Over half of British travellers are looking to meet people while travelling, and dating while holidaying is also a popular choice with a resurgence in holiday romances, according to a survey conducted by Booking.com. With romance on the brain, discover some of the most romantic destinations on earth - from island hopping in The Islands of Tahiti to road tripping through the snowy Japan Alps.
Swipe Right on New Faces and Places - Romantic Breaks for 2022
For the artsy couple
Valencia, Spain
Not only taking the crowns for World Capital of Design and European Capital of Smart Tourism in 2022, the southeastern port city of Valencia will also welcome the return of its robust cultural and music events schedule. Internationally renowned for its gastronomy offering and the birthplace of paella, Valencia is an easily accessible destination for UK travellers looking for a cultural city break oozing with history, museums, art (in galleries and on the street), architecture and even a national park - Albufera Natural Park. In the city centre couples can rent a bike and enjoy traffic-free streets before embarking on one of the many food tours stopping at local restaurants to enjoy the city's national dish.
Getting there: Multiple airlines fly nonstop to Valencia, including British Airways, easyJet and Ryanair from various ports in the UK with one-way fares starting at £17.99.
Shikoku, Japan
For couples who have a love for the creative arts, Shikoku is the perfect place to follow in the footsteps of eminent architects, artists and writers. The fourth largest island in Japan, Shikoku, was recently named one of Lonely Planet’s Top Destinations for 2022. Beginning in the hot spring city of Matsuyama, known as the home of Japan’s oldest bathhouse, this trip features a journey to the world-famous modern art installations in the Seto Inland Sea. Dine at hidden eateries and taste superb street food only known to locals and meet local experts and artisans - including some of Shikoku’s best artists, historians and garden designers.
Package: Inside Japan offers six nights for an Exclusive Private Journey ‘Shikoku Art & Culture’ Price on request.
Have you read the A to Z Travel Blog - Japan?
For the adventurous couple
Slovenia
Often referred to as a country full of fairy tales, myths and legends, Slovenia is about as romantic as it gets - it even has the word LOVE in its name. A mecca for many weddings (and proposals), couples should head to Lake Bled, located in the heart of the Julian Alps. Take a leisurely boat ride on a traditional pletna before climbing the 99 steps and ringing the bell of wishes on the island's small Baroque church. Couples can also enjoy dinner at Bled Castle with a view of the lake. In the capital of Ljubljana, visit Ljubljana Castle or enjoy a stroll through the charming old city centre. For a different perspective, boat trips along the River Ljubljanica are also available offering a scenic view of the city’s architecture. Lock a padlock on the bridge of love as a symbol of your love and add to the special character of the bridge adorned by the vows of many couples over the years.
Getting there: easyJet flies nonstop three times weekly to Ljubljana from London Gatwick with return fares starting from £35.99. Alternatively, British Airways flies direct seasonally from London Heathrow.
Deer Valley, Utah - USA
There are few settings more romantic than a snowy mountainscape and Deer Valley ski resort in Utah looks like something from a postcard. Skiers have 2,026 acres to discover across six mountains, each with beautiful, sweeping views at the peak. For an extra special Valentine’s Day, the Fireside Dining experience at Empire Canyon Lodge serves four delicious courses inspired by Alpine cuisine. Package: The Ski, Stay and Save Package saves travellers 20% on lift tickets and participating accommodations when booking a stay between 26 January - 17 February 2022.
Ski and Spa, Nita Lake Lodge - Whistler
Enjoy a dreamy adventure holiday staying in a Studio Lake View Suite at Nita Lake Lodge, located in Whistler’s Creekside area, a five-minute drive south from Whistler Village. Boasting fantastic amenities including a fireplace, double-soaker bathtub and king-size bed it is the perfect place for a romantic escape to the mountains. Nita Lake Lodge is situated just 500 metres from the Creekside Gondola, which whisks skiers straight up Whistler Mountain. After a hard day out on the slopes, enjoy a 60-minute, deep tissue, couple’s massage at The Spa at Nita Lake Lodge and relax in a luxurious fluffy hotel robe. After the massage couples can enjoy watching the sunset whilst soaking in one of the hot tubs.
Prices from: £275 per night including a one-day lift pass.
For the nature-lovers
Florida’s Paradise Coast, Florida - USA
A cultural gem located in Southwest Florida, the Paradise Coast sits on the Gulf of Mexico’s sparkling water and a hotspot for romance. Walk hand-in-hand with your loved one along 30 miles of pristine, soft white, sandy beaches, or delight in the natural wilderness on a guided wildlife eco-tour though the UNESCO Everglades and Ten Thousand Islands. With guaranteed sunshine and spectacular sunsets daily, dining on board luxury yachts, on the beach and on rooftops with seemingly endless views of the ocean are also popular activities. Those seeking a little culture can rent a bike and explore Naples, Marco Island and Everglades City at a leisurely pace or head to popular attractions including Naples Botanical Garden. For the ultimate gift to each other, indulge in one of the destinations' many spas and spa treatments including the 80-minute couples massage at the Naples Grande Beach Resort.
