When it comes to showing a loved one how much he or she means to you, love should display no bounds. While an engagement ring is obviously top of the pops in the romance stakes, there are many other ways you can pile on the romance. So even if you’re already hitched, or not ready to pop the question, why not do something special to bring out the hopeless romantic in you.
A romantic gesture doesn’t have to be a bunch of flowers, a box of chocolates or even an expensive item of jewellery. Spending time together with your loved one is far more important. So why not consider a romantic experience you can enjoy together? For adrenalin junkies, why not try a double sky-dive together? For the most hopeless romantic there’s always the failsafe overnight stay in a fairy-tale castle. All of these experiences are readily available in the UK with experience companies such as Into the Blue – and we’ve reviewed some of the traditional, and more unusual romantic experiences to help you choose the best way to make your lover melt…
Romantic City Getaway
We’re talking Paris, Rome, Venice, Lisbon, Barcelona and Marrakesh or even Reykjavik. After a day of sightseeing and a romantic dinner, you can relax at one of the top hotels. If you’re on a budget, there are many hidden gems in most cities when it comes to accommodation. Be thorough in your research and perhaps go out of season to get a better deal.
A special tip if you are heading for Paris; don’t miss visiting Bois de Vincennes, the largest public park in the city. There you’ll find the Temple of Love set on a lake island. You can access the island by bridge or if you’re a completely hopeless romantic, rent a little rowboat to get you across.
Other Romantic Getaways
There are way too many places to list here. The UK has some amazing places to stay, so your romantic break doesn’t have to be abroad. In fact, why not leave the car at home and take the train somewhere so you can spend more time concentrating on each other.
The Belmond British Pullman offers the ultimate in romantic train travel. Luxury weekend breaks go from London to Cornwall or South Devon and include brunch and a three-course lunch going down, and a five-course Sunday lunch coming back.
If you’re looking to go a bit further afield, there are some beautiful places all over Europe.
We love Manarola on the Italian Riviera. It’s a beautiful colourful village where you can while away hours looking out to the Ligurian Sea. That’s when you’re not gazing into each other’s eyes. No country lives up to romance quite like Italy. Italians are renowned for their passion, so there’s no better place for you to show off a little of yours.
Winter Break In A Sea-Facing Cottage
What could be more romantic than cosying up with a bottle of bubbly in front of a crackling fire? Share posh snacks and snuggle while you listen to the sea crashing in on the nearby beach. Where you go doesn’t really matter. It’s who you are with that counts.
Glamping
For outdoor lovers, putting up a tent can take the heat out of a romantic night away. Why not try glamping instead? A vintage airstream trailer on a working farm will satisfy your zest for nature, as well as the retro in you. And, it will give you a cosy space to get intimate. If you’re both into yoga or meditation, why not book space on a romantic yurt retreat.
Cocktail Making Classes
If a romantic break isn’t on the cards, why not try having a bit of fun together. A cocktail making masterclass is a really great idea. You’ll learn from the masters how to mix your favourite drinks and sample them too. It’ll leave you warm, fuzzy and giggling together all the way home.
Tango Dance Lessons
For the serious romantic who loves to dance, Tango lessons could be just what you are looking for to inject some passion and romance into your lives. The Tango is a dramatic and sultry dance. If you are looking for a sophisticated and dramatic fling with your loved one, turning to tango could be the answer.
Do Something Spontaneous
Throw some clothes in a bag and take off in the car. Don’t even set the destination, just stop and find a hotel when you’ve had enough driving. If you are used to planning everything in fine detail, throw caution to the wind. There’s something very sexy about breaking the rules for a change.
It doesn’t have to be a night away. Last-minute theatre tickets, or even a spontaneous meal out will do.
Whatever it is that brings out the hopeless romantic in you, go for it. Great for Valentine’s Day, but who says romance shouldn’t be get some attention all year round!
