Published 28th Jun. 2021
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Valentine's Day: two words that strike fear in the hearts of women and men the world over. The first challenge, obviously, is remembering when it actually is (14th of February, just in case). And once that's out of the way, how to procure the perfect gift? Well, if it had slipped your mind (temporarily, of course) then fear not because there's still time to plan a romantic getaway (a.k.a the aforementioned perfect gift). Oh yes, there's no better way to celebrate good old St. Valentine than by jetting off for a long weekend (or even longer) of being spoiled in a lovely boutique hotel, exploring somewhere new (or revisiting an old classic) and generally winning some serious brownie points. Consider this your three week (well, two and a half) warning...
Bordeaux is home to one of Original Travel's favourite hotels in Europe - Les Sources de Caudalie. This beautiful boutique hotel sits within its own vineyard and, needless to say, the grapey stuff permeates much of the action here, from wine tasting to vinotherapy spa treatments. The perfect boozy weekend away.
A combination of Oman's capital, Muscat, and the Wahiba Sands makes for a wonderfully romantic break over a long weekend. Stay at The Chedi in Muscat and spend a day or two exploring the beguiling old town (culture: tick), before heading out into the desert for a night under the stars in your very own Bedouin-style tent at Desert Nights Camp (luxury, adventure, romance: tick, tick and tick).
Cape Town may be a 12 hour flight away from London but it is entirely do-able in a long weekend thanks to overnight flights and just a one hour time difference. A firm Original Travel favourite, this is pretty much the ultimate city break with its stunning natural setting, delicious food and wine, and countless activities from snorkelling with seals to helicopter trips over Robben Island.
Just a 45 minute drive from Marrakech airport and you will be amidst the remote Berber villages, ravines and canyons of the Atlas Mountains. There are several lovely hotels in the region but, for a spot of romance, Kasbah Tamadot is our pick of the bunch. Dine alfresco beneath the stars on the hotel's rooftop, enjoy a traditional hammam and take a gentle stroll among the eucalyptus and olive groves.
The wild card entry. If you're planning on going away for a week or longer, the flawless hotels, talc-white sands and clear azure waters of the Maldives serve as the perfect antidote to February in Britain. Simply bask in the sunshine beside your over-water villa, chill on the beach, enjoy some seriously indulgent spa treatments or inject some adventure with diving and snorkelling.
Practical advice and inspiration for your next trip
If paradise had a postcode, it would be somewhere on Bali’s coastline. Embraced by the sea on all sides, this Indonesian island is home to a bounty of beautiful beaches. Whether your perfect day means unwinding on the sand with a cocktail and a good book, learning to ride your first wave, exploring Bali’s underwater world, or sampling its lively nightlife, the island offers something for every mood and pace.
29th December 2025 - Indonesia Travel Inspiration
Love it or hate it, winter rolls around every year. So, why not spend this polarizing time on a polarized continent? From skating on the frozen lakes of the Canadian Rockies and crunching through the snow-blanketed plains of Alaska to sampling internationally renowned wines in the vineyards of Northern California and cruising between the laid-back microcosms of The Florida Keys, North America has something for everyone during winter.
24th December 2025 - USA Travel Inspiration
Have you ever felt the urge to hop on a flight after watching a particularly good film? Us too. From settings to storylines, travel and cinema are inextricably linked, taking viewers on a journey through new and exciting destinations. While this has been the case since film’s inception, the connection between the two has grown in recent years, with ‘set-jetting’ (visiting locations featured in films or television) holidays steadily on the rise.
22nd December 2025 - Travel Inspiration
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