Valentine Edition

Top Honeymoon Destinations

Valentine Destinations

Valentine Experiences

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contents

Five Valentine Destinations

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Valentine ExperiencesLove on a luxury cruise along the River Thames

page 12 page 15

Honeymoon DestinationsThe summer honeymoon you’ve been dreaming of

From steamy nights to wine and dine

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Five ValentineDestinations

Love is in the air, so let’s celebrate on holiday. Zoe Hazel Thomas shares her five favourite Valentine destinations.

Rose petal baths and his and hers massages are traditional ways to share time together over the Valentine weekend. But why not add a little adventure and make some memories.

Here is our selection of five Valentine holidays including a three-day party with your beau, a wild adventure, or a sunset picnic

on a Caribbean beach.

St. Lucia

Mumbai

Las Vegas

From steamy nights to wine and dine

Cape Town

Sydney

Las Vegas For risk takers

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Ah, Vegas — the hub of shotgun weddings and hungover regrets. Sin City, as it’s affectionately

known by its visitors, is the perfect Valentine destination for the risk-takers; for the lovers who want to stay up all night partying and stay in all day revelling in the excesses of a luxury hotel suite. If you’re a stickler for traditional romance (and you can tear yourself away from your en suite hot-tub), then head down to Lake Las Vegas where there’s a whole village modelled on Italian architecture, complete with authentic Venice-style gondola rides for two. End the visit with a candle-lit Italian meal by the water’s edge, or if you’re ready to start partying again — head right back to the strip for a night of risque entertainment to get you in a loving mood.

Las Vegas For risk takers

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Just outside the buzzing metropolitan area of Sydney, stand the rugged Blue Mountain. Enjoy the

scenery with a trip on the Katoomba Scenic Railway (the steepest railway in the world) over towering sandstone cliffs.

Sydney For adventurous lovers

The view from the top is incredible. Then venture off the beaten track and go rock climbing, abseiling, hiking and mountain biking. This is the ideal place to get away from it all and share fun times with your sweetheart in a stunning natural environment.

Have your own fairytale

Picture this: clear shallows, pristine sand, warm sun and a never-ending stream of exotic fruit cocktails.

St Lucia is the very idea of paradise. You can enjoy a truly relaxing holiday on one of the most scenic islands in the West Indies.

Head to one of the island’s warm volcanic springs or a mud bath for a his and hers pamper treat, or arrange to have your supper on the beach so you can watch the magnificent Caribbean sunset while sipping on glasses of champagne. Make it your own fairytale romance.

St Lucia

WELLNESS THERAPIES

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South Africa’s Cape Town isn’t just for surfers and shark lovers; it’s also

one of the most romantic cities in the world. Here, you can take a horse-drawn carriage and ride Jane Austen-style right through the city centre to see the main historical sites such as the South African National Gallery, St George’s Cathedral, the Grand Parade and Church Square. And hop in a cable car for a trip up the iconic table mountain to watch the sunset with panoramic views over the city. A trip to Cape Town wouldn’t be complete without a spot of wine tasting, so head to one of the many farms and vineyards in the area to sample award-winning wines and explore historic cellars. End the day at one of Cape Town’s open air cinemas, where you can huddle up together in a blanket and watch cult classics beneath the stars.

For Wine LoversCape Town

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Mumbai, known as the ‘city of dreams’ offers an intriguing

blend of ancient culture and modern innovation. While it may be the economic and corporate capital of India, Mumbai is also home to a number of stunning temples, palaces and beaches where you can escape the bustle of the streets and explore a more traditional side of India. Visit the Mahalaxmi temple, an exquisitely ornate shrine to Mahalaxmii, the Goddess of wealth and fortune, or head to

The Flora Fountain. At night the extravagant sculpture is lit up, perfect for an evening stroll on Valentine’s night. One romantic quirk is the growing demand for Parisian-style cafes which means you can step off the hot, crowded street straight into a chintzy patisserie to while away a whole afternoon drinking coffee and tasting macaroons as if they were in the city of romance itself.

MumbaiFor the Culture Vulture

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Valentine Experiences

Looking for something different to celebrate the romance of valentine’s day? Sharon Livingston offers some suggestions

Love is on the Eye

This year the London Eye is celebrating Valentine’s Day by recapturing the glamour and romance of

classic Hollywood. In fact, if you head down to the London Eye between 8 - 15 February you may just spot some Hollywood icons such as Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh at the iconic attraction, along with quotes from timeless romantic films and even a group singing acappella love songs to inspire some Valentine’s Day romance.At the centre of the London Eye Hollywood transformation is a spectacular heart shaped mirror installation, where visitors can capture their special Valentine’s Day celebration at the London Eye.

The Travel Magazine 15

The dramatic mirror will be surrounded by glamorous feathers, complete with ‘dressing room’ lighting and framed by heavy velvet cinema curtains, all adding to the Hollywood feel. Furthermore, for any of those born romantics out there who will be celebrating their wedding anniversary this Valentine’s Day, the London Eye is also offering a pair of free tickets on receipt of a genuine wedding certificate marked 14th February[2]. The first five lucky couples will also get a pair of tickets to the classic romantic movie Brief Encounter, showing at 6.20pm at the BFI Southbank, only minutes away from the London Eye.

Couples visiting the London Eye over the Valentine’s period can choose from Red Rose Flights, which includes chocolate and a red rose for each couple, to the ultimate indulgence of a Cupid’s Capsule with fast-track entry, a red rose, a box of Charbonnel et Walker pink champagne truffles and a bottle of Laurent Perrier champagne to share in your own private capsule with that special someone.

