TEN HOTELS FOR A ROMANTIC VALENTINE'S BREAK

Natasha Blair

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The origins of Valentine's Day go back to the Middle Ages where the tradition of courtly love flourished. The colour red has become symbol of love, as have chocolates and roses. Valentine gives lovers the opportunity to express their feelings, and is probably the most romantic time of the year. Spending the day or days around it away at a hotel makes the occasion even more romantic. While most hotels put on a special Valentine's Day dinner, and provide champagne, flowers and chocolates there are often lots of extras that can be included to make the occasion extra special and add a bit of spice.
Maison Talbooth

In the middle of Constable country the atmosphere of the Maison Talbooth is very much that of a private country house. Enjoy a cosy tea together in front of the open fire in the lounge. What can be more romantic than a dip in your own secluded hot tub if you are in one of the principal bedrooms or take a swim in the outdoor heated swimming pool. In the evening, cuddle together on the back seat while you are chauffeur driven to the nearby newly decorated Le Talbooth Restaurant on the banks of the River Stour for a 4-course dinner which includes a red rose for the lady. Extend the romance of the occasion by breakfasting in your room or enjoy sweeping views over Dedham Vale from the Garden Room.

Cliveden House

Follow in the footsteps of the infamous couple Christine Keeler and John Profumo by staying at the newly refurbished, and secluded Spring Cottage in the grounds of the magnificent, stately Cliveden House. Arrive to find a roaring log fire in the lounge, champagne and a dozen red roses. Prior to arrival, the kitchen will be stocked with a selection of food to prepare your own romantic dinner or a chef from Cliveden can come and cook for you. Alternatively, a chauffeur will collect you, and bring you to the main house for a private dinner in the ‘Boudoir' or if you do want company, the Terrace Restaurant. Return to find rose petals and lit candles in your bedroom. If you can steal yourself away, there are acres of grounds to walk in and a spa with indoor and outdoor heated swimming pools.

Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa

If romance means staying in an impressive mansion house with high ceilings, enormous rooms, and dressing in your finery Luton Hoo will certainly fit the bill. Take your choice from four-poster beds, bedrooms with chandeliers or your own private garden. Enjoy a romantic ride around the estate in one of their customized London taxis, take a walk in the Capability Brown designed formal gardens, and indulge in one of their treatments or massages in the spacious self-contained spa. Sip champagne and canapés in front of a roaring log fire before enjoying a five-course candlelit dinner with wine, and a rose for the ladies in the sumptuous atmosphere of the Wernher Restaurant.

Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa

The Relais & Chateaux hotel oozes luxury, and prides itself on its excellent service. Benefit from everything the hotel has to offer but for a really intimate break, stay in one of their tree house suites, on stilts high among the trees. Relax in situ with a 90-minute couples hot oil treatment given by one of their beauty spa therapists. Enjoy a candlelit dinner together either on the balcony or in front of the log burning stove of your suite. Finish off the evening in your own private hot tub. If you prefer to stay in the main hotel, Valentine Day starts with a champagne reception followed by a five course ‘his and hers' tasting menu with accompanying wines.