Winter has to be one of the most popular times for a romantic getaway, the cold weather and dark nights encouraging you to curl up somewhere special with someone exceptional or run away to somewhere where the sun will warm your skins. And as Valentine’s Day is upon us, there is absolutely no excuse not to whisk away the most important person in your life right now, or at least set that train off down the tracks. So, from the Paris cliche that is never a cliche, from private tropical oases to cosy mountain retreats, and from chic rural boltholes to sexy beach getaways, here are a few of our favourite ideas for a couples vacation or break this winter. But only a brief snapshot of the boltholes our experts can offer that are ideal for an intimate retreat any time of the year, perfect for asking the most important question of your life if that is on your mind; or just showing someone very special how much time spent just with them means to you …
THE COTSWOLDS
Tucked into a hillside overlooking a vineyard and the Welsh hills beyond, Little Lodge, near Cheltenham, is a perfect romantic retreat for two. Cosy up around the fire-pit with something cold and bubbly … Perhaps a glass or two of Cotswold champagne … Part of Luxury Cotswold Rental’s collection.
PARIS
Paris is the City of Love all year round, of course, but if you visit during winter – when there are fewer other tourists and snow sprinkles around – you can have more of the capital just between the two of you. And what better way than to base yourself right in the heart of the city at one of Haven In’s amazing apartments. There’s nothing more romantic than savouring some quality time with your sweetheart in the heart of Paris.
THE ALPS
Enjoy a romantic ski trip to the Alps while staying at the charming La Petite Ferme chalet, located in a picturesque hamlet of Montriond on the outskirts of Morzine. It’s only a five-minute drive from the bubble at Ardent, so you can easily access the slopes and then retreat to your couple’s chalet at the end of the day for a cosy evening just for two.
Available through UltraVilla ski chalet expert Ultimate Luxury Chalets, La Petite Ferme has been beautifully restored by its owners and is luxuriously decorated in furs, cowhides, dark wood and other mountain elements. The double height ceiling of the lounge area gives a fantastic spaciousness to the chalet, which is amplified by the floor to ceiling windows with views onto the distant ski lifts and local church steeple. Adjacent is an open plan kitchen with a traditional wood burner.
Two of the chalet’s bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms and the third an open plan and a separate shower room. The delectable decor is carried over into the bedrooms, each with individually styled featuring cow or deer themed antiques.
If you’re not snuggled on the cosy living room sofa enjoying its vast selection of DVDs, you’re bound to be relaxing in the chalet’s private outdoor hot-tub.
HARBOUR ISLAND
New England charm in a Caribbean clime with small narrow streets and perfectly formed old clapperboard houses – but still bristling with the conveniences of modern life. You can curl up with your ‘plus one’ in perfect seclusion but still have fine tête-à-tête dining and some serious clubbing a stone’s throw away. And, of course, the famous pink sands for that romantic morning stroll or late night wander … Allamanda is a perfect example of Pamela Murdock’s great portfolio.
