be combined with the hotel’s Valentine’s Oceanfront Cabana Dining experience, consisting of a three-to-five-course dinner, Veuve Clicquot champagne toast and personal butler. Don’t forget to stop by Stir Bar for caviar tasting with specialty vodka. Situated on its own private beach, the resort provides the ideal setting for a romantic Valentine’s escape.
Coastal Gastronomy
Cozy up by an open fire and soak in the outdoor hot tub as the sun sets over the estuary at the coastal retreat Lympstone Manor, and using the hotel as your base, explore the Devon countryside, seek out the region’s historic sites and stroll through its picturesque villages. While staying in one of the hotel’s garden suites from February 8th to 18th on Lympstone Manor’s Romantic Getaway couples are treated to a bottle of champagne on arrival, a bouquet of red roses and handmade gourmet chocolates, plus a Valentine’s menu of chef Michael Caines’ Michelin starred dishes including a rose-infused white chocolate candle dessert. A gift to take home with you tops off the gastronomic stay.
Greek Idyll
Seclusion and sweeping views are a winning combination for a romantic stay, so positioned at the highest point of Porto Heli in the Peloponnese, Amanzoe Villas perfectly fit the bill with their far reaching views of the Argo-Saronic Gulf and surrounding countryside. Designed by the architect Ed Tuttle, each villa is as stylish as it is spacious with the added appeal its luxury amenities bring, from private swimming pools to use of the nearby Aman hotel’s ocean-front restaurant, spa and tennis courts and exclusive access to the Beach Club. If privacy, exclusivity and spectacular surroundings appeal, Amanzoe Villas are a superb choice for Valentine’s Day.
Vineyard Retreat
Tucked into Argentina’s verdant Uco Valley, Casa de Uco lies amid the wine-growing region’s flourishing vineyards with a dramatic backdrop formed by the surrounding mountains. Combining access to its own vineyards, which you can gaze at through floor-to-ceiling windows, with the appeal of its contemporary structure and amenities such as an aromatherapy and vinotherapy spa, Casa de Uco provides a privileged insight into the region. Over Valentine’s Day, opt for the resort’s two-night romance and wellness program featuring activities such as horseback riding through the vineyards. You can even end the stay with a moonlit proposal at the property’s open-air observatory.
Caribbean Splendor
The Dominican Republic’s lavish beach resort Eden Roc at Cap Cana could barely fail to seduce each of its guests with its white sand shores, labyrinth of chic villas and inviting pools and Relais & Chateaux haute cuisine. But a stay here can be made even more extraordinary by booking the Ultimate Romance Valentine’s Day package. For $75,000 per couple, you’re entitled to a week’s stay in the four-bedroom Imperiale Villa, two dinners by the Michelin starred chef Roberto Allocca of Relais Blu, a snorkeling excursion on a private yacht and helicopter ride to Santo Domingo for a private tour of the city’s heritage. You’ll also be treated to a horseback riding adventure and picnic, a series of custom spa treatments, a romance concierge and butler service as well as the service of a personal chef.
Maldivian Romance
This Valentine’s the exclusive island resort Jumeirah Vittaveli is offering a Romance in the Maldives luxury stay. Begin each day with an indulgent in-villa breakfast before spending your time exploring the island that was voted the Romantic Resort of the Year in the South Asian Travel Awards. During your time here, retreat to the overwater spa and dine at the resort’s restaurants Swarna, Samsara, Fenesse and MU Grill with a view of the sun setting over the Indian Ocean. On Valentine’s Day make sure you head to the lantern- and candle-lit beach to dine at a table and chairs that have been carved from sand.
The post Luxury Escapes for Valentine’s Day appeared first on Elite Traveler.