Love on a luxury cruise along the River

In honour of Valentine’s Day, Rainbow Cruisers is offering a special deal when hiring a deluxe cruiser

to sail along the River Thames - £400 for two days/one night. Couples can climb aboard one of the stylish self-drive boats and cruise along the Royal River at a gentle pace, stopping off at their pleasure to visit cosy pubs, picnic hot spots, interesting attractions and to enjoy some fishing. The beauty of the River Thames is well known for providing the inspiration for Kenneth Grahame’s ‘The Wind in the Willows’. All Rainbow Cruisers come equipped with a microwave, DVD player, stove, fridge, heating, linen and toiletries – making them a fantastic home from home.

Vespa rides and ballet in Brighton

Impress your loved one with a romance-packed day in Brighton this year. Couples can spend the

day scooting around the countryside on a chic Vespa, stopping off along the way for romantic strolls along the South Downs Way and aphrodisiacal delights at Brighton’s classy oyster and champagne bar, Riddle & Finns, near the seafront. To top the day off, lovers can enjoy a performance of arguably the greatest romantic ballet of all time, as Swan Lake will be performing at the Theatre Royal Brighton over the Valentine’s weekend.

Copyright David Dixon

Vespa hire starts from £30 per day with Vroom by the Sea and ticket prices for Swan Lake start from £25 per person.

Delia’s Canary Catering and Norwich Football, Norwich City

Combine your love of footie with your love of food at Delia Smith’s restaurant, Delia’s Canary Catering at

Norwich city’s football ground. On February 14th, you and your partner can secure exclusive rental of one of the new executive boxes for the whole evening. A glass of champagne and bouquet of flowers are presented upon arrival followed by a five-course candlelit feast. Pre-booking is essential. Prices start from £225 per couple.

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Top Summer Honeymoon Destinations

Dreaming of a summer honeymoon? Here are six destinations we love.

The Travel Magazine 17

Honeymooners that want to reconnect with nature may find this place in the awesome

landscape of the Western Ghats, idyllic. It’s true to the word retreat as it is a little out the way. And it is scenic if a l little bumpy at the outset but that soon gives over to smoother roads that twist their way upwards passing the magnificent Lake Pawna. It’s 3500 acres of forested setting is overlooked by the beautiful Sahyadri mountains, perfect for instilling some inner peace.

Getting around is by golf cart and the rooms are spacious and have their own veranda and outdoor shower. But you won’t want to stay there too long because the couple spa may beckon - the spa is a hefty 70 acres with more than 150 treatments - and you may find your calling in the meditation cave. Cuisine is varied across seven restaurants and bar venues including the Mountain pool bar where you can sip your tipple and enjoy the views.

SHILLIM ESTATE RETREAT & SPA - INDIA

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FRENCH POLYNESIA

At both these resorts snorkelling and paddle boarding is available or hire a catamaran and sail out into the ocean and just fl oat under the sun.

Incidentally, French Polynesia is famous for its Black pearls and these are available all over the island.

Happy hour in the bar is timed with the sunset, so you can celebrate your love as the light dims. Later, feed the nursing sharks by the pancake stand or simply relax in the main restaurant to live music, or dine under the night sky on the terrace or beach.

It’s just a 30 minute ferry ride from the port of Tahiti to the island of Mo’orea. This is a strip of land made

up of stunning landscape and a mountainous backdrop that floats within crystal blue water. On arrival, you’ll be given a cocktail and taken to an over-water bungalow or a garden villa with a plunge pool.

Twin this with Bora Bora which some say is the most beautiful island in the world. Its a

short 30 minute fl ight and a boat ride. The Hilton Bora Bora is set on its own private Motu (island) so you could not be more reclusive.

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Trianon Palace Versailles

St. Peters Basilica Rome

Versailles Park copyright fr:Utilisateur:Urban

Alrgarve coast copyright Ricard12

Hilton Vilamoura Portugal

Rome Cavalieri

There’s lashings of romance oozing from the palatial surroundings and gardens. Their spa offers a hamman, steam rooms and heated indoor swimming pools. This may feel indulgent but so too is their Michelin-starred restaurant headed by the Gordon Ramsay. Other restaurants include the Veranda with its French doors and full length windows that open up to the delightful view of the Versailles Park.

Hilton Vilamoura Portugal

If you love golf and your other half doesn’t, it won’t matter at the

Vilamoura. This hotel has two golf course and a huge luxury spa all surrounded by five acres of lovely gardens.

There is an easy-to-get to private beach concession at Falesia Beach. Families come here too, but there are six pools comprising a separate pool for families with young children and smaller quieter pools for adults looking for poolside peace.

Nearby is the Vilamoura Marina where bars and restaurants jostle for attention. From there hop onto a boat and sail around the stunning Algarve coast and you may spot a dolphin or two. Or grab your walking shoes and explore 20,000 acres of Ria Formosa Natural Park.

Rome Cavalieri Italy

This 370 roomed hotel has a sensational location amid a 15-

acre private park on the highest hill in Rome – the Monte Mario - just above the Vatican. This means you get stunning views over the Eternal City and St Peter’s Dome.Accommodation is plush and spacious with marble baths and private balconies and the hotel is flush with tapestries, statues and artworks including three Tiepolo masterpieces in the lobby.

This hotel has the accolade of being the only resort in Rome. There’s an on-site spa and gym and four swimming pools, one being the largest in the city but the centrepiece must be the hotel’s three Michelin-starred panoramic restaurant, La Pergola on its rooftop.

Trianon Palace Versailles

The Treaty of Versailles, perhaps the most famous treaty of the last

century, may have been signed in the Palace Versailles but it was drawn up in the Salon Clemenceau room of the Trianon Palace Versailles.

So perhaps luxury woodland retreat just on the edge of the peaceful Royal Domain may service as a fine place to celebrate your union. It’s contemporary, think Philip Stark chairs and neutral colours in the bedrooms yet the marble columns are traditionalism all over.

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