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Romantic Escapes - Travel - January 2025

Dear Reader,
Diwrnod Santes Dwynwen Hapus! Happy St Dwynwen’s Day. Wales’ answer to Valentine’s Day, today is the perfect moment to show your significant other a little extra love – whether that’s in the form of flowers, cooking dinner or booking a romantic escape.
Nothing says romance like quality time abroad: just you and your loved one, a crisp glass of wine, a spectacular view, and perhaps a swimming pool, too. Best of all is some seclusion in a picturesque villa. Whether you’re looking for an intimate getaway for two or a sophisticated holiday with friends or family, our top pick is CV Villas, who have been perfecting the art of what makes the perfect villa holiday for over 50 years, with first-hand knowledge and support, both in the UK and on location.
Here are eight romantic escapes to book for Valentine’s Day and beyond.
Enjoy,

8 Romantic Escapes Whatever The Date
1. Casamarea, Puglia
Fine wine, delicious cuisine and endless sophistication: Italy is a land of amorous allure, and Puglia’s everlasting appeal shows no sign of waning. A gem in the CV Villas portfolio sleeping up to four guests, the two-bedroom Casamarea really has the wow factor. Think sea views, simple and stylish design, a furnished roof terrace for sundowners with a view, and an inviting infinity pool flanked by smart sunbeds for lounging by day. Nearby, relaxed local restaurants will keep you well fed and watered, with the closest beach just 700 metres away and seaside town Torre Vado with crystalline waters, lively beach clubs and softly sloping sand just 3km down the road. Discover more like this and book at cvvillas.com
2. Pembrokeshire Escape
Embrace Wales’ unique heritage at Grove of Narberth in Pembrokeshire this Valentine’s Day, where a handcrafted lovespoon is gifted to guests booking the St Valentine’s Day Couples Dinner package as a keep sake. Rest your head in one of just 25 elegant bedrooms that blend heritage with modern flair, before venturing on a coastal walk come morning. grovenarberth.co.uk
3. Mantas In The Maldives
When it comes to island living, not many destinations come close to the Maldives. But for those wanting to do more than fly-and-flop in paradise there is another big draw: manta rays. Guests staying at the InterContinental Maldives Maamunagu Resort can snorkel with mantas all year round, with researchers on hand to share insights on everything from their feeding habits to behaviours – but for even more close encounters, add the annual Manta Retreat to your bucket list. The next one is 17–20 March 2025; find out exactly what to expect here.
4. Rural Retreat
Hidden just 10 miles south of Edinburgh, Penicuik Estate is home to a collection of grand houses and quaint cottages alike – but the brand new one-bedroom spa house, Eskfield, is top of our list this year. With a kitchen, dining space, sitting room, double-sided fireplace, super-king bed, roll-top bath and exclusive access to a 1.5 acre walled garden, the shining gem in Eskfield’s crown is its private sauna. Brave the plunge pool, thaw in the sauna, or lounge in the cedar hot tub – it’s all yours. penicuikestate.com
5. Romantic Long Weekend
Found your Romeo? Head to fair Verona, which exudes charm from its fairytale streets, with a lakeside spa hideaway as your base. The new ‘Just the Two of Us’ package at Lake Garda’s Cape of Senses includes three nights in a thoughtfully designed suite, a private spa ritual in the 2,000sqm space (enjoy aromatherapy, rejuvenating scrubs and soothing hot baths followed by a relaxing massage), and a day trip to Verona, just 45 minutes away, with a guided tour of the Palazzo Casa Maffei Museo. Top it all off with a traditional cooking class, and you’ve got the perfect romantic long weekend. capeofsenses.com
6. Get Back To Nature
The countryside is calling. Escape to Tewinbury for a special getaway for two in a cosy lakeside hut complete with a BBQ, crackling firepit, bottle of wine and private boating dock. The vibe is rural luxury, laid-back chic centring good food and good company, all backdropped by a 700 acre farm. tewinbury.co.uk
7. Cool Off
Take your romantic break off the beaten path and into higher latitudes. The intimate 29-room alpine-chic Relais & Châteaux Storfjord Hotel, named for the beautiful body of water it peers over. Hidden in the small town of Glomset, expect panoramic fjord views, hikes in the Sunnmøre Alps, mouthwatering feasts of locally-sourced cuisine, wild swims and plenty of sauna time. storfjordhotel.com
8. City Escape
If regency romance makes your heart soar, The Lanesborough is the perfect base for a Valentine’s city escape. If you’re visiting for V-Day, enjoy special dishes at The Lanesborough Grill, or special twists on the opulent Queen Charlotte Afternoon Tea. There’s also a sumptuous spa, the buzzy Library Bar, and elegant interiors throughout. oetkercollection.com
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