Spontaneity is good for the soul. To suddenly decide one day to travel to a far flung land and bringing your beloved along with you – what could be more romantic?
With Valentine’s Day approaching, we began to think of the best places in the world that we could celebrate the big L-O-V-E in style. Calling upon the knowledge of travel expert Neil Latham from Destination2.co.uk, we’ve settled on the top five places where lovers should look at spending 14th February in.
Sri Lanka
For the beach lover, Sri Lanka is like hitting the jackpot. Some of the most breathtaking coastlines are here and it’s a country that constantly surprises and delights. A romantic train journey creeps along the edge of tropical seas and merges into lush rainforests, there are safaris where elephants, water buffalo and leopards roam, and temples – millennia-old – in which to explore and reflect. A visit to Sri Lanka should be on everyone’s bucket-list, and best experienced with your Valentine in tow.
Barbados
Aquamarine bays, alabaster beaches and bowed palms – Barbados is infamous for miles of picture perfect oceanfront. The whole circumference on the island is dedicated to marine life conservation, great restaurants and deserted lagoons.
On the mainland, the buzz of Caribbean culture, the pastel-coloured buildings and nights dining on incredible seafood and local rum and calypso dancing into the small hours are what trips away as a couple are about.
Phi Phi, Thailand
As if Thailand wasn’t heavenly enough, there is a huge bunch of islands to choose from that all provide their own style of luxury, great food, natural beauty and complete relaxation.
It’s hard to pick one island, but Phi Phi has to be chosen as the ultimate lovers’ sanctuary. The sublime beauty of this place is matched by its laidback charm. The east coast is where to head for some seclusion and luxury – with water bungalows perched in the azure waters and sugar white sands. If paradise exists, it is here on Phi Phi.
Oman
There’s no need to check the weather in Oman – the sun shines all year round, and temperatures rarely fall under 20 degrees. This is a country that’s on the verge of being the next tourist hotspot – so visit before the crowds descend. Here you’ll discover a land of beauty, serenity and endless opportunities for things to see, do and discover. Choose a night in a luxury desert camp under the stars. Spend a day lounging by coconut groves on the bleach blonde sands of the area’s excellent range of beaches. Explore the souks full of Bedouin handicrafts and copper trinkets. Whatever you do, you’ll soon see that Oman is the ancient jewel of the Middle East
Bangkok
Bangkok is unlike any other city on Earth. Away from the backpacking circuit is a place where old meets new, east meets west and spiritual traditionalism co-exists with an obsession with the future. This is a place that is fanatical about food, having fun and showing off the beauty of the land. It must have the friendliest locals in the world – they don’t call it the Land of Smiles for nothing – and in amongst the temples, luxurious hotels and blissful beaches, is a perfect Valentine’s Day destination.