Package: travelplanners offers a 7night stay at the Naples Bay Resort from £695 per person.
For the luxurious couple
Loveland, Colorado - USA
As the name suggests, Loveland is a romantic town less than an hour’s drive from Denver which becomes even sweeter over Valentine’s Day. Visitors can add a personalised lock to the ‘love’ sculpture near the visitors centre, sample different wines at Sweetheart Winery, or post a letter to a loved one through the city’s Valentine mailing programme which has been posting valentines to lucky-in-love people around the world for 75 years.
Package: The Valentine’s Day Package at Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch includes one night’s accommodation, breakfast and dinner from $255 per couple.
Japan Alps - Three Star Road, Japan
The Mitsuboshi Kaido - also known as the Three-star Road - is a fantastic alpine addition to any romantic Japanese getaway. Traverse the backbone of Japan in luxurious style while taking in traditional towns, artistic heritage, fascinating wildlife and stunning mountain scenery. Take a seat in the luxurious ‘Gran Class’ car of the bullet train to speed north from Tokyo up into the Japan Alps - home to some of the most spectacular rural landscape in the country.
Package: Inside Japan offers this Snow Monkeys and Samurai Exclusive private journey for 3 nights. Price on request.
Luxury Ascent Spa, Tenaya Lodge, Yosemite Mariposa - USA
Located just 45-minutes from Badger Pass ski area is the luxurious Tenaya Lodge. Tenaya Lodge is a full-service resort nestled in the Sierra National Forest hosting the incredible Ascent Spa. Indulge in first-class treatments, from massages to manicures inspired by Yosemite's natural side. Unwind in the sauna or relax in the steam room after a hard day out on the slopes. The cottage rooms at Tenaya Lodge are a short walk from the main lodge offering private entrances, outdoor sitting areas and fireplaces. For even more privacy, try an Explorer Cabin at Tenaya Lodge. These two-bedroom cabins offer a more secluded experience with a comfortable living room and a private deck. Tenaya Lodge’s ‘Escape to Romance’ package includes; one night deluxe, premium or cottage room accommodations for two, a romance welcome amenity of chocolate covered strawberries and a bottle of champagne, breakfast for two and VIP turndown with chocolate kisses and rose petals. Prices from: £191 per night.
Heart shaped island, Tupai - The Islands of Tahiti
The Islands of Tahiti scream serenity, perfect for couples looking to relax, unwind and just enjoy each other’s company surrounded by crystal blue waters. Fill days with sunshine on the diamond-white sand beaches, swim in crystal-clear azure waters and experience the lavish comfort of The Islands of Tahiti’s luxury hotels with a stay in a breath-taking overwater villa. Located 10 miles north of Bora Bora, the islet of Tupai, viewed from the sky, features a heart making it one of the most romantic islands there is. It hosts a double lagoon and motu covered with coconut trees. Getting there: Fly from Paris with Air Tahiti Nui from £1,130 return. Alternative airlines include United Airlines and British Airways flying from London. www.tahititourisme.uk
Tahiti may seem like an expensive destination but it is accessible to all budgets. Discover more in the A to Z Travel Blog - Tahiti.
Surprise guest chefs at No. 850, West Hollywood
No. 850 is a new hotel concept inspired by European residential-style properties where the comforts and accoutrements of home blend seamlessly with the luxury and service of a contemporary hotel. Nestled on a beautiful street in West Hollywood. No. 850 was designed by British interior designer Rita Konig and is full of homely touches, with fireplaces in the bedrooms, an honesty bar and a wine and mezze hour on the roof terrace. There’s an assortment of mismatched lamps in every bedroom, bespoke wallpaper in the bathrooms and bright pops of colour throughout. There’s no dining restaurant but acclaimed local chefs will make regular appearances at No. 850 to prepare an intimate, exclusive dinner for guests. Prices from £338 per night, including breakfast.
For foodie couples
Sacramento, California
Retreat to America’s Farm-to-fork capital, Sacramento. Located in Northern California, Sacramento is recognised as America’s Farm-to-Fork Capital and is home to a thriving culinary scene, as well as up-and-coming craft breweries and local wineries. Grab a picnic lunch and head to one of the 200 wineries surrounding the city, or enjoy a romantic dinner at The Kitchen – Sacramento’s prized Michelin starred restaurant. Getting there: Flights from London to Sacramento from £527 return via LAX with Virgin Atlantic. Alternative airlines include British Airways, United Airlines and American Airlines.
I hope you enjoyed reading Swipe Right on New Faces and Places - Romantic Breaks for 2022. Did you know onboard Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines they have a single mingles event? Is this something you would like to know more about or perhaps cruising in general? Get in touch and let me know.
Until next time....