February also means Valentine’s Day and romance. Where better to celebrate it than somewhere romantic, such as in the mountains, on a tropical beach, at a world-class country house hotel or in one of Europe’s most evocative cities.
We thought long and hard when coming up with our shortlist of four of the most romantic ideas for where to spend the long Valentine’s Day weekend, to inspire you at this special time of year.
Venice
What could be more romantic than La Serenissima, especially in winter before the crowds arrive? We love the idea of waking up in a classic suite overlooking the Grand Canal with a boat waiting to glide you across the lagoon for a long lazy lunch on one of the islands, such as Torcello or Mazzorbo, returning on inky black waters at dusk with the sky that incredible shade of winter pink.
Paris
City of Light and eternally romantic. We consider it to be the number one city in the world for accommodation, as it has the greatest number of palaces and exclusive boutique hotels to please the most discerning traveller. It is also blessed with many fine restaurants, beautiful buildings and splendid art galleries. Imagine taking breakfast in your suite overlooking one of the gardens of Paris, then boarding a boat on the Seine for a scenic journey before lunch in the shadow of the Louvre?
Tennessee, USA
With the Great Smoky Mountains as a backdrop, a farm as well as a 4,200-acre estate, you can enjoy the perfect North American country retreat par excellence. Wake in your four-poster, take a superbly prepared breakfast overlooking magnificent grounds, relax in the spa or be as active as you wish with numerous activities to choose from, including horse-riding, archery and hiking. Then, to end a day of romance, ride in a horse-drawn carriage before dinner, taking in the landscape of this exceptional location.
Turks & Caicos Islands
A natural two-mile beach bordering the palest turquoise Caribbean with your butler serving breakfast on the deck of your ultra-private villa overlooking the ocean. It doesn’t come much more hedonistic than this as the ultimate tropical beach vacation for a long Valentine’s Day weekend celebration.
London
Mayfair has always been top of our list, with a plethora of grande-dame hotels and classic country-house-in-town choices, but this month sees a new luxury hotel opening on the border of Belgravia and Knightsbridge. From what we have previewed so far it looks full of promise. London overflows with history and extraordinary landmark buildings; with gardens, parks and landscaped garden squares; with great theatre and opera; wonderful public and private art galleries; exclusive private clubs, many fine hotels and restaurant choices. We love London at any time, but especially over the Valentine’s weekend.
Courchevel or Gstaad
Whether staying in a suite in one of the world’s most iconic mountain palace hotels or at a fully serviced super-prime private chalet in the most chic ski resort in France, we love February in the Alps. After a day’s exhilarating skiing enjoy some well-being treatments, followed by an après ski aperitivo and a candle-lit dinner surrounded by snowy mountains. Utterly romantic.
Ethiopia
Africa is synonymous with adventure and wildlife. It needs much more than a long weekend so, for those with more time, how about finding romance in this vast continent of mystique and diversity?
One of the most historically fascinating and culturally unique countries in the world. A land of exquisite beauty and diversity with an inimitable sense of style. Birthplace of Ethiopian jazz, an emerging contemporary art scene, world-class coffee, an array of traditional festivals… what it lacks in top hotels it makes up for with an unrivalled array of topographical and cultural experiences.
The Gheralta Mountain Range, with its extraordinary rock-hewn churches, some almost a thousand years old; Lalibela, originally constructed as a ‘New Jerusalem’, with medieval, monolithic churches and an impressive local music scene; the breathtaking Simien Mountains, excellent for hiking and the only place in the world to see the Gelada baboon.
Fly over the great and unmissable Danakil Depression, the lowest point in Africa, and last, but by no means least, the remote wilderness of the Omo Valley in the south.
This is a different kind of romantic location for sure but so culturally immersive it will be utterly unforgettable – like all the best romances.
To plan the world’s most fabulous travels, staying at the finest addresses, contact us.
What distinguishes the private client services of Nota Bene Global is that through a fertile network of high-level connections, we are able to deliver these extraordinary experiences. This extends to Valentine’s Day weekend, but don’t delay – come and talk to us.
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