Check into a palazzo on Venice’s Grand Canal, rose-filled villa with a view of the Atlas Mountains, or hideaway in California’s verdant wine country. These are the world’s most romantic hotels for Valentine’s Day.
Galle Face Hotel, Colombo
Sri Lanka
Colombo’s legendary grande dame, Galle Face Hotel, combines its heritage and classic elegance with unmistakable Sri Lankan character, a touch of opulence, and a position right on the water. This is the ideal hideaway for venturing along the coast, taking in the colonial architecture, temples and museums of the surroundings, and traveling inland to the hills of lush tea plantations. This Valentine’s, the hotel is offering a three-day Wild at Heart Quintessentially Sri Lankan Valentine’s Safari. The stay begins with an intimate evening of oysters and champagne on the terrace of the hotel’s Empress Suite, before embarking on the following days’ spa treatments, scenic helicopter flight and lake safari, a stay in the Queen’s Suite where HM Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh once stayed, ride in a Jaguar F-PACE, and private jet transfer home.
Meadowood Napa Valley
USA
With its idyllic setting amid the woodland and vineyards of Napa Valley, Meadowood provides a real escape from everyday life. Here at Meadowood, the beauty of these surroundings is then paired with cozy suites, a peaceful spa, and unimaginably good food and wine. Boasting three Michelin stars, the Restaurant at Meadowood is the primary reason many people come here and the element that’s given it such status worldwide. For Valentine’s Day, the hotel is curating an Art of Romance two-night stay. As well as spending two nights in a sumptuous suite with fireplace to cozy up by, you’ll have two Essential Journey treatments in Meadowood Spa, a bottle of Napa Valley sparkling wine accompanied by your own love note, and a box of Meadowood specialty chocolates. Be sure to reserve a table for dinner.
Corinthia Hotel London
UK
It’s hard not to be blown away by Corinthia Hotel London, from the first impressions of its historic façade and the huge Baccarat chandelier of its beguiling Crystal Moon Lounge, to its world-class spa and inviting collection of restaurants and bars – follow dinner at Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge’s bar and grill with cocktails in the David Collins Studio-designed Bassoon bar. This Valentine’s, the hotel is offering guests a Romance in London stay. A chilled bottle of champagne and sweet pastries will be waiting on your arrival; your bed will be strewn with rose petals in the evening; and you’ll have the chance to unwind on the spa’s thermal floor featuring swimming pool, amphitheater sauna and steam room.
The Samling, Lake District
UK
There aren’t many pockets of the English countryside more idyllic than the Lake District. And boutique hotel, The Samling, has an especially privileged position here. The hotel’s 67-acre estate lies on the edge of Lake Windermere, giving the hotel views over the water as well as the privacy afforded by its woodland and gardens. Spend each day following the walking trails and cycle paths of this rolling landscape and savor long drawn out meals in the hotel’s celebrated restaurant. It’s here that the team of accomplished chefs cooks up dishes using local produce and fresh ingredients from the garden to celebrate the season. This Valentine’s, indulge in the seasonal tasting menu, paired with wines from the hotel’s award-winning cellar collection.
Mandarin Oriental Marrakech
Morocco
Mandarin Oriental Marrakech sits within secluded gardens filled with as many as 100,000 fragrant roses. On the hotel’s Romantic Escape Valentine’s stay, these roses become a part of the experience as you’re welcomed on arrival with a 100-rose display. Take in the captivating views of the Atlas Mountains while you enjoy candle-lit dinners and a bottle of champagne, and indulge in a spa treatment for two. To see more of the surroundings, set out on a private tour of the city’s Medina, museums and historic sites, and arrange a day’s desert safari during which you’ll make your way across the Agafay Desert to reach its most isolated peak and picnic within the breathtaking landscape.
mandarinoriental.com/marrakech
Casa Kimberly, Puerto Vallarta
Mexico
The former residence of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, with an idyllic position between the lush Sierra Madre Mountains and Bandera Bay, this romantic enclave is the ideal retreat for Valentine’s Day. Nine suites, a spa and pool, open-air dining and tequila bar make up the property many travelers have fallen for, along with the preserved Bridge of Love, Punte del Amor. The Elizabeth Taylor Suite even has its original pink-marble, heart-shaped bathtub. This Valentine’s, Casa Kimberly is hosting the Legendary Romance Package for loved up couples. The two-night stay includes tequila tasting and margaritas, a couple’s massage and rose-petal Jacuzzi soak, plus a four-course dinner on a private terrace.
Niyama Private Islands
Maldives
Spread over two private islands, Chill and Play, Niyama provides somewhere to lose track of time by the sea and at Drift Spa, and the chance to explore the surroundings while making the most of its water sports. In the evening, enjoy a candlelit meal for two at Edge standalone overwater bar; enjoy a private 3D cinema screening under the stars with champagne, canapes and popcorn; and dine in the treetops at Nest. For Valentine’s Day, book the Love Me, Spoil Me & Spa Me stay. While staying for a minimum of three nights, you’ll enjoy a champagne toast on arrival, a teppanyaki lunch at Nest, private dining on the beach and a 60-minute spa ritual for two, plus return seaplane transfers.
Aman Venice
Italy
You can’t fail to impress with a stay at this breath-taking 16th-century palazzo on the Grand Canal – a spellbinding property of frescoed interiors brought up-to-date by Jean-Michel Gathy, with private gardens, a stylish spa and intimate dining. The hotel draws on Venice’s association with art and romance, integrating these characteristics of the city into each guest’s stay. By opting for the three-night Venetian Escape offered here, you’ll benefit from a room upgrade, plus breakfast and minibar, with credit to go towards dining in the restaurant, an afternoon high tea, and a 60-minute massage.
Laucala Island
Fiji
Offering unparalleled privacy and exclusivity, Laucala Island is set on a private island across 3,200 acres and is accessible by private jet. It offers guests the chance to experience their own slice of paradise with a large range of leisure activities and a team dedicated to creating a bespoke experience to suit any taste. All 24 luxury villas are adaptions of dwellings and offer uninterrupted views across lush green hills, volcanos, cerulean waters and untouched rainforest. They also come with their own private tropical garden with a chauffeur and a nanny if required. Rates start from $4,800 per night on an all-inclusive basis while a Two Bedroom Plateau Villa with sweeping ocean views is available from $7,800 per night.
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