The chilly weather is finally starting to give way to the warm season, and it couldn’t happen at a better time. After all, what could be worse than celebrating the day of love with chattering teeth and frozen bones! You don’t need an excuse to travel, but Valentine’s Day is as good as any.
And if you haven’t taken her out for a romantic escape for a while, now would be the perfect time to do so. Sure, exotic trips like Bora Bora sound exciting, but let’s face it, they’re not really practical unless you’re lucky to live in that part of the world! This week, Bookmundi examines the top destinations for Valentine’s Day, places where love is always in the air!
Miami, USA (above image)
Miami has all sorts of adventures for all kinds of travelers, but it feels particularly sexy if you’re visiting the city with a loved one. Famous as one of the most stylish and attractive cities in the US, Miami is where you can swim with dolphins, sunbathe, enjoy a cruise party and dance with some of the sexiest people in the planet on the same day. Bookmundi recommends the Thomson Miami Beach Do Not Disturb package for couples visiting the city. The package includes customized treatments in the roof-top spa, welcome chocolates, complimentary Perrier-Jouët Champagne and one breakfast-in-bed.
Cinque Terre, Mediterranean
The Cinque Terre is one of the best preserved natural areas in the Mediterranean. Famous for having some of the most dramatic coastlines and scenery on the planet, Cinque Terre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which could easily make you draw comparisons to the unexplored Eden. The five villages located here remind you of the early medieval periods and since cars were banned years ago, you don’t suffer from the pollution threatening other parts of the planet.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
What could be a better way to rekindle your romance than making that much-awaited trip to the beach after a long spell of winter! San Juan is one of the best destinations for beach bums and those dreaming of the sun and the sand. This beautiful city is also known to be ideal for historic walks and party-hopping, so you have all kinds of adventures to choose from. Bookmundi recommends the San Juan Marriott Resort Luminescent Love Package which includes champagne, massage, oceanfront rooms and trips to the mesmerizing Fajarado Bio luminescent Bay, known for its microscopic plankton that glow in the water at night.
Paris, the City of Love, err, Light, is perfect for couples, irrespective of the time of the year. You really don’t need a reason to visit the city, but Valentine’s Day is as good as any. Romantic walks, beautiful evenings, chic cafes, exciting shopping and mouthwatering cuisines, everything you need to spoil her rotten. And whatever you do, don’t forget to explore those iconic sights and sip some of the best champagne in the world.
If money is no bar, look no further than Seychelles, a place that is as romantic as one could be. The island is an excellent option for honeymoons and weddings and it is easy to see why. Unspoiled coastlines present miles of white sand and the year-round sunny climate ensures that the sky always boasts of having the most beautiful shade of blue. The place is so serene that you would want to spend most of your time doing nothing but breathe in all that natural beauty. And for whenever you do find the time for something else, there are activities such as island-hopping, dolphin watching and snorkeling to keep you entertained.
Madeira, Portugal
Madeira is an archipelago that is famous all over the world as home to the resilient Madeira wine. Madeira is full of adventure and it presents a level of charm and sophistication that makes it ideal for romantics. The Mercado dos Lavradores, a beautiful old-world market where island costumes, flowers and fruits remind you of a bygone era, is a must see while in Funchal. Don’t forget to ride the cable car up the hill for mesmerizing views of the bay opening out to the deep blue sea. And while in Madeira, you might also want to spend some time visiting those beautiful vineyards and enjoying exciting wine tours with your loved one.
Kumarakom, India
Sigh. Mere mentions of Kerala makes us dream of those alluring backwaters. Famous as the prized gem of god’s own country, Kumarakom and Alleppey are where you get to see the best of Kerala, its backwaters. Kumarakom hosts some of the most alluring lakes in the country and the ideal way to enjoy their beauty is through overnight tours in a houseboat with your better halves. Wine and dine with your partner and watch exotic birds and fishing villages float by.
Budapest, Hungary
The capital’s first bridge is where you realize just how beautiful and romantic the city really is. Offering some of the best views of the Buda Castle, this historic wonder has been the setting for countless scenes, stories and memories over the years. Visitors can also walk to the top of the tunnel on the Buda side, which also offers the best views of the River Danube. Bookmundi recommends you to become a part of one of those boat excursions which include four-course buffet dinner and live music. And if you’re searching for a place to stay, the Corinthia Hotel Budapest offers a special Valentine’s Day package which includes buffet breakfast, romantic setup in your rooms, four-course buffet dinner by candlelight, Romeo and Juliet re-enactments and complimentary treatments in the hotel’s spa.
Honolulu, Hawaii
It doesn’t get hotter than Honolulu this Valentine’s Day, Exotic beaches, breathtaking natural beauty and mind-blowing surf adventures keep you occupied throughout the day while mesmerizing sunsets leave you speechless in the evenings. And then, there are always those crazy parties to become a part of once the sun goes into hiding. Another reason why Honolulu gets so much good press is that it is ideal for those wanting farm-to-table cuisines. So book your hotels, dig your feet in the sand and sip some mai tais with your partner.
Riviera Maya, Mexico
Once known for its beautiful fishing villages, the Riviera Maya has dramatically changed into a destination that is full of fine dining restaurants, luxury resorts, exotic nightlife and tantalizing spas. Spend sunsets in those beautiful beaches, enjoy snorkeling experiences, go scuba diving you’re your partner and hike along those historic ruins. Whatever you do, you’re sure to have a blast and a whole lot of fun. Bookmundi recommends you to book a room at El Dorado Royale, an adults-only spa resort which offers amazing wine tasting experiences and also has its own natural salt-water pool.
A box of chocolate and a bouquet of roses followed by a romantic dinner may be good enough to bring a smile to her face, but if you’re looking to sweep your valentine off her feet, the above romantic adventures are all you need.
You got other destination or attraction recommendations for getting the best Valentine’s Day 2016? We would love to get your input!