Valentine’s Day is perfect for celebrating the person you love the most, reconnecting and making new memories. Since it falls on a Thursday in 2019, it gives you the perfect excuse to surprise your better half with a chartered flight for a long weekend in one of the most romantic spots in the world.
Zululand, South Africa
Take your sweetheart on a romantic safari at one of the world’s top luxury lodges, Thanda Private Game Reserve. The private reserve offers 14,000 hectares of wilderness that celebrates the Big Five along with safari, cultural, photography and wellness experiences. At the time of publication, the Honeymoon Special pampers you and your loved one with a three-night stay at the Safari Lodge or glamorous Tented Camp, private moon-lit dinners, champagne on ice, a beaded Zulu love necklace, scented baths in tubs for two, chocolate fondue, romantic turndowns, and a complimentary spa treatment.
Pontresina, Switzerland
Escape to a romantic winter wonderland with pristine snowy landscapes at the Grand Hotel Kronenhof, which you may reach by flying to a nearby airport or via a magical Rhaetian train ride from Zurich on the famous Glacier Express route. The neo-Baroque property in the Engadine valley delights with the spacious Kronenhof Suite with a south-facing balcony that graces you with a view of Roseg Glacier and the St. Moritz Mountain Range. During your stay, book the Private Spa Suite for a couple hours and treat yourself to a natural-salt body scrub in the steam bath, savor champagne and exquisite delicacies, immerse yourself in a hydro-jet tub, rest on the waterbed, and enjoy a relaxing massage. Take advantage of the private slopes and the telecabin that takes you to a panoramic view of the Italian Dolomites and French Alps.
Mendoza, Argentina
Mendoza is one of the world’s premier wine capitals. In February, the area is summer-warm, giving you a pleasant escape from the winter cold. Located at the foot of the Andes, respectfully integrated into the landscape, Entre Cielos Luxury Wine Hotel & Spa features Latin America’s first and only authentic hamam (Turkish bath) and spa. The accommodation was created for those who appreciate architecture and design and is surrounded by vineyards that produce some of the world’s finest Malbec wines. It has uniquely designed rooms with terraces. The Vineyard Loft floats above the vineyard, making it a wine lover’s dream. See the arm of the galaxy at night and chat with winemakers before indulging in a massage during the day.
Charlotte Harbor, Florida
For something warm and closer to home, charter a flight to Florida’s Charlotte Harbor and the Gulf Islands. The area is the perfect lovers’ retreat that’s away from the crowds with secluded beaches, sunset kayaking, candlelight dinners and more. The coastal getaway is where nature reigns supreme thanks to 84 percent of the shoreline being a protected reserve. Spend the day sailing around the harbor and snap pictures of the dolphins that visit you. Wander Punta Gorda’s brick streets lined with unique boutiques, art galleries, and gift shops. At the end of the day, retreat to the Wyvern Hotel’s Harbor View suite. The room fit for royalty has views of Charlotte Harbor basin and the city’s skyline.