Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort named among the World’s Best Islands

THAILAND'S iconic island escape, Koh Phi Phi is one of 14 islands listed by Travel + Leisure as ideal choices for the ultimate romantic escape Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort is a highly recommended stay for honeymooners from around the world visiting Thailand. 

Koh Phi Phi was the only #destination selected in #Thailand in a list recently published by Travel + Leisure magazine alongside other idyllic islands including Mauritius in Africa, Hainan Island in China, Cebu Islands in the Philippines, Crete in Greece and St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
  
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Maldives Magic

BAROS Maldives has been named the Top Luxury Hotel in the World 2018 by the world’s largest travel site, TripAdvisor, in their annual Travelers’ Choice Awards. The resort was also acclaimed as being among the Top 25 hotels in the world for service and for romance. In addition, Baros Maldives won several regional awards including Top for Romance in Maldives as well as the Top Luxury Hotel in Asia.

#Baros was one of the first island resorts in #Maldives which was opened in 1973, and continues to progress in setting the benchmark for a romantic, luxury holiday with genuine, heartfelt Maldivian hospitality.

This Maldivian-owned small, lushly landscaped, private tropical island of 75 overwater and beachside garden villas, some with pools, with white sand beaches and circled by a vibrant, colourful reef set in a turquoise lagoon, is just 25 minutes by speedboat from the Maldives International Airport.

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Picture Credit: pintrest, Baros Maldives 

In the mood for love

FOUR Seasons hotels across Europe are getting in the mood for love ahead of the year’s Valentine’s Day with a host of offers and packages bound to set hearts racing. Couples can indulge in a Secret Dinner in a Florentine palazzo, a Sweet Valentine experience in Milan, or warm their hearts with romance in Russia with offers in Moscow and St Petersburg.

Four Seasons Hotel Moscow is turning up the heat this February with a unique Valentine’s Day offer to keep lovers cosy on a Russian winter night. On the evening of February 14, just one lucky couple will have exclusive access to the Hotel’s Amnis Spa, Moscow’s largest, for an evening of romantic relaxation. To begin their special journey, the couple can choose any 85-minute treatment from the Spa menu to enjoy wherever they wish in Moscow’s largest Spa – the entire space and all of its facilities are reserved just for them.


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Head to Copenhagen for a romantic break

COPENHAGEN'S famous Tivoli Gardens is renowned the world over for its beautiful illuminations, rides and unique architecture. To celebrate its 175 anniversary next year the Tivoli Gardens will be open from 2–25 February for the first time. 

Perfect for a Valentine’s break couples can take to the ice on its skating rink, cosy up in its range of restaurants before sitting back at the Tivoli Concert Hall with tickets to see Chess – The Musical. Meanwhile, opened in late 2017, Tivoli Corner is a new development for the northwest corner of Tivoli Gardens, designed to connect the iconic amusement park with Copenhagen’s city centre. This new building will house shops, restaurants, a food hall and hotel rooms for the Nimb hotel, reconnecting Tivoli and the rest of the city.

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Travelbag launches new honeymoon gift list service

THERE has never been a better time to jet off on a romantic adventure. Travelbag, specialists in tailor made #travel to destinations worldwide, launches its #honeymoon gift list service this October. The new initiative gives friends and families of engaged couples the chance to easily and seamlessly help honeymoon dreams come true. After the question is popped and the champagne is poured, couples are invited to open a free Travelbag honeymoon gift list where they will be assigned their own personal Honeymoon Travel Expert who will advise on the best honeymoon offers and destinations, book all travel including flights, transfers, accommodation and tours, and manage the entire gift list service. 

Brides-to-be and their fiancés can choose from a wide selection of the world’s most romantic hotels and resorts, from the exotic privately-owned Pangkor Laut Resort in Malaysia to the urban haven of New York’s Knickerbocker Hotel. Or, buck the trend and jet off on a mini-moon or even a family-moon – it’s the real-life Honey(moon), I brought the kids! Travelbag also offers a number of multi-centre trips, world class safari, cruise and tour experiences. Lovebirds can snorkel Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, island-hop the Caribbean by luxury cruise, or enjoy fruity sundowners after an exhilarating game drive in South Africa.

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Perfect Proposal

IMAGINE proposing to the one you love on a tiny, remote island surrounded by a circle of white sandy beach, in the middle of the picturesque Yasawa Islands in #Fiji. This romantic scenario could be reality with the release of Captain Cook Cruises Fiji, Tivua Island Proposal Package. 

