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
One of our Asia specialists, Joyce, recently spent two weeks exploring South Korea, journeying from Seoul’s neon-lit streets to Busan’s breezy coastline, with stops in Jeonju, Yeosu and Suncheon along the way. From swishing around palace grounds in a traditional hanbok to exploring folk villages and shopping her way through the trendiest streets, it was certainly an adventure to remember. She returned home with a bulging suitcase and a travel journal teeming with tips, tricks and plenty of inspiration for your next South Korean getaway.
13th July 2026 - South Korea Travel Inspiration
Not quite ready to face summer coming to an end? With crunchy leaves, cosy jumpers and pumpkin-spiced lattes all on the horizon, September is the ideal time for one last hurrah in the European sun – just think of it as topping up your vitamin D reserves before autumn settles in properly, leaving you with a healthy glow (and plenty of holiday memories) to see you through the colder months. So, where’s hot in Europe in September?
29th June 2026 - Travel Inspiration
Pin drop travel is our portfolio of destinations where silence is golden. With screens, schedules and the general chaos of the world competing for our attention, there’s never been a better time to escape to quiet holiday destinations so still you can (as the name suggests) hear a pin drop. Sometimes, all we need is the chance to slow down, breathe deeply and rediscover the simple joy of hearing… almost nothing at all.
27th May 2026 - Travel Inspiration
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