As we wave goodbye to the magical twinkly lighted wonderland that was Christmas and find ourselves tripping over the evergreen graveyard of wilted and sickly-looking pines discarded by the side of the road, we now have to face the year ahead. Whether you are feeling joyful and ebullient or frazzled and disenchanted (or even everything in between), there is no better way of escaping the bleak weather and post-holiday blues than whisking yourself and your beloved off on a romantic and restorative Valentine’s retreat.
Love Is In The Air
Bürgenstock Resort & Spa, Switzerland
Located 1,477 feet above Lake Lucerne in the canton of Nidwalden in the heart of central Switzerland, a dazzling unparalleled world awaits. Majestically enthroned on a mountain, the Burgenstock resort features three elegant and contemporary designed hotels, private residence suites, ten restaurants and bars, and two spa and wellness areas, all of which are steeped in luxury and offer exquisite views of the surrounding lake and mountain scenery.
Bürgenstock Resort offers a series of curated experiences to celebrate romance this St Valentine’s.
From all the options put together by the expert team at Bürgenstock, I have selected the two that I find particularly romantic. First, an evening of Bespoke Romance, which starts with a three-course dinner at either Spices Kitchen & Terrace restaurant or at the Oak Grill, before raising a glass on a Swiss Wine Tasting in La Cave. Retire afterwards to the private cinema in the resort for a special showing of a classic film, accompanied by a glass of champagne and sweet treats. From CHF280/person, available from 10th to 19th February 2023.
Love birds will find a hundred ways in which to indulge themselves at Bürgenstock Resort, including a proposal with Dom Pérignon and Bucherer diamonds.
Definitely the most romantic has to be A Perfect Proposal. Bürgenstock Resort has partnered with fine jeweller Bucherer on a unique offering. With an engagement ring awaiting from Bucherer’s atelier in Lucerne, all that’s left to do is choose the right moment to ask the question during this two-night break. Maybe over a champagne breakfast in the suite, while enjoying an exclusive four-course candlelight dinner with Dom Pérignon, or even during time at its breath-taking 10,000m2 Alpine Spa. From CHF10,400, available all this year. Find out more about romance at Bürgenstock Hotels & Resort HERE.
Everywhere You Look Around
The Royal Savoy, Lausanne
Boasting a famous medieval cathedral, the Béjart Ballet, several museums, the headquarters of the International Olympic Committee and a world-renowned university, Lausanne is a romantic city stretching along three hills, surrounded by vineyard slopes and with the shimmering Lake Geneva (Lac Leman) at its feet. At the heart of the city is the Royal Savoy Hotel, opened in 1909 and magnificently restored combining Art Nouveau and modernity with genuine panache.
Located near Lake Geneva, Royal Savoy combines its Art Nouveau heritage with contemporary design and five-star luxury comfort.
Couples will be welcomed to the Royal Savoy with a crisp glass of chilled champagne before being shown to their sumptuous suite with views over a shimmering Lake Geneva. Glide down the magnificent 1901 staircase to the Spa Du Royal for a restorative massage with your loved one and spend some much-needed time in complete relaxation enjoying the hotel’s outstanding spa facilities.
The SkyLounge at the top of the Royal Savoy probably offers the most amazing and romantic view of Lake Geneva in the whole city.
In the daytime, explore the enchanting centre of Lausanne hand in hand – home to some of Switzerland’s best chocolatiers and galleries – or may venture a bit further, to the lakeside neighbourhood of Ouchy, with its flower-lined promenade that stretches between the old and new ports. At the centre of it stands a 12th-century castle, the Château d’Ouchy, in which the peace treaty between Turkey, Greece, and the Allies was signed in 1923. As the evening draws in, the Brasserie Du Royal awaits with a delicious four-course candle lit meal complete with unique wines from the neighbouring UNESCO Lavaux vineyards, as well as a pre or post cocktails on the SkyLounge overlooking the twinkling lights of Lausanne. Prices from CHF750/night. Find out more about the Royal Savoy St Valentine’s package HERE.
Unleash Your Creative Character
W Hotel Amsterdam
Housed in the former Royal Dutch Post’s telephone exchange and the Kas Bank, both dating back to the early 1900s, W Amsterdam pays homage to the hotel’s history with an intriguing design blend of heritage, contemporary and playful styles. Creativity is at the heart of the hotel’s ethos, lending itself as the perfect destination for couples looking to explore their expressive side this Valentine’s Day.
Mixing historical Dutch architectural elements with cutting-edge design right next to Dam Square, the W Amsterdam is at the epicentre of this energetic city.
The hotel will be offering several experiences throughout February including a couple’s painting class and a chocolate tasting menu hosted in the W Lounge, elevated with live music from local talent and 360-degree views over the city centre. Kicking off the romantic calendar is a three-to-four-hour masterclass on Saturday February 12th, which will guide couples through the basics of drawing and painting, allowing them to develop their own language of self-expression. Participants can choose between live models or look inwards for inspiration to create self-portraits of themselves or a loved one.
