In this Luxurious Magazine guide, we’ve highlighted some fantastic places to stay, romance-filled meals, places to tell your loved one how you feel, suggestions for what to drink and a few gift ideas for Valentine’s Day 2020.
Heading Abroad for Valentine’s Day
For the Where to Stay section of our Valentine’s Day Guide, we’ve uncovered some places both at home and abroad to make the special day one to remember.
Son Brull Hotel & Spa, Mallorca
A few hundred years ago, the resident monks at Son Brull lived off the land and welcomed tired travellers in need of shelter, food and solace. Today, little has changed; Son Brull still has a complete and utter focus on providing the very best hospitality (albeit with a huge amount more luxury).
Food is also one of the big draws at the property, with locally sourced produce being a key aspect. To ensure that its guests will not go hungry, it even has its own garden and groves.
The gorgeous honey-coloured property is located in Pollensa in the Northern Mallorcan foothills. It is a beautifully designed property with 23 stunning rooms and a first-rate spa.
Son Brull is one of those places which is guaranteed to create lifelong memories and who knows? It could be that special place for someone to pop the question! Discover more at www.sonbrull.com.
Places to Stay in the UK for Valentine’s Day
The Angel Inn in Petworth, West Sussex
The town of Petworth is one of those places that fill you with romantic visions from a time gone by. Surrounded by stunning hills and countryside and filled with gorgeous buildings, it is one of those unique places in our green and pleasant land that makes you want to hold hands and gaze into your partner’s eyes.
This year’s Valentine’s Day offering at the Angel Inn includes accommodation in one of its delightful rooms; on arrival, a chilled bottle of locally sourced English sparkling wine accompanied with a box of chocolates will greet you, and the package includes a seasonal dinner for two.
Couples can enjoy a lie in the next morning, following this a delicious English breakfast then head off to explore the surrounding area in the company of your loved one.
Valentine’s Date Night Package at K West Hotel & Spa
Nothing says romance quite like some Champagne, strawberries and spa treatments, right?
The K West hotel’s Valentine’s Date Night Package includes rose petals, chocolate-covered strawberries and champagne on arrival.
This special package has all the ingredients for a truly romantic Valentine’s weekend. Guests will be able to spend proper quality time with their partner in one of the hotel’s executive rooms, with a hearty breakfast to follow.
The next morning, head to the Wet Spa featuring the Snow Paradise, a sauna, sanarium, steam room and Hydrotherapy pool.
The package includes a 50-minute spa treatment for two in the double therapy suite, a 25-minute dry flotation and a 25-minute massage each. Prices start from £459 per night for two people. More information can be found at www.k-west.co.uk.
Places to eat, drink and chat on Valentine’s Day
For something a little less formal – The Blind Pig
Jason Atherton’s flagship bar, The Bling Pig, is an ideal place to enjoy Valentine’s Day. Situated above Social Eating House, this warm and cosy speakeasy offers a range of creative cocktails inspired by children’s literature.
One you shouldn’t miss is The Honey Pot, dedication to A. A Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh. It blends Havana 7 rum with salted butter, Somerset apple brandy, lemon, honey and orange bitters. Served in a clay honey pot, the cocktail also features a tribute to Winnie-the-Pooh’s sidekick, Piglet, with a garnish of a pig-shaped sweet.
This unique and relaxed bar is the perfect place to celebrate and enjoy time with your loved one.
The Honey Pot is priced at £11.50. If you need more information, visit www.socialeatinghouse.com.
Dinner and a Movie at Eneko Basque Kitchen & Bar
Delight loved ones this Valentine’s Day with the classic combination of dinner and a movie, all under one roof.
One Aldwych will be showing Pretty Woman specifically for Valentine’s Day, and those at the screening can make things more memorable with a glass of fizz and popcorn.
After the showing, guests can tuck into a Basque-inspired three-course dinner at Eneko Basque Kitchen & Bar, the London restaurant from three Michelin-starred Eneko Atxa.
Dishes include Mussels cooked on charcoal with txakoli wine, Pork Ribs in a pork sauce and Roasted Aubergine. If by this stage you’re not too full, end the night with something sweet.
You can choose between Torrija, a traditional Basque vanilla sponge or a smooth Chocolate Tart with a cookie base.
6.30 pm Film Screening & Champagne followed by Dinner (inc. service charge) | £68 per person. More information is available at www.eneko.london.
Complimentary Chapel Down cocktail at The Grill at The Dorchester
If you’re wanting to roll out the red carpet on Valentine’s Day and don’t want to break the bank, the Dorchester could be the ideal location. Just the mere mention of the name Dorchester should create a huge amount of excitement from your partner.
Imagine being able to tell your friends that you celebrated the special day at one of the most iconic hotels in the world.
On Valentine’s Day, guests at The Grill at The Dorchester will enjoy a complimentary cocktail alongside ‘Chocolate & Roses’, the final serve of the five-course set Valentine’s menu.
Created using Chapel Down Pinot Noir Gin, Rosehip & Rhubarb Cordial, Grand Marnier, Rose Syrup and Veuve Carte Jaune, the romance-inspired cocktail is sure to delight.
Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas
The YuYu Hot Water Bottle
Who wouldn’t appreciate the large spread of blissful heat from the YuYu Bottle this Valentine’s Day?
Given the constant change of weather that we experience in this country, this will be one of those presents that will be used on far more than a single romantic day and prove you’re paying attention to your partner’s needs!
