Thinking of sneaking off this January or February, just the two of you? Wanting to snuggle up somewhere cosy, strike out into the wilderness, wander cobbled streets hand in hand, or simply lie back on a quiet beach? We asked our travel experts for their very favourite romantic boltholes to sneak away to this winter. This is their list of where and why.
1. Stay in a log cabin surrounded by the Northern Lights
It doesn’t get much more romantic than a log cabin, roaring fire and a sprinkling of Northern Lights magic. Deep in the heart of Lapland, the Wilderness Hotel Juutua is incredibly magical place for couples. Spend the short days discovering the snowy wilderness by husky sled or snowmobile, then enjoy the long evenings Finnish style in the sauna, or wrapped in a warm throw, with a glass of something chilled.
2. Discover Florence
Romantics, poets and novelists have been looking out over the red rooftops and the Duomo of Florence for centuries. It’s a panorama that never fails to set hearts aflutter. So it’s easy to see why Villa Cora, with her views of the Boboli Gardens, across the Arno and beyond, is nothing short of a seductive break. To make it extra special choose the ‘Florence in Love’ package, with dinner and massages included with your stay.
3. Experience it all and more on a safari
Escape to the heart of the wild at one of our luxury safari camps or lodges, where breathtaking landscapes, intimate candlelit dinners, and starlit skies create the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable romantic getaway. Our expert Jo will not only match you to the perfect camp but make sure you don’t miss out on any memorable moments or experiences once you’re there.
For example lie back and take in the views in a ‘Bush Bath’ at Cottar’s 1920s Camp or it doesn’t get much more romantic than an African sleep out under the stars.
4. Retreat to a secluded paradise
Sometimes you just need unadulterated, barefoot luxury. For private island paradise, you need go no further than Gili Lankanfushi, with its wildly romantic thatched overwater villas, some only reachable by boat, and your own personal butler. After all, you are here to relax. If learning to dive has always been on your bucket list, this is the place to do it. Or maybe simply cruise to a deserted island for lunch à deux.
5. The Caribbean is calling
From one private island resort to the next… it’s an impossible choice. Head to the Caribbean haven of Turks and Caicos, and put your feet in the sand at your own beach house at COMO Parrot Cay. Part of a truly stunning archipelago, surrounded by the whitest of sand and with a sublime Spa, the two of you might never want to come home.
6. Escape to the mountains of Oman
When you’ re perched on a plateau, high in the Al Hajar Mountains, as the colours change on the rockfaces, you can’t help but feel on top of the world. A stay at the Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar, rich in Omani culture and with otherworldly views and clifftop infinity pool, opens the gate to a wonderful sense of freedom.
7. Enjoy skiing à deux
Cool, chic and definitely for grown ups, the NEW Experimental Chalet in Val d’Isère has“just for couples skiing”written all over it. The rooms and suites are like nests and the Cocktail Club is where you want to go for a nightcap. Treat yourselves to a long weekend, or settle in for the week.
8. Get off-grid
If off grid luxury and adventure is something you’re both after, the private island resort of Nayara Bocas del Toro in Panama is calling. The Nayara brand is expert at creating intimate spaces and romantic packages, as well as priding itself on its eco-friendly approach. The resort has won a slew of awards, but there’s only one other person you’ll want to share this place with.
9. Be whisked away to a Secret Bay
Pure escapism is what you’ll both find at Secret Bay in Dominica. Tucked away in the rainforest, with cliff top views of the Caribbean, this eco-friendly resort is the place to hide yourselves away. Recharge your batteries in a beautifully styled and intimate villa, (our favourite is the honeymoon villa) with open sides facing the ocean and a plunge pool. Soak in hot springs, whale watch or trek into the forest for a waterfall swim.
10. Be charmed in Suffolk
Maybe you only have two or three days, but still want to escape from it all to somewhere incredibly special. Deep in the Suffolk countryside is Wilderness Reserve with a collection of eclectic one bedroom cottages – some with their own boating lake or natural swimming pond, some peeking out of woodland looking far out over fields, and others with a private sauna and hammam. A few of them have no electricity, so evenings can be spent in front of a fire with no distractions.
We love creating itineraries for couples. Be it a honeymoon, babymoon, or just a treat for the two of you, with a few days away from the children. Or longer, if you have the time. Chat to us about what you both love doing, and the kinds of places you like to stay, and we’ll do the rest.
Contact our team to plan your next tailor made dream holiday.