The #romantic adventure begins as soon as you set sail on the magnificent tall ship Ra Marama or the luxurious sleek sailing catamaran Fiji One which will take you on a 90-minute cruise to the tiny tranquil island of Tivua. Enjoy some Fijian entertainment and morning tea along the way. Once arriving at Tivua experience a traditional welcoming Kava ceremony before being whisked away to a deserted part of the beach where your loved one will discover a “message in a bottle”, lying at the water’s edge and containing a personalised proposal message. Then celebrate your engagement over a delicious tropical buffet lunch and a bottle of sparkling wine in a private romantic bure on the beach. 

Spend the rest of the day on cloud nine, simply laying on a comfy beanbag under a beach hut, taking a leisurely swim, feeding the fish, sleeping on a hammock, go on a guided herbal medicine nature walk, snorkel or go glass bottom boating over the magnificent reefs and clam gardens escorted by a Marine biologist or try a romantic kayak or paddle board around the island.

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Choices choices . . . Barbados or the Dominican Republic?

MY Caribbean Holiday is offering seven nights all-inclusive staying at the 5-star Now Larimar Punta Cana, #DominicanRepublic, from just £969 this November - saving 15%. 

This price is based on two adults sharing on an all-inclusive basis, flying with British Airways, departing from London Gatwick on 14th November 2017. Terms & conditions apply; deal is subject to availability and must be booked by 22nd May 2017. 

Seven nights staying at the 3-star Butterfly Beach Hotel in Barbados from just £595 this November, saving 15%. The Butterfly Beach Hotel is located on the South Coast of #Barbados with an ocean front setting, access to two white-sand beaches and a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. This is an excellent hotel for those looking for a self-catering property near to all the island’s attractions. 

This price is based on two adults sharing on a room-only basis, flying with Thomas Cook Airlines, departing from Manchester on 16th November 2017. Terms & conditions apply; deal is subject to availability and must be booked by 25th May 2017.

www.mycaribbeanholiday.co.uk

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Maldives Magic

A 35-minute speedboat ride from Male will take you to the pristine white sands of Hudhuranfushi Island in the #Maldives, overlooking the Indian Ocean. you will find the 4* Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi.

Seven nights’ all-inclusive accommodation in a garden villa and return flights from a variety of UK airports, based on two adults sharing from £989pp saving up to £660pp (40%).

Available for departure on selected dates between 01 May – 17 July 2017 via Cheapflights.co.uk 

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South Devon's top-ten romantic escapes for two

RESEARCH has revealed that South #Devon is among the nation's most romantic destination for lovers, with more than one in three citing its romantic appeal as their top reason for visiting and staying in the area.

The survey, conducted by Visit South Devon, asked more than 700 regular visitors what they most strongly associated South Devon with. The resounding response was romance, followed by recuperation retreats, foodie breaks, and beach escapes.

Sarah Stride, acting general manager for Visit South Devon comments: ‘South Devon is undoubtedly a beguilingly beautiful destination with many breathtaking beaches, bays, hidden coves, charming villages, wild walks, romantic restaurants, remote boltholes, and enchanting hotels.  You only have to take a walk along the coast to become swept up in the #romance of the location. 

‘However, not everyone has had the chance to be seduced by all that South Devon has to offer, so we've put together our top ten places for romantics to revel in, just in time for the #Valentine's weekend.’

1. Take a walk along Bigbury Beach, indulge in fresh seafood, then cross to Burgh Island to explore this iconic South Devon landmark.  Book a local cottage overlooking the island for an unforgettable escape from it all.

2. Take a walk through the Smugglers Tunnel at Shaldon and discover the dramatic beach on the other side. 

3. Take a trip to Noss Mayo and delight in the raw beauty of the peninsular and its isolated sandy beach.

4. Treat yourself and your beau to a spot of luxury in delightful Dartmouth.

5. Stargaze at Slapton Sands and Blackpool Sands in the stunning South Hams, both of which have dramatic dark skies.  Catch a shooting star, spot Start Point Lighthouse in the distance and listen to the waves as they wash up on the shore. 

6. On a bicycle ride for two, explore the scenery along the Exe Estuary trail, taking in Starcross and Dawlish Warren. Stop off at Powderham Castle Food Hall for a warming drink and a slice of something nice.

7. Get all steamy on the South Devon railway with a return trip for two from Totnes to Buckfastleigh. 

8. Choose a section of the South West Coast Path to explore and don't forget to pack a bottle of sparkling Sharpham wine, one of South Devon's finest.  

9. Head to Dartmoor, climb Hay Tor and spot wild ponies. 

10. Promenade your partner on Teignmouth Grand Pier and then take a trip to Teignmouth River Beach.  Cross the river Teign on the oldest ferry in the country and enjoy views of Dartmoor and trawlers as they return with their daily catch. 

www.visitsouthdevon.co.uk 

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Picture Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/57557325@N00/3373412547">Back Beach, Teignmouth</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/">(license), http://www.flickr.com/photos/80140240@N04/15441203785">Palms Torquay</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/">(license)

Love in the West

WEST COUNTRY cottage specialist Helpful Holidays is flagging up cottages where it suspects love might blossom on Valentine's Day. 