The hot water bottle is soft, with an elongated shape and measures 81cm in size. It is the world’s first long hot water bottle and can stay warm for up to six hours.
The bubbles on its surface have a dual purpose: they act as a massaging feature via air pockets, and at the same time, these bubbles help to maintain the heat.
The YuYu Hot Water Bottle is an Eco-friendly product due to it being biodegradable and fair trade. It can be effortlessly wrapped around your body, and the strap offers multiple ways to wear it, ensuring total hands-free heat.
You can even tie the YuYu around your waist, back or shoulders to ensure nowhere gets too chilly. For more information, visit www.yuyubottle.com.
Nightwear for Valentine’s Day
Luxurious nightwear makes a thoughtful and much-loved gift for Valentine’s Day. And with research showing that the majority of men find nightwear ‘sexier’ than lingerie in the bedroom, giving nightwear this Valentine’s could be a recipe for love.
Our suggestion is one of the best sellers at A Pretty You London. It’s the Bamboo range and is made from a super-soft bamboo Viscose fabric.
The pieces are available in three colours: classic black, creamy white and the signature Pretty You London oyster. Pieces in the collection have contrasting trim detailing and a flattering cut that drapes beautifully across the body. It’s also available as a trouser set and nightshirt.
You can read more about the Bamboo collection and other items from Pretty You London here www.prettyyoulondon.co.uk.
Guylian Chocolate Praline Hearts
In an eye-catching red box, the Praline Hearts from Guylian have just the right visual impact.
The boxes contain marbled Belgian chocolate hearts filled with moreish roasted hazelnut praline. The good news is that they won’t put a large dent in your finances.
The 42g box (RSP £1), which contains four praline-filled hearts, is the ideal love token, whilst the 105g heart-shaped box (RSP £4) makes an even more impressive Valentine’s Day gift.
Le Chocolat Alain Ducasse
If you want to spend a little more on your sweet-toothed partner, Le Chocolat Alain Ducasse has introduced two unique gourmet chocolate hearts. These comprise of ‘The Layered Heart’ and the ‘Heart to share’.
With the Layered Heart, each half is made from successive layers of chocolate interspersed with layers of hazelnut and almond praline.
Also new for 2020 is ‘The Heart to Share’. This comprises two dark chocolate-coated halves filled with layers of praline. Milk chocolate lovers have not been left out, as it has a secondary layer comprising milk chocolate and hazelnut praline. This is an ideal treat for two.
Both of these special products were created by Pierre Tachon, Ducasse Paris’ Artistic Director. There is good news for those in and about London; the chocolates are now available to purchase in-store at the Coal Drops Yard boutique in King’s Cross. For more information, visit www.lechocolat-alainducasse.com.
Valentine’s Day Tipples
Some of you reading this guide might want a cosy night in, so choosing the right drink to celebrate Valentine’s Day at home is no easy task.
We’ve picked a few beverages that we think will undoubtedly please and have even played things a little safe with a special romantic-themed tasting set with which you can choose your preferred tipple!
Darkness 8-year-old single malt
This Valentine’s Day, treat the whisky lover in your life to a sherry bomb treat! The new Darkness 8-year-old single malt is intense sherried whisky at its finest.
First matured in ex-bourbon barrels for eight years before spending three months in specially-coopered Oloroso sherry octaves.
The small casks mean more interaction between the wood and the whisky, creating an even bolder flavour. Think candied orange and amaretti biscuits with a subtle hint of toastiness on the finish.
Serve: Neat, over ice or in a classic cocktail such as an Old Fashioned or Rob Roy.
RRP is £49.95 and is available through Master of Malt.
Valentine’s ‘I Love You’ Tasting Set from Drinks by the Dram
This Valentine’s Day, show your loved ones how you feel with Drinks by the Dram’s ‘I Love You’ tasting set. With space for you to write your own love note or sonnet, this beautifully designed gifting sleeve and tasting set is perfect for that special someone in your life.
Create the perfect gift for your other half, beloved family member or friend. Choose from any of Drinks by the Dram’s tasting sets, including gin, whisky and rum, and select the ‘I Love You’ gifting sleeve before adding to your cart to give the gift of discovery this Valentine’s Day.
Tasting Sets start from £17.95 RRP, and the I Love You gifting sleeve is £3.95 RRP. It is available exclusively from DrinksbytheDram.com.
Ciroc Red Berry Flavoured Vodka
Another sure-fire tipple that makes it into our guide is Ciroc’s Red Berry Flavoured Vodka. One of the main reasons behind this is the bottle design, which is truly eye-catching.
The vodka oozes a fresh berry flavour and has a silky finish. The fruity flavour is borne from summer red and wild berries with an emphasis on raspberry, resulting in a mellow sweetness.
You can make it even sweeter by turning it into a Red Berry Punch Cocktail. To do this, you’ll need two ingredients: cranberry juice and tonic water.
Simply fill a highball glass with ice, add all the ingredients to the glass and stir gently. For a final finishing touch, pop a fresh raspberry on top.
The Non-Alcoholic Option
The Mighty Brew Kombucha Range
If you want something to drink without alcohol, and this has nothing to do with well-reported performance aspects on romantic days, Mighty Brew’s Kombucha range of drinks is a great choice.
The organic Kombucha comes in a range of fantastic flavours, such as Sencha, Lemongrass and Jasmine. Energised and bursting with life reap the rewards of this hangover-free alternative both the body and mind will thank you for, low in sugar and calorie content, bursting with live cultures, minerals, vitamins, organic acids and nutrients.
You must be logged in to post a comment.