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 you’re anything like us, then a country’s cuisine is pretty high up on your list when you’re planning a trip. Luckily, Tunisian food ticks all the boxes, whether you’re after a snack while strolling through bustling souqs, a hearty meal to set you up for the day or an after-dinner sweet treat. With culinary influences ranging from Berber and Ottoman to French, Tunisian cuisine is deeply rooted in family and community, with traditional recipes often passed down through generations.
24th November 2025 - Travel Inspiration
Now that the clocks have gone back and winter has truly set in, it’s no surprise that people are dreaming of next year’s getaway. But where to go? 2026 is set to be a pretty exciting year in travel, from the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in the USA to the lifting of non-essential travel bans in South Mozambique. To help you decide, we’ve crafted a shortlist of the hottest destinations on the map, including two new destinations we’re adding to our roster next year.
17th November 2025 - Travel Inspiration
First emerging in early 20th-century Paris, Art Deco made its world debut at the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs, a showcase of the movement’s arts and architecture. Characterised by geometric shapes, streamlined forms, symmetry and verticality, the Art Deco style embodies machine-age modernity. As we mark a century of Art Deco’s enduring influence, it’s time to celebrate its global legacy.
13th November 2025 - Travel Inspiration
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