The décor of the W Lounge with copper pies and gold lines printed on the windows pay tribute to the past of the building when it was home to the Royal Dutch Post.
The chocolate tasting experience promises to sweeten up Valentine’s Day with a feast of the finest cocoa delicacies from local chocolatiers in the city. The sweet treats will be playfully paired with a bespoke Valentines cocktail menu including liqueurs such as nutty Frangelico and Amaretto to enhance the flavour profiles of each chocolate. Prices from €603 for a two-night stay. Find out more HERE.
Soak Up The Sun And The Sites
Ritz-Carlton, Abama, Tenerife
Tucked away in the peaceful region of Guia de Isora on the south-west coast of Tenerife, The Ritz-Carlton Abama is the perfect destination this February, as the island boasts warm temperatures and year-round sunshine. The varied topography of this striking Moorish-inspired resort combines lush botanical landscaping and rugged volcanic vistas with its own concealed beach, giving couples a feeling of true island escapism. Their luxurious accommodation provides a flexible choice for every guest, all with generous balconies or terraces. The new Villa Club is a boutique-style concept with rooms and suites in a secluded setting idea for a few days of romance. The iconic Citadel offers deluxe rooms and suites.
Stunning views from a Citadel deluxe room of the mountains in the Teide National Park, home to the eponymous volcano, which is also the highest peak in Spanish soil.
Foodies would be delighted to learn that The Ritz-Carlton Abama´s gourmet offering of eight restaurants and bars is world-renowned. From sun-drenched beach lunches and pool treats to exceptional tasting menus, their variety of venues combine casual to formal dining spaces ensuring a style of gastronomy to suit all tastes,
Left, Michelin-starred Japanese fusion cuisine Kabuki. Right, El Mirador, serving the finest Canary Island cuisine by Chef César González.
The Ritz Carlton are offering aspecial Valentines package comprising of a two-night stay in a luxury villa, a chocolate body treatment (doesn’t that sound wonderful?), exfoliation, a special gift box from the award-winning Spa, followed by an unforgettable dinner for two at the Michelin-starred Kabuki restaurant that specialises in Japanese-fusion cuisine – the perfect setting to pop the question. Couples staying in the adults-only Villa Club can enjoy additional benefits such as complimentary poolside refreshments by the Del Mar infinity pool and complimentary wellness experiences. Package prices from €1,560 per night. Find out more HERE.
Island Romance and Indulgence
Royal Palm Beachcomber, Mauritius
Very few things sound more romantic than an escapade to a tropical island. The Royal Palm Beachcomber knows this very well, so they offer lovers the aptly named Romance Suite, totally cocooned from the world. From the moment they arrive, lovebirds embark on a journey filled with romance and indulgence, with flowers, delectable gourmet treats and champagne to welcome them to the suite.
The 125m2 Romance Suite consists of a bedroom, bathroom and living area opening onto the beach and sea.
Spacious and bright, both the bedroom and living room of the Romance Suite open towards the beach, the sand just steps away. The décor is elegant and contemporary, giving the suite a true luxurious yet cosy atmosphere thanks to the blend of classy wooden furniture, matte marble floors and rich fabrics, including fine linen, velvet and silk. The terrace is perfect for enjoying a romantic drink in the open air.
The suite is only the beginning. Loved-up couples can enjoy the white sand beach from the comfort of a personal gazebo, relaxing in luxurious privacy with a breath-taking view of the turquoise lagoon. Bespoke romantic experiences can be added to this idyll for two, such as a private catamaran cruise at sunset or a shared sensory experience at the spa.
The Royal Palm’s boathouse offers and array of sports for intrepid lovers, from water-skiing to kayaking, scuba-diving and many more.
In the evening of Valentine’s Day, enjoy an exclusive gastronomic experience in a flower-bedecked pavilion aglow with candles, with a menu specially designed by Chef William Girard for the occasion. Chef Girard’s creations include Shrimp, Avocado, and Mango Tacos, Pan-fried Foie Gras, Ravioli of Mushrooms and Green Apple with Truffle Emulsion, or Roasted Lobster Tail with Madras Curry. To bring this culinary journey to an exquisite end, Chef Cyril Lignac will melt hearts with “Le Valentin”, a flamboyant dessert creation interweaving the flavours of almond, lime, light cream and raspberry compote. It is worth falling in love just for this, don’t you think?
The Royal Palm Beachcomber Luxury Valentine’s package starts at £7,270 per person and includes:
- 7 nights in a Romance Suite
- Return economy flights
- Half board
- Special Valentine’s Day dinner
- Romantic in-room welcome with flowers, candles and champagne
- An exclusive couples spa experience
- A romantic beach gazebo for the duration of your stay
Find out more HERE.
Words: Shelley Campbell
Opening picture by Bernd, Pixabay.
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