By Lauren Jade Hill
In celebration of the most romantic time of year, luxury hotels and sumptuous resorts in some of the world’s most exciting destinations are offering couples the chance to experience a range of exclusive Valentine’s stays. And a number of these focus on the destination’s cuisine, pairing fine fare with unforgettable settings and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. We take a look at the most lavish gourmet escapes on offer this Valentine’s Day.
Hotel Arts Barcelona, Spain
Hotel Arts Barcelona sits on the city’s sandy shores, affording spectacular views out to sea. These vistas are naturally best taken in high above the city from the hotel’s penthouse. And this is where couples stay on the hotel’s exclusive five-night Valentine’s experience, for which much of the focus falls on the cuisine, including the stand-out fine dining of two-Michelin starred eatery Enoteca by esteemed Catalan chef Paco Perez. Guests are treated to cocktails in Frank’s Bar with a workshop led by accomplished bartender Diego Baud, Mediterranean cuisine at restaurant Arola, and a night of fresh oysters and chocolate dipped strawberries with flutes of Cava. An exclusive shopping experience, Mercedes Benz city tour, and sunset helicopter ride, complete this truly unique stay.
Five-night package $10,732, hotelartsbarcelona.com
lebua at State Tower, Thailand
Situated at the heart of Bangkok’s lively entertainment district, the luxury hotel lebua at State Tower is ideally located for exploration of the Thai capital. But it also offers a tranquil retreat from the surrounding streets, with impressive views to take in from the top of its 67 storys. In February, the hotel will be offering couples a one-night-only Valentine’s package to include dining experiences in each of the hotel’s highly regarded restaurants. The world’s highest restaurant, Sirocco, will be offering a special seven-course menu by the hotel’s chef Gonzalo Ruiz, as well as exclusive menus at fine dining eatery Mezzaluna, and Pan-Asian restaurant Breeze.
Price on request, lebua-at-state-tower.bangkokshotels.com/
Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, UAE
Over the Valentine’s period, this Four Seasons hotel in Dubai will be hosting a Personal Love Potion at the onsite Hendricks Bar. With the expertise of a mixologist, guests will design and make a cocktail to suit their partner’s taste, naming the creation after them. Once it has been perfected, the personalized drink will remain on the cocktail menu throughout the month of February, with a personal message to accompany it. This rare experience, which is available for one couple only, then goes on to include a dinner pairing for two at Hendricks Bar.
Price on request, fourseasons.com/dubaijb
Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco, Italy
With couples in mind, Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco is hosting romantic winter escapes for those staying in the property’s ten luxury villas. One of Tuscany’s greatest draws is the region’s hearty cuisine, and this is exactly what’s celebrated at this time, as the chef showcases the outstanding local produce, along with the region’s wine. In the company of knowledgeable concierge, couples can set out on a journey to nearby gastronomic hubs such as Florence and San Gimignano, and even be a part of a truffle hunting expedition.
Price on request, rosewoodhotels.com/en/castiglion-del-bosco
Cheval Blanc Randheli, the Maldives
The sumptuous resort Cheval Blanc Randheli lies within the pristine Noonu Atoll, and is considered one of the Maldives’ most exclusive island escapes. And while it’s a romantic destination to escape to at any time, over Valentine’s the experience will be even more memorable. With the addition of a special Valentine’s menu, guests can savor culinary creations in which French plates are elevated with Maldivian flavors. While dining in the fine dining restaurant 1947, guests have a view overlooking the island’s tropical gardens.
Price on request, randheli.chevalblanc.com
Kinloch Lodge, Scotland
The Isle of Skye undoubtedly exhibits some of the most breath-taking scenery in this part of the world, with a wild landscape of mountains, lochs and and cliff-tops. This is the romantic setting for Kinloch Lodge where what is one of the world’s most remote Michelin-starred restaurants is located. Over the Valentine’s period, the lodge is hosting exclusive two-night Valentine’s stays, which include an evening of gastronomy with champagne, and whisky tasting in the famous Talisker Distillery.
Two night package $996, kinloch-lodge.co.uk
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