An afternoon spent wandering the labyrinths of an ancient city. Sharing a blanket on a beach at sunset. An intimate table for two at a rooftop restaurant. A pampering accommodation. These moments create the perfect recipe for falling in love with the surroundings and the person with which they’re shared. To show your affection this Valentine’s Day, take your sweetheart to a place where there’s something special in the air. Make the trip even more magical with a chartered flight in private plane stocked with your loved one’s favorite wine, chocolates, and treats.
Romantic Valentine’s Day Getaway Ideas
Rajasthan and Kerala, India
Emerging from the Thar Desert like a volcano from the sea, Jaisalmer in Rajasthan is home of the famed “living forts.” The most impressive aspects of the Golden City are its havelis, elaborately carved townhouses built in the 18th and 19th centuries. The intricate latticework and architectural features make the town seem like a living museum.
If you’re looking for mesmerizing pristine beaches, head south to the Malabar Coast in Kerala . In the northern part of the state, you’ll find rolling hills dotted with tea and spice plantations. Soak in the glistening waterfalls of Thekkady or Munnar. Spend a day relaxing and rejuvenating at one of the renowned Ayurveda spas.
Fez, Morocco
Forget that it’s the 21st century and explore the souks and winding streets in the imperial city of Fez. The ancient medina brilliantly envelops the country’s old soul with colorful cobbled alleyways, residents cloaked in traditional djellabas, ornate carvings and mosaics, covered markets and intoxicating scents. Marvel at the marbled gate and tiled panels at Bab el-Mansour. Explore the Roman ruins and fantastically preserved mosaics at the House of Venus in Volubilis before venturing to the nearby Temple of Saturn.
Positano, Campania, Italy
A small village on the cliff-lined Amalfi Coast, Positano in Campania is perfect for a lovers’ getaway. In 1953, John Steinbeck stated in Harper’s Bazaar that, “Positano bites deep. It is a dream place that isn’t quite real when you are there and becomes beckoningly real after you have gone.” A haven for sunbathers, pizza enthusiasts, and fashionistas, the town is nothing less than inspirational.
Montréal, Quebec, Canada
An international destination that’s a bit closer to home, Montréal is creative, cosmopolitan and captivating. Start your romantic trip at Beaver Lake in the Fredrick Todd-designed Mount Royal Park. Cross-country ski through the woods, ice skate on the frozen lake, or take it easy and hire a horse-drawn sleigh (don’t forget the hot chocolate). In the evening, head to the park’s Chalet du Mont-Royal to get a romantic view of downtown and its glimmering lights.
Sedona, Arizona
In the late winter, Sedona’s high desert sky is a surreal blue color during the nippy day. In the evening, native juniper scents the air as the sunset seems to illuminate the massive rock formations from within. The night’s darkness highlights the stars in the galaxy, making them seem close enough to touch. When the sun rises, it’s like watching the planet’s birth as the sky paints the landscape with jewel-toned hues. The best vantage points include Airport Mesa, Red Rock Crossing, Doe Mountain, and Chapel of the Holy Cross. The sights are even more spectacular from a hot air balloon.
Photo by Thursday Next