Love it or loathe it, Valentine’s Day is here. Whether you have already made plans with your sweetheart months ago, choose to spend it with your girlfriends instead of your one true love, celebrate it on your or ignore it completely, that is of course entirely up to you. And sometimes Cupid.
We gathered all the Travelettes and asked them for their perfect romantic getaway from the past, the present, the future or for an imaginary date with Daniel Craig (wait, is that just me?!). Use it for Valentine’s Day inspiration, honeymoon, a
Annapurna – Alila Diwa Resort, Goa
I recently spent a few days at the Alila Diwa Resort in Goa, India with my boyfriend. It was the perfect place to be together, completely relaxed, happy and absorbed in our surroundings. For me, travel and work are so intertwined that it can often be difficult to switch off and really be present with the person I am with, but here I managed to do that. We spent a few days eating well, walking the dirt path to the beach, reading on the balcony beneath the trees and swimming to the edge of the amazing pool looking over farm fields. It was blissful, romantic and the perfect getaway for us both – before we threw ourselves back in the chaos of India.
Rose – Iguazu Falls, Brazil
We’d been to the Brazilian side during the day and it was heaving with tourists. Later that afternoon we had delicious cocktails at the Belmond hotel and then snuck back into the park at sunset. The sky was candy floss pink and there were beautiful birds hovering above the mist of the falls. We were alone and my boyfriend got down on one knee and proposed. It was the most perfect, romantic setting.
Annika – Train Journey
I fell in love with Daniel Craig ever since he first shook Vesper’s hand on a train in Casino Royal. Actually, I also fell a little bit in love with her when she said: “I am the money”. As it is, I have a thing for train journeys and would love to take a date on one. Mind you, not the kind of train with bunk beds, pleather seats and soggy bread for dinner.
Luckily I am currently traveling on the Maharajas Express, an ultra-luxurious train in India. Think olde-worlde charm, dressing up for dinner, white linens on the table, and proper beds with someone bringing you tea in the morning. And while I don’t quite have date (in fact the last time
Katja – Maldives
One of the most romantic places in the world notoriously and literally is the Maldives, I’ve known this since the first time our incoming plane flew over those incredible deep blue atolls inside turquoise water. It’s a magical place in every sense of the word. My favorite Maldives memory is also my perfect date:
Constanze – Village in the South of France
Maybe not the classic beachy destination you’d expect, but I can’t imagine a more romantic and stunning setting than a Southern French village, tucked aways in the mountains. The tiny alleys that want to be explored, living off baguette and crepes all day and drinking Cafe au Lait while listening to old french couples – especially if the terrace of the Créperie is overlooking the enormous Gorges du Verdon canyon and you can watch eagles circling in the air.
L’amour est la poésie des sens. – Balzac
Sara – Palolem Beach, Goa
The most romantic place I’ve ever been was Palolem Beach, Goa. This is where I first kissed the man who’s now my husband, after taking the overnight train from Mumbai, finding a beach hut and drinking ourselves silly on cheap cocktails. Gorgeous, empty stretches of sand framed by huge coconut palms, friendly little tan-and-white dogs everywhere and locals so content and relaxed they’re practically horizontal made this an easy place for romance to bloom. When we sat together drinking beers at a beachside bar on our last night, the proprietor came up to tell us we had a “good energy” between us. The hippy vibe of this beautiful part of South Goa helped us feel that our love was meant to be, and the magic of this beginning to our story has never quite dissipated.
Kathi – Scottish Highlands
When it comes to romantic getaways I’m all in for a winter weekend like in the videos of Wham’s Last Christmas or Mariah Carey’s All I want for Christmas. Wearing chunky knitwear and playing around in the snow during the day are followed by a bottle of wine in front of a wood-burning stove or a fireplace in a cozy cabin. This winter, I did just that! For my birthday, my partner and I stole away for a weekend in the Scottish Highlands. We rented
Emma – Anywhere during a meteor shower
My best-ever-date-place would be tenting in the forest or desert during a meteor shower. Nothing is more romantic than lying on your back next to someone who you fancy in the middle of nowhere while counting shooting stars and drinking hot chocolate. I wouldn’t recommend doing this on
Tabea – Maui, Hawaii
The islands of Hawaii are for lovers. For those in love with each other, themselves, mama earth or just life in general. Everybody will find his or her special spot here. Intimate and tender moments are awaiting all those hungry hearts just everywhere and nature is creating backdrops, so perfectly romantic it hurts. My pastel pink favorite was watching the sunrise in Haleakala national park,
Caroline – Roadtrip Date
I’ve never actually had a traditional Valentine’s Day in my life. In fact, my best dates were the most spontaneous ones, the ones where you have no idea where you’ll end up 12 or even 24 hours later.
Where would you like to spend Valentines Day? Tell us in the comments!