Once lived (7

Travel

Ideas for a Romantic Getaway

With Valentine’s Day in the air, what better time to treat the one you love to a romantic getaway?

Whether you’re dating, going steady, or in your fiftieth year of marriage, ditching the daily routine and escaping to somewhere outstanding is vital for keeping romance alive.

From luxurious spa weekends to glamping beneath the stars, there are countless ways to spend quality time with your partner. Here are five romantic getaway ideas guaranteed to add some spice to your love life.

Spa weekend

When it comes to rest, relaxation and romance, nothing beats an indulgent spa break in a dreamy locale. Although there are plenty of sun-soaked spa locations to jet off to (Bali and the Maldives, for example) there are many luxury spas within driving distance of home, too.

Imagine enjoying one another’s company in a bubbling Jacuzzi, before slipping off for a couples’ massage. From sprawling country house hotels cradled by beautiful gardens to townhouses with thermal spas, there’s a romantic spa weekend for every taste and budget.

Glamping

Is there anything more romantic than cuddling up with the one you love in a cosy cabin next to a crackling fire? We think not!

That’s why, when it comes to romantic breaks, glamping is certainly top of the list. From yurts in the Swiss mountains to log cabins in Canada’s Banff National Park, not to mention tipis, bell tents and hideaways at home too, there’s no better way to reconnect with nature.

City break

When we think of romantic city breaks, cruising along the Seine in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower may immediately spring to mind. But Paris isn’t the only city that promises tales of beauty, love and romance.

Rome is famous for its opera and ballet, while Venice’s gondola rides amidst historic palazzos ooze romance – and that’s just in Europe.

Travel further, and you and your beloved could be soaking up the old-world charm of Canada’s Quebec City, or cosying up beneath the cherry blossoms of Japan’s most romantic city, Kyoto.

Island retreat

For many of us, nothing says romance like sinking your toes into a soft, sandy beach. And while the likes of Hawaii, the Caribbean and the Maldives certainly promise the honeymoon of dreams, there’s plenty of budgetfriendly islands to escape to on a budget too.

From the remote mountainous terrain of Scotland’s Isle of Skye to the unspoilt beauty of Cornwall’s Scilly Isles, this island we call home has all the necessary ingredients for your next romantic getaway.

Vineyard stays

Culturally, wine has long been an important part of celebrating romance. From anniversary dinners to your wedding day, it’s no secret that a glass of vino makes everything feel a little bit more special. So, if you and your partner share a love for wine, why not consider an intimate vineyard stay?

The region of Tuscany in Italy is synonymous with wine and dining, but the UK is home to dozens of estates too, offering accommodation, wine tours, foodie experiences – and more.