It’s that time of year again: some love it, some loathe it, but no-one can fail to notice the familiar creep of pink-tinged teddy bears, heart-shaped chocolates and red roses onto supermarket shelves that signals the coming of Valentine’s Day.
Whether you’re settled into the routine of marital bliss, in the first flush of new love, or indeed celebrating your single status, there’s nothing quite like a trip away. Here at BIRD HQ, we’ve rounded up the most spectacular, off-the-beaten track and downright romantic getaways for February 14th – heart-eyes emojis at the ready.
Underwater Room at Manta Resort, Zanzibar
Copyright: Genberg Art UW Ltd / Credit: Jesper Anhede
There are times when you want to feel like the only two people on earth. If that’s not enough, how about feeling like the only two people under the sea? That’s what you get with a stay at The Manta Resort, situated off Pemba Island in Zanzibar. From the surface, it appears to be an open air floating hut, adrift in the languid waters of the Indian Ocean. Dive beneath the waves, however, and you discover what makes this suite so special. Suspended from the floating platform is an underwater suite, with picture frame windows that offer an unparalleled glimpse into the kaleidoscopic marine life flitting past.
Overwater Royal Villa at Song Saa Private Island, Cambodia
The clue’s in the name: the Royal Villa at Cambodia’s eco-luxe island resort, Song Saa, is fit for a king (and his queen). In fact, you could probably fit much of the royal family in this roomy overwater spread. With two bedrooms, an extensive sun terrace and glittering infinity pool, all hidden away on a private island off the coast of Cambodia, this is the epitome of a romantic retreat. This Valentine’s Day, Song Saa will be putting on a feast of delectable dishes, including local scallop ceviche and 5-hour braised wagyu beef ribs, finishing off with a decadent dessert platter to share and the lighting of Lovers’ Lanterns by the water’s edge.
The Alexa, Indonesia
Cruise ships can sometimes feel a little impersonal: crammed like sardines into megacity-on-sea with thousands of other souls. That’s why they invented small ship cruising. The one-cabined Alexa, however, takes this to a whole new level: a 31m yacht just for two. This beautifully restored traditional phinisi was crafted by Indonesian artisans and now spends its days cruising the pristine waters of Komodo National Park in Indonesia – home to some of the best diving on earth. With a dedicated crew of seven – who disappear and reappear like magicians – this must be one of the most indulgent and romantic holidays on earth…
Owner’s Cottage at Tea Trails, Sri Lanka
How does a stay in the emerald green, mist-draped hills of Sri Lanka’s hill country sound? How about a secluded one-bedroom cottage with panoramic views over Castlereagh Lake and the surrounding tea plantations? That’s exactly what you get with the new Owner’s Cottage at Tea Trails that will be unveiled on 1st February, just in time for Valentine’s Day. From an infinity-edge Jacuzzi to a ‘Bed Tea’ wake-up call in the morning, this colonial cottage offers every romantic indulgence you could imagine – plus a private butler.
Beluga, Mediterranean
There are boats, then there is Beluga. Entirely handcrafted and fitted out to the heights of luxury by celebrated designer, Anouska Hempel, Beluga is a palace on the waves. The 28-metre Turkish gulet plies the waters of the Mediterranean, its dramatic black sails marking it out in a sea of brash white yachts and Hempel’s signature monochrome adorning its cushion-covered deck. The crew of five – including a butler and a private chef trained at Hempel’s Blakes Hotel – will cater to your every need whilst you relax, sail away and watch the azure waters passing by beneath you.