• At the end of England – Rinsey Cove, Cornwall – The Studio was once an artist's workplace. Now it's a simple bolt-hole. The coast path winds from the cottage to the cove. It has an inglenook woodburner and sea views across Mount's Bay from the bedroom. 

• Sandridge Boathouse – built as a bathing house in 1760 – is a waterside cottage on the River Dart. 

• In meadows three miles from Clovelly, North Devon, Saltwind Granary is a cottage straight out of the pages of a glossy interior design magazine. A National Trust footpath invites romantic strolls along the cliff-top to Hartland Point. 

  
www.helpfulholidays.co.uk 

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Picture Credit: www.helpfulholidays.co.uk

Valentine’s treat at Warwick Castle

WITH #Valentine’sDay in view, #WarwickCastle is selling a “memorable fairy tale stay” in its two “sumptuous” Tower suites. From £550 a night, the suites have their own private floor in the 14th century Caesar’s Tower with views across the castle’s courtyard and the surrounding countryside. 

Caesar’s Tower has played host in the past 700 years to lovers including kings, queens, and an amorous Countess of Warwick, paramour of Edward VII.

Opened in summer 2014 and offering complete privacy, the suites have opulent furnishings and drapes, high vaulted ceilings, and a hand-crafted four-poster bed.

Sleepovers include a breakfast served in the suite, a private beyond-the-rope tour of the castle, two days priority access to the attraction, car parking, and a 24-hour concierge service.

For those planning to pop the question over the Valentine’s weekend – and for women considering a leap year proposal on February 29 – Warwick Castle’s Love, Cherish and Adore Proposal packages set the scene with evocative touches: a harpist or a private, off-limits area – such as the roof, and the ancient Mound (the oldest part of the site) – of the castle reserved for the special moment.

www.warwick-castle.com/Sleepovers

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Hide-aways just for Valentines

FOR couples planning a West Country get-away over #Valentines, Toad Hall Cottages has properties just for two. 

New for 2016, Rose Cottage is a #luxury bolthole in Newton Ferrers on the South Devon Coast. 

The Cutch, few miles from Polperro in #Cornwall, is in a secluded spot – surrounded by pretty gardens – on a farm. Both the Eden Project and the Lost Gardens of Heligan are within a 30-minute drive. 

For people who want the convenience of being in a town, Riverside Loft in Totnes could fit the bill.  Totnes has historic buildings, cobbled streets, art galleries, museums, alternative health practices, and live music venues. The house overlooks the River Dart in the heart of Totnes.

www.toadhallcottages.co.uk   

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Picture Credit: www.toadhallcottages.co.uk

Hotel boom ahead for Cancun

THE next five years are likely see the addition of 13,000 hotel rooms in #Cancun, says Carlos Gosselin, president of the Hotel Association of Cancun and Puerto Morelos. This represents a 40% increase on the current capacity, with the total number of rooms expected to exceed 45,000 by 2020.

The announcement comes after a recent spate of openings which includes the five star-Royalton Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa, the 424 room Secrets Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort, the kid-friendly Emporio Family Suites Cancun, and the beach-front Hyatt Ziva hotel.

The statement was made as figures reveal that Cancun hotel occupancy rates during the first half of 2015 were at a 93%, a record for the city and higher than any other major Caribbean holiday destination. To meet the demand there are already plenty of new properties and renovations in the planning, and according to Gosselin future developments will need to meet strict sustainability criteria. The most ambitious project already under construction is the 1,800 room all-inclusive Hard Rock Cancun, which is expected to welcome its first guests in 2017.

The Cancun Convention and Visitors Bureau attributes the growth in hotel demand to a plethora of new attraction openings, increased flight connectivity and to Cancun's growing reputation as a leading #holiday #destination for luxury and quality. The falling value of the Mexican Peso is also helping to fuel the tourism boom meaning holidaymakers have much more cash to splash in Cancun than they did last year.

There has never been a wider choice of accommodation available to suit all tastes and budgets in Cancun. Whether on a family break or on a romantic couples retreat, visitors can always expect outstanding service, first class dinning and value for money. With direct daily flights from London Gatwick and on selected dates from East Midlands, Birmingham, Newcastle, Manchester, Stansted, Edinburgh and Glasgow Airports, it has never been easier to connect with Cancun. 

www.cancun.travel 

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Picture Credit: Cancun Pier at Sunset by Joe Parks from Berkeley, CA - Cancun Pier at Sunset. Licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons, Cancun-43 by Dronepicr - Own work. Licensed under CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons