Romantic Weekend Getaways Perfect for Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day may be a little cheesy, but you can’t deny the feel-good factor that comes with a day that’s all about celebrating love. If you and your partner love travel, then a couples retreat or escaping to some of the most romantic places on Earth is the perfect adventure to share together. But you can also opt for an easy trip with all the comforts. Whisk your partner away on Valentine’s Day for a short couples getaway nearby, or it can even be a cheap weekend break… or check in to a honeymoon suite and stay in your pyjamas all weekend!
Here are some dreamy spots great for couples, conveniently located no more than a few hours away so you can spend less time in the air and more time staring into each other’s eyes.
Short Romantic Getaways for Couples
Slow and Easy Romantic Escape in Luang Prabang, Laos
The idyllic old town centre in Laos has a quaint charm to it, largely thanks to its friendly denizens as well as the beautifully preserved palaces and wats (temples) that have earned it UNESCO World Heritage Site status. It is still an emerging destination so you won’t be overwhelmed by crowds. Instead, be transported to an old world and simpler times with your partners hand in yours.
Enjoy a slower pace of life by exploring the town on bicycles, stopping frequently at a cool café to refuel or to visit any sights that catch your fancy in Laos.
When night falls, get a taste of colonial French cuisine with an atmospheric dinner at the highly rated L’Elephant Restaurant.
A Villa of Love in Ubud, Indonesia
Regarded as the cultural centre of Bali, Ubud is a far cry from the manic party scene that characterises some of the more popular seaside areas of Bali such as Kuta and Seminyak.Culture-vulture couples will love exploring Ubud’s myriad workshops, galleries and museums and maybe discover one or two up-and-coming artists. Fun couple-bonding activities include cooking classes, art courses and indulgent spas.
You could of course just book a lovely Bali villa and play house together, enjoying your own private pool and tropical setting outside your window. Visit Bali’s beautiful temples, watch a wayang kulit performance or do yoga together in the beautiful spiritual island known for its soothing atmosphere. Perfect for a couples retreat for couples who have been together a long time, or for the first bliss of a romantic getaway for new couples.
The images above feature the Hanging Gardens of Bali in Ubud, a top choice among couples for a romantic getaway. The exceptional Uma by COMO Ubud is located just a stone’s throw from the town centre.
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Floating in the Air in Bagan, Myanmar
If you’ve already been there and done that at Angkor Wat in Cambodia, Bagan in Myanmar should be on your travel bucket list. With about 2200 ancient stupas dotting the landscape, this is an ethereal, other-worldly sight that feels like a movie set. While you can hire a guide to drive you around to the more prominent (and well-kept) stupas, there is a certain rugged glamour to exploring the area with a map and a rented horse-cart or bicycle.
If you’re in the mood to splurge, the sunrise balloon ride over the ancient ruins that stretch out as far as your eye can see is an experience that you won’t forget. Ballooning in Bagan is a seasonal activity so check the local providers for their schedule.
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Cuddles for Two in Pangkor Laut, Malaysia
For an utterly indulgent experience just a stone’s throw from home, you can’t beat Pangkor Laut, a privately owned island with just one resort. A wonderfully romantic place in Malaysia that serves as a perfect spot for quiet holidays for couples.
With a private bay, Pangkor Laut Resort is an eco-resort with an ideal location to get away from it all. Depending on your preference, you can book a villa on stilts over the ocean or one with a spectacular view of the hills.
Best of all, with private butlers to cater for your every whim – from restaurant and spa reservations to jungle trekking or diving excursions – you can focus on each other instead of trying to make travel plans.
Luxury Romantic Hotels in Singapore
If you can’t travel far, hop on a short flight to Singapore. There’s more to the country than the big city feel. Leave the usual crowded attractions behind and discover the little alleys, heritage areas and outdoor parks to enjoy a little bit of a romance in Singapore.
The key to a romantic getaway in Singapore is definitely your hotel choice. Book a boutique hotel, heritage hotel or a luxury hotel with a spa. With all the 5 star hotels in this city, it’s easy to treat your partner to a real pampering on Valentine’s Day. Many 5 star Singapore hotels are located close to the city centre, which is a busy area but close to attractions if you plan to explore loads. Otherwise, go to lower-key areas that offer more character.
The Tiong Bahru and Jalan Besar districts have an interesting mix of hipster cafes and retail shops interspersed with famous traditional hawker fare. Pop by Haji Lane, known for its indie boutiques, to get some sartorial inspiration from young fashionistas.
If you like a little bit of an alternative beat, trace Singapore’s history. Take a trip to the underrated Changi Museum which documents Singapore’s wartime experiences, before exploring the other historic sites in the vicinity, including Changi Village, old Changi Jail and the Selarang Barracks. There are plenty of museums and heritage walks too.
If you don’t mind breaking a sweat, then explore Singapore’s outdoor attractions together. Such as Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, the Mandai Zoo, cycle or picnic in East Coast Park, stroll through the Botanic Gardens, the new Punggol Waterway or the Tree Top Walk.
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Feature Image: Sunset over the Mekong River in Luang Prabang, Laos
Image Credits: Shutterstock, Photographers under Creative Commons 2.0 License