If you’re looking for the ultimate romantic gesture, look no further than one of these breaks.
February 14 is the ultimate day of romance. Roses and flowers are lovely, but a romantic break for you and your loved one would be even better.
1. Verona
Three nights from £476pp
It’s one of Italy’s most captivating cities so it’s easy to see why Shakespeare made Verona the setting for his star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet.
A visit to Casa di Giulietta to see that balcony is a must of course, as is a visit to the spectacular Roman amphitheatre Arena di Verona.
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For bird’s-eye views of the city, scale the 84m-high Torre dei Lamberti.
Woo your loved one in lavish luxury at the Due Torri Hotel. Housed in a 14th century palace in the heart of the medieval city, the five-star hotel is just a stone’s throw from Juliet’s balcony.
THE DEAL: Citalia is offering three nights’ B&B for the price of two at the Due Torri Hotel from £476pp (saving up to £206pp) including flights with British Airways from Gatwick on February 13.
2. Brighton
One night from £84.50pp
Love will be truly in the air when you celebrate St Valentine’s Day on the world’s tallest moving observation tower.
Since its launch in August, the British Airways i360 pod has not only proved a popular proposal spot but also witnessed 10 engagements and hosted its first wedding, with the happy couple exchanging vows 450ft above Brighton beach.
Glide up to the top with a glass of Nyetimber sparkling wine in the hand.
Then, after taking in the twinkling lights of Brighton and the south coast, land back on terra firma and enjoy a three-course meal in the Belle Vue restaurant (£65pp on February 14 and 18, britishairwaysi360.com).
THE DEAL: Four-star Hotel du Vin Brighton is just a 10-minute stroll from both the i360 and the pier, with double rooms from £169 a night.
3. Vienna
One night from £32.50pp, flights extra
Waltz off with your loved one to the Austrian capital, where the ball season is in full swing.
And checking into Motel One Wien-Staatsoper means you won’t have to rob a bank to be able to treat your partner to a romantic getaway.
Right in the heart of the Vienna, just 100 yards from the world-famous State Opera, it’s a
great base to return to after a day exploring the historic city.
You’ll be ready to relax with a drink in the hotel’s One Lounge, whose elegant design inspired by the Vienna ballet features luxurious velvet egg chairs, tutu lampshades and quirky ballet shoe styled chair legs.
British Airways flights departing from Heathrow on February 13 start at £150 return (ba.com).
THE DEAL: Double rooms at Motel One Wien-Staatsoper start at £65 (€94) a night.
4. Lisbon
One night from 231 euros per person, flights extra
Treat your significant other to a trip to the Portuguese capital where the Corinthia Hotel Lisbon is offering a special pampering St Valentines package.
The experience begins with a 50-minute aromatherapy, full-body massage in the Couples Suite, and should you need any more help unwinding there are spa treats of two flutes of champagne along with strawberries dipped in chocolate.
After a 30-minute hydrating facial there’s time for more relaxing in the Jacuzzi and steam room of the hotel’s Spa and Wellness Club.
Keeping the romance kindled, there will be rose petals and tea lights in the bedroom.
THE DEAL: The St Valentine’s Day package costs from 462 euros for two for a one night stay in a double room and includes breakfast, the massage and facial, plus early check-in and late check-out. EasyJet (easyjet.com) fly to Lisbon from Luton and Gatwick with fares from £78 one-way.
5. Paris
Three nights from £289pp
Where better to whisper ‘je t’aime’ to your loved one than in the world’s most romantic city.
Just 600m from three metro stations, Hotel Soft is a great base from which to explore the French capital.
And there’s a a good choice of bistros for a cosy dinner a deux near to the light airy contemporary style hotel.
But if you really want to push the boat out, dine and wine your loved one on a Valentine’s Day river cruise.
Take in views of the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and Notre Dame Cathedral by night, as you dine on a three-course gourmet menu, serenaded by a traditional Parisian singer.
Then make a toast to your love with a glass of bubbly (from £85.78pp, viator.com).
THE DEAL: Three nights’ B&B at the three-star Hotel Soft costs from £289pp including flights departing from Leeds Bradford on February 13 and a 22kg baggage allowance with Jet2holidays.
6. Ontario
Three nights from £161.50pp, flights extra
Arguably the honeymoon capital of the world, couples can’t fail to fall in love with the fairytale setting of the iconic Niagara Falls.
You’re guaranteed fantastic views of the spectacular natural wonder when you stay in the Marriott Fallsview Hotel – just 100m away, it’s the closest hotel to the famous falls and its suites come complete with Jacuzzis and fireplaces – perfect for a lovers’ tryst.
THE DEAL: The hotel’s Spoil The One You Love B&B package starts at £323 for two staying in a Riverview bedroom, including wine tasting, a 20CAN$ dining voucher and a 40CAN$ spa voucher. Air Trans at flights departing from Gatwick on February 13 and leaving Toronto on February 16 start at £353 (airtransat.com).
7. Cotswolds
Seven nights from £394
The glorious Cotswolds ooze with romance with postcard pretty quaint villages, and stunning countryside.
Lying in the picturesque Slad Valley, an Area of Outstanding Beauty, the delightfully converted Coach House is an ideal retreat for two.
If you want to venture into the outside world, there’s the Cotswold Way for long walks, or work up a thirst and stroll to Slad for a drink in the famous village pub The Woolpack.
Painswick and its independent shops, art gallery is only a short drive away.
THE DEAL: Seven nights self-catering in the Coach House starting on February 10 costs from £394 through Cottages.com.
8. Surrey
One night from £52.50pp
Slip on board sleek vessel ‘Baboo’ for an idyllic Valentine’s Day on the water.
The handsome 10m American sports cruiser is perfect nest for a couple of lovebirds and moored up in Hampton Court marina, just a 15 minute walk from Hampton Court Palace.
On board there’s wifi, Smart TV, Netflix along with a fully equipped kitchen including fridge/freezer, microwave and two-plate hob.
THE DEAL: One night’s self-catering for February 14 costs from £105 through Beds on Board.
9. Wales
Three nights from £398
Your beloved will be swept off their feet by the breathtaking beauty of the Pembrokeshire landscape. Hole up in one Byre 1 Cottage on the National Trust’s Stackpole Estate.
One of a series of lovingly converted farm buildings, the property which sleeps two is just metres from the sea, Stackpole quay and the cliff path leading to sandy beaches such as Barafundle Bay, voted one of Britain’s best beaches.
THE DEAL: A three-night self-catering stay in Byre 1 Cottage, arriving February 13 costs from £398 with National Trust Holidays.
10. York
One night from £109pp
Make a relaxing spa date with the special one in your life and sweep them off to the Parsonage Hotel & Spa in Escrick, just a 15-minute drive from York.
Enjoy a pampering treatment at the Cloisters Spa and Health Club set in the six acres of landscaped gardens which boasts a 16-metre swimming pool, Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and aromatherapy salt room.
And in the evening cosy up over a three-course dinner in the hotel’s award-winning Lascelles Restaurant.
THE DEAL: Superbreak offers one night at the three-star Parsonage Hotel & Spa starting at £109pp including breakfast, dinner, a 25-minute treatment and afternoon on arrival on February 14.
This feature originally appeared in Mirror